Bartonella Disease [Co-Disease of Lyme]

Bartonella Disease [Co-Disease of Lyme] -- Tick-Borne Bartonella  

source

   Brad had another visit with his Lyme Doctor; who is suspecting strongly that as his Babesia is taming down some, another co-disease is raising it's head; Bartonella. This is quite a mysterious disease of which is difficult to detect and has only recently in the past 20+ years been discovered in the light as a co-infection. 

   As Lyme is with each patient, so are the co-diseases that have attached themselves to a Lyme victim. Depending on the individuality of a person, each disease raises it's head with unique symptoms, making it quite a challenge for physicians to clinically diagnose. 

   Brad's legs have started hurting him terribly 24/7 and in the past month one hand has gone completely numb and the other partially. He visited with a neurologist who tested him and yes, found the test reveal his nerves are working properly. 

Bartonella: "A genus of bacteria of the family Bartonellaceae, order Rickettsiales, made up of gram-negative cells in chains found in fixed tissue cells and in or on erythrocytes. The organism occurs in humans, sometimes asymptomatically, and in arthropod vectors. The genus includes organisms formerly classified in the genus Rochalimaea."

   At least eight species (of Bartonella) are known to infect humans. Cat scratch fever and trench fever are the common known diseases. Yet, with as a co-disease of Lyme a  new Bartonella species has been discovered in recent years. TRANSMITTED BY:  "Mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and biting flies (horse flies and deer flies). Bites and scratches from infected animals - including pets - can also transmit illnesses." [source] This disease; "causes intravascular disease, which hinders nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues, resulting in fatigue and pain, as well as cognitive and emotional problems."

   Take a look here at what a doctor/researcher is finding regarding Bartonella; "Other Bartonella strains spread more serious diseases. Kosoy is studying how often heart inflammation is caused by a Bartonella that thrives among rat fleas in Thailand. He has already established that about 25 percent of unexplained fever illnesses among a group of patients there was caused by Bartonella. He thinks the bacteria may be the hidden cause behind a host of chronic symptoms - muscle aches, neurological problems, fatigue, arthritis - that defy diagnosis." 

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/05/21/492795/the-pain-of-bartonella.html#storylink=cpy [Dr. Michael Kosoy] 

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/05/21/492795/the-pain-of-bartonella.html#storylink=cpy

   

" Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used to detect antibodies, but it is not always accurate. Another test, Western blot, is used to detect specific proteins, but this test is also not always accurate. Even when these two tests are run, a full one-third of cases go undetected. There are also occasional false positives. Why are these tests so inaccurate? For a number of reasons:

• Bacteria may be living inside body cells, making them difficult to detect in blood samples.
• The host's immune system might not recognize the pathogen so it does not produce antibodies.
• One infecting organism might contain a protein that is very similar to a protein that the organism being tested for contains, yielding a false positive. For example, any of several types of virus can cause a false positive Bb test (source). The cause of a false positive test for one vector-borne pathogen might even be another vector-borne pathogen. For example, Bartonella could exchange DNA with Babesia or Bb inside an insect vector, and when a person becomes infected with Bartonella, it could cause a false positive Babesia or Bb test (source: a Lyme/bartonellosis specialist).
• Test results might be misinterpreted." [benbrew.com]

   There is so much information and continued research that is still continuing. The problem is Brad and thousands of others are suffering immensely. The fight  to be able to continue life in a positive light is being in total surrendered in the Hand of God. He said His Hand is not short that He cannot save. Many times, when that it seemed the nights held victorious over the days -- steering his eyes (Brad) on Jesus and the promises of God is what has moved him into a life filled with great heights of Joy plus Peace. "Leaning on Jesus...safe and secure from ALL alarm."
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Up-Date On Brad:
She said that the babesia is improving, but by no means stop taking the tinctures or it will try to rise up again. For example, his breath hunger has come back some as it has been gone for about a year. 
Brad's legs have been in excruciating pain the past six months. No across the counter med.'s have helped. Also, in the past two months one hand has gone numb and the other partially. 
He is seeing a Neurologist who is suspecting Lyme (without Brad telling her he has been diagnosed). Our Lyme Doctor suspects the Neurologist may prescribe: Gapapentin for his pain, of which has no adverse side affects and will not harm the antibiotics work. 
--Babesia is dwindling away. 
--Bartonella has risen up as it was masking itself until the past 6 months. 
-- It has been recommended to change medicines. 
                        I.E. : Ryfampin: (for the Bartonella) this is an antibiotic: [300 mg. 4 a day]  
                                Minocycline: this is to enhance the two antibiotics strength for the Lyme & Bartonella   [100 mg. 2 a day]
                                Clindamycin: for the Lyme and it too is a antibiotic.
                                                This will amount to 3200 mg a day. [ 300mg  (a piece) 6 a day]
                             -------------------
                               Herbs/ Tinctures
                                Crystolepis: (mentioned before in this blog) for Babesia (30 drops a day, but the # started small and got to this point)
                                Teasel Root: for Lyme, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrom
                                Japanese Knot-weed  
All 3 of these 30 drops a day, but the # started small and got to this point.
                                B12: Was suggested just regarding his leg pain. Yet ONLY through:  Vitacost Methyl B-12 Sublingual -- 5000 mcg - 60 Lozenges

[Currently taking Gapapentin 300 mg. (3 a day)  Started taking; March 20, 2014]
   On a good note, he has NOT had a severe migraine in 2 months! First time in over 3 years as well as the heart pain. GLORY TO GOD! Two of the major battles he has faced greatly.
Yet, the doctor said do not stop the tinctures for they seem to be fighting the babesia causing these. 
  Also, she in encouraging him to not give up and to stay on the antibiotics as we are fighting an on going battle of bacterial that has it's own DNA.

  

BRAD'S LYME'S & BABESIA AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES

 

Pastor Brad Snowden with 2 of his 3 children; Tabitha and Nathan;
who is pushing him in a wheel chair on the Destin, FL wharf. 

 I have sitting all around my desk right now the different natural medication's that my husband Brad is taking. Not too long ago, we felt his liver needed a break from the antibiotics and our Doctor agreed. It has been three years now that Brad's health has declined. He went from an athletic man who could run marathon's, and laid roof's to one who has to be pushed in a wheel chair when he has to walk past 50 feet.

   Since then he has taken many different antibiotics (which are listed through-out in this blog) for awhile; yet we wanted to take the complete natural approach. Although, most Chronic Lyme patients as Brad live with antibiotics a great deal of the time.

   We happen to have many friends who take and study herbs with great conviction. In addition,  our own Lyme doctor is an advocate to alternative medicine.
Brad has migraine herx though that he has to take prescription medicine for [Almotriptan]. He basically uses natural other than the migraine medicine.
   Most of these are tinctures which are the active principles of the herb itself  that are extracted by use of alcohol; with that preserving the herb qualities.
----
  Examples of what Brad is taking:                                                      

* Japanese Knotweed Root (Polygonum cuspidatum)  from Woodland Essence
 Used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tussitive, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, febrifuge, stomachic .

It also has resveratrol that thins the blood and helps with inflammation.

*Cryptolepis Root (Cryptolepis sang uinilennia) from Woodland Essence
  It's been used for the treatment of malaria for many years. Babesia (the co-disease Brad fights) has some similar symptoms of malaria. It is also  thought by some  researchers as an anticancer agent.

*A-L Complex from Byron White Formulas (Microbial Defense Immune Support) Information (which was well stated) is from Lyme Disease Mommy blog site the post: Herbs vs. Antibiotics.
" Primary Provoking Action of A-L:

• This herbal formula is designed to activate the immune system against all forms of Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb).
• It will stimulate the immune system against the spirochete form of Bb.
• It has the capacity to penetrate the Bb cyst.
• A-L will work intracellularly against the cell wall deficient forms of Bb.
• Besides working intracellularly, it will work on the more naïve extracellular Bb forms.
• It can be used in the treatment of acute and chronic Bb.
• It will work on all strains of Borrelia.
• This formula will support the suppressed immune system that results for chronic exposure to these bacteria.

Secondary Provoking Actions of A-L Complex:
This formula is designed with the assumption that Borrelia never comes alone. Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and probably Mycoplasma often accompany it. To a lesser degree A-L supports the immune system to address these co-infections.

Lyme disease has a progressive immune suppressive effect. The more chronic the infection the more the patient experiences an overgrowth of opportunistic organisms. This formula helps address these infections and decrease the pathogen load. The herbs in this formula have historically been used against a wide number of bacteria, viral, fungal, and parasitic organisms. These include Staph, Strep, Fungal and Candida forms, Trichomonas, Chlamydia, (among others).

REGULATORY MECHANISMS OF A-L Complex:

• This combination of herbs has a direct affect on the brain and nervous system. It reduces inflammation, lowering inflammatory cytokines levels to improve insomnia, anxiety and restlessness.
• A-L Complex has adaptogenic properties helping the adrenal system deal with the stress of chronic illness.
• This formula helps breaks up congestion and stagnation in the lymphatic and circulatory systems. It also helps loosen and break up catarrhal and remove it from the sinus and lungs.
• It is tonifying for the GI track as well as the lungs, kidneys, heart and liver. It removes waste from the body and allowing the beneficial affects of the herbs to reach into deeper levels of these tissues.
• Most importantly it helps regulate the compromised methylation and other detox pathways as it works to excrete dead cells through the lymphatic and hepatic systems.
• The formula acts as a binding agent that absorbs toxins.

REGENERATIVE MECHANISMS OF A-L Complex:

• The Lyme patient is often compromised nutritionally. The herbs provides easily absorbed nutrient including calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, Vit B1, B2, B3 and Vitamin C.
• The formula helps with the biosynthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
• It counteracts hypercoagulation, thus reversing capillary stagnation.
• Modulates the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production.
• Has an adaptogenic effect that helps the body regain metabolic balance.
• Tonic rejuvenating effect on the heart, liver, and kidney.
• It balances the heat and cooling properties of the system having a constitutional harmonizing effect."

  *Rosemary He uses to help with his migraines.

   All good physicians will encourage their patients to take probiotics. High quality one's at that. Brad's doctor told him to purchase:
Ultra Flora Plus DF Capsules  15 Billion organisms per capsule.  by Metagenics 
Saccharomyces Boulard II + MOS MannanOligoSaccharides  5 Billion organisms per capsule. By Jarrow Formulas
YES, HE DOES TAKE BOTH! (We both do!)
   Also, Brad takes Aloe Vera Juice for his stomach hurts him quite a bit.
Stabilized Aloe Vera Gel by Forever 
Aloe supports your immune system and cleanses your digestive system. It has many healing properties. Over and over again when Brad stomach started hurting he would drink this and he would feel much better.

   This past summer, Brad also visited with his Nutritionist; who is also a Chiropractor. He put Brad on top quality vitamins, complex's...etc.
All by NUTRI * SPEC
ACTIVATOR Specific nutrients for Metabolic Balance
IMMUNO SYNBIOTIC  Prebiotic + Probiotic 
COMPLEX S Specific Nutrients for sympathetic imbalance
COMPLEX P Specific nutrients for parasympathetic imbalance
pure Grapefruite Seed Extract

  Of course Brad drinks herbal teas, as simple as ginger and peppermint to blessed thistle, needle tea and the list can continue quite long.

  He was given directions from his Lyme Literate M.D.  We strongly advise anyone taking tinctures to do so. There has been slight improvement in the Lyme sector of his diagnoses. The big battle seems to be the Babesia. In a few months, the antibiotics will be back on our shelves. But, for now we hope and PRAY this will help.

-----------------------
UP-DATE ON BRAD'S HEALTH
Brad was doing quite better, comparing to all the issues he battled at the beginning.
Then, he started swelling: his belly and his face became swollen. His eyes bulged too. The doctor believed yeast was building up in his colon from the Lyme and the med.'s. 
The past 6 months his legs have begun to hurt 24/7. No relief and tremendous pain. He saw another Vascular specialist. He ran droves of tests and found his veins were clear. PTL!
This past week he visited with a Neurologist who did see that there appeared to be serious symptoms of which she could see after evaluated. She ordered an MRI and later will do other tests. She did say she is for now calling this:  paraparesis (some paralysis). She just said she believes there is something in the lower core of his brain and in his spine. 

He still has to have a wheel chair and suffers with the various herx's that come.. 
Our family leans completely on our Lord Jesus, who is our Source of Great Strength. 

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From Dr. Mercola: Direct information quoted and linked.

"Probiotics to improve immunity and restore microflora during and after antibiotics	Curcumin is helpful at reducing neurological toxins and brain swelling
Astaxanthin to neutralize toxins, improve vision & relieve joint pain, common in Lyme	Whey protein concentrate may help with nutrition, often poor in Lyme patients who don’t feel well enough to eat properly
Grapefruit seed extract may treat the cyst form of Borrelia	Krill oil to reduce inflammation
Cilantro as a natural chelator for heavy metals	Serrapeptase helps to break biofilms
Resveratrol may treat Bartonella, a co-infection and also helps detoxification	GABA and melatonin to help with insomnia
Artemisinin and Andrographis, two herbs that may treat Babesia, a common co-infection	CoQ10 to support cardiac health and reduce muscle pain and brain fog
Quercetin reduces histamine (often high in Lyme)	Transfer factors can help boost immune function"

A WIFE SHARING HER HEART AS SHE HURTS ALONGSIDE WITH HER HUSBAND

    A WIFE SHARING HER HEART AS SHE HURTS ALONGSIDE WITH HER HUSBAND

by Daneille Gray Snowden

   I am writing this as an outlet to perhaps let out some of the sadness, frustration and impatience I have as a wife seeing my husband suffer with Chronic Lyme & Babesia.

   It's been so long since he has been diagnosed and even longer since this illness rose it's ugly head. Before this, he was quite active and strong. He supported our family with his roofing and carpentry business.  He was sharp as a tack, witty and loved to play with the children.

   Now, after years of heavy antibiotics, many trips to the doctors and hospitals we are still just on the road to no-where. My children and I now push my husband in a wheel chair when we go out places. This hurts him deeply, not just his pride but feeling like a burden...then that hurts me and the emotional plus physical roller coaster keeps going.

   I miss my lively husband, but I love him irregardless and he loves me. He still does his best to take care of us. Just because this has happened doesn't mean normal life stops. Vehicle problems, appliances breaking, growing grass, sick kids, death in families, meetings and on and on all do keep coming. Approaching all of this with limited health, finances and for me knowledge (for I can't fix cars) only makes this road even more of a challenge.

   I am balking I know...but venting is necessary. I know I am not alone, whatsoever. That hundreds are in this same old boat with us. I also know that I am not alone because I and my family have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. JESUS! I am telling you that without Him I am not sure if I would be able to make it through these days. Or for that fact my husband as well. Ya see, I wake up and He is right there. Filling me with a new joy, a new hope and a new inspiration. Spending quality time with Him (Jesus) helps me to love my husband even though seeing him suffering and changing before my eyes only frustrates me. Jesus has miraculously sent so many avenues of supply sporadically here and there. We never know how a bill will be paid, or a vehicle or whatever fixed...but continuously the Lord Jesus does this.
 [Presently,our pastorate just supplies us a parsonage.]

   We, along with so many who are praying for us are just anticipating a Divine healing for my amazing man of God. We know He has called us into a fresh new work for Him. Even now the messages my husband is preaching have been so anointed and there is great zeal when he preaches.

   Pray for us, pray for me...I am tired at the moment and needed some supporters out there to say my name before the Throne Room of God. Pray for my children too and for a great break through in all areas of our lives.

   God does make a way, where there seems to be no way. That is our Hope!

                                              Brad & Daneille smiling with the sun in our eyes!
                                                                Cause we are together!

14 Year Old Daughter's Heart About Her Daddy Who Has Lyme's

Daddy

All of my life, Daddy had been (to me) the strongest man in the world! He would play with us in the evenings and do his independent carpentry work during the day, then turn around and ......

(Click link for full story.)

http://thefathersdaughter-felecia.blogspot.com/2013/05/daddy.html

MAY IS LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

MAY IS LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

  Lyme patients will get a chance to be heard this month as Lyme Educators will be speaking to politicians, medical professionals, and the public through out the month of May.

   ILADS (International Lyme And Associated Disease Society) will be speaking at a big Lyme Awareness Rally in New York City on May 10, 2013. What is awesome is that more than 20 countries are expected in attendance. [Would love for our family to be a part of this one!]

For more information regarding the rally, Lyme Disease Awareness Month and Lyme's go to:  www.ilads.org

Up-Date On Brad:
  Not a whole lot has changed for Brad. He is about the same since our last post. Though the breath hunger is not constant. But, still has hung on. The monthly migraines are the big 'kicker'! Every week always brings the faithful herx to Brad's body. He is still in a wheel chair when we are in places that require walking more than 100 feet.
  He has been denied disability now definitely 4 times. Three lawyers have helped but with no avail. We have not had any income since this ordeal began. Our church is unable to pay us as at all. Though, the provision of a parsonage is a great blessing of which we are grateful for.
  This sounds so depressing and scary  Frankly, if we allow ourselves to dwell on this storm...I believe we would sink. But, our hands are being held tightly by our daddy, our God! His Strength has been amazing through all of this. Admittedly we are very tired, needing a break. God knows. But, that doesn't mean we stop; we keep going forward-loving & serving others as we serve Him.
  Your prayers are coveted and if you are suffering as well---hang in there. Just take one day at a time. Laugh, reach out to others daily and love on Jesus! We are all in this together; we will make it!

Another Day/Another Doctor's Visit

Another Day/Another Doctor's Visit 

  My husband Brad (the Lyme/Babesia patient), had a doctor's visit today. Anyone who has this disease knows how after a long while, you get to the place you just do not want to ever walk through the door of a doctor's office again. Simply because you are just tired of the entire ordeal. Tired of waiting and waiting in the lobby, waiting in the room, 

waiting for blood tests or the results of the tests. Tired of doctors looking at you and saying we do not see anything wrong with you. Thus, we cannot help you. 

  This time was a wee bit different. Brad's hearing has been waning now for a couple months. Today, after the audiology exam they found significant hearing loss in one ear and a small amount in the other. They labeled it neurological hearing loss. About all she could do is well; you guessed it-NOTHING! 

  Our Lyme Literate Doctor has treated people who have gone both blind and deaf with this disease. As well as unable to walk and the list is quite long. We were encouraged to meet a married couple who both has Lyme Disease, the wife was both blind and deaf and couldn't walk. But, now is able to see, hear and walk. The aggressive antibiotic therapy plus the herbs was the answer for her. 

  Not even a month ago, Brad's vision was attacked. He woke up with fuzzy vision, eventually one eye was totally blurry. His right hand went numb on him too. Not knowing what to do and also encouraged by our L.L.Dr.; we went to our local M.D. We waited and waited to be told there was ...(ready) NOTHING they could do. What was interesting, once they knew he was diagnosed with Lyme, she didn't even bother to run a scan on Brad. Recall from past posts this all started after a knee surgery that developed a blood clot that hospitalized him for almost two weeks. Thus, the probability of him having another one is pretty good. 

   After being told about his hearing, tears came down our face. We have read a lot by now, we have listened to our Lyme Lit. Doctor with her words of knowledge, watched Under Our Skin and witnessed others face serious illness due to Lyme. With Brad not getting better now after 9 full months of antibiotics; we are feeling quite dismayed. But, strangely feel a deep peace (which we know is from GOD). After the tears, we both looked at each other and said; "All is well." Then, Brad looked at me and also said; "Well, here is another thing God is going to take care of." 

  This all is just too heavy for us to bear. For anyone to bear. Only Jesus can carry us; looking back at all we personally have faced through out the years; this knowledge has given us much rest and resolve. [R & R]

  Allow us to encourage anyone out there facing this disease. 

 1st:  Don't face this alone. My dh has a quiet personality anyways, but he is a very strong minded man. As he has gone through this, I have watched him sink more and more into himself. It was separating him from me, his children and his God. I prayed and prayed. Well, the Lord really touched his heart and he is much better.  

2nd: Total surrender! Don't carry this. When you are in constant pain this is not easy. But, if you cannot do anything but just say the Name of Jesus...whisper it, cry it...believe in this Name. I promise You will then feel His presence so strong because your own spiritual nature will be 'in-tune' to His Lordship. 

3rd: Keep the Hope at the forefront of your entire mind, soul and being. This is where so many patients loose heart. They give up, they stare at all the medications; they remember how active they once were, they see their families and feel left out. But, know Hope is life, Hope is a healer, Hope is the future and Hope is for now. I am telling you right now...HOPE IS JESUS! Him and him alone, not man...including you-Hope is Jesus being the Lord of Your Life. Ask my husband, he will tell you this. Ask me? My story is there too-I am in remission. 

4th: One day at a time. Enjoy every segment of the day God has given you. Being able to get out of bed. Be with a loved one. Shower, read; drink your coffee or tea and so on. Tonight, our family of 5 was so silly; we just simply sat in our living room being absolutely goofy. Laughing at the most simplest of things. Ahhhh, isn't that nice! 

  Hang in there my friend. When you yet have another doctor's appointment, remember this blog-article. Though we are tired of waiting; say: "All is Well" and go forward one step at a time. 

--------------------------------------------

Brad's New Med's:

Sumatriptan  50mg

Clindamycin  300 mg  2-3X a day

Minocylcine  100 mg  cap teva 1-2X a day

Hydroxychloroquine  200 mg Ran  2 a day

Amitriptylin 25 mg tab Sand 1 at bedtime

  These have seemingly been much better on his stomach. There have been new herx's that have arisen:

Eyes going fuzzy & numb hand- but he is able to function a little better sometimes.

  The herx's (and other side affects) he does have:

heart pain, neck-tension pain, joint, migraines, no taste buds (all the time), dizziness, concentration, depression, moodiness, breathlessness, skin rashes, bloating, high blood pressure, high pulse rate. Unable to walk distances past 50 feet. 

  If you have these, it might be good to locate a Lyme Literate Specialist near you. 

Under Our Skin: The Untold Story of Lyme Disease

By Dr. Mercola

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/10/13/under-our-skin-documentary.aspx?np=true