Lyme’s Disease - Solutions and Resources for Chronic Sufferers
About a year ago, I was invited as a medical massage professional to participate in a medical conference for people affected with Lyme’s Disease. The conference was to be held in Frederick, Maryland at a very large and beautiful old mansion. I accepted the invitation as a favor to a dear friend who knew the woman organizing the event. Frankly, I knew little about Lyme’s Disease other than people got it from tick bites. Further, I didn’t think it effected that many people - was I about to have my mind blown!
The conference was ‘sold out’ with people traveling as far as the midwest to attend. I arrived early thinking I would have a chance to set-up and meet the other participates. However, I pulled into a parking lot jam-packed with cars full of eager attendees anxious to meet one of the keynote speakers, a female doctor who practiced the teachings of Dr. Horowitz and was an advocate for patients dealing with Lyme’s Disease. I carried my gear through a crush of people, mostly women. As I found out as the session began, many of these women shared a common experience with their medical professionals when they shared their complaints: ‘They were dismissed’
The conference was ‘sold out’ with people traveling as far as the midwest to attend. I arrived early thinking I would have a chance to set-up and meet the other participates. However, I pulled into a parking lot jam-packed with cars full of eager attendees anxious to meet one of the keynote speakers, a female doctor who practiced the teachings of Dr. Horowitz and was an advocate for patients dealing with Lyme’s Disease. I carried my gear through a crush of people, mostly women. As I found out as the session began, many of these women shared a common experience with their medical professionals when they shared their complaints: ‘They were dismissed’
The organizer of the event, Ms. Katrina Kolb, shared her own story and how she had been bitten and infected many times (so goes the myth you can only get it once). She shared her own struggles with getting the medical help she needed, how she was forced to do her own research and how she currently maintains her health and well-being. One of the things she shared was her discovery of a book, written by Dr. Richard Horowitz, entitled: “Why Can’t I Get Better”.
The moment Katrina mentioned Dr. Horowitz’s book, the room erupted into cheers and applause regarding the book. Quite a few people in the room commented how it saved them as so many others were leading them to believe they were going nuts. Even the keynote speaker made mention of the book as if it were a bible for people suffering with Lyme’s Disease. I made a note to myself that I needed to get and read this book simply to educate myself more on this affliction which is much more widespread than I ever imagined.
Ever since that conference, I have encountered more and more people literally suffering with Lyme’s and frustrated with the inability of the general medical world to address their problems and many health issues. And, each time, I find myself referring them to Dr. Horowitz’s book and Katrina’s Facebook page in which she continues to cover the issue and offer guidance, support and resources to those afflicted. Yesterday, was no different, as yet another patient entered my studio and we began discussing Lyme’s Disease. After the client left, I was determined it was time I write an entry on my blog discussing the issue and provide a few resources.
So, here they are simply as a public service to those dealing with Lyme’s disease:
Absolutely, locate and read a copy of Dr. Richard Horowitz’s book, “Why Can’t I Get Better”. As I stay in touch with Katrina, she tells me Dr. Horowitz now has a second book, entitled: “How Can I Get Better” (though she says that she prefers the original over the newer one - either way, I will let you decide). According to Katrina, both books can be found on Amazon, any book store and most local libraries.
Further, Katrina still maintains her Facebook Page. It is called “Katrina Lyme Blues”. Simply locate the page and send her a ‘friend request’ (she basically accepts them all. This opens you up to a community of people battling Lyme’s Disease and the medical system towards getting some real help for their issues.
And, for those of you wondering what this has to do with massage? Turns out massage is actually recommended to treat some of the symptoms associated with chronic Lyme’s Disease. Generally, lite pressure is used like what one would experience if they get a Swedish (or Relaxation) Massage. Most people suffering with Lyme’s Disease should avoid a Deep Tissue or Sports Massage.
Otherwise, I simply provide this information as a public service and sincerely hope it is helpful to those suffering (and those who care for and love them).
