Lyme Journal Entry 12 Summer Refresher, NO ONE Is Immune To Lyme

July 30, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light17 Comments

I’ve been sick for years without a correct diagnoses. I took a wild guess and found a Lyme doctor. A reckless one. He gave me a lab report saying I had three times the level of lead than normal. We spent three days looking for LEAD. I called the office, while on hold I realized this wasn’t my labs.

Chronic Lyme Disease is a long battle. I wanted the best Doctor possible, off to D.C. for my first visit with Dr. Jemsek. I learned the Lyme Disease has progressed. My cognitive ability is 50-60%, I have Adrenal Fatigue, it can take five years of treatment to get well, or well as I’ll get. The tests were positive and will allow for IV Infusion Treatment. The next step is how much insurance will cover. Without insurance coverage the cost of IV Infusion Treatment for six months is $40-60K. I also have to fly to D.C. every month for checkup. FUN! FUN!

I sincerely thank my friends, you’ve lifted my spirit with every comment of well wishes.

I’ve included videos showing people who have Chronic Lyme. One video is my doctor, Dr. Jemsek. The crowd is mainly patients he’s treated over the years. Celebrating the premier of his movie Under Our Skin. XO Melinda

Jemsek speaks out

Avril Lavigne

**Everyone who spends time outside or has children playing near wooded areas. The video is an hour-long homemade video made by her husband. I urge everyone to watch. It will remind you DEET products are the only recommendation by Lyme Specialist. I don’t like DEET but if saves a child or yourself from getting Lyme, it’s a tradeoff I’d take.

XO M

Survivor

Randstein nominated me for Once a Victim Now a Survivor Award

July 30, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light24 Comments

Thank you my friend Randstein

A special thank you to Randstein for nominating me the Once A Victim Now A Survivor Award. Randstein is a good friend, always happy to help, writes the most fantastic stories. His short stories give you plenty to think about. Randstien’s blog is hyperionsturm.wp.com. He’s a founding member of survivorsbloghere.wp.com I’m glad to have met him, my life has expanded.

This award is for those who have gone through mental illness of any kind, abuse, trauma, and especially PTSD.

The Rules:

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you

2. Nominate 5 – 10 bloggers to pass the award to

3. Post 5 questions for your nominees to answer (you may use the same as these below)

4. Inform your nominees and post a comment in their blog to let them know they’ve been nominated

Questions:

1. In what ways do you feel that blogging can help people with psychological trauma or mental illness? I think writing can help in many ways. It’s perfect outlet to share, work thru pain and trauma. Blogging provides support from people who are a few steps ahead. The experience of putting your pain in a post can give a feeling of success. Writing thoughts down can help you see what needs more work. Posting takes a load off, no matter how small. We gain confidence one step at a time.

2. How has blogging helped you with your healing, or your personal journey? I started blogging after years of therapy, not needing as much help. My background made me compassionate, realizing I’m a Caregiver. When someone takes my hand for help, my heart overflows with sunshine.

3. What books, movies, or YouTube channels would you recommend to someone with a similar background to you? (Books Always)

Shock by Kitty Dukakis & Larry Tye A personal story of Kitty’s experience with ECT

50 Psychology Ideas You Really Need To Know Adrian Furnham

Bipolar Disorder-A Guide For Patients & Family Francis M. Mondimore M.D. I participated in a study for John Hopkins and he interviewed me. Nice guy and excellent book.

Natural History of Emotions by Stuart Walton’s He examines the core emotions based on Charles Darwin’s survey of emotions. I’m reading again, the reason I always buy books.

4. When did you start your blog and what inspired you? My current blog stated on 9/22/13. My father committed suicide 9/2001. He was on my mind, I wanted to express my pain.

5. What types of blogs do you follow? I follow blogs similar backgrounds or circumstances. I follow blogs that appears the person is spiraling down and needs help. Sometimes its people who visit my blog and they look interesting. I don’t follow rant blogs.

Nominees:

This is where I have to bail on my commitment. I can not following thru on making nominations. I am battling an illness and must choose how to use less the least energy. I’m on bed rest. Thank you for the prayers and standing by me. Huge Hugs.

If the Award applies to you, please accept and pass along.

Hugs Melinda

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday Great Mix to Start Weekend

July 29, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light32 Comments

Most of the planet is over 100 degrees, I can’t imagine Switzerland being that hot. It appears Mother Nature is sending love from Texas. I would grab a cold one, take someone you like to get wet with and head to beach. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

I hope you enjoy this weeks choice. XO M

https://youtu.be/iaVDqK7d_DQ

https://youtu.be/Lc-yHSfwLNo

Celebrate Life

Mother Nature Is All Around Stop to Smell the Roses

July 25, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light5 Comments

The wonder of my backyard. My roses are a joy. I’m counting the days to see my ladybugs again. XO Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Robert Goldstein Honors Me with The Creative Blogger Award

July 24, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light5 Comments

I’m thrilled, Robert Goldstein nominated me for The Creative Blogger Award. Robert advocates for Mental Illness. He is a passionate artist, photographer, articulate and honest. Sharing his struggle with Mental Illness while providing support. If you haven’t visited his blog, I know you’ll enjoy his site. Art by Robert Goldstein, http://www.robertmgoldstein.com.

The Rules:

* Display the Creative Blogger Award logo on your blog
* Nominate 15-20 blogs and let know all nominees via their social media/blogs
* Thank and post the link of the blog that nominated you (very important)
* Share 5 random facts about yourself to your readers
* Pass these rules on to them

Five Facts: You will see I was born looking for trouble.

At 12 years, old I drove a friend of my fathers hot rod. He left the car at our house. I ask my dad first, hell no at top of lungs. Once he got on phone he would talk forever. I didn’t know how to drive. I grabbed the keys, drove the car around our street, came home and parked. I thought it was to far out in street, in my effort to correct, I jumped curb and hit fire hydrant. My dad did hear the bang, he ran out of house saying things I won’t repeat here.

My first motorcycle ride was at 9 years old. I was a biker from that day forward. The only problem was stepping off bike I burned back of leg on the hot pipes. The pain didn’t stop me from dreaming.

At 12 years old I was in two accidents while on bike, not big really. I was sitting on motorcycle high on acid. I started tripping and swore I was falling off. I was screaming for my friend. The scare wasn’t enough to stop acid. That’ a different story. The second time is funny now. We where on some type of drug and he was driving me home. He thought it would be funny by jumping over curb. It might have been funny if I hadn’t fallen off and hit head on concrete.

I learned to ride a bicycle at 4 years old. My dad was giving last advice before taking off. I was so proud I turned to see if Dad was looking, turning back running into telephone pole.

At 6 years old my brother got finger stuck in a can. In the old days there was the little piece that held the lid on. I thought how hard can it be to pull the can off his finger. Harder than I thought, his finger jammed, barely hanging on and almost lost a finger.

My Lyme Disease is getting worst, which means I’ll have more bad days. Thank you for standing behind me while I fight to get well.

Nominees:

Anyone who feels they have earned the award, please take and pass around.

The Rules to follow are in the middle of post.

XO M

Celebrate Life · Fun

Throw Back Thursday (Wednesday) Let’s Get Rocked

July 22, 2015 Looking for the Light23 Comments

I hit pay dirt this week. The first two are in pre-release, I think both drop later this month. David Gilmore doesn’t have a video. None of the bands are new, you’ve heard many of their tunes here. The last video is my Guitar Hero, Eric Clapton. He sounded great even thru one ear. I not happy with Bose right now.

If the music captures you, download and get your rock on anytime. Eric caresses the strings perfectly, I lose myself every time.

Grab your beverage along with a nice assortment of cheese, bread and toppings.

I wasn’t drinking any beverages posting today, just forgot what day it was. Music is the good for you fruit. Eric Clapton doesn’t sound as perfect as liked, I could not pass up the best solo I’ve hear.

A shout out to a Dragon friend of mine. XO Melinda

https://youtu.be/eHP7l0EaouM

Celebrate Life · Fun

Throw Back Thursday (Wednesday) Let's Get Rocked

July 22, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light23 Comments

If the music captures you, download and get your rock on anytime. Eric caresses the strings perfectly, I lose myself every time.

Grab your beverage along with a nice assortment of cheese, bread and toppings.

A shout out to a Dragon friend of mine. XO Melinda

Celebrate Life · Travel

I’m Blessed To Celebrate My Birthday With You I get stronger every birthday

July 19, 2015 Looking for the Light63 Comments

Worhol Wall — **Glimpse Of Warhol Wall**

Verna Falls Yosemite Nation ParK — Painted Verna Falls Yosemite National ParK

I hope everyone has a great day. Everyone can celebrate the blessing of today. It’s fun posting photo prints, you can see my interest outside of WP. You can see another side of me.

Let’s Celebrate the day together.

XO M

Celebrate Life · Travel

I'm Blessed To Celebrate My Birthday With You I get stronger every birthday

July 19, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light63 Comments

I hope everyone has a great day. Everyone can celebrate the blessing of today. It’s fun posting photo prints, you can see my interest outside of WP. You can see another side of me.

Let’s Celebrate the day together.

XO M

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday Killer Tunes and Sunset in Gulf Shores

July 16, 2015February 14, 2016 Looking for the Light23 Comments

Sunset in Gulf Shores, AL

I look forward to Thursday, hearing music and remembering the generation makes me happy. The Steven Tyler tune released a few days ago. It’s a song from the soul, love, yearning. In my mind. What do you think? The other songs are in my Top 100 list. The photo is a reminder to protect yourself against ticks and fly’s. Lyme Disease is in every state in the USA, growing rapidly across Europe.

Grab your drink of choice, maybe beer or a light wine. Relax in your favorite lounging spot. Let’s Rock! XO M