Month: January 2021

There Is Lower Cost Help for the “Rich Man’s” Illness

It’s now July, 2025 and I’m updating this post somewhat. First of all, an explanation of the “Rich Man’s” use in the title. It has frequently been said that it is a “Rich Man’s” disease but it has been used in different ways. As many of those that were initially diagnosed with tick-borne diseases resided in the North-Eastern US, along the coast, in lovely, somewhat expensive areas – think cottages, waterfront properties, etc., and had the money to investigate what was going on with their health, it was felt that only the rich were getting the illness. Those like myself, use that description because if you are not diagnosed and treated early, you can go on to try a number of treatments, at high cost, to try to get yourself back to better health. Alternative testing is also expensive. Many cannot afford additional treatment/testing and their health continues to deteriorate.

The number of people suffering in this province from what could very well be late stage Lyme (or other tick-borne diseases) continues to grow and health care providers are, for the most part, still woefully uneducated about the issue. It’s time that Lyme and tick-borne diseases (TBD’s) becomes a Specialty as the symptoms can change from one person to the next; present testing is not 100% accurate with false negatives possible; and untreated or under-treated Lyme & TBD’s can result in loss of income and, in some cases, even loss of life. The misdiagnosis, or worse, non-diagnosis, of TBD’s is resulting in significant cost to the sufferers AND the province.

Lyme Support Group meetings that I have held via Zoom show me how many people are suffering in this province. Frequently new sufferers reach out and listening to their stories make me want to cry – or scream. I don’t know how any health care professional can listen to these people and not want to help, in any way that they can. I only wish I could do more to help but years of advocacy work has resulted in very little in the way of improvements for those already suffering.

Unfortunately, many cannot afford most of the “alternative” treatments for Lyme and tick-borne diseases that are presently available. The alternative/complementary health care field is not cheap and is generally out of pocket. Although there is some financial assistance available, most of the people without hefty savings accounts, or other means, are left to their own devices. Most are getting steadily sicker and losing hope.

Fortunately, there are a few things people can do that do not cost a lot and should help build up the immune system to help fight any illness. Always do your own research. Everyone is different and some things below could interact with what you might already be doing:

  • Dietary Changes – It is generally recommended to eat as “clean” as possible. No processed foods. Limit or remove sugar. No artificial sweeteners. Gluten may become an issue. Limit or remove dairy. Red meat may cause gastrointestinal issues for some. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided. www.drrajpatel.net/index.php/lyme-m/lymediet-m 
  • Garlic – Rumour has it that ticks don’t like the smell of garlic. It has actually been used by pest control companies by spraying it on the perimeters of lawns in an effort to keep them off. I have been told by some that eat garlic regularly that they have never found a tick on themselves, even when they spend a considerable amount of time outdoors. Hmmm  –  “Garlic Can Fight Chronic Infections” – http://healthsciences.ku.dk/news/2017/11/garlic/
  • Vitamin D Supplementation – There is mixed info regarding this one. Although nobody seems to be against supplementation, there is a lot of variety regarding how much, and who needs it. Do your research and consider getting your levels checked by your doctor prior to adding. I personally take a supplement with a Vitamin D3 + K2 combo.
  • Grounding/Earthing – https://wellnessmama.com/5600/earthing-grounding/. I recently did more research on this. Looks like something everyone should be doing. Spend time outside in bare feet more often. You don’t need to buy any grounding device, at least in the summer anyway. Interesting research document – “The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/.
  • Thymus Tapping – https://myremedy.co.nz/articles/thymus-tapping/. I go to an Energy Healer who told me about this. She said if you do it just as you are starting to feel a cold coming on you can stop it in its tracks. It actually worked for me. You can do it other times as well. She suggested you tap counter clockwise around the Thymus area and then tap clockwise.
  • Energy Healing – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/surprising-facts-about-energy-healing. I have tried this myself over the last few years with varying results. I have always gone to the same Energy Healer as she came highly recommended and I have experienced improvements each time, some visits more than others. As is the case with just about every alternative/complementary health care provider, Energy Healers are not created equal. They all have different training and some may not be as reputable as others. Always do your research.
  • Cupping – There are a number of articles regarding cupping and it’s benefits for Lyme patients. I only had it done once but it really helped reduce the lower back pain that I had been experiencing. I haven’t included any articles here as cupping is frequently included with Traditional Chinese Medicine and I didn’t see any particular research on the issue. I did note a few comments regarding cupping and a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction so, again, do your research and always talk with your health care provider(s).
  • Pepto Bismal (Bismuth) – This is an interesting one. It can apparently cause lots of problems if overused or you take too much. Minimal research available but there is a little relative to small doses of Pepto Bismal. I would highly recommend you do lots of research before you consider this one as there are apparently also interactions with a variety of antibiotics.
  • This research paper gives a lot of great information about “The Use of Natural Bioactive Nutraceuticals in the Management of Tick-Borne Illnesses” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10384908/. Some may have been mentioned above already. This is a handy guide.

There are many more things out there that people have tried. As already mentioned, something that works for one, may not work for another and some may interact with other things that you are doing so do your research and ask questions.

Lyme and tick-borne diseases seems to be very individualized. There doesn’t seem to be anything that works for everybody. Listen to your body and only do what YOU can do. Please don’t compare yourself with anyone. We are all different.

The above are all for information only. Nothing should be started without doing your due diligence and speaking to whatever health care professionals that you may be dealing with.