A story of Lyme Disease with Heather Gray
Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, is a growing concern globally, particularly in regions where ticks are prevalent. This disease can affect individuals of all ages and, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications.
In a recent episode of the Sleep like a Boss podcast, I got a chance to dive deep into this subject with a very special guest - Heather Gray, also known as the Lyme Boss. Heather, a practitioner and author, shared her personal journey of battling Lyme disease and chronic illness, shedding light on the symptoms and challenges often missed or misdiagnosed.
Heather is a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and Bioenergetic Practitioner specializing in supporting clients with chronic and complex illnesses such as Lyme disease, Mold Toxicity and Autoimmune diseases.
She helps her clients get to the root cause of their symptoms and helps them take control of their health journey. Heather's approach is not only effective but also empowering.
Heather’s Journey
Heather's own journey truly shows many overlooked and misunderstood aspects of chronic illness, particularly Lyme disease as well as the relentless nature of Lyme disease, where symptoms may vary and intensify over time, making diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.
When she got bitten by a tick at the age of 13, Heather had no idea that it would change the course of her life in ways she couldn't have imagined. That seemingly insignificant event turned her into the perfect host for Lyme disease, a condition that would remain undetected for years, wreaking havoc on her physical and mental well-being.
It wasn't until she found myself in a psych ward at the age of 15, following her first suicide attempt, that the symptoms of Lyme disease began to surface. But instead of receiving the help and understanding she desperately needed, she was met with skepticism and dismissal from medical professionals who attributed her struggles to mere psychological issues.
For years, Heather battled chronic pain that seemed to migrate from one part of her body to another, leaving her feeling exhausted and helpless. Sleep became elusive, and she found myself nodding off in class despite getting to bed early every night. The mental toll was just as debilitating, with mood swings and unexplained rage becoming a regular part of her life.
It took nine long years of suffering, countless suicidal thoughts, and the unwavering support of loved ones before she finally found a practitioner who took her symptoms seriously. Within minutes of their first meeting, she suspected Lyme disease.
But the road to recovery was far from easy. Traditional treatments with antibiotics failed to provide relief, and Heather soon realized that she needed a more holistic approach to healing. That's when she discovered functional diagnostic nutrition (FDN), a method that focuses on addressing the root causes of illness rather than just masking symptoms.
Through FDN, she learned to heal her gut, balance her hormones, and detoxify her body from years of accumulated toxins. Heather became her own guinea pig, undergoing functional labs and making lifestyle changes that would ultimately transform her health and within just three months of implementing FDN principles, she began to experience significant improvements. Her chronic pain subsided, her sleep improved, and her mood stabilized.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
When it comes to Lyme disease, the symptoms can often mimic other conditions, making it challenging to diagnose. This is why it's crucial to consider Lyme disease as a potential cause when certain symptoms arise, even if the disease itself isn't presenting visibly.
One significant indicator is migrating pain—when pain moves from one area of the body to another. This symptom, along with others like chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, hormonal issues, and sleep disturbances, should raise red flags for further investigation.
As an advocate for functional diagnostic nutrition (FDN), Heather emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues contributing to Lyme disease symptoms. FDN focuses on healing the gut, balancing hormones, detoxifying the body, and making lifestyle adjustments to support overall health and well-being.
One key aspect of Heather’s approach is prioritizing self-care and stress reduction. Women, in particular, often face challenges in obtaining timely diagnosis and treatment for Lyme disease due to systemic biases. Therefore, it's crucial to advocate for ourselves and prioritize our health, recognizing that self-care isn't selfish but necessary for our overall well-being.
In addition, sleep disturbances are common among Lyme patients, with issues ranging from insomnia to sleep apnea. Ensuring restorative sleep is vital for healing, as poor sleep quality can exacerbate symptoms and hinder recovery efforts. Addressing factors such as mold exposure and sleep apnea is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes.
“Migrating pain - when pain moves from one area of the body to another - should raise red flags for further investigation.”
The L.Y.M.E B.O.S.S. Method
In years working with her clients, Heather developed the L.Y.M.E. B.O.S.S. method:
L: Lymph Drain or Detox - by prioritizing detoxification, we're giving our bodies the chance to shed that weight and breathe freely again.
Y: You Come First - prioritize your own health and your own well-being.
M: Mindfulness - engage in practices that promote nervous system retraining and positive self-talk to combat negative thoughts and their physical effects.
E: Exercise - incorporate some type of movement tailored to your own capabilities.
B: Be the boss of your own health - take control of your health by making yourself a priority.
O: Organic - consume organic foods and reduce toxin exposure in your daily life.
S: Stress management - implement stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.
S: Self care - remember that self-care is not about being selfish; it's about prioritizing your well-being so that you can show up as the best version of yourself for those around you.
Lyme Disease and Sleep
For those battling Lyme disease, sleep is often elusive. It's not just about tossing and turning; it's about grappling with a relentless cycle of exhaustion that seems insurmountable. Imagine spending hours in bed, only to wake up feeling as though you've barely slept at all. This is the reality for many.
Stress exacerbates the problem, as heightened cortisol levels disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. The constant strain on the body leads to energy bursts followed by debilitating crashes, leaving you feeling drained both physically and mentally.
But, despite the challenges, there are ways to reclaim that restful sleep in the midst of Lyme disease. Here are some practical strategies that Heather suggests you consider:
Biohacking Tools: Explore the use of biohacking gadgets such as sleep trackers and frequency-generating machines to optimize your sleep environment and promote relaxation.
Essential Oils: Harness the power of essential oils known for their calming properties, such as lavender and chamomile. Experiment with different blends to find what works best for you.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your bedtime routine, such as deep breathing exercises or guided meditation, to quiet the mind and prepare for sleep.
Stress Reduction: Take proactive steps to manage stress throughout the day, whether it's through yoga, journaling, or spending time in nature. By reducing stress levels, you can help promote more restful sleep at night.
Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize good sleep hygiene habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing your sleep environment for comfort and tranquility.
If you want to learn more about Heather or take her FREE quiz and get access to her amazing cooking videos, make sure you visit her website TheLymeBoss.com.
