Introduction
Growing up I was always the sick kid. Plagued with chronic sinus infections, hives, and allergies year round. As an adult, I was tired of “treading water” and acquiring more food intolerances year after year. I became very sensitive to chemicals and various smells that would cause me to break out in full body rashes. I had to get to the root cause. And this led me to discovering I had chronic lyme disease, along with mold toxicity. This resulted in beginning Bee Venom Therapy Immunotherapy (BVT) to heal myself after antibiotics/herbal protocols only made me sicker.
Key Takeaways On My Healing Journey
- How I got sick
- Where I am now on my healing journey
- Plans for my Bright Future
How I Got Sick….
I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began seeing a Functional Medicine Practitioner in Denver, Colorado and in 2020, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease, along with Mold Toxicity. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I almost felt relieved. I actually had a diagnosis and I could treat it easily, right? So I thought. I am sure many of my fellow Lyme Warriors can relate to this very feeling after being gaslight by healthcare professionals for many years.
So my treatment plan began and I was nervous. SO nervous! I knew it was going to be challenging, after researching more about chronic Lyme and the horror stories online. (I am on a mission to not be that person by the way – positive vibes only here!) I was put on various antibiotics and herbal protocols with various killing and detox tinctures. Looking back my body was in NO place to be killing at the rate I was. I became incredibly sick and could barely function. After a lot of soul searching and running out of money (being sick is VERY expensive), I threw out or cleaned what I could then made the decision to move back to the Midwest to be closer to my family. It was a hard decision as I loved Colorado and the mountains, but I knew I needed the support.
Let's talk...mold toxicity
Let me back up a bit and discuss mold a bit. It’s terrible. Unless you have been through mold sickness or witnessed someone going through it, you have no idea how much it impacts your already suppressed immune system. Yes, I recognize mold is everywhere in our environment, but some molds create mycotoxins that can accumulate in your body if your liver can not properly detox them out. They can also colonize on your organs and need to be treated by a medical professional. Luckily, I worked with an expert medical professional in this area of expertise!
My apartment in Denver in 2020 had high levels of Stachybotrys chartarum (aka black mold that creates toxic mycotoxins) and it was thought to have triggered my Lyme to become active, along with chronic stress. It was in my bedroom from a leak on the roof and I had no idea. What I know now is that my Mast Cells were activated and it created a perfect storm. My diet was very limited and I was malnourished because it seemed like everything I ate made me feel unwell.
The trauma mold has caused in my life is something I am navigating still today! I have moved more times than I can count due to mold exposures at this point and I have learned all the tricks to keep my home low mold now as a result. Now that I am starting to travel more again, its been challenging, but doable to help me get my life back! I even have a handy dandy traveling air purifier that I love.
TIP: Advocate for yourself if you see any discolorations or signs water damage in your apartments. Landlords need to be held accountable! I was not educated in the matter at the time, but now I am fiercely diligent! Starting with an ERMI from EnviroBiomics to see what molds you have in your environment and then compare with your lab mold markers is a great place to start if you think this is a barrier to your healing.
Where I Am Now On My Healing Journey...
It is crazy to think how far I have come as I reflect on my journey. I am one strong cookie as I look back! I never gave up on myself and kept seeking answers.
Ultimately, I stopped all Lyme antibiotics/herbs in 2022 and embarked on my quest to prepare my body to begin a Lyme treatment called Bee Venom Immunotherapy (BVT). It was not an easy road as you can imagine. I worked hard to regulate my nervous system, get quality sleep, drink quality water, gentle movement and low inflammatory diet. It was very important to bring specific inflammatory markers down significantly to safely begin. I completed a nervous system regulation program called Primal Trust to set the foundation for healing. I can’t recommend this Program enough! Here is a link to check Primal Trust out. Getting out of the “sick mentality” when you have been sick for so long, is not easy, but doable.
I am working with a BVT guide (who healed herself from lyme years ago using BVT) and my Doctor to run quarterly bloodwork. So how does this work? Well, I administer BVT (with an Epipen prescribed from my doctor) – 3 days a week. So yes, I sting myself with honey bees 3 times a week. I will let that sink in….. It seems extreme, but hey it’s the ONLY thing that has worked for me.
I am finally getting my life back and don’t plan to stop until I fully eradicate the Lyme and potential coinfections. It took a minute to get used to the process, but now that I am in my groove and ramping up, it is becoming second nature. They live in a little bee hut in my bathroom. I just see my little healers as something else in my medicine cabinet.
I am also working through healing my gut, as well as continuing to regulate my nervous system, so BVT is not the silver bullet as some may say, its just the cherry on top! I also, focus on the basics everyday – joy in the little moments with Lola, clean water, keeping a clean environment, calm mind and a nourishing whole food diet. See my blog on keeping your home air clean here!
The Power Of Bee Venom Immunotherapy (BVT)
So much research is being done on the power of the medicinal properties of Bee Venom and I foresee this really taking off in the coming years! Its antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic. Many people are already using bee pollen, propolis and honey for various ailments. These wonderful little healers can do it all! Specifically, an amino acid in Bee venom that is called melittin, gets the most attention as its found to break through the biofilms of bacteria and viruses. It is currently being studied for the use in breast cancer treatment as well. Overall, so much emerging research is surfacing that shows how powerful Bee Venom is at low doses for lyme disease and I am feeling the positive effects already.
Plans For My Bright Future...
I am back to living semi-normal! I have energy to work, keep up with Lola, meal prep all of my food and be present with loved ones. Don’t get me wrong, I have days where I need to SLOW down. This is when Lola girl intuitively knows, it’s a snuggle fest kind of day on the couch. I love how instinctive dogs are! I have learned to listen to my body and rest.
Pictured above are my bee huts and me in a beekeeper suit. PS. I don’t actually need a beekeeper suit. I was lovingly gifted this when I started BVT, but maybe someday if I have my own hive! For now, I will buy my bees from a local beekeeper or online.
Typically, it takes 2-3 years for the BVT protocol from start to finish depending on the complexity/progression of the disease and coinfections. Slow and steady wins the race and I am in no hurry to rush the process. I am going to keep on, keeping on! I will continue to be monitored by my doctor along with checkins with my BVT guide. Luckily, I also have a group of sting friends that I chat with frequently, who also work with my BVT Guide. This journey can feel a bit lonely at times, so I am happy I have them along with my family and friends. You know who you are! So much love for you all.
My motto is – Test Not Guess, so I also get a big lab panel done with Function Health – 2x a year to ensure my basic labs are within range. Data is fun and I love to track and trend. Taking my blood pressure and blood sugar every morning has become a routine and I know this will serve me long-term. If you want help tracking like I do, download my personal Weekly Self Care Checkin Planner below!
Final Thoughts
My healing journey has had its ups and down, but I am finally on the right path for me. I am learning to trust my body again – trust that it will heal given the right environment and positive mindset! I am slowly creating my mind body connection again. It feels wonderful!
Buzz along for all updates, as I progress on my BVT journey – this is only the beginning!
Please note: I know BVT is not for everyone and that is ok, I am just sharing what is working for me. Please be kind and refrain from any negative, judgmental comments. This is a space of positivity and healing!
This blog is for informational purposes only to share my healing story and offer hope for a better tomorrow and not give up on yourself. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. Please work with your healthcare professional before starting any treatment plan for your safety.
Hiya! My name is Amy. I am a Lyme Warrior navigating my healing journey with my emotional support dog, Lola by my side! I rescued Lola girl in 2022 when I needed her the most, she is an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie Mix with lots of love to give. Buzz along with us as I share all things pet therapy, dog training and my personal healing journey from Lyme and all the things that accompany it!