Hansa Center, visit number 5

It’s true. I haven’t shared since my second trip to Wichita, which was two years ago!

I finished up my fifth visit to the Hansa Center yesterday and I feel compelled to share (as I have gained many new Facebook friends since that time). There are so many of you, I am certain, who have never even heard of the Hansa Center. If that is the case, here is an excellent informational video that will tell you all about the center.

I discovered the Hansa Center over two years ago when I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. The Hansa Center is probably most known for the treatment of Lyme Disease, but they also able to help with most any set of symptoms or illness(es) that confound other practitioners.

The decision to return to Wichita following a worsening of my symptoms over the summer (and after an extensive mold remediation) left me almost unable to get out of bed and, much of the time, unable to drive.

It is difficult to deal with the well-meaning criticism of many, some of which is actually said and much of which is implied. Loved ones, friends, and acquaintances have asked (or implied): “Why would you return to the Hansa Center? Why would you spend money to return to a place that hasn’t helped you?”

Well, first of all, that’s not true. I had many improvements following my first two visits. Most of my initial complaints were either decreased by 75% or, better yet, gone after my first visit. Lingering issues kept me coming back, however. I just knew that there was more going on beneath the surface.

Turns out, my gut served me well when we discovered a horrible mold issue in our home in the spring of this year. It is nauseating to considered that I made four trips to Kansas to get the help that I needed- only to return home to a toxic environment (unbeknownst to us). I know that these prior trips were not a waste (as they served to, at the very least, keep me afloat and functioning, in a cesspool of living conditions).

I also began to think of it this way: isn’t it all that one can do to explore all options, choose the option that they feel best, and stick to it? I cannot even begin to fathom the emotional turmoil of moving from one plan of action to the next to the next. Some do and that’s their decision, but I believe that the Lord led me to Kansas for a reason- and He continues to reinforce that fact to me. I mean, consider this: what does it mean for something to not “work”? Imagine I (or you) had cancer, for example, and I (or you) received treatment for my (or your) particular type of cancer, and it worked for a while (but then returned). Would we grow angry with our oncologist, declare our treatment a failure, and wonder why I (or you) had ever even initially pursued that option? Of course not. We would tell our oncologist, “We had a great plan and I (we) really thought it would help, but (for whatever reason), it didn’t. Now what are our options?” I like to think that I (or you) would be realistic with our expectations.

So that’s where I had arrived in regard to returning to Kansas. Why wouldn’t I return? Why would I start over? The facility. The therapies. The staff. The support network of friends. My DOCTOR (reason enough alone to return).

Needless to say, I was so thankful (i.e. ecstatic) to be given the opportunity to return to the Hansa Center. Many cannot and I do not regard it lightly.

My package this time was 3 days (as opposed to 5). We were able to see where my body stood at this point, look at labs, hit all things mold, and deal with forward head posture, which may be a big contributor to my lingering headaches (or at least one can hope). I now have multiple remedies (homeopathics and herbs) as well as supplements. I have exercises for the head posture. 

I was able to do quite a bit of therapies, including FIR sauna, lymphatic drainage, rife, oxygen, massage, bemer, and PEMF (which I am now mildly obsessed with and I want a PEMF machine).

I was able to see a few of my Kansas friends (but not nearly enough of them). My friend, Janice, prayed a prayer over my anxious body that I will never forget and, I swear, rained down heaven and made the enemy flee. I was able to meet my friend, Shannon, in person for the first time. I made new friends. 

Some of the nearest people to my heart live in Kansas. 

If I could, I would put my Kansas doctor in Kentucky. The care that I receive from my doctor at the Hansa Center is unparalled and individualized and these doctors are a GIFT. I am so thankful for a doctor who truly cares and invests, both in person and from afar.
I feel such gratitude for David and for my mother in law who cared for the kiddos and took care of all of my responsibilities during the week while I was gone.

If you or someone you love struggle with unexplained symptoms or a chronic illness and you want answers that get to the root of the problem, please consider the Hansa Center. Ask me questions. I would love to help and/or get you in touch with Patient Care.

Days 4 and 5: More of the same wonderful awesomeness.

Today wrapped up my second visit, third week total, spent at the Hansa Center in Wichita. It is always bittersweet to go, but that’s life, right? I very much miss my family and cannot wait to see them!

I am grateful for my mother-in-law who took the time to stay at our house and watch my kids while my husband worked. She is such a blessing to us!

I could not make these trips without David. David actually planned my first trip to the Hansa Center- not me. I know how badly he desires me to be well and I am thankful for his selfless devotion to me and to our children. One dad. Six kids. Homeschool. That could get stressful quickly and he hasn’t complained at all.

Yesterday and today are a bit of a blur. We worked on lots of brain wave stuff, dealt with some scars from a past surgery, and dealt with other issues that came up.

I had a wonderful trip. There were many improvements. Honestly, 90% of my symptoms are either gone or dramatically reduced- in less than 3 months!

I was advised to return in about 16 weeks. I praise God that He has made a way the past two times and trust that He will continue to provide a way for me to continue to heal.

I am thankful. So very thankful. Got a quick pic with my doctor, Dr. Streit, and one wonderful Hansa employee, Diana.

Day 3: Emotions, Emotions

Day 3 has come and gone. I had a wonderful day at the center. It’s 9 degrees right now. Awesomesauce.

I started my day in the sauna. I am happy to report that I am sweating without my sauna remedy. Baby steps! Next I had my other therapies, including lymphatic drainage, the Lux, and the foot bath. I met some new patients from all over the United States and Canada.

I had a quick lunch and returned for a 1:00 p.m. doctor’s appointment. Today we did NeuroCardial synchronization. We also looked at heavy metals and I got a remedy for those as well as some chlorella to mop up the gut. 😬

There is something about NeuroCardial synchronization that makes me cry the rest of the day. It’s a super cool technique that always quiets me and grounds me- super odd and difficult to describe.

As Friday draws near, I yearn to see my family but also ache to leave the center. The Hansa Center emanates healing and I often wonder if I would pack up and move my family to Wichita were I given the opportunity.

Two more days! I’m going to embrace them and enjoy them and be grateful for them. Sometimes my mind says, “Only two more days.” Instead I am trying to say, “I have two full days left!” Perspective, right?

Oh, and we had an earthquake today. Cool, right?

Day 2: Have I mentioned that I love this place?

Gah! It’s 11:00 p.m. How shall I condense a whole day into a paragraph? I’m so tired.

I began my day with my CRT. The CRT is a diagnostic tool that the Hansa Center uses to evaluate how each of the systems in my body are functioning, what needs addressed, etc. I was most excited to compare my August CRT to my current CRT. There was much to celebrate (although I don’t remember the specifics)! Lots of improvements.

Side note: I can certainly praise that since my last visit I have lost another inch in my waist and two inches in my hips!

The doc listed the priorities that needed addressed. Guess what? NONE of them were directly related to Lyme! Yee haw! We dealt today with my thyroid, kidneys, and histamine.

Did all of my therapies, except the vitamin D bed. Gonna have to have a heart to heart with my doc about that- I love that bed!

Went to dinner with a group of gals this evening. Feeling pretty terrible and totally needing some sleep.

Until tomorrow- can’t wait!

Day 1: Blessed beyond measure!

I am ecstatic to be back at Hansa. I consider this opportunity (for a second time, at that) to be a total gift and I do not take it for granted nor do I regard it lightly. All glory goes to God for this blessing.

I had a short day today. I did four therapies. Lymphatic drainage. Lux light therapy. Ionic foot bath. Power plate. Those went well. The power plate was a little difficult to bear, but I made it.

I saw my doctor as well. We reviewed my remedies and supplements and did some basic balancing. There were a few praiseworthy moments:

1. I found out that ammonia toxicity is something that had gotten under control. Ammonia is a big deal for Lyme disease patients and I was super shocked to hear that good news!

2. As Dr. Streit reviewed my symptoms that I had listed during my first trip, I quickly realized that many of them were gone. I had even forgotten about them! We all celebrated!

CRT in the morning which will be quite telling. I cannot wait to hear what corrections have “stuck” and what I still need to work on.

As always, a reminder to myself and others: the doctor facilitates healing, I follow doctor’s orders, and God is the One who heals! Your continued prayers are so appreciated!

My feet are on Kansas soil!

Hello friends, near and far. I am glad to say that I am back in Wichita for my follow up at the Hansa Center this coming week. Two dear friends have joined me this week- one as a patient and one as a support person. It’s good to not be alone this time!

Two flights. Some delicious gluten free fare. Green juice is purchased. Now my friends and I are resting in our hotel room for the evening. We are exhausted!

I am absolutely ecstatic for my coming week of treatment. I am also a little apprehensive. I look forward to seeing which corrections have “stuck” as well as what kind(s) of issues are at the forefront at this time and ready to be addressed. I am not sure whether I want to laugh or cry. The Hansa Center emanates rest and healing and, believe it or not, giving attention to myself is difficult for this mother of six. Self-care is definitely a struggle for this gal.

I am so very thankful to God for the opportunity to be here again. It isn’t cheap and I know that there are many who ache to be here- but simply cannot do so. All praise and glory to Him for His continued provision!

I simply love to share about the Hansa Center with anyone who is genuinely interested (and doesn’t simply want to rain on my healing parade with skepticism and scrutiny). Just keeping it real. Please feel free to ask!

Stay tuned for more updates! Until Monday…

I am one of the strongest people that I know.

It needs to be said: all that I am, all that I am able to endure, and all of my victories are nothing short of the miracle of God’s grace in my life. It enables me. It sustains me. Were it not for His good grace, I would be nothing.

That being said, I am one of the strongest people I know. I don’t want to appear prideful or boastful. But I am. I am strong. I am very strong. It is incredibly rare that I am able to see myself in this light (as I feel ever-frail), but I am thankful that God allowed me to see my own strength tonight.

I have been sick since for as long as I can remember. I don’t recall ever feeling truly well. From childhood illnesses to a plethora of other medical issues, such as asthma, allergies, stomach pain, fatigue, and chronic throat and ear infections, I was always able to keep up with my friends. I was involved in school activities, played sports, and had many friends. I was strong then.

As an adult, my health problems became more severe- and I continued to fight for my health. I soared through college. I married. I became a mother to six amazing children. They are my greatest accomplishments, really. Some might say that I should have never had biological children because of my health problems. I placed those concerns in God’s hands- knowing full well that He was sovereign over my womb.

I continue to serve my family through a disease full of pesky symptoms that plague nearly every organ system in my body. I fight daily- through all of the fun that is muscle weakness, numbness, shooting pains, lightheadedness, anxiety, exhaustion, heart arrhythmias, pain, headaches, stomach aches, and what I can only describe as neurological hell.

I know that I could be much worse, but I long to be better. There are people who find their identity in their ailment- I am not that person. I wish so badly that this illness had never come my way.

My day begins by thinking:

“I wonder how I will feel today?”

“Will I be able to make dinner?”

“Will I be able to serve my family well?”

I will wish that I could stay in bed. I will wish that I could stay home (because the last thing that I want to happen is to be out- alone- and get ill.)

I will plan my day around scheduled meals and supplements. I’ll be monitoring my diet- as well as water intake. Eating in public will invoke fear- not enjoyment. I’ll plan my bedtime around saunas and detox baths. I’ll understand my intense need for sleep, but will subsequently not be able to do so. It will be a vicious cycle.

I will cook and clean and hug and kiss and snuggle and love and drive and walk and grade papers and instruct and correct and learn and on and on and on. I’ll do this every day.

I will praise God, plead with God, be angry with God, be in awe of God, worship God, and never ever doubt or question God.

I’ll feel His love, His presence, His comfort, His discipline, His instruction, and His grace and mercy.

The next day I’ll wake up and do it all again.

That is why I am one of the strongest people that I know. God has a plan. It is for me good. I will come forth as gold.

Back home: now what?

I stopped blogging after my seventh treatment day at Hansa, I believe. I hate that as I have since forgotten most of the details of those days. All I can say is that they were difficult and I didn’t feel up to blogging.

I have been home for 19 days (it feels like so much longer than that) and what a roller coaster it has been!

I am happy to report that my good has outweighed my bad! I made great progress during my time in Wichita! Lyme patients always want to know: was it worth it for what you paid? The answer is a resounding “yes!” Have I had bad days since I have been home? Yes. But I have had many good days as well.

Healing is just going to take time. As many wiser than me have said: “You didn’t get sick in two weeks. You aren’t going to get better in two weeks.”

My time at Hansa changed me- in every way. No other way to treat chronic illness makes sense to me anymore. When I get my regular messages asking:

“What should I do to treat Lyme disease, herbals or antibiotics?”

Or:

“My kid was bit by a tick! How long should she be on antibiotics?”

Or:

“Can you recommend a local physician?”

I stand befuddled because my answer has totally changed.

I would recommend the Hansa Center to anyone…for anything. Not just Lyme disease. Period. It is an investment, but I consider my health (to properly care for my family and myself) to be a worthy investment!

I am happy to answer any questions about the Hansa Center! Awaiting my follow up return visit in November!

Day 7: New day, same headache.

I gotta start out with a reminder to myself: don’t miss the forest for the trees, Mandy, and the tree is called a headache. My headaches have actually gotten worse every day. It is tempting to allow that fact to completely bum me out. What I have to remember, however, is that most of my other symptoms are gone. I haven’t seen them since I have been here. Not at all. That’s praiseworthy, right? I say yes! 

Therapies and my appointment with the doctor went well today. He created two new remedies that he thinks will help my headaches and anxiety. And I can’t remember if it were today or yesterday- I think yesterday- that my doctor encouraged me to listen to this. What a beautiful illustration of how God holds us together. Our bodies are incredible examples of His handiwork and nothing is a coincidence.

“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17

Speaking of holding all things together, here is me getting some excellent therapies on my warm uterus (that loves to house all the babies):

A girl can get used to the sounds of air, birds, and water in her ears most of the day!

Then I got this photo from the husband. Cue the first week of school crying (that I am missing). How precious are those kiddos? I miss them so and cannot wait to scoop em up in my arms.

I spent the later part of the afternoon at the market. The keyboard player really wanted to chat so I listened to him quiz me on artists and songs for a good half hour while I waited for the hotel shuttle to return.

And it’s my friend, Erin, and her mom’s, birthday. We had to have cake (gluten free, of course). What a precious family they are! Check out this beauty:

And this is how I end every single day:

Rice pack to the head, yo.

Fun, right?

The moral of today:

I am learning more of this. (My all-time favorite song on seasons of suffering-a must listen!) Today God also reminded me of the power of my words and my actions (as well as the words and actions of others). What I am learning about the body is reinforcing that words and actions literally build up or tear down your body. I was reminded especially that the words I use toward my children could affect their health (in all forms) and well being for the rest of their lives. 

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

Sorry, friends. Thoughts all over the place. Any documentation at this point may be more beneficial for me than for you. My apologies! I don’t want to forget what I have learned.

Day 6: New friends.

Today was a good day (minus the headache that never truly goes away). My sweet friend from Kentucky joined me in the clinic and began her therapies. We have the same doctor, which is exciting! As a matter of fact, I have made many new friends. And not in a misery loves company way, I assure you.

I had all of the same therapies, ending the day with a surprise wonderful massage (as I didn’t think that I had one today).

I saw my doctor at 2:00 where we focused on all things with the prefix “neuro”. I took enough homeopathics to satisfy a sweet tooth and showed off my horrible balance. I also had to take a one-time, god awful, horrible tasting remedy. I mean, seriously, it was awful.

I like to think that I keep a very upbeat good attitude in my appointments and therapies, but I am very discouraged by my headaches and that seems to be a common theme. Every person I met today, Lyme or not, had headaches. I really suspect that food may be a culprit and my doctor assured me that we will hit foods one day this week. I could be wrong, though. I’m not the doctor.

Looking forward to tomorrow, but beat today. Add to that that my kids are starting school this week without their mama and my heart hurts.

More tomorrow…