In this powerful Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode, Lindsey Shaker shares her inspiring journey of overcoming Lyme disease and multiple co-infections. From battling years of misdiagnosis to navigating aggressive treatments, Lindsey’s story highlights resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of maintaining hope. She also emphasizes the role of movement, such as yoga and hiking, and the necessity of community and self-care in the healing process. Tune in for invaluable insights into managing chronic illness and learning how to advocate for yourself and others in the Lyme community.

1. Introduction to Lindsey Shaker • Background: Director of Marketing for Shaker Auto Group and Lyme disease advocate. • Diagnosed with Lyme disease and multiple co-infections at age 31 after years of misdiagnosis.

2. Lindsey’s Early Life and Onset of Symptoms • Born with Lyme and Bartonella through maternal transmission. • Early symptoms: Full-body paralysis during high school track practices, emotional instability, memory loss, and balance issues in college. • Misdiagnosed with depression, ADHD, and Lyme carditis before her eventual diagnosis.

3. The Turning Point • Mother’s diagnosis prompted Lindsey to seek further testing. • Diagnosed with Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesiosis, Typhus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis via blood tests conducted by Dr. Bouboulis.

4. The Treatment Journey • Initial treatments: A combination of antibiotics, anti-parasitic medication (Mepron), and IVIG therapy. • Challenges: Managing severe Herxheimer reactions and navigating insurance for IVIG approval. • Milestones: Significant improvements in mobility and overall health over seven years of treatment.

5. The Role of Mindset and Self-Care • Tools for resilience: Yoga, probiotics, CBD oil, and communication with Lyme-literate professionals. • Addressing environmental factors, such as mold exposure, through diet, sleep, and movement.

6. Movement as Medicine • Physical activities: Hiking and yoga played crucial roles in her recovery journey. • Emotional benefits: Restored confidence and emotional well-being through consistent movement.

7. Life After Lyme • Nearly 99% recovered but emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance. • Reflects on lost time but remains grateful for the progress made and the strength gained.

8. Advice for Listeners • For Lyme patients: “Your outlook is everything. Fight for your recovery and never give up.” • For prevention: “Assign a tick-checking buddy and never skip tick checks after outdoor activities.”

9. Lindsey’s Call-to-Action • Follow Lindsey on Instagram: @LMshaker to learn more about her journey and advocacy work. • Explore Tick Boot Camp resources for tools and strategies to overcome Lyme disease and chronic illnesses.

Conclusion: Lindsey Shaker’s journey reminds us that recovery is possible with persistence, education, and support. Her story is a beacon of hope for others navigating the challenges of chronic Lyme and other tick-borne diseases

Keywords: Lyme disease, Tick Boot Camp, Lindsey Shaker, Resilience, Misdiagnosis, Co-infections, Herxheimer reactions, IVIG, Movement, Mindset, Immune system, Chronic illness, Recovery, Advocacy, Tick-borne illnesses, Treatment journey

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Liz Kinnart, a health professional, Lyme disease survivor, and founder of Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness. Liz shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—where tick exposure was a part of life—to her eventual Lyme disease diagnosis and recovery. With over 15 years of experience in exercise physiology and chronic disease management, Liz offers invaluable insights into navigating tick-borne illnesses and maintaining health.

Key Discussion Points:

• Early Exposure to Ticks: Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Liz was exposed to ticks from a young age but was unaware of the potential health risks. Her love for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking in her 20s further increased her tick exposure.
• Health Challenges and Diagnosis: Liz’s health journey began in 2020 with flu-like symptoms and joint pain, initially misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. After years of unexplained symptoms, she received a Lyme disease and Babesia diagnosis in 2023 through blood testing by a Lyme-literate medical doctor (LLMD).
• The Role of Stress and Immunity: Liz reflects on how past stressors, including a traumatic event in high school and a toxic relationship in college, may have weakened her immune system, making her more vulnerable to tick-borne illnesses.
• Healing Journey: Liz used a holistic approach to heal, including herbal therapies like cryptolepis, banderol, and samento, along with antibiotics, parasite cleansing, and lifestyle changes. She highlights the importance of balance in exercise, incorporating strength training and low-impact activities while listening to her body’s needs.
• Creating Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness: Inspired by her journey, Liz founded Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness to support others with chronic illnesses. Her personalized coaching focuses on improving health through fitness, nutrition, and education.

Advice for Listeners:

• For those battling Lyme disease: Healing is possible with patience, resilience, and a proactive mindset.
• For prevention: Build a strong immune system and be prepared with knowledge and tools to handle potential tick encounters.

Resources and Links:

• Liz’s Website: Bloom Holistic Health and Fitness
• Follow Liz on Social Media:
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok

Connect with Us: If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit from Liz’s inspiring journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for our next episode!

In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Richard Johannesen and special guest co-host Claudia Arias welcome Audrey Lambidakis. Audrey, based in Santa Cruz, California, shares her journey from a promising career in rescue and safety to overcoming the challenges of a life-altering brain injury and Lyme disease. Claudia, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, joins to provide her insights and amplify the importance of mental health in chronic illness recovery.

Episode Highlights:

• Audrey’s background in safety work, including her time as a junior ski patrol member.
• How a knee injury and subsequent brain injury during her freshman year of college shifted her life trajectory.
• A decade-long journey of seeking treatment across the U.S., including participation in government studies and visits to top hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Stanford.

• Misdiagnoses and dismissal by doctors who deemed her symptoms psychosomatic.
• The eventual discovery of Lyme disease as the root cause of her prolonged health struggles.
• Her experiences with Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) and the importance of Lyme-literate doctors.

• Audrey shares the emotional toll of navigating her health journey and the pivots that kept her moving forward.
• How faith and belief in the possibility of healing played a vital role in her recovery.
• The creation of the Healing Brain Waves Foundation to educate and raise awareness about brain injuries and their connection to Lyme disease.

• Audrey’s exploration of a holistic approach to recovery, incorporating mindfulness, therapy, and innovative treatments like psychedelics.
• Plans to become a nurse practitioner to bridge the gap between brain injuries and Lyme disease.
• Her advocacy work within the Mavericks surfing community to secure a hyperbaric chamber for big wave surfers.

• A discussion on the systemic lack of Lyme disease education among medical professionals.
• The critical role of patient self-advocacy in navigating complex health systems.
• Claudia and Richard emphasize the transformative power of proper diagnosis and the ripple effect of getting one person the right care.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope is essential: Even in the darkest moments, small positive changes can guide the way forward.
• Faith in healing—whether rooted in spirituality, science, or self-belief—can accelerate recovery.
• Lyme disease is often an unseen factor in brain injuries, underscoring the need for awareness and education.

Closing Thoughts: Richard Johannesen and Claudia Arias commend Audrey’s resilience and vulnerability, celebrating her progress and unwavering dedication to helping others. This episode is a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and belief in healing.

Subscribe & Share: If Audrey’s story inspired you, subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode to spread awareness about Lyme disease and brain injuries.

Note to Listeners: Audrey’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, no matter how daunting the journey may seem. Stay hopeful, stay informed, and join the movement to liberate others from the suffering caused by Lyme disease.