In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lizza, a 27-year-old from New Jersey who has been battling Lyme disease and its myriad complications since he was first bitten by ticks at age 13. Chris shares his intensive journey through misdiagnoses, various treatments, and his ongoing fight against Lyme disease, alongside pursuing his PhD. Tune in as Chris offers invaluable insights and advice for others navigating the complexities of Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

What You'll Learn:

• Early Life and Initial Symptoms:
  • Chris's early experiences with tick bites at age 13 and the onset of symptoms that were initially overlooked.
• Path to Diagnosis:
  • The long and arduous journey to a Lyme disease diagnosis at age 21, after being misdiagnosed multiple times.
  • Experiences with over eight specialists and various tests that eventually led to the correct diagnosis.
• Treatment Journey:
  • Overview of the treatments Chris underwent, including IV antibiotics, herbal remedies, and his current participation in the Quadruple Dapsone Protocol under Dr. Richard Horowitz and John Fallon.
  • Discussion of the effectiveness and challenges of each treatment, including the pivotal role of IV antibiotics in regaining functionality.
• Impact on Life:
  • How Lyme disease has affected Chris's work, social life, and daily activities.
  • The ongoing battle with symptoms and managing health post-diagnosis.
• Advocacy and Awareness:
  • Chris’s work on a Lyme disease documentary to raise awareness and educate others.
  • The importance of advocacy and self-advocacy in dealing with Lyme disease and the medical system.
• Advice for Others:
  • Strategies for managing the disease, including the importance of a supportive care team, the right treatment protocol, and maintaining mental health.
  • Encouragement for those newly diagnosed or struggling with chronic symptoms of Lyme disease.

Call to Action: If you or someone you know is battling Lyme disease, remember you are not alone. Join us in spreading awareness and sharing stories like Chris's to help illuminate the path to better understanding and treatments. Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast for more insightful episodes. Feel free to adjust or expand any section to better fit the details and goals of your podcast episode!

In this special collaborative episode, co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast join forces with Cassidy Colbert from the It Goes Without Saying podcast and Lacey Anderson from the Your Lyme Matters podcast. This episode marks a unique triple-platform broadcast aimed at reaching as many people as possible within the Lyme disease and co-infection community.

Join us as we discuss our journeys, the formation of our supportive Lyme community, and the crucial steps we all take towards healing and advocacy. From the early days of virtual support groups to the creation of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, this episode is packed with insights, heartfelt stories, and powerful lessons learned.

Key Points Discussed:

• Introductions and Backgrounds:
  • Lacey Anderson introduces the episode as the home opener for the "Your Lyme Matters" podcast.
  • Cassidy Colbert and her journey with the "It Goes Without Saying" podcast.
  • Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen's creation and evolution of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast.
• The Power of Community:
  • The formation and impact of virtual support groups.
  • Personal stories of connection and support within the Lyme community.
  • The importance of unfiltered discussions and sharing experiences.
• Interviewing Matt and Rich:
  • How Lacey and Cassidy first connected with Matt and Rich.
  • The importance of candid conversations about Lyme disease and its transmission.
• Mental Health and Lyme Disease:
  • Experiences with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks triggered by Lyme disease.
  • The psychological impact of Lyme disease and the importance of mental health support.
• Grief and Acceptance:
  • Understanding the grief cycle in relation to chronic illness.
  • The journey from denial to acceptance and the role of therapy and support.
• Future Plans and Projects:
  • Matt and Rich’s upcoming YouTube channel dedicated to sharing insights and patterns observed from hundreds of interviews.
  • The importance of continuous learning and adapting to new information within the Lyme community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Kathleen King and Primal Trust: Insights on the cell danger response and nervous system regulation.
• Dr. Leo Shea III and Neuropsychology: The ability of microbes, like Lyme, to cause psychiatric distress.
• Dr. Omar Morales and Neurological Lyme: Discussions on psychiatric symptoms related to Lyme disease.
• Heather Glovack and the Grief Cycle: Understanding the process of grieving within the Lyme community.
• CBD Oil and Herbal Protocols: The benefits of CBD oil and the HPA balance for managing symptoms.

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello and guest special guest co-host Kelsey Hall welcome Julie Mellae, a passionate Lyme disease advocate and author of Australian Lyme Crimes: The Global Disgrace. Julie shares her personal journey battling Lyme disease and the extensive research she conducted for her book, revealing startling findings about the disease's origins and the systemic denial by medical authorities.

• Julie's Personal Lyme Journey:
  • Life Before Lyme:
    • Julie was an active corporate executive, glass artist, and single mother living in Sydney, Australia.
    • She lived a vibrant life, balancing her career in advertising with her passion for art and raising her son.
  • Onset of Symptoms:
    • Julie first noticed symptoms in 2015 at the age of 56, experiencing heavy bruising, fatigue, weight loss, balance and speech issues, skin problems, and heart issues.
    • Despite visiting 8 doctors, she faced misdiagnoses such as hypochondria and flu before receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis at 58.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment:
    • Julie was diagnosed through both clinical evaluation and blood tests.
    • She received no conventional medical treatments but instead turned to alternative therapies like Valacyclovir, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), herbs, Rife therapy, Reiki, and massage.
    • Her struggle to find a compassionate doctor who acknowledged Lyme disease highlights the systemic issues in medical recognition and treatment of the disease in Australia.
  • Impact on Life:
    • Julie describes the significant reduction in energy and strength, making it difficult to maintain her previous lifestyle.
    • She continues to manage her condition with various holistic approaches and advocates for awareness and support for Lyme sufferers.
• Julie's Book and Research:
  • Australian Lyme Crimes: The Global Disgrace:
    • Julie’s book delves into her personal battle with Lyme disease and explores the controversial origins of the disease.
    • She investigates the potential use of Lyme disease as a bioweapon, implicating collaborations between the US, Russia, and Australia.
    • The book highlights the systemic denial and negligence by the medical community and government authorities.
  • Key Findings and Insights:
    • Julie's research uncovers the roles of figures like Willy Burgdorfer, Dr. Erich Traub, and Dr. Allen Steere in the bioweapons history and denial of Lyme disease.
    • She emphasizes the need for acknowledgment of Lyme disease across the world and better support for those affected.
  • Advocacy and Awareness:
    • Julie continues to raise awareness through her book, public speaking, and active participation in support groups.
    • She advocates for holistic and preventive measures, emphasizing the importance of protection against tick bites.

Support Our Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting our podcast by sharing it with others and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring more valuable content and spread awareness about Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.

Tune in next week for another inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Rayanne Marie Collins, a professional bodybuilder who has faced the challenges of Lyme disease head-on. From her early struggles with undiagnosed symptoms to her eventual diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Rayanne's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of knowledge. Join us as we explore how Rayanne's passion for bodybuilding has played a crucial role in her battle against Lyme disease.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to Rayanne Collins:
  • Age: 32
  • Location: Mooresville, NC
• Early Life and Pre-Lyme Struggles:
  • Born and raised in Flint, Michigan.
  • Undiagnosed symptoms from birth due to congenital Lyme disease.
  • Childhood health issues: seizures, chronic infections, severe allergies, fainting, and early onset endometriosis.
• Adolescence and Early Adulthood:
  • Struggles with depression, addiction, and severe menstrual pain.
  • Initial flare-up at age 18, marked by gut pain and fainting spells.
• Bodybuilding Journey:
  • Move to North Carolina at age 26.
  • Finding passion and happiness in bodybuilding, leading to success in the NPC and IFBB.
  • Severe health relapse during preparation for competitions, leading to multiple hospitalizations and a misdiagnosis of Crohn's disease.
• Lyme Disease Diagnosis:
  • The turning point: Suspecting Lyme disease due to family history.
  • Diagnosis at age 32 by Dr. Daniel Cameron.
  • Additional diagnoses of Bartonella and Babesia.
• Treatment and Ongoing Battle:
  • Initial treatments with Cat's Claw and other supplements.
  • Current treatment with Doxycycline and Malarone.
  • Use of IV glutathione, infrared sauna, and NAD infusions.
• Advice for Others:
  • Importance of education and self-advocacy.
  • The power of community and shared stories.
• Quotes:
• "Knowledge is power. Understanding Lyme disease and hearing others' stories can fill the void of feeling alone."
• "Despite the setbacks, I am determined to keep pushing forward and achieve my dreams."

Conclusion: Rayanne Collins' story is a testament to the strength and resilience required to battle Lyme disease while pursuing one's passions. Her journey highlights the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and the support of a community. Tune in to hear more about Rayanne's inspiring fight and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for more stories of hope and resilience.
• Follow us on social media for updates and community support @TickBootCamp
• Visit our website for resources on Lyme disease and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we welcome Dr. Brian Plante, a licensed naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative, whole-person healthcare. Dr. Plante shares his journey from Minnesota to California, his extensive training in naturopathic medicine, and his passion for treating complex chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease. He delves into the interconnectedness of the brain, immune system, and overall health, offering valuable insights into his comprehensive approach to healing.

• Introduction and Background: Dr. Plante’s educational journey and what led him to specialize in naturopathic medicine.
• Professional Experience: His work at Amen Clinics and previous experiences in regenerative medicine clinics.
• Integrative Healthcare Approach: How Dr. Plante combines various healthcare modalities to treat complex chronic illnesses.
• The Importance of the Brain in Healing: The role of the brain in managing and overcoming chronic illnesses.
• Training and Mentorship: The influence of Dr. Jaimy Kungle and the development of Dr. Plante’s passion for treating Lyme disease.
• Challenges and Successes: Stories of patient transformations and the importance of personalized medicine.
• The Naturopathic Advantage: Why naturopathic doctors may have better success rates in treating chronic illnesses compared to allopathic doctors.
• Practical Advice: How to identify and remove patterns of imbalance and the role of compassion in healing.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Health is the natural state of being when the conditions are right."
• "Our brain's job is to take in information from our environment, make meaning out of it, and predict what it needs to do to keep us alive."
• "The brain is the most powerful pharmacy in our body, and we have control over it with the right knowledge and support."

Resources Mentioned:

• Books: "The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health" by Emeran Mayer
• Supplements: Brain MD, Calmy Brain, Everyday Stress Relief, Cortisol Manager, Herb Farm products
• Programs: Re-origin, Vital-Side, DNRS, The Gupta Program
• Therapies: EMDR, brain spotting, somatic experiencing

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we are thrilled to have Dr. Emily Rowe, a functional medicine practitioner at the Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center. Joining as a special guest co-host is Theora Dobronte, who previously appeared on episode 176. Dr. Rowe shares her personal Lyme disease journey and discusses the innovative Western and Eastern modalities she uses to treat patients with complex chronic illnesses.

Dr. Rowe's Lyme Disease Journey:

• Dr. Rowe’s education and initial exposure to Lyme disease during medical school.
• Personal experiences with Lyme disease symptoms and diagnosis.
• Treatments included Ozone, EBO2, Peptides, herbs, IV antibiotics, and more.
• How her Lyme journey influenced her shift from conventional medicine to a more integrative approach.

Innovative Treatments and Modalities:

• Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine:
  • Discussion on how acupuncture, cupping, and Gua Sha are used to treat chronic conditions.
  • The role of Chinese and Western herbal medicines in treatment plans.
• Sound Healing and Vibrational Techniques:
  • Explanation of sound healing and its benefits for patients.
  • Use of vibrational resonance healings in breaking up adhesions and facilitating overall health.
• Hypnotherapy and Meditation:
  • The importance of hypnotherapy in addressing psychological aspects of chronic illness.
  • Success stories involving meditation and hypnotherapy for patient resilience and wellness.
• Shamanism:
  • Incorporation of Shamanism into patient care.
  • Insights provided by ancient wisdom practices in modern healing.
• Nutritional Supplementation and Detoxification:
  • Tailoring nutritional supplementation to individual patient needs.
  • Strategies for physiological detoxification and their impact on chronic illnesses.
• Homeopathic and Vitamin Injections:
  • Types of homeopathic and vitamin injections used and their benefits.
  • Enhancement of patient health and recovery through these injections.
• Biological Photomodulation:
  • Explanation of biological photomodulation and its therapeutic benefits.
  • Use of red light therapy and its combination with methylene blue for enhanced effects.

Environmental Toxins and Chronic Inflammation:

• Assessment and treatment of environmental toxin impacts on patient health.
• Case studies where addressing ecological toxins significantly improved patient outcomes.

Subscribe & Review:

• Don’t forget to subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review.

In this captivating episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we journey to Warsaw, Poland, to uncover the personal and profound story of Giulio Lacobellis and his battle with Lyme disease. Our host, joined by special co-host Emma Pikoulas, explores the profound impact that Lyme disease has had on Giulio's life and career.

Guest Profile:

• Name: Giulio Lacobellis
• Age: 38
• Location: Warsaw, Poland
• Background: Former entrepreneur engaged in European Union-funded educational projects; current IT professional.

Key Points Discussed:

• Life Before Lyme:
  • Giulio shares his dynamic life as an entrepreneur, fostering educational opportunities across Europe.
  • The transition from a bustling career to battling a debilitating illness.
• The Onset of Lyme Disease:
  • At age 36, Giulio's life took a dramatic turn as he began experiencing severe, unexplained pain and paralysis.
  • Misdiagnoses and the struggle to find answers in a non-English speaking healthcare system.
• Diagnosis and Treatment:
  • A seasoned rheumatologist's insight leads to a Lyme disease diagnosis through blood tests.
  • Giulio discusses his initial treatments, including antibiotics and ongoing pain management.
• Adjusting to a New Normal:
  • The significant lifestyle changes Giulio has made to manage his condition, including quitting alcohol and incorporating yoga.
  • The psychological toll of chronic illness and strategies for coping.
• Advice for Others:
  • Giulio provides heartfelt advice to others battling Lyme disease, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and proactive health management.

Special Thanks: We extend our gratitude to Giulio for sharing his deeply personal experience and to Emma Pikoulas for her contributions to the conversation as a special guest co-host. Their perspectives enrich our community's understanding of Lyme disease and its impact on lives around the globe.

Listen and Share: Join us for this enlightening discussion on the Tick Boot Camp Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review to help spread awareness and support for the Lyme disease community.

In this special crossover episode between Tick Boot Camp Podcast and the Vital Plan Network, we welcome back Dr. Bill Rawls, a trusted mentor to our Lyme Disease community. With over 50,000 downloads per episode, our listeners represent a broad spectrum of those impacted by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Dr. Rawls provides insight into the complex relationship between microbes and the immune system, drawing from his vast knowledge and research.

1. Microbial Strategy: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and yeast can all turn human tissues into their food supply. Dr. Rawls emphasizes the importance of understanding how microbes infiltrate and weaken the body's barriers.
2. Lyme & Co-Infections: Lyme disease is associated with a range of chronic conditions like MS, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and even cancer. Co-infections such as Bartonella, Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichia can exacerbate the symptoms.
3. Barriers to Disease:
   • Skin: Our first defense in keeping pathogens out.
   • Immune System: The internal army fighting off infections.
   • Cells: Designed to protect and regenerate themselves.
   • Gut Microbiome: The critical ecosystem maintaining balance and immunity.
4. Antibiotics vs. Herbs: Antibiotics are effective against fast-growing bacteria, but Lyme grows slowly (approximately every 12 hours). Herbs are often more effective against slow-growing bacteria like Borrelia (Lyme). Doctor Rawls has created his science-backed herbal Restore Kit to treat chronic Lyme disease.
5. Tick Vigilance: Dr. Rawls emphasizes tick vigilance, noting that ticks inject bacteria directly into the bloodstream through numbed skin, making detection essential. He stresses checking oneself thoroughly after outdoor activities.
6. Adaptogenic Support & Herbal Protocols: Dr. Rawls discusses how adaptogens like mushrooms and other herbs help regulate the body's response to stress and promote healing, especially when combined in comprehensive protocols like the Restore Kit. Doctor Rawls has created his HPA Balance herbal adaptogen blend in addition to his Adaptogen Recovery herbal blend included in his Restore Kit.
7. Chlorella & Detoxification: Chlorella is highlighted for its ability to bind and purge toxins from the body. Sweating through exercise or sauna therapy enhances blood flow and aids in flushing metabolic waste. Doctor Rawls has created his Pure Chlorella product to assist with binding and detoxification.
8. Mitochondrial Support: The role of cellular health in Lyme recovery is vital. Supporting mitochondria with herbal supplements, like the Mitochondrial Support in the Restore Kit, reduces stress signals from cells, calming the body's fight-or-flight response.

In this inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we're joined by Kerri Ciullo, a 29-year-old Lyme warrior from rural New Jersey. Kerri opens up about her extensive battle with Lyme disease, highlighting her current success with Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) as a pivotal component of her treatment.

• Early Signs and Misdiagnoses: Kerri shares her early symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues, which began in childhood. She expresses the challenges of being misdiagnosed and overlooked by numerous healthcare providers.
• Diagnosis and Treatment Journey: After being misdiagnosed by over 20 specialists, Kerri received a diagnosis of late-stage Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia at age 19. She walks us through her long treatment history, from antibiotics to intravenous therapies, leading up to her current focus on Bee Venom Therapy through The Heal Hive.
• Bee Venom Therapy Focus: Kerri provides an in-depth look at her BVT regimen, explaining how this treatment has brought significant improvements to her health. She discusses the process, the science behind BVT, and why it has been more effective for her compared to previous treatments.
• Living with Chronic Illness: Kerri touches on the personal adaptations she's had to make, including running her own Etsy business from home to accommodate her health needs. She also discusses managing multiple autoimmune conditions that have been activated by Lyme disease.
• Advocacy and Advice: As an advocate for Lyme disease awareness, Kerri offers crucial advice on prevention strategies, such as performing regular tick checks and choosing non-toxic repellents. She stresses the importance of self-advocacy and listening to one’s body.
• Future Plans and Hopes: Despite ongoing challenges, Kerri is optimistic about her future. She plans to resume her college education and continues to dedicate herself to a comprehensive self-care and treatment plan.

In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Dr. Elena Frid, a board-certified neurologist and neurophysiologist specializing in infection-induced autoimmune disorders, shares her expertise on the neurological and psychological aspects of Lyme disease, offering insights into why these are often the most misunderstood and challenging elements of the disease.

What You'll Learn:

• Dr. Frid's journey into specializing in infection-induced autoimmune disorders, neurology, and Lyme disease.
• The significant role of the neurological system in Lyme disease and why it's frequently misunderstood.
• The importance of an integrative approach to diagnosing and treating Lyme disease.
• Dr. Frid’s strategies for managing complex Lyme disease cases that exhibit neurological symptoms.
• Insights into the potential reversibility of autoimmune processes in Lyme disease patients.

Key Moments:

• Introduction to Dr. Elena Frid and the focus of today's interview.
• Dr. Frid discusses her educational background and what led her to focus on Lyme disease.
• Exploring the neurological impacts of Lyme disease and why they are critical yet challenging to treat.
• Discussion on the importance of an accurate diagnosis and the tools Dr. Frid uses in her practice.
• How autoimmune responses can be triggered by Lyme disease and the potential for reversing these effects.

Closing Thoughts: Dr. Frid emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to treating Lyme disease, considering both the infectious and autoimmune components of the disease. Her insights are invaluable for anyone struggling with or treating Lyme disease, especially those dealing with its complex neurological manifestations.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast. Stay tuned for more expert discussions aimed at helping you navigate the challenges of Lyme disease.