Tick Boot Camp

Episode 467: LIVE from ILADS: Megan Bradshaw - Advocating for Tick-Borne Disease Patients

Key Points:

  • Megan Bradshaw shares her personal recovery journey and how it led her to pursue a master's in public health at UNC Chapel Hill.
  • She discusses her new role as Government Relations Manager for the Center for Lyme Action, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to increasing federal funding for tick-borne disease research and policy.
  • The Center for Lyme Action organizes "fly-in" events, where patients and advocates virtually meet with members of Congress to share their stories and push for increased Lyme disease funding.
  • Megan highlights the power of grassroots advocacy, explaining how patient voices influence legislative change despite bureaucratic hurdles.
  • She explores opportunities within the current administration's focus on chronic illnesses and the potential role of federal agencies in tackling Lyme disease.
  • Megan encourages patients and caregivers to participate in the upcoming virtual "fly-in" event, offering training and support to help them make a difference.
  • Advocacy is not just about policy—it can be an empowering part of the healing journey, providing patients with purpose, connection, and a platform for change.

Resources & Links:

Episode 466: LIVE from ILADS: Tanja Mijatovic - Advancing Lyme Disease Testing with Red Laboratories

Key Takeaways:

  • Red Laboratories' Holistic Approach: A comprehensive testing strategy that examines not only pathogens but also immune function and gut health.
  • Phage-Based Borrelia Testing: A groundbreaking method utilizing bacteriophages to directly detect active Borrelia infections, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
  • Gut Microbiome and Leaky Gut: The vital connection between gut health and Lyme disease, with in-house microbiome testing revealing dysbiosis in most patients.
  • Immune Function Testing: Advanced biomarkers and immune messengers provide insights into the immune system's response to tick-borne infections.
  • Personalized Testing and Treatment: Red Laboratories collaborates with healthcare providers to create tailored testing and treatment plans for each patient.

Resources & Links:

Episode 465: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Leo Shea - The Physiological Basis of Psychiatric Symptoms in Lyme Disease

Join Tick Boot Camp for an exclusive live interview from the ILADS Conference with renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Leo Shea. Dr. Shea, a past president of ILADS, shares groundbreaking insights into the physiological underpinnings of psychiatric and psychological symptoms in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The historical shift from viewing psychiatric conditions as theological to recognizing their physiological basis
  • The importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving both medical and psychological professionals
  • The impact of misdiagnosis and "medical gaslighting" on patients' mental health
  • The role of social isolation, loss of purpose, and identity in the healing journey
  • How inflammation and infection in the brain can contribute to cognitive and psychiatric symptoms
  • The influence of trauma, both past and present, on the presentation of Lyme disease
  • The significance of addressing environmental factors like mold and heavy metals
  • ILADS' recommendation for a team-based approach to Lyme disease treatment

Resources & Links:

Episode 464: LIVE from ILADS: Joel Adams & Dr. Jason Bachewich - Treating Chronic Lyme with Innovative Supplements

In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, recorded at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, host Richard Johannesen sits down with Joel Adams, the founder of CelWel, and Dr. Jason Bachewich, a Lyme-literate naturopathic doctor from Winnipeg, Canada. Together, they explore how CellWell, an innovative supplement, is showing promising results in the treatment of chronic Lyme disease and long COVID.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joel Adams’ Journey: Learn about how CelWel was developed, initially used for COVID-19 patients, and its potential to support those with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease.
  • Lyme Disease in Canada: Dr. Bucha provides insights into the challenges of diagnosing and treating Lyme disease in Canada, especially in the Winnipeg area.
  • CelWel’s Impact: The supplement's anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-parasitic properties are discussed in detail, showing how it helps modulate the immune system for chronic Lyme patients.
  • Real-World Results: Dr. Bucha shares a personal success story about using CelWel with his daughter to address severe long COVID symptoms, noting significant improvements.
  • Collaborative Approach: Hear how Joel Adams and other Lyme-literate doctors, including Dr. Destiny Green, are working together to use CelWel with pediatric patients for positive results.

Resources & Links:

Episode 463: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Geoff Dow - Tackling Babesiosis with Malaria Research

Join us for a special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference! In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Geoff Dow, an Australian-born researcher specializing in malaria and infectious diseases. Dr. Dow shares his journey from veterinary and biomedical sciences to his groundbreaking work at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the founding of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to combating tropical and infectious diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Dow's expertise in malaria research has provided valuable insights into treating Babesia, a parasite closely related to malaria.
  • Tafenoquine, an FDA-approved drug for malaria prevention, has shown promise in experimental models and off-label use for Babesiosis treatment.
  • He emphasizes the importance of clinical data to secure FDA approval for tafenoquine as a Babesiosis treatment, a growing concern in the Lyme disease community.
  • The discussion covers the challenges of off-label drug use and the need for safe and effective medical education regarding new treatment options.
  • Dr. Dow outlines the timeline for FDA approval, estimating 2-3 years if clinical trials are successful.

Resources & Links:

Episode 462: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Jody Greenfield - Overcoming Lyme Disease as a Doctor

In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Richard Johannesen interviews Dr. Jody Greenfield, a Lyme-literate doctor and ILADS board member. Dr. Greenfield shares his personal battle with Lyme disease, the challenges of getting diagnosed as a medical professional, and his journey from patient to expert in tick-borne illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Greenfield’s background as a native New Yorker who grew up near Fire Island, where he was exposed to tick-borne diseases early in life.
  • Struggles with diagnosis despite his medical training, with an unexpected twist— a cleaning staff member pointed him to a Lyme-literate doctor.
  • Flaws in the healthcare system and why acute care fails many Lyme patients, highlighting the need for better testing and education.
  • Transition from patient to expert, including ILADS training under Dr. Bernard Raxlen and his work at the Lyme Resource Medical practice.
  • Role in advancing Lyme education by training the next generation of doctors to recognize and treat tick-borne illnesses effectively.
  • Importance of proper testing, such as the tick-borne relapsing fever test, for accurate diagnosis.

This episode is a must-listen for Lyme patients, caregivers, and medical professionals seeking firsthand insights into the challenges of diagnosing and treating Lyme disease.

Resources & Links:

Episode 461: LIVE from ILADS: Dennis Katz & Michael Macione – Standardized Supplements for Lyme Disease

Introduction:

  • Guests: Dennis Katz (President) & Michael Macione (VP of Sales & Marketing), founders of Doctor Inspired Formulations
  • Recorded at: ILADS Conference, the largest Lyme disease conference in the world
  • Focus: Providing high-quality, standardized supplements for the Lyme disease community

Key Points:

Background and Inspiration for Doctor-Inspired Formulations

  • Founded in response to physicians’ frustrations over inconsistent supplement quality
  • Initially launched with Mimosa pudica and liposomal artemisinin to ensure proper dosing and purity

Challenges in Sourcing and Standardizing Supplements

  • Difficulty in obtaining high-quality, contaminant-free raw materials
  • Rigorous quality control, including certificates of analysis for every batch

Expanding Product Line to Meet Lyme Community Needs

  • Grew from 2 to 8 products based on feedback from Lyme-literate doctors and patients
  • Offerings include liposomal curcumin, oregano oil, artemisinin, and Mimosa pudica

Enhancing Bioavailability and Reducing Inflammation

  • Use of enteric coating, micronization, and carrier oils to maximize absorption
  • Formulations designed to reduce common side effects

Key Products and Their Uses

  • Cinnamon-Clove-Oregano Formula: Supports biofilm disruption and Lyme persisters, included in Dr. Horowitz's protocol
  • Whisbax Topical Spray/Cream: Designed for skin issues like actinomyces and post-tick bite support

Commitment to Quality and Customer Service

  • Manufactured in the U.S. in cGMP-certified facilities with stringent testing protocols
  • Small company with a direct line of communication between founders and customers

Conclusion:

  • Doctor Inspired Formulations is dedicated to providing standardized, pharmaceutical-grade supplements for the Lyme community
  • Founders emphasize the importance of transparency, quality, and patient-centered innovation

Resources & Links:

Episode 460: Overcoming Lyme Disease: Dr. Andi Campitelli's 4-Phase Treatment

In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we delve deep into the world of Lyme disease with Dr. Andi Campitelli, a highly experienced naturopathic doctor from Toronto, Canada. Dr. Campitelli shares her personal journey with Lyme disease, her unique 4-phase treatment approach, and invaluable insights for anyone struggling with chronic Lyme disease.

Episode Highlights:

  • Dr. Campitelli's Personal Lyme Story: Discover how a passion for preventative medicine, sparked by personal loss, led Dr. Campitelli to specialize in complex chronic illnesses like Lyme.
  • The 4-Phase Lyme Treatment Framework: Learn about Dr. Campitelli's comprehensive approach, focusing on:
    • Foundation: Addressing getting the body ready for treatment with things like gut health, detoxification, hormones, genetics, and inflammation.
    • Natural Antimicrobials: Utilizing herbal/botanical tinctures, binders, etc. to address mold, SIBO, parasites, and infections (Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, etc.).
    • Judicious Use of Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals: When and how a variety of antibiotics/pharmaceuticals can play a role in Lyme recovery, including Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine, Disulfiram, Dapsone, etc.
    • Long-Term Maintenance: Strategies for sustained wellness and preventing relapse.
  • Mental Health & Neuroplasticity: Explore the crucial role of mental health support and neuroplasticity in the Lyme recovery process.
  • Detoxification Strategies: Understand the importance of supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways.
  • Expert Insights from a Lyme-Literate Doctor: Benefit from Dr. Campitelli's experience treating over 1,000 Lyme patients and her own personal journey overcoming the disease.

Connect with Tick Boot Camp: Listen to more inspiring stories and expert advice on our Tick Boot Camp Podcast. Subscribe on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music) and join our community to liberate yourself and others from Lyme disease.

Episode 459: LIVE from ILADS: Ray Solano - Personalized Lyme Disease Treatments

In this special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Richard Johannesen interviews Ray Solano, a compounding pharmacist specializing in personalized medications for tick-borne illnesses. Recorded at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, this conversation dives into how customized pharmacy solutions can revolutionize Lyme disease treatment.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Ray Solano’s Background: His journey as a compounding pharmacist with over 26 years of experience in integrative medicine.
  • The Power of Personalized Medicine: How customized dosages and delivery methods can enhance absorption and minimize side effects.
  • Challenges in Lyme Treatment: Overcoming obstacles in sourcing effective, affordable treatments for chronic illness.
  • Innovative Therapeutic Approaches: Exploring natural, herbal, and repurposed medications for Lyme disease and co-infections.
  • How to Work with a Compounding Pharmacist: Steps Lyme patients can take to obtain tailored medications.

Resources & Links:

Episode 458: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Jennifer Letitia - Unpacking Long COVID and Long Lyme Disease

Key Takeaways:

  • From Plastic Surgery to Functional Medicine: Dr. Jennifer Letitia shares her journey from a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery to functional medicine after facing her own health struggles.
  • Long COVID & Long Lyme - Similar Mechanisms: She explains how long COVID and long Lyme disease share common immune dysfunctions, including spike protein effects, white blood cell activation, and inflammatory cytokines.
  • Root Cause Medicine: Dr. Letitia emphasizes addressing underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms for lasting recovery.
  • Gender Differences in Chronic Illness: She discusses why chronic illnesses disproportionately affect women and the challenges in research due to a patient population primarily composed of women.
  • Bridging Medical Gaps: The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between medical disciplines to improve the understanding and treatment of chronic illnesses.

Resources & Links:

The goal of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast is to help people liberate themselves and others from suffering caused by Lyme disease through validation, community building, belief that healing is possible, and modeling success. Listen to our Tick Boot Camp podcast using all major podcast streaming services such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Our podcast is also integrated with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple TV. Ask your device to "play the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!"