Almost 1 Week Home

I have been getting requests for an update since Bella and I have been home from the Hansa Center, and you'll have to forgive me for not doing it sooner, but getting back home was a wee bit overwhelming!  I just spent 2 whole weeks taking care of Bella and me and our health - and that was pretty much it.  I was very excited to be reunited with the rest of our family, and I missed Luca and Mia so much - but I was anxious.  And for good reason.  I don't think I could have mentally prepared myself enough to handle coming home to the house, making dinners, packing lunches, school concerts, picnics, upcoming piano recitals, field trips, book reports, karate tournament, worship team, a broken washing maching, architects, house plans, work functions, work, and on top of all of that, we're in the last 2 weeks of school now.  Somehow, the last 2 weeks of school are torturous for anyone who has more than one child there. The amount of "stuff" that's packed into that time frame is a bit crazy, and with 3 kids in 3 different grades, there is something EVERY day.

So all of that is why I have yet to write an update - until now ;)

How am I feeling?  I feel better with each day.  I do admit, that the Saturday we traveled home I felt like I may die, though.  I really missed my husband that day, who is always in charge of the luggage.  That day I had to manage two 50 lb (okay... you need a lot for 2 weeks, and we brought a lot of stuff home from the clininc!) bags and two carry-ons basically by myself.  It was COLD, windy and rainy in Wichita, and just trying to get the suitcases into the rental car about did me in. After we got them checked in at the airport (which, by the way is so small and super convenient) I was relieved.  We got through the short security line and were off to the gate with an hour to spare.  We were on our way home!

It was about 30 minutes after that I realized that the rental car keys were still in my purse!

And then I got that sinking, heart pounding, yucky, panicky feeling that you get when you've done something really stupid.  We had no choice but to hottail it back - all the way to baggage claim where the rental car counter is (which is right where we entered the airport, by the way.)  I was frustrated and on the verge of tears, and poor Bella just kept reassuring me - "It's okay mom!  I'm totally fine with it, mom!"  So we turned them in and then had, to go BACK through security, which at this point, was a longer line (but still not Pittsburgh or DC like).
This time through, the guy behind me was pretty amused by my beast-sized dinosaur of a laptop.  He made sure he told me that they have these things called iPads now (which I was really in the mood for.)  I made sure he knew that I had my iPad in tow, as well - but I don't like to type on it!
Anyway, we got through in plenty of time, and had a nice flight to Atlanta.  We had time to grab a quick bite and then were getting ready for the final leg home.  As we were boarding, though, the captain stopped us.  He told me that we don't want to fly that plane.  That we CAN'T take that plane, and made us deboard.  Ugh.  So we had a delay - but it was actually pretty short considering we had to change gates and arrange another piece of "equipment" as they called it, to get us home.  Kudos to Delta airlines for not allowing us to board a broken airplane, and for managing to land in DC only 50 minutes late!

Plane #2 (the NOT broken one) 

When Keith and the kids picked us up from the airport, Mia SQUEALED with joy to see Bella and Me. She must have told us that she loved each of us 50 times that night.  They were so precious, and my heart was bursting to hold my babies again.

We decided to have dinner at our favorite Stafford spot, Pancho Villa.  Bella and Luca couldn't stop chatting about everything (ok, mostly Mine Craft), and Mia just wanted to sit on my lap.  It was a good night.

When we pulled in our driveway, it was like Spring had sprung while we were gone.  The grass was GREEN and tall, the fruit trees all had blossomed, and it was sunny and warm.  I was happy to be home.

The next few days were a little rough for me.  I was trying to get settled back in, and I had over- committed myself with a few things.  I, for the first time ever, did back out of something that I just couldn't handle.  And although it was a bit humiliating, I just had to do it.  I was at maximum capacity and barely unpacked, and Keith was very proud of me for making the decision to just say no.  And I learned that it's okay to do that (and maybe I'll do it more often!)
Aside from being overwhelmed with everyone's schedule, I was tired.  Exhausted, actually.  I felt like my body had been drained, and that I needed to be plugged in for 16 hours or so with no interruptions to be fully recharged.
But I have managed over this past week to settle in and get myself back on track.

Ever since I left Hansa, I have been sleeping like a boss!  I say that because sleep used to be my nemesis.  I often dreaded going to bed because I knew it was just going to be a restless, painful, and often sleepless night.  A few of my treatments at the center did deal with that aspect of my life, and I have to say, it has been working!
I know that my body is healing more each day.  The fog has lifted from my brain, and I can think more clearly than I have in a long time.  It's awesome being able to form a sentence without having to pause and think about the next word, or just forget what you wanted to say altogether.  I would say that my cognitive function has been my greatest improvement.  My mood is better, and I am not as irritated as before, probably because I am not in the constant pain that I was in before.  I do have some residual joint pain which will continue to improve in time.  But it rained for 3 days in a row here and I never felt yucky or "Lymey," as I called it, because of the weather.  That was an awesome realization!
My leg pain is much better, and I really hadn't noticed it until last night.  But then I realized that I had worked out yesterday morning, and i was probably getting sore from that!
Speaking of working out, if you know me well, you know that I thrive on physical fitness.  During the past 6 months, however, the amount of physical training I was able to do kept dwindling because I was getting sick again.  And that depressed me.  I still managed to do something.  I'm a firm believer that no matter how sick you are, you need to get up and be active.  It always made me feel better, if not just mentally, to work out.
That being said, on Tuesday I was ready to hit the gym again.  I decided to go back to my favorite Beachbody instructor (no... not Tony Horton - I'll save another round of P90x for a few months from now!), Chalene Johnson, and started a new 90 day round of Chalene Extreme.  I really feel the need to build up my strength again, and since my trainer friend, Jen, isn't here anymore to pick me up and get me going again, Chalene will have to do!
So I am healing.  And without antibiotics!  Many of my symptoms may take more time to resolve, but I've seen such an improvement already that I have renewed hope and faith that my full recovery is in the process.  I am being healed even as I write this, and I am so grateful for God's faithfulness.
Bella continues to thrive.  She was very happy to get back to her friends at school, and has put the petal to the metal when it comes to activity.  She is excited to compete in the Kata division of her martial arts studio's (Champion Martial Arts) tournament next week.  She's also working on a book report, playing soccer outside, and getting ready for her piano recital.
We are both taking our remedies which were prepared especially for us and our individual bodies, not just picked off of a shelf.  When we return to the clinic in July with Luca, Bella and I will both be seen again to evaluate our progress and determine if there are more things that need to be addressed.
I do have to say that I truly miss the Hansa Center.  I think about that wonderful place every day.  The doctors and staff were so wonderful and caring, and they gave us our lives back.  I cannot put into words what that feels like.  We are blessed, and thankful, and we will continue to get better.
If you are struggling with Lyme or any other chronic illness, I know how lonely it can be.  Writing this blog has liberated me from some of that alienation, but it's easy to lose hope when you're in the dark.  I have been encouraged by so many people during this trial, and I must encourage you... God does some of his best work in the darkness, and you are never alone.  I implore you to build your hope and faith by reading Jesus Today by Sarah Young, who wrote it during her own fight with Lyme disease.  I would also highly suggest that you read the book that changed my life, Everyday Miracles by God's Design, by Dr. Jernigan - I honestly couldn't put it down.  Optimum health is truly within your reach - I finally have a grasp on it, and I'm not letting go!

Day 10... Victory!

I can't describe what it felt like walking into the Hansa Center this morning.  Physically, I felt really good, and I was incredibly thankful that all of the work we've put my body through these past 2 weeks was paying off.  I woke up this morning and felt better than I have for a long time.
But we were sad.  The wonderful people there have become like a little family to us, and we will miss them.
Here are a couple of pictures I took first thing in the morning...

 Bella and Tressa... my friend and guest blogger from yesterday :)

 Bella and Kendra, her sweet friend, getting their foot baths on!

Bella, and "Mama Hansa" herself, Diana.  Oh how we love her.

My appointment with Dr. Jowdy was the first thing in the morning.  We basically wrapped things up, and went over each symptom that I started with.  I am pretty impressed at how far I've come in such a short period of time!  When you put it into perspective against the 3 years of antibiotics I've been on without getting well, this is miraculous.  The pieces were falling into place, and I walked into that office feeling victorous.  For the first time in 3 years, I knew in my heart that I was winning this battle.  

I can't thank him enough for how he has helped me.  

I will see Dr. Jowdy again in July for a follow-up - at the same time we will bring Luca for his initial treatment.

Bella's appointment with Dr. Jernigan was right after lunch, and he is so proud of her and how far she's come.  It's like a switch was flipped, and this girl has new life that she's probably never known, since she's had this since birth.  She's been bouncing off the walls here, and I can understand why.  I've seriously never seen her like this.

After her appointment, Bella proclaimed her healing and rang the well bell with Dr. Jernigan proudly at her side.  I was overcome with joy as my eyes welled up with tears for my baby girl.  

After we said our goodbyes to the wonderful people who have taken such good care of us these past two weeks, Bella and Kendra spent some time together outside at the pond.  I was happy that they were together, because it made saying goodbye to the Hansa people that much easier for Bella.  They became friends so quickly.  I've never heard Bella call someone her best friend forever.  These two share a special bond that not too many 9-year-old girls share.  They both battled a nasty disease that threatened to take their childhood from them.  They both ended up here in the most amazing place for treatment.  And they both beat it, and will continue to heal and flourish for the rest of their lives.

Kendra's mom captioned this photo - V for Victory!

Tonight we had the pleasure of going to dinner with Kendra and her parents.  We were able to chat about where they live and where we used to live in California.  And I am learning that coincidences simply don't exist.

We ended the night going to an arcade with the girls.  Bella deserved a night of fun after being cooped up for 2 weeks in a hotel room.  But these two weeks have certainly been a blessing for us as mother and daughter.  Bella had some serious individual attention that she hasn't had since the birth of her brother 7 years ago.  I know that both of us grew closer and we will remember this time of healing together forever.

I wonder what it must be like for these doctors to walk this path they've been given.  How awesome it must be at the end of a treatment period to hear that well bell and know that they've given someone their life back.  Yet they manage to be humble and kind healers.   They have a gift that constantly changes lives for good.  I am in awe of the work that God has done through these men and the staff at the Hansa Center.

I was glad that today wasn't really "good-bye" but rather, "see you later."  We will be back in July, and I will be so much stronger then.  And then it will be time to write Luca's chapter of the Hansa Story for our family.

I can't thank you enough for following our journey... for the prayers, encouragement, and well wishes that were sent our way.  Chronicling our progress each day was a challenge, but I didn't do this to bring attention to myself.  Those of you who know me know that I have been rather silent about my battle with Lyme - and many people never even knew about my struggle.  I decided to blog this experience to bring hope to others who are struggling in the same way.  Since starting this a couple of weeks ago, I have received many messages and e-mail from people relating their own battles... asking questions, and even encouraging me in spite of their own illnesses.  It's been humbling to be able to shine some light on this very dark and hidden epidemic.  Finally, I did this to encourage others to wait on the Lord.  I have been dealing with this for a long time, and praying for my miracle.  And I give God the glory for making it a reality.  So until the next update, I will leave you with this...

Thanks for checking in :)

Day 9 - (for Noah)

So I fully intended on taking the day off from blogging.  After all, it can be a little exhausting trying to recount everything that happened during our day, and then try and explain it all.  I completely appreciated Tressa taking the task of my hands today.
But then I got a text from my sister, saying that my nephew, Noah, was still anticipating ME posting something today.
So for you, Noah, my first (and only) nephew... I will give a short and sweet update :)

Not much new happened with Bella and me today.  We actually moved through our appointments quite quickly.
But some exciting things DID happen.  One of our fellow patients rang the WELL BELL!  It's a bell (a loud bell) at the front desk that patients ring at the end of their treatment declaring their wellness and freedom from whatever it was they were battling when they arrived.  We heard it a couple of times last Friday from some people who were finishing their two weeks.
But today was Thursday... and we were a little shocked to hear it!  But our friend had gotten well early, and she was able to actually leave a day earlier than expected.  Now that is awesome, and we are so happy for her (but we will miss you, Judy!)

In other news, Bella has a little friend at the clinic.  She actually met her, another 9-year-old girl overcoming Lyme, on Monday.  We were surprised to learn that they actually live in the same town, Encinitas, that we lived in San Diego!  They hit it off very well, and although they are kind of on two different time schedules, when they get to spend time together, it's pretty cute.
The awesome thing is, she is getting well - very well - just like Bella!  The rate at which these kids can heal is impressive.  Both had been on antibiotics previously, and neither got completely well with them.  This little girl is actually doing so well that she will leave THIS Friday, a full week earlier than planned.
I write this to encourage other parents with young children who are also sick.  You cannot be disappointed if you take your children here.  Please read the book, Everyday Miracles by God's Design by Dr. Jernigan.  After I read it, I couldn't get Bella here fast enough.  And I was not disappointed.  I have now seen both Dr. Jowdy and Dr. Jernigan interact with children here, and it truly warms the heart to see the compassion they have for them.
I trust them wholeheartedly with my children, and I encourage you that if you have children with issues that you just cannot define, or if they are about to be subjected to pharmaceutical treatment of symptoms rather than being allowed to heal completely, consider this place.

Anyway, like I said earlier, Bella and I finished a bit early today at the clinic, so we were able to do something extra rather than just having dinner at the hotel or out.  We were thankful that the sleeting had stopped and the sun had actually come out, so we went to dinner and had some tasty Italian (of course).  Bella loves having pedicures with me, so after dinner that's what we did - and I believe we spread a little light to the nail salon who stayed open just to be able to do it for us :)

This is how she rolls...

We surely have some sadness about tomorrow being our last day, but we are getting anxious to get home and see the rest of our family.  It will truly be a bittersweet goodbye tomorrow.  But I will leave that for tomorrow's post.

Thanks for checking in :)

Hi... my name is Tressa

I have had Lyme disease for 2 two years. I have been at the center with Keri these two weeks. We have the same doctor as well.
Coming to this place, I was a little skeptical. But I was so desperate to live life as a normal person, I was willing to take this step. Some one said this to me one day as I was trying to describe the things that were going on. It just takes an unconventional remedy to treat an unconventional disease!
So what exactly have I been able to get rid of so far? Well here's the list... I hope you are ready for it:
toxins, amonia, muscle spasms, restless leg syndrome, short term memory loss, brain fog, food allergies, siatic issues, digestive problems, heart palpatations, and emotional issues.
My energy has gone way up since I arrived to the point where they are noticing it in my voice!
The doctors even found some genetic disorders that they were able to work on and eliminate.
You might think that Keri and I are crazy after reading about what they are doing, because its not very conventional. But is God very conventional? Nope! We just like to put Him in a box so that we can understand.
He made us so complex. He created light, energy, and electricity... why wouldn't He allow those things to flow through us and be apart of us?
We have seen a dentist who could barely get out of bed, walk out of this center well with strength and clarity of thought.
We saw a guy with a tumor in his eye decrease so he could actually see.
We have seen a girl with lesions all over her body walk out with clear skin.
These doctors are God fearing men who truly seek to help people get better. They are not here to sell products - they are here to help.
If you struggle with anything, not just Lyme, and you are tired of nothing working. COME HERE!!!! They treat the WHOLE body not just one thing. Think of it as an investment FOR life and OF life. You are getting your life back!

Day 8... Sovereign

Today we headed over early to the Hansa Center for Bella's CRT retest. I was not feeling well because I didn't sleep well last night. My legs were back to hurting, and I had a headache. Just walking in the door there made me feel a bit better, though. After Bella's test we both had our lymph therapy and the Lux - which happens to be my favorite.
The lux instrument targets parts of the body that may need help in adjusting energetics in order to heal or return to a more balanced state. The lamps actually hold gemstones and color filters. Specific combinations are prescribed for different conditions that the patient is dealing with. The gemstones are electronically excited by the lux while the lights are sending low voltage electronic pulses to the body. Electronic gemstone therapy has been noted to support the healing process of the body on many levels. Once the lights are applied to the surface of the body, changes occur on a deeper level activating the healing process in the tissues of the body.
Okay... now that that's out of the way - today I was having the "bliss" therapy, where the lamps were placed near the temples on each side of my head. In my headphones, I was prescribed "Holy Harmony" which is basically a chant of God's name (Yahweh) over and over with the sound of tuning forks. Anyway, it's my favorite, and I decided that today this leg thing was going away. I shut my mind off from anything else and prayed. I meditated, opened my hands and prayed in a way I never had (and I don't mean I begged for God to heal me - I meditated - I wanted to spend time intimately with our Father) for the 20+ minutes of the therapy. When it was finished, my day had been changed. I went from feeling awful to feeling pretty good, and the pain in my legs had decreased by half.
That was a victory. It also proved to me that my leg pain was defeatable. The the whole "energy" thing made sense, and that God had heard my prayer.

My day was a lot better after that...
Bella had her appointment with Dr. Jernigan and we reviewed her CRT test. He explained that it was pretty early to do another one, but he wanted to check out her progress. And she is improving as quickly as we expected! The blood flow to her brain has significantly improved, as we had hoped. We also saw that her digestion still needed some work, so she will be using some digestive enzymes to help process what she eats. We also saw changes in the function of her heart, suggesting an answer to her new found energy, and the fact that she is practically bouncing off the walls! Good stuff, though, really good stuff.
During her appointment, Dr. Jernigan and I talked a lot about energy medicine, and how it fascinated me. I was asking him about books to read, etc., because I wanted to learn more. During these conversations, though, I started pondering my leg pain again. And then my retained baby tooth popped into my head.
Weird, right?
I have 4 congenitally missing teeth. Three were wisdom teeth (yay), but one is a premolar, so my baby tooth never had a permanent tooth push it out. It's still there, but over the years, it's been kind of dying.
So I asked him if there was any way that tooth could be interrupting the circuit to my legs.
Lo and behold, we looked on his chart, and yep - the hips and knees, as well as spleen and other things are on the same circuit as that exact tooth. It's funny... Dr. Jernigan actually told me that he had a new idea for Dr. Jowdy to try, and that it was concerning my teeth, which before I would have laughed at, because I've never even had a cavity. But it was all making sense now.
So I was excited to get to my appointment with Dr. Jowdy, which was next. And I told him about the tooth.
So we worked on the tooth to try and open the interrupted circuit back up. He actually shocked it a few times and used an essential oil and laser on my cheek next to it. And it worked. The circuit was open, but this time, he never even touched my legs to correct it! I also had more color therapy - but this time, no drama with the red... thank goodness! So then I got up and walked around and my legs felt good again. They actually felt like gumby - all wobbly and unsteady, but there was not really any pain, and there still isn't. I will be anxious to see if it holds this time :) You can believe I'll be praying that it does.

So nearing the end of our victorious day at the clinic, Keith texted me during my foot bath to tell me the results of Luca's (our 7 year-old son) Lyme test. He was positive. He was actually CDC positive, which is undeniable in terms of this controversial disease.
This hurts, and it makes me sad and disappointed. But I am not surprised. We have actually been suspecting this, and the test was the conformation.
But we have hope. And I am thankful that God lead us to the Hansa Center, because the thought of having another child be subject to those rounds antibiotics with no end in sight would have been too much to bear.
But now we have hope, and we know that he, too, will be healed, and he will be a testimony of God's grace.

God is sovereign. And to quote my current favorite song, Sovereign, by Chris Tomlin ~

Sovereign in the mountain air
Sovereign on the ocean floor
With me in the calm
With me in the storm

Sovereign in my greatest joy
Sovereign in my deepest cry
With me in the dark
With me at the dawn

In your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

All my hopes
All I need
Held in your hands

All my life
All of me
Held in your hands

All my fears
All my dreams
Held in your hands

God Whatever comes my way
I will trust you.