Cowden Approach

      We've been using the Cowden Protocol for Lyme since June 3rd.  It started out fairly easy but has gotten progressively worse as it was recommended for Thomas to reach adult doses in all the supplements due to the severity of his Lyme.  It took us until the end of month 3 to reach those high doses as increases made him sick and we'd have to wait several days before increasing again.  We then repeated month 3 at the top doses for 3 1/2 weeks.  His headache is constant and he has severe neck pain.  The naturopath started him on a course to treat a non-infectious form of meningitis caused from the Lyme getting locked up in his neck in the cyst form.  This last week has been particularly rough with little relief from the severity of the head and neck pain.  We are trying massage and reflexology at home.
          He's becoming more frustrated at not being able to play normally.  He misses skateboarding.  We've completely given up on him playing hockey but he was enjoying skateboarding.  He made it to his lesson on Saturday but really struggled and needed several breaks. His coach is awesome and sat with him talking about skateboarding and making it seem completely normal to sit and rest.  It was hard to see him so unsteady and falling a lot.  The pain supplements bring very little relief if any.  We are using comfrey and  Teifu topically for his neck and shoulders.  He is not able to read and most days is unable to complete much schoolwork. A device called the Bemer was recommended to use for relief from the pain but it costs $6000 and there is no guarantee so we are skeptical at this point.  The naturopath recommended that we rent one but it doesn't seem possible in this area.
       We continue to try to focus on the positives with Thomas. Every night we highlight one fun or amazing thing that happened that day with our special routine of "You are brave, You are Strong, You will overcome in Jesus name, You are a warrior who (fill in with something fun from the day).  Some days it's hard to find those blessings but we are working to see some good everyday.  We heard a wonderful song on the radio and were then able to find it at home on his ipad.  It's called Warrior by Hannah Kerr.  We make it a point to listen to it everyday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQpKSpgrwQE