In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Justin Lindorf sit down with Dr. Andrew Petersen, a Lyme-literate medical doctor with over 24 years of experience in treating chronic Lyme disease and other complex chronic illnesses. Dr. Petersen shares his unique journey into medicine, driven by a desire to "stick up for the little guy," and how he transitioned from family medicine to becoming a leading figure in Lyme disease treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating a Healing Environment: Dr. Petersen emphasizes that the key to overcoming chronic Lyme disease is creating an environment where the body can make more new cells than are being broken down, which promotes overall health and healing.
• Promoting Cell Growth and Repair:
  • Ingredients for New Cell Formation: Ensuring the body has the necessary fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, oxygen, and water.
  • Proper Signaling Molecules: Maintaining the presence of hormones, peptides, cytokines, interleukins, enzymes, growth factors, and neurotransmitters.
  • Optimizing Cell Production: Addressing hormone and thyroid imbalances to enhance the body’s ability to make new cells.
• Reducing Cell Death:
  • Managing Microbes: Implementing strategies to reduce the microbial load, including Lyme-specific treatments and immune support.
  • Detoxification: Actively managing and reducing environmental and internal toxins that contribute to cellular breakdown.
  • Addressing Stress and Trauma: Implementing therapies to reduce the impact of psychological and physical trauma, which can trigger immune dysfunction.
  • Mitigating Electromagnetic Frequencies: Reducing exposure to EMFs, which can disrupt cellular function and contribute to chronic illness.
• Fecal Implants and Microbiome Health: Dr. Petersen discusses the use of ThaenaBiotic, a processed and sterilized form of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), to help restore a healthy microbiome. This approach aims to reintroduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, which can be crucial for patients with Lyme disease and other chronic conditions.
• Dr. Petersen’s Journey: Learn about Dr. Petersen's unconventional path to becoming a DO, inspired by personal experiences and a dynamic biology professor.
• Understanding DO vs. MD: Dr. Petersen explains the differences between DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) and MDs, and why he chose the osteopathic path.
• Challenges in Lyme Diagnosis: Dr. Petersen discusses the difficulties he faced in diagnosing Lyme disease during his early career, especially while working in tick-endemic areas without proper awareness or training.
• Integrative Approach to Healing: Dr. Petersen shares his holistic approach to treating Lyme disease, which includes addressing the key factors that contribute to chronic illness alongside Lyme-specific treatments.
• Justin Lindorf’s Perspective: As a Lyme patient himself, Justin offers valuable insights into Dr. Petersen’s compassionate and open-minded approach to patient care.

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In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Luke Abroms, a firefighter from Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss his battle with Lyme disease. Luke shares his story, starting with his life before Lyme, the sudden onset of symptoms at the age of 32, and the difficult journey toward a correct diagnosis. Despite numerous visits to doctors, Luke's symptoms were often dismissed as anxiety or psychiatric issues, until he finally found a naturopathic MD who identified Lyme disease and multiple co-infections.

Throughout the episode, Luke opens up about the challenges of living with Lyme in a region where the disease is not widely recognized and the emotional and physical toll it took on him and his family. He also details the treatment regimen that ultimately led to his recovery, including pulsed antibiotics and herbal therapies, and how he was able to return to a normal life.

Luke's story is one of perseverance, hope, and the importance of being your own advocate in the face of a complex and often misunderstood illness. Whether you're a Lyme warrior yourself or looking to understand more about the disease, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• Luke’s career and life before Lyme disease, including his work in the fire service.
• The sudden onset of debilitating symptoms and the initial misdiagnosis by medical professionals.
• The long and difficult journey to finding a doctor who understood Lyme disease and provided a proper diagnosis.
• The treatment plan that led to Luke’s recovery, including pulsed antibiotics and herbal supplements.
• Luke’s reflection on his recovery and advice for others dealing with Lyme disease.
• Special guest co-host: Ryan Courneya

Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more people and share more inspiring stories like Luke's.

In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello and special guest co-host Candace Matthis from Two Alpha Gals sit down with Nick Perfumo, a 37-year-old from Greensboro, NC, who shares his challenging journey with Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Nick discusses his life before and after the diagnosis, detailing his symptoms, the impact on his personal and professional life, and his ongoing battle to regain his health.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Nick's active outdoor lifestyle before Lyme and how frequent tick exposure gradually took its toll.
• The onset of severe symptoms in his early 20s, leading to a significant impact on his quality of life.
• His experiences with various treatments, including the Desert Bio (DesBio) protocol, Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), Japanse Knotweed (Boba BB VII), testosterone hormone therapy, Methylene Blue, and the Cowden Protocol.
• Candace Matthis provides insights into living with Alpha-gal syndrome and co-hosts a deep dive into managing this complex condition alongside Lyme disease.

Guest Bio: Nick Perfumo is an outdoor enthusiast and former air traffic controller whose life was drastically altered by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Now managing a 911 dispatch center, Nick is a vocal advocate for proactive health management and tick disease awareness.

Subscribe and Review: If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast platform of choice, as it helps us reach and assist more people in managing and preventing tick-borne diseases.

In this episode, Tick Boot Camp welcomes Ryan Cassata, a 30-year-old musician, activist, and Lyme disease warrior based in Los Angeles, CA. Ryan shares his compelling journey from a bustling music career to grappling with chronic illnesses like Babesiosis and Rickettsia. Through his candid discussion, Ryan provides insights into the challenges of living with tick-borne diseases and the importance of perseverance and community support.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Ryan Cassata: Learn about Ryan's background as an award-winning singer-songwriter and activist, his life in Los Angeles, and his early passion for music.
• Life Before Lyme: Ryan describes his vibrant life filled with music recording, touring, social activities, and running a music blog, which changed drastically after debilitating symptoms appeared in October 2023.
• Early Health Challenges: Ryan shares his first experiences with severe joint pain and paralysis in his left toe in 2021, which were initially misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia.
• Diagnosis Journey: Discover Ryan's path to a correct diagnosis of Babesiosis and Rickettsia shortly after his 30th birthday, following consultations with at least six doctors.
• Treatment Regimen: Ryan details his ongoing treatment since November 2022, including supplements, ozone and UV light therapy, anti-malarial and anti-parasite drugs, herbs, IV glutathione, and CBD, with plans to start infrared sauna therapy.
• Impact on Life and Career: Ryan discusses the significant impact of his illnesses on his ability to work, tour, record music, and socialize, sharing how he navigates these challenges.
• Advice for Others: Ryan encourages those battling Lyme disease to hold on, seek second opinions, visualize overcoming the illness, and rely on loved ones for support.

Educational and Professional Background:

• Master of Art in Social Transformation from Pacific School of Religion, graduated May 2023
• ASCAP award-winning singer-songwriter
• Recording Academy Voting Member (GRAMMYs)
• Certificate of Congressional Recognition

Quotes from the Episode:

• "Picture yourself as a superhero and the mission is to beat the illness. That has been helping me get through."
• "It's okay to cry. It’s a very stressful illness."
• "Wear the proper clothing and take the extra precautions when hiking or being in areas where ticks are often present."

Conclusion: Ryan Cassata's episode is a testament to resilience and the power of community in the face of chronic illness. His story provides hope and practical advice for those dealing with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and valuable insights from the Tick Boot Camp Podcast.

Thank You: A special thanks to Ryan Cassata for sharing his journey and to our co-host, Maria Mooney, for contributing to this enriching conversation.

Stay Connected: Subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast for more episodes featuring stories of perseverance, hope, and valuable information on Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.

In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Kaitlyn Oleinik sit down with Claudia Arias, the founder of Sacred Space Counseling. A Lyme literate therapist specializing in EMDR, Claudia brings her own Lyme journey to the forefront, offering invaluable insights into how her personal experiences have shaped her professional approach in helping the community.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction of Claudia Arias: Learn about Claudia’s background, her work in mental health, and how her own battle with Lyme disease led her to specialize in trauma and EMDR therapy.
• Claudia's Lyme Disease Journey: Claudia shares her initial symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis, and the integration of her experience into her therapeutic practices.
• Healing Techniques and Therapies: Claudia discusses the benefits of EMDR and other healing therapies she used during her Lyme disease treatment.
• Advice for Lyme Disease Sufferers: Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience, Claudia offers advice to those currently battling Lyme disease.
• Impact of Lyme on Mental Health: Exploration of how Lyme disease affects mental health and how Claudia’s practice addresses these complex challenges.
• EMDR and Its Role in Lyme Disease Recovery: Detailed discussion on how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be a powerful tool in the healing journey for those suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.

Conclusion: Claudia's story is not just one of overcoming illness, but also of transforming personal adversity into professional advocacy. Her insights provide hope and actionable advice for anyone affected by Lyme disease. Join Matt, Kaitlyn, and Claudia as they delve into the intersections of mental health and chronic illness, shedding light on the path to recovery and empowerment.

Connect with Us: Stay connected with the Tick Boot Camp community and join the conversation on social media to share your own Lyme disease story and insights.

Whether you're a Lyme disease patient, a mental health professional, or someone interested in the healing journeys of others, this episode is a profound resource filled with guidance and inspiration.

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