I’m not a complicated person – I’m not fussy. I’m not difficult.
I’m not a brat.
I’m not picky.
Not at all. Take me to a football game, I’m happy. Take me to a boring play, I’m happy.
But my body isn’t. My body is complicated. My body is fussy. My body is difficult. My body is a brat. My body is picky. Very picky.
And it’s pretty frustrating when all I really wanna do is enjoy a new Manhattan restaurant or go hiking up the Rocky Mountains.
But it’s not that easy.
Because, well I’m just pretty gosh darn complicated.
I have hypothyroidism.
I have Leaky Gut.
I have heavy metal toxicity.
I have an IGA deficiency.
I have candida.
I am allergic to gluten, dairy, soy, corn and numerous fruits as well as certain oils and sugar.
And now, the latest…
Last month, I was told…
I have Lyme Disease.
My life is complicated. That’s simply all I can say at this point.
Dating is hard.
Explaining myself is hard.
Trying to figure out why my body hates me is hard.
But I just stay positive and keep my head up high.
Because there’s a reason for all of this…
Yes, I believe there is a reason that I am going through all of this. There is a reason for why my body is complicated. There’s a reason I spend 10 hours of my day just taking care of myself like an infant – detoxing, healing, soothing and nurturing my body – when all it does is react back to me in a negative way.
I’m honestly hoping this is the end of my diagnoses. I am hoping my treatment for Lyme Disease makes everything better. I am praying that I will soon be normal. Feel normal.
To be able to go out to eat. To be able to go out on a nice date. To be able to worry a lot less about how I’m going to feel the rest of the day, the week, the month, the year.
I’m really hoping.
And I don’t ask for a lot.
Truly, I don’t.
But I’m asking Santa for an early Christmas gift this year.
Because I just can’t take another diagnosis.
I’ve received countless letters from all of you these past few years and I love having all of you in my life. I’m sharing all of this with you today because I care deeply for each of you – even though I don’t know many of you personally. I care about your health and your well-being and that’s why I started this website – to help you and to heal myself on this journey that I have been on the past 7 years.
I’ve learned so much and I’ve healed many parts of my body. But the healing has just begun.
I’ve started treatment for my Lyme Disease and I’m not giving up. I’m eager to learn about this disease, to heal myself and to help all of you and everyone else who’s bodies are attacking them. I’ve learned that my Lyme Disease has been in my body for almost 10 years and has been trapped within the biofilm of my stomach. I find it amazing that I never had a tick bite, a rash or a bulls-eye yet years later, this disease has wreaked havoc on my body in so many ways.
This is all very new to me and I am on a biofilm protocol to kill off the pathogens and heal once and for all. Seems like the reason I haven’t completely healed 100% is because of this biofilm and how it’s not letting me heal. I will be sharing my Lyme and biofilm treatment with all of you soon but for right now I will not be sharing any information and I hope you understand that. I welcome your comments but please know I will not be sharing information until I learn more so that I can help all of you. I will be creating pages on my website dedicated to biofilm and Lyme to help others who need the support.
In the past, my Lyme Disease results were all NEGATIVE. I’ve learned that it takes going to the best of the best labs in the country and spending thousands of dollars out of pocket to get a true diagnosis. Just another sad issue about our whole medical profession. Just to think that this Lyme Disease is what was causing me to be sick all along and now after 10 years of suffering… I’m just learning this.
The saddest part is that I had to figure this all out on my own. No doctors ever suspected this or found this until I researched and dug and dug and dug for more information and learned what tests I should be doing.
I haven’t yet shared this Lyme Disease diagnosis with anyone other than my parents, my sister and two of my best friends but I felt that I need to tell all of you. Because I am an honest person. I’m not complicated. I’m not fussy. I’m not picky. I’m just me.
Little me. Healing and living.
And never, ever giving up.
Ever.
xox
Ingredients
- 2 brown rice cakes
- 3 Tbsp. well-stirred creamy almond butter
- 1/4 tsp. coconut flakes
- 2 Tbsp. dried cranberries
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tsp. pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 tsp. fresh lemon zest
Instructions
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Lay rice cakes on a flat surface. Spread almond butter onto each rice cake using a knife. Top with remaining ingredients.
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Serve immediately.
Hi Amie, your post was truly inspiring and I admire your positive attitude and your loving spirit. You have a gift and will be able to help many people and I consider myself blessed to have found you. For the past 5 plus years, I have been having one health crisis after another…first a total hip replacement, a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis last August, then periodontal disease from so much bone loss in my jaw, rapid, irregular heartbeat, pressure in my lungs making it hard to breath, severe hormonal imbalances, rashes and sores in my mouth that don’t heal, swollen salivary glands, extremely dry mouth, eyes and throat, trouble swallowing, talking and eating and I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome a few weeks ago which is associate with RA. I am also seeing a Hematologist because I’ve been anemic and have low blood platelets for more than a year now. I feel that what you said about Lyme Disease is 100% accurate. I’ve been doing so much research like you and found that Lyme Disease symptoms are the same as RA and even though I had a few tests and they were negative, I need to see a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. I am going to see one this week and feel that this might be the answer to me regaining my health also. My prayers are with you and my heart goes out to you. You are so young and beautiful and have a full life ahead of you and you deserve to enjoy it. I will be 61 on May 4th and up until about 5 years ago I enjoyed good health, so I was very fortunate. I look forward to learning more about your treatment for Lyme…it will certainly benefit me and many others. Thank you Amie. Theresa in Ocala, FL
dear annie,
when I read your post, I could totally relate. I always knew something was wrong with me, it was really hard to get a diagnosis, and still truly don’t have an official one, but I have been told my body is making anti-bodies for lyme disease. I pray for you and your treatment goes well. my daughter who has lyme introduced me to the horror and shock in regards to how this country and medical profession handle this disease. I believe this is an epidemic that is not being discussed. I hope all goes well for you & will stay in touch. Karen reich
Thank you Karen; HUGS!!!!
Hello, Im from Sweden…and I like your blog, just got here and have start reading – I was woundering if you heard aboute FODmap-diet? Maybe something for you?
Sorry for my bad english…hope you understand!
Yes, I have a page for FodMaps. Look at it and enjoy!!
Amie, i have just come across this news even though I’ve visited your site before. Not coincidently, I’m sure, as I hunted for GF DF recipes for my husband after his diagnosis of Lyme- also in 2013. Just this week I received the same news. Along with a few more surprises. Looks like there is a lot of us on the same road. Thank you for shaing all you are learning about healing your body so we can learn along with you- and heal, too!
Thank YOU Amy for commenting; SO nice to hear from you! HUGS!!!!
I might just start reading this every morning with some green juice 🙂
Such an inspiration.
Awe; you just MADE my day Sunny. Thank you!!!!
Thank you. Much love! I’ll try to. Knowing people like you can stay strong with this gives me faith and strength. Thank you!
Hi Amie,
Great to hear back from you. I’ll look into the Lyme page on the website. California? :/ That’s terribly far away for me. Is it possible to have test results sent there from another state? Thank you so much Amie. I’ve run into the problem that when nothing comes up in blood tests I’m told it’s all in my head. It’s so hard to hear that when I know how my body feels. Hugs back. Trying to keep strong. Happy to have found your blog.
You don’t go to California; you just send your blood there. No worries! You can do this. Stay strong!! oxoxoxxx
Hi Amie,
Thank you for sharing your story. You are a remarkably strong woman and my thoughts and prayers go with you that you will find a cure and an end to diagnosis.
I was looking for a possible connection to gluten allergies and lyme and found your blog. I too have had a lot of the same symptoms and the list is growing. I don’t remember always feeling like this, it’s a change in the recent months. Like you I’m trying to be strong and just accept this is my body and that I need to take care of it and ease it through each day. Life is hard, relationships are impossible, work is impossible sometimes…but life does have to go on. I’m searching for a cure and have not yet been diagnosed with lyme, but given that it’s affected 90% of the people in my hometown I’m certain I have it.
I was wondering how you found out you had lyme. Is there a particular dr. I need to see or specialist? I am desperate and in need of a cure to this. I’m in my twenties and every day is a struggle to get up and have the strength and energy to do anything. It’s hard to eat, most things hurt my stomach and I have arthritis now that makes me feel like I’m fifty years older. Is there a cure to this? Please if you have found out anything or have information I am eager to know how to proceed. My email is Mlstaudenraus@gmail.com. I would welcome any suggestions. Reading this blog, your experiences and those of others is truly wonderful. I thank you and everyone for sharing this. God give us all strength to face and conquer this. -Meredith
Thank you SO much Meredith; so great to hear from you! Check out my Lyme Disease page on my website- all the labs and tests are there. They are both in California. Stonybrook is one and there is another that is better. Look into both and have your bloodwork sent there- Quest and Labcor and other labs gave me false negatives for years.
Hugs from NYC.
Keep your spirit high.
oxo
HI Amie,
I just came across your site as I was looking into the FODMAPs diet. Unfortunately I also have lyme and bartonella which could also be causing many of my issues. I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago after being sick for over a year. I am still struggling to find treatment protocol. After a year and a half on antibiotics I had my pic line removed and I am doing Buhner’s Herbal protocol. It is all so complicated. Lyme causes so many issues in a persons body. I am sorry to see that you are having so many issues as well, but it is strangely comforting to see that I’m not alone and there are wonderful people such as yourself providing valuable information based on personal experience. Anyway I wish you the best in your treatment and if you have any questions I have been through a lot with lyme treatment and know more than I could have ever wanted to. I have a great Lyme Doctor in Minnesota.
Thank you so much Rachel; so nice to hear from you! Wishing you the best, as well! xox
Hello! I felt the need to post this because you all need to know you are not alone. I am a 23 year old female from New England. These posts are all so inspiring to me as I have just learned I have Lyme disease too. It is a constant battle getting out of bed each day just to wake up and feel absolutely miserable and want to go right back to sleep. I didn’t know so many other people were dealing with this same pain I am. It’s been 3 years going on 4 and I just found out I have Lyme disease along with coinfections., bladder infections, several developed food allergies and along with the physical symptoms , severe anxiety. Also I have had severe uti pain for the past year and a half on top of the debilitating gi symptoms. I can’t eat normal meals and I hardly ever want to eat at all. I can’t go out to dinner because of the anxiety and stomach issues. Actually, I can’t seem to go anywhere at all because of what lyme has done to my nervous system. It’s terrible. No one truly understands the misery lyme causes until it happens to them. I know I wouldn’t of until this disease infected myself. I have gone through 2 exploratory surgeries in the past two years along with spending thousands of dollars on medical bills that have not given me an answer. Feeling so alone I keep telling myself that I will get through this and I won’t be 35 and still sick with no husband or children. I sympathize with each one of you because I know how it is to feel so alone with no one who cares enough to understand your issues. I lost all of my friends and almost my boyfriend. I feel like I have to isolate myself from the world because of my embarrassing stomach and anxiety issues. Sex with my boyfriend is not possible due to the excruciating pain I am in all the time. My life as of some of yours, is not my own anymore. I have to carry around a bag full of medicines to work with me and take constant supplements and antibiotics daily. I am finally now starting the lyme treatment hoping and praying my symptoms will resolve or else I may lose my mind even more than I already have. Stay strong ladies. If I can do this any of you can and we will get through it together. I am not letting lyme take over my life. I will beat this and I pray for each of you who are sick that you do not give up. There are others out there who have it worse than us believe it or not and life is not easy but God only puts the strong people through a miserable journey like this. We must prove to him we are strong enough to conquer it and we will! Truly blessed to find this blog. It gives me hope. Lots of love to you all<3
Thank you so much for your kind words Jennifer; my heart goes out to you and I am so sorry for your pain. Sending you a huge hug from NYC; please know you are not alone. We are all in this together. Hugs! xoxxx
WOW, amie…i hope you have had some good results with your treatments by now.
i feel like having had cancer was easier than what you have been dealing with.
we are all blessed in different ways. you have the skills of being a fantastic writer, researcher, and chef as well as being able to reach out to folks by sharing and connecting. your purpose seems to be to help others, and that is the highest vocation a person can be called to, for however long you can do it.
when i was doing treatment, any small kindness from anyone at all would bless and significantly affect my day. you are that inspiration to others. every kindness matters. you are doing everything in your power to heal and help others and you are already a success just by continuing to do so!
you have my heartfelt thoughts and wishes for your full recovery and my respect for braving–and beating down–the cold strong winds of doubt and hopelessness.
carry on, for there is nothing better you can do. i can’t is not a viable option.
best wishes,
jodi
Jodi, YOU just made my entire week! Thank you for your kind words. Thank YOU. Sending you a huge hug from NYC. So happy to hear from you and thank you for your positive energy and support. xooxoxx
Hi Amie,
I will say YES there is a purpose! Your time, story, & inspiration to never give up is what makes the human spirit so remarkable! I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in 2006 & it went back & forth with depression & being all in my head. It wasn’t the easiest road, especially since one of the many symptoms was the severe fatigue (where watching tv felt like running a marathon) , to others, can’t be seen on an x-ray or MRI. I tried everything, but the only thing that brought me back was Chinese Medicine. I am very blessed to have had a seventh generation Chinese Medical Doctor, who also was an Oncologist & surgeon, really help me overcome the Lyme Disease with herbs. I was so grateful & inspired by my recovery that I went back & got my Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine so I can help others. I know I can’t help everyone but if I can prevent at least some people avoid the heartbreak of sitting in their car visit after doctor visit thinking if they really are crazy, like I did then it’s all worth it!
Thank you so much for this recipe & taking time to share your story & a delicious looking recipe I hope to try soon!
Many blessings!!!!
Alex =)
Awe; thank you so much Alexandria!! So nice to hear from you. Sending you hugs. xooxx
I had no idea you have Lyme Disease. I do as well (along with all the horrible illnesses that tend to go along with it). Will post more after a clay bath 🙂
Thanks Lori; so nice to hear from you! I do….lots of detox and healing work over here. Stay positive. xoxo Hugs!!!
Amie,
Thanks for sharing your story – I, too, recently got diagnosed with Lyme after suffering for several years with many of the same issues. Thanks for being brave and sharing – I also have a real food blog but haven’t yet the courage to deacribe what I’m going through. But seeing other rave souls like you gives me encouragement! Check out my recent recipe for cinnamon macadamia butter; it’s my favorite ice cream replacement!
http://rethinkingfoodforthought.blogspot.com/2013/11/5-minute-cinnamon-macadamia-nut-butter.html?m=1
Thanks Jill; great to hear from you! Love this recipe. Thanks!
Hi, I found your website through the Odacite contest and this post really hit home for me. My dad had Lyme when I was a kid, and he was repeatedly misdiagnosed and ended up with a brain infection that led to permanent disability. Lyme is a tricky bastard to detect and treat, and I wish you the best! I know you have a lot of chronic health problems, but be glad that you have your brain! Holding you in the light.
Caroline
Thank you Caroline; you are amazing! Sending you HUGS! xoox
Amie- Knowledge is power and Im thankful you are sharing your story of lyme disease. I too have been diagnosed with lyme disease and a thyroid issue. I was fortunate enough that my family doctor felt the paralysis in my eye might be from lyme disease. I was also fortunate in that the test showed positive for lyme. I was treated with an initial dose of antibiotics that did relieve my aching joints and drooping eye. I have been involved in a Lyme disease meeting group and that has been filled with helpful information. I feel the best help for myself is to convert to a clean diet. Im sure that will also have a positive impact on my thyroid issue as well. So thankful I came across Amie Jo on Facebook 🙂
wishing you success in everything!
Donna
Thank you Donna; so nice to hear from you and can’t wait to hear more from you on my comments soon! oxxx
Oh, Amie, I am just seeing this post. I am so sorry about this latest diagnosis, but hoping and praying right along with you that it will be final one you’ll have to deal with and that you’ll be well when this current protocol is done!
Lots of love and strength to you!
Shirley
Thanks Shirley! You are the best!!!
AMIE!!! I have no idea how I missed this, but I am JUST reading about your Lyme diagnosis NOW! I am here if you need ANYTHING. I have definitely found healing from Lyme, and I know a TON about it! Let me know if you want to chat. I am happy to help! Sending healing thoughts your way! XO!
Awe; thanks Sharon! You are so kind. Thanks darling; I’m doing well and I greatly appreciate your support. Sending you a hug right back!!!! xoox
Hi Amie,
It is so amazing that I have found your website. I have many of the same things wrong with my body too (hypothyroid, menopause, tick bites, insulin resistance, low metabolism, fibroid tumors, high uric acid and kidney stones, gluten intolerance, candida,and symptoms and side affects of all involved). I have spent more time researching and trying to feel better, than living. I have been going to drs for yrs with close but misunderstood diagnosis’. I wish I could scream sometimes when I feel as useless as I do compared to how I used to be. I am so behind you in all the things you write and have found. You are on my list of miracles! I have been adding vitamin C tablets along with tart cherry and magnesium calcium zinc D combo at night and staying on paleo eating and I feel like things are becoming hopeful. I am nowhere near good yet, but you are a strong inspiration and knowledgeable woman. I look forward to all your updates. THANK YOU
Thanks Caroline!!
Thank you all SO MUCH for your kind words; your comments mean the world to me.
xxoxo