Hi tracy,

I had a Bowen test for Lyme and was tested for co-infections too. One of them Babesia. I was shocked when it turned out negative because my symptoms matched so well, and I knew how close I'd been to death so many times.

A couple months later I learned that the tests only pick up three types of Babesia and there are at least 18 types out there now! So I tried artemisinin which is used to treat Babesia because it's a malarial-type illness, and artemisinin has been used to treat malaria for at least hundreds of years. I had a pretty fast response to it, my mood lifted a lot and other symptoms, but mostly I remember the effect it had on depression because that had been dragging me down so much. I wasn't able to take it very long because I got headaches, and every time I've taken it since I soon wind up with headaches so can't take it longterm.

The salt/C protocol kills it though also, albeit more slowly. I'm happy with that though because it's more gradual herxing. The herxing from Babesia can be especially intense, sometimes major vomiting.

I've also found colloidal silver helps, because it will kill every kind of critter including protozoans, and Babesia is a protozoa so regular antibiotics will not work since they only kill bacteria.

It's very hard to recover from it but I'm happy I've made so much progress. I keep getting stronger. And I don't have the fear anymore that periodically I'm going to get sick enough to die. Which changes my perspective about life, a lot! Not to mention the fact that I don't have to put my trust anymore in doctors who didn't know what they were doing.

I can't help but notice all the people on this board that seem to be sicker right now. Lyme flares up worst in the spring and fall. Also every month before the full moon. If you're female it will flare up during your period, too. It can really make your life miserable. But at least if you know when you're likely to be worse it helps you get through it.

My mom has been feeling especially sick. Every day she'll mention her symptoms and I'll tell her she should get tested for Lyme. Yet she doesn't remember me saying that from one day to the next. That's one of the problems. Memory goes bad. Really, she could treat herself, but I know she won't unless she gets a doctor's diagnosis. She needs proof or she won't believe it, as most people seem to. But the medical profession is really bad when it comes to this disease. Most of the time I wouldn't trust them to do the right thing, or give the right test, or the right treatment. Lyme is one of those things they're trying to cover up how widespread it is.

And it is widespread. It's been found on every continent, even Antarctica. Lyme ticks have been found on penguins there.

Like with mercury poisoning, online groups for Lyme are extremely helpful in regards to support and information. They're better than the most "knowledgeable" doctors out there. And totally cheaper, LOL. -- LB