Chronic Lyme Disease

A message of hope, healing, and helpful resources for those battling Bartonella

When I began my journey through chronic Lyme disease, I never imagined how complex the path to healing would become. One of the biggest turning points in that journey was being diagnosed with a co-infection called Bartonella — a stealthy, stubborn bacteria that made everything harder and more painful than I could have imagined.

But I’m here to tell you: you are not alone, and healing is possible.

What Is Bartonella and Why It Matters

Bartonella is more than just a Lyme co-infection — it’s a highly evasive bacteria that hides within your red blood cells, feeds off vital nutrients, and spreads silently throughout your body. It can affect multiple organs and systems, and when left untreated, it can seriously complicate recovery from Lyme disease.

Common Bartonella symptoms include:

• Cognitive issues like brain fog, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating

• Neurological symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, and poor coordination

• Physical pain in joints, bones, muscles, and even internal organs

• Fatigue, weight loss, and muscle wasting, especially during long periods of immobility

• Mood changes and emotional instability
  

If any of this sounds familiar, please know: these symptoms are real, and they deserve attention.

My Turning Point: Starting Treatment

My treatment for Bartonella began on October 1, 2020. By that point, I had already spent long periods bedridden and using a wheelchair for mobility. Starting treatment meant making big changes—and fast.

I paused work for six weeks to fully commit to my health. I reorganized my life around a new protocol designed to target the Bartonella infection while also managing other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which added another layer of complexity.

This wasn’t easy. But it was necessary.

What Helped Me the Most

Everyone’s healing journey is different, but here are some of the tools and approaches that made a real difference for me:

1. A Targeted Treatment Plan

Work with a Lyme-literate or integrative doctor who understands Bartonella and co-infections. Treatment often involves a combination of antimicrobials, herbal protocols, and immune support.

2. Rest and Gentle Movement

Bartonella attacks your body at a cellular level. Rest is essential, but so is gentle movement when possible to prevent further muscle wasting and support circulation.

3. Anti-inflammatory Diet

Nutrition plays a huge role. I embraced a diet rich in anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods. Cutting out gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods helped reduce my overall symptom load.

4. Sleep as Medicine

Sleep was non-negotiable. Bartonella disrupts sleep cycles, but I prioritized rest through natural supplements, a calming nighttime routine, and creating a healing sleep environment.

5. Mental Health & Mindfulness

This illness can take a toll on your emotional health. Therapy, meditation, journaling, and connecting with others on a similar path were critical for my resilience.

Words of Encouragement

Bartonella challenged me in every possible way. It pushed me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But it also taught me how strong I am. It deepened my self-awareness and showed me that healing isn’t just about fighting illness—it’s about transforming through it.

If you’re reading this while feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or alone—please know: there is hope.There is a way forward. Healing from Bartonella is hard, but it’s not impossible.

Helpful Resources for Bartonella Recovery

Here are some trusted resources and tools that helped me and may support you too:

• Books:

• Healing Lyme by Stephen Buhner (includes Bartonella protocols)

• The Lyme Solution by Dr. Darin Ingels

• Unlocking Lyme by Dr. Bill Rawls

• Supplements & Herbal Protocols:

• Nutramedix, Herb Pharm, and Byron White Formulas offer targeted Bartonella support

• Consult your doctor before starting any new protocol

• Support Communities:

• Facebook Groups: Bartonella Support Group, Healing from Lyme and Co-infections

• Forums: HealingWell.com, LymeNet

• Practitioner Directories:

• ILADS.org: Find a Lyme-literate doctor

• MyLymeData: Share your experience and access community research

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

Bartonella might feel like an invisible enemy—but your experience is real, and there is support out there. Don’t give up. Be your own advocate. Keep learning, stay open to what works for you, and trust that even the smallest steps forward are worth celebrating.

You are stronger than you think. And healing—real, deep, life-changing healing—is possible.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in this series, where I’ll explore Babesia and how it affected my recovery. If this post resonated with you, consider subscribing or sharing it with someone who may need encouragement today.