Hal Strack
Incline Village, NV
Lyme Disease

I suffered with Lyme Disease for ten years before I came to Sierra Integrative Medical Center (SIMC). My life before acquiring this insidious, debilitating malady was generally free of health problems, with rigorous work schedule complemented by exercise and outdoor home activity.

This all changed when my wife discovered a small tick embedded behind my knee, surrounded by a red circle. Removing the tick, we took it to the hospital where they cleaned the wound, but they lost the tick, eliminating the possibility of testing it for Lyme Disease. When early testing of me proved inconclusive I determined on my own through reading available literature that I was a prime candidate. I had been exposed, showed the “telltale” marks, and on top of that was experiencing many of the symptoms of Lyme Disease. An antibody test came back positive, and then probably too late, antibiotics were given to me. My condition was deteriorating. I was experiencing numerous negative effects: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Among my complaints were malaise, blurred and changing vision, joint and muscle aches, numbness, partial paralysis of the arms and “collapsing legs” that caused further injury, including blood clots. My mind was cloudy and while in this emotional state, I readily took offense; I was easily hurt and found myself constantly struggling to fight off depression.

Most of my symptoms were somewhat fleeting and waxing and waning. All of this was punctuated by the intermittent taking of a series of antibiotics, some of which would seemingly work for a while, but less so with each renewed need and application. I turned to increasingly potent anti-inflammatories, including Prednisone. This was given to me when I was at my absolute worst, so sensitive and tender that I could not sleep lying in bed, but only in a tub of hot water.

I was going nowhere, having no hope of getting better, while becoming progressively more injured, handicapped and inactive. At this juncture, a friend told me of an acquaintance that was a physician who along with his wife had been cured of Lyme Disease at a clinic in Reno. Desperate for help, I made an appointment for a consultation at the earliest possible date.

What I found at SIMC was a revelation. The doctors and staff were knowledgeable of all aspects of medicine and clinically thorough accompanied by a warming air of compassion and understanding, all of which was confidence building. A battery of the most comprehensive tests that I have yet experienced was administered. My wife and I were shown pictorial results where we could visually observe the poor condition of my blood and for the first time, see concrete proof of the presence of Lyme.

I spent seven weeks in treatment. Now my blood is clear and there are no signs of infection. The Lyme is gone. I am feeling progressively better and gaining strength with every day. I self-administer medications at home in order to continue rejuvenation of my immune system and to control my allergies. I am overjoyed at being “cured”. I was blessed to have found these wonderful people who have given me hope for a more meaningful existence. I am completely in their debt and will remain committed to them for my health care for the rest of my life.