Taking ownership of my own health

​A Change in Perspective

​As a scientist, I have always been highly sceptical of any kind of alternative or “holistic” treatment. As a chemist, I have huge faith in the efficacy of pharmaceuticals and, before reaching a life-altering juncture in my illness, my life plan was to design therapeutic drugs. I had been lucky for most of my life to reside on one side of the fence: a far-removed world of Molecule Construction, seeking out new and fabulous structures which could modulate a specific biological response. My mind was occupied with the purely academic side of “making a difference” and gaining recognition in something which might just wipe out some uncontroversial, life-altering disease.  The notion of illness was just that: a notion. A concept which I could conceive of on a purely intellectual basis. I had never felt first-hand the dramatic effects of a life-threatening disease; more specifically, I had never even considered the effects of grappling with an illness for which there was no known cure, little recognition from the established medical community, and consequently little respect for the suffering patient. When Lyme disease shattered my life, or so I believed, I saw only darkness: I was reminded each day of everything I had lost, from my mobility to my own cognitive function and ability to process information. Lyme chose rather indiscriminately and did not care one iota that I was a scientist or that I had a solid life plan. And just like that, I was standing on the other side of the fence, no longer capable of operating in the world of Molecule Construction, feeling utterly abandoned by our allopathic medical community. Just like that, I experienced for the first time in my life, the devastation that disease wreaks; I was the patient for whom I had once aspired to design a life-saving treatment. But now and for the rest of my life, this will no longer be a concept, but rather an earth-shattering reality. It takes time to readjust and to reorient oneself when one has completely lost one’s balance; but I no longer view my disease solely within the context of lack. In fact, there is one truth which I know in the very fibres of my being, a reality which I will own forever:
 
 I will never stop being a scientist.
 
This disease may slow my path or set obstacles along the way. It may not present a smooth thoroughfare, but my progress will not be impeded. And now, thanks to Lyme, I have experience of both sides of the fence. Now, I feel blessed to know first-hand what it is like to reside in the world of Molecule Construction and in the world of the disabled patient. The difference between then and now is that today I am imbued with an even stronger desire to relieve the pain of those who suffer, often without hope, without a cure for their disease, and without medical recognition. This is not something which Lyme disease robbed from me. This is a gift.
 
Alternative Approaches to Lyme Disease Treatment 
 
This new chapter of my life has been somewhat transformative through the empowerment associated with claiming ownership of my own body and its intrinsic capacity to heal. Over the course of ten months, I tried everything within my reach to combat this disease, ultimately discovering the power of a more holistic, naturopathic approach to treatment. 

My initial decision was to undertake a treatment protocol which relied heavily upon pharmaceuticals, primarily antibiotics, prescribed by one of the most well-established Lyme specialists in the United States. During this three month period, I deteriorated significantly to the point where I was bed-bound and unable to perform daily tasks. Following a brief period of hospitalisation, during which the complete lack of knowledge surrounding my disease became excruciatingly apparent, I made the radical decision to terminate all pharmaceutical treatments and to seek alternative methods for restoring my health. At this point, the lowest point in my illness, I spent my days researching chronic Lyme disease and any treatments which might potentially provide relief. My research brought me to the Hero and Heroine of my story thus far: Stephen Harrod Buhner, an herbalist specialising in Lyme disease treatment, and Dr Terry Wahls, a physician who reversed her diagnosis of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis through the development of her own targeted nutritional programme  (The Wahls Protocol). 

An excellent account by Dr Terry Wahls on how she achieved recovery and the resetting of damaged mitochondria through diet:

"Minding your mitochondria"

Another three months passed by, during which I devoted myself to the self-administration of a tailored Buhner-inspired herbal protocol, in combination with a radical Wahls-inspired nutritional programme designed to reverse immune dysfunction.

During this time, I have observed dramatic improvements in both my physical and mental capacities, I have transitioned from being virtually bed-bound and severely underweight to gaining sufficient strength and stamina to leave the house quite regularly. I have a long journey to full restoration, but I owe these improvements to embracing a new healing paradigm, an approach which might once have confounded me as a scientist. In the absence of knowledge and support of my disease from the allopathic medical community, I have taken ownership of my own body, my own healthcare, and my own intuitive capacity. If there is one thing this journey has taught me so far, it is this:

You know your body better than anyone on the outside.

If you self-educate and become an expert in listening to and hearing your own body’s cues, I am beginning to discover that you can heal physiological damage on a cellular level. For example, I am intrigued by the concept of restoring diminished mitochondrial efficiency using food as medicine, and am enjoying the benefits of increased energy through strict adherence to a ketogenic diet. As scientists, I believe strongly that we must remain open-minded, being willing to make an informed judgement based on empirical results as opposed to being trapped by certain preconceived logic.

​I hope to share more of my experiences relating to herbal medicines and the Wahls-inspired ketogenic diet, but in the meantime, I feel privileged and inspired when others share with me their experiences of becoming executives in the provision of their own healthcare.  Don't hesitate to contact me...