Take the Time to Learn about Lyme ~ Recommended Reading and Viewing

I have read, am in the middle of reading, or have on my reading list numerous books pertaining to Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-Infections.  It is vitally important to educate ourselves in this world that is quickly becoming a battle ground of infected diseased critters in our own backyards!  Knowledge is Power, especially when dealing with a disease that is misunderstood and misdiagnosed by the medical community whom we rely on for sound advice and treatment.  We have to be our own advocate for our health.  We know our bodies like no other.  Educate yourselves about lyme disease; not only for yourself but for those around you.

When I am researching material about Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-Infections, along with discussing things with my doctor, together we decide what will work best for ME.  I am open to all suggestions, and will look into all of them.  However, I make my decisions based on my beliefs, my body, my knowledge and my doctor’s suggestions.  I believe it is important to share information, but never force it upon anyone.   What works for one person will not necessarily work for another person.

See some of favorites after the break.

After being treated for Lyme Disease in 2004 without ever fully recovering, yet receiving no additional treatment due to ‘guidelines,’ a friend of mine suggested I read the book Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Epidemic by Pamela Weintraub.  It was an eye-opening, lightbulb, ah ha moment for me.  It was MY first step in taking my life and recovery into MY own hands.  After reading this book, I contacted the CDC doctor who first treated me for Lyme Disease and discontinued treatment.  You can read more about that ‘discussion’ in my blog post, “A Note to My Doctor.”  Needless to say, the conversation with him led me to continue researching  Lyme Disease and encouraged me to find another doctor.  I highly recommend this book, especially for those who are just starting this long Lyme Disease journey.  It is indeed,  ”a ground breaking investigation into the medical history, patient experience and brutal political  war over Lyme Disease.”

I  highly recommend a very informative series by PJ Langhoff.

It’s All In Your Head, Patient Stories From the Front Lines: Intimate Aspects of Chronic and Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease

“It’s All In Your Head,” Around the World in 80 Lyme Patient Stories: Valid Reasons to Debate Current Treatment Guidelines

The Baker’s Dozen & the Lunatic Fringe: Has Junk Science Shifted the Lyme Disease Paradigm?

God Science: The Secret World of Rampant Genetics, Hidden Illness, and Biotech Profiteering (Volume 1), also by P.J. Langhoff, is on my list of TO-READS!

Healthy eating habits are a necessity when fighting Lyme Disease.  An informative book I recommend is The Lyme Diet: Nutritional Strategies for Healing from Lyme Disease by Dr. Nicola McFadzean.

A book that is easy to understand AND informative is Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Disorders, 2nd Edition by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner.

Lab 257: The Disturbing Story of the Government’s Secret Germ Laboratory, by Michael Christopher Carroll is one that will really get your mind thinking.  It makes perfect sense to me!  So many cover ups!  Pretty scary, but a MUST read!

The following book, The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments: Defeat Lyme Disease with the Best of Conventional and Alternative Medicine, by Bryan Rosner, was very helpful to me before I restarted treatment in 2010.

The documentary, Under Our Skin, is a MUST WATCH DVD for all people with Lyme Disease, loved ones and supporters of those with Lyme Disease and for those who wish to simply educate and protect themselves.  It is two hours filled with some of the most important things you will ever learn.

I can not emphasize enough the importance of educating yourself when you are faced with such a debilitating disease.  If you can not cognitively take on the act of educating yourself, please ask someone close to you.  Please reach out to a supportive, positive person to help you.  You can not do this alone.  Surround yourself with positive people and together, educate yourself to the best of your abilities!

As I continue to research and read books, I will post short reviews on this blog.  I know I have several books lent out to friends to read.  With my ‘lyme brain,’ I can not remember the names of the books.  I WILL update this list.  If you know of other informative books to read, please let me know.  The more we learn about this, the more we can help ourselves and others.

TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT LYME

Lyme Disease Awareness Ribbon