Épisodes

  • Episode 568: Lyme Disease Testing Is Failing Patients: Dr. Liz Horn Explains Why (And What Comes Next)

    Episode 568: Lyme Disease Testing Is Failing Patients: Dr. Liz Horn Explains Why (And What Comes Next)
    Jun 27 2026
    🎙️ Episode Summary: Lyme Testing Is Failing Early Patients In this critical episode with special guest co-host Ali Moresco, we sit down with Dr. Liz Horn, Principal Investigator of the Lyme Disease Biobank, to break down her latest research: 👉 Evaluation of standard and modified two-tiered testing algorithms using well-characterized early Lyme disease samples This study takes a hard look at the current FDA-cleared Lyme testing system — and the findings are clear: 👉 Most early Lyme disease cases are being missed Dr. Horn explains why this is happening, what it means for patients, and why clinical judgment — not just testing — must guide early diagnosis and treatment. 🔬 The Study at the Center of This Episode 📄 View Dr. Liz Horn’s Research Publications 📊 Study Focus: Compared Standard Two-Tier Testing (STTT) vs Modified Two-Tier Testing (MTTT)Used real-world patient samples from early Lyme casesEvaluated four FDA-cleared diagnostic algorithmsFocused primarily on patients within the first ~3 weeks of symptoms 🚨 Key Finding: Early Lyme Testing Is Deeply Flawed Only 22–36% of early Lyme cases tested positiveThat means 64–78% of cases were missedMost people with early Lyme disease will test negative 📌 Easy-to-share summary for doctors and patients: New Bay Area Lyme Foundation Study Shows Common FDA-Cleared Lyme Tests Miss 64–78% of Early Cases 🧠 Why These Tests Fail Current tests detect antibodies, not the bacteria itselfThe immune system needs time to produce detectable antibodiesEarly infections often test negative because the immune response has not developed yetThe two-tier system adds additional opportunities for false negatives 👉 Core issue: Testing measures the body’s response, not the infection ⏱️ The Critical Timing Problem Within 1 week of symptoms, tests are almost always negativeAround 2 weeks, detection improves slightlyAfter 3–4 weeks, sensitivity increases but is still unreliableTesting does not become fully accurate at any point 👉 Key insight: Testing remains inconsistent even after the early window 🎯 Even “Classic” Lyme Cases Are Missed Patients with erythema migrans (EM rash) often tested negativeVery few patients present with a classic bullseye rashA visible rash does not guarantee a positive test result 👉 Key takeaway: You can have Lyme and still test negative ⚠️ Major Issue: Test Inconsistency The same patient can receive different results depending on the test usedOne algorithm may detect Lyme while another misses itResults depend on timing, immune response, and test design 👉 Result: Testing cannot reliably confirm or rule out Lyme disease 🧍‍♂️ Who Actually Tests Positive? Patients with more symptoms were more likely to test positiveLonger duration of illness increased likelihood of detectionStronger immune responses improved test sensitivity 👉 Translation: Testing tends to detect later-stage immune response, not early infection 💊 After Treatment: Testing Becomes Even Less Useful This study focused on early Lyme within the first ~3 weeks, where testing already performed poorlyAt approximately 3 months post-treatment, less than 5% of patients who still had an active infection tested positiveThese patients were originally diagnosed with early Lyme and many continued to have symptoms consistent with active or ongoing infection 👉 Why this happens: Antibiotics can suppress antibody productionThe immune response may no longer be detectableThe bacteria may persist in tissues rather than circulating in blood 👉 Critical takeaway: Patients may still have an active infection or ongoing disease process and test negative 👉 Bottom line: Testing is unreliable early in infectionTesting remains unreliable after treatmentA negative test does not rule out Lyme disease at any stage 🧬 Another Challenge: Lyme Leaves the Blood Borrelia bacteria can move into tissuesBlood-based tests may miss active infectionDirect detection becomes more difficult over time 👉 This is why antibody testing is used, despite its limitations 🧩 Bigger Insight From This Study Current Lyme testing cannot reliably diagnose early infectionDiagnosis must include symptoms, exposure history, and clinical judgmentOver-reliance on testing leads to missed diagnoses and delayed care 🚀 What Comes Next (Hope from the Research) Development of direct detection tests that identify the bacteriaCell-free DNA testing approachesAI and machine learning diagnosticsMultiplex testing targeting multiple markersUrine-based diagnostic innovations 👉 These advances aim to replace outdated antibody-based testing 🧑‍⚕️ Education Gap (Major Takeaway) Many clinicians are not trained on the limitations of Lyme testingNegative tests are often incorrectly used to rule out diseaseThis contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment 📚 Resource for clinicians and patients: VectorWise CME – Lyme Disease Education 💡 What This Means for You A ...
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    1 h et 21 min
  • Episode 567: From Alpha-Gal to Lyme: Erin Oprea on Elite Fitness, Military Leadership, and Advanced Healing with Peptides & Integrative Medicine

    Episode 567: From Alpha-Gal to Lyme: Erin Oprea on Elite Fitness, Military Leadership, and Advanced Healing with Peptides & Integrative Medicine
    Jun 20 2026

    In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Erin Oprea—elite fitness trainer, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Lyme disease warrior. Known for training celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Erin shares her journey from peak physical performance to battling chronic illness—and how she fought her way back using cutting-edge therapies, peptides, and integrative medicine.

    Erin also reflects on her groundbreaking military career, including making history as the leader of the first all-female platoon attached to the infantry in a war zone, and how that same resilience now fuels her healing journey.

    Erin Oprea’s Background
    • U.S. Marine Corps veteran with two tours in Iraq
    • Led the first female platoon attached to infantry in a combat zone
    • Elite celebrity trainer, including Carrie Underwood
    • Built a career around peak physical performance and discipline
    Lyme Disease & Alpha-Gal Journey
    • Experienced unexplained symptoms despite elite fitness level
    • Faced delayed recognition and diagnosis
    • Developed Alpha-Gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to mammalian meat
    • Shifted toward functional and integrative medicine approaches
    • Combined performance mindset with advanced healing protocols
    Advanced Treatments & Therapies
    • HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) for oxygenation, inflammation reduction, and tissue healing
    • EBOO₂ (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) for pathogen reduction and blood detoxification
    • HOCATT (Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology) for full-body detox and immune support
    • Hydrogen Therapy to reduce oxidative stress and support mitochondrial health
    • SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) to help reset immune response related to Alpha-Gal
    • Herbal protocols for antimicrobial support, detoxification, and immune modulation
    Peptide Therapy Protocol

    Guided by experts like Dr. Joe Phiakhamta and informed by The Complete Guide to Peptides: Unlocking the Secrets to Health, Healing, and Longevity, Erin incorporated advanced peptide therapy:

    • LL-37 to target bacteria, viruses, and biofilms including Lyme pathogens
    • Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1) to regulate and strengthen immune response
    • BPC-157 to repair gut lining, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing
    • TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) to promote recovery, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair
    • SS-31 (Elamipretide) to improve mitochondrial function and energy production
    • KPV to reduce inflammation and support gut and immune balance
    Key Practitioner
    • Dr. Joe Phiakhamta specializing in peptide therapy and integrative Lyme disease treatment
    • Focus on immune restoration, pathogen reduction, and performance recovery
    Fitness Meets Chronic Illness Recovery
    • Transitioned from elite performance to chronic illness management
    • Applied discipline and training mindset to healing process
    • Leveraged advanced therapies to rebuild strength and energy
    • Represents the intersection of fitness optimization and medical innovation
    Key Takeaways
    • Tick-borne illnesses can impact even the most elite performers
    • Alpha-Gal syndrome is a serious and often overlooked tick-borne condition
    • Healing requires a multi-layered approach including immune, detox, and mitochondrial support
    • Peptides are an emerging and powerful tool in Lyme disease recovery
    • Mental resilience plays a critical role in long-term healing
    Final Thoughts

    Erin Oprea’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, innovation, and determination. From combat leadership to chronic illness recovery, she continues to push boundaries—showing what’s possible when elite discipline meets cutting-edge medicine.
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    1 h et 49 min
  • Episode 566: When Lyme Disease Steals Your Identity: How Poetry Helped Jasmin Perdomo Heal

    Episode 566: When Lyme Disease Steals Your Identity: How Poetry Helped Jasmin Perdomo Heal
    Jun 13 2026

    What happens when chronic Lyme disease takes away your health, your confidence, and even your sense of self?

    In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Jasmin Perdomo shares her powerful 12-year journey through chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, debilitating neurological symptoms, medical gaslighting, emotional trauma, and ultimately — rediscovering herself through poetry, faith, and healing.

    Raised in New Jersey and once a hyper-athletic young woman, Jasmin never imagined she would one day become bedridden, unable to walk without holding onto walls, crawling from her bed to the bathroom, and searching desperately for answers no doctor seemed able to provide.

    But through unimaginable suffering came transformation.

    Jasmin opens up about:

    • Living years undiagnosed with Lyme disease
    • Severe neurological Lyme symptoms including vertigo, memory loss, facial paralysis, and heart complications
    • The emotional toll of chronic illness and divorce
    • Her experience with aggressive antibiotic protocols and Herxheimer reactions
    • Why detoxification, nervous system healing, spirituality, and creativity became essential parts of her recovery
    • How poetry became her lifeline during the darkest moments of her journey

    This conversation is raw, validating, and hopeful for anyone navigating Lyme disease, chronic illness, trauma, or identity loss.

    In This Episode You’ll Learn Jasmin’s Early Lyme Disease Symptoms

    Jasmin describes how unexplained fatigue, tachycardia, heart palpitations, vertigo, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, and neurological symptoms slowly overtook her life while living in Puerto Rico.

    The Reality of Medical Gaslighting

    Like many Lyme patients, Jasmin spent years searching for answers while being misdiagnosed, dismissed, and prescribed medications that failed to address the root cause of her illness.

    Chronic Lyme Disease and Emotional Trauma

    The episode explores the connection between stress, trauma, emotional suppression, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic illness progression.

    How Poetry Became a Healing Tool

    While bedridden, Jasmin returned to writing poetry — something she loved as a child — and discovered that creative expression became a powerful emotional detox and survival mechanism. Buy Bittersweet Body: a Poetic Memoir, Jasmin's debut poetry book, inspired her life’s mission: to illuminate the invisible in a visible world.

    The Importance of Detoxification and Nervous System Healing

    Jasmin discusses the therapies that helped her most, including:

    • Sauna therapy
    • Binders
    • Meditation
    • Faith and prayer
    • Journaling
    • Acupuncture
    • Gentle movement
    • Emotional release through writing
    Learning to Receive Help

    One of the most moving parts of the interview centers around Jasmin’s struggle with independence, vulnerability, and learning how to accept support from loved ones during her healing journey.

    Key Takeaways From Jasmin Perdomo’s Lyme Journey
    • Healing from Lyme disease requires addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual body.
    • Detoxification can be just as important as antimicrobial treatment.
    • Creativity and self-expression can become powerful healing tools.
    • Nervous system regulation matters in chronic illness recovery.
    • You are not weak for asking for help.
    • Healing is possible — even after years of suffering.
    Quotes From This Episode

    “Poetry saved my life. It gave me mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when I couldn’t breathe.”

    “When my body became a stranger, writing helped me remember who I was.”

    “You are not weak for asking for help.”

    “Healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.”

    About Tick Boot Camp

    Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease advocacy platform dedicated to helping people liberate themselves and others from Lyme disease through education, validation, community, and hope.

    Through powerful conversations with patients, doctors, researchers, and healers, Tick Boot Camp reminds listeners that they are not alone — and that healing is possible.

    🎧 Listen to more episodes
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    1 h et 36 min
  • Episode 565: Nicole O’Donnell on Resilient Hope, Chronic Lyme Disease & Healing Through Community

    Episode 565: Nicole O’Donnell on Resilient Hope, Chronic Lyme Disease & Healing Through Community
    Jun 6 2026

    In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Nicole O’Donnell—author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness—to discuss her deeply personal Lyme disease journey, the emotional realities of chronic illness, and the transformative power of community, mindset, and hope.

    Nicole shares how her life changed after developing debilitating Lyme disease symptoms, the years of medical confusion that followed, and how COVID intensified her chronic illness experience. Through vulnerability and honesty, she opens up about navigating fear, identity loss, parenting while chronically ill, and ultimately discovering purpose through advocacy and storytelling.

    This conversation also explores the importance of patient-doctor relationships, nervous system regulation, healing mindset, and how Lyme disease impacts entire families—not just the patient.

    Most importantly, Nicole reminds listeners that healing is possible, and no one has to face Lyme disease alone.

    In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
    • Nicole O’Donnell’s personal chronic Lyme disease journey
    • How Lyme disease symptoms can become invisible and misunderstood
    • The emotional impact of medical dismissal and misdiagnosis
    • Why mindset and nervous system regulation matter in healing
    • How chronic illness affects marriage, parenting, and family dynamics
    • The role community plays in Lyme disease recovery
    • Why Nicole wrote Resilient Hope
    • How storytelling helps validate and empower Lyme patients
    • The importance of hope, advocacy, and finding purpose through adversity
    About Nicole O’Donnell

    Nicole O’Donnell is a Staten Island-based entrepreneur, mother, advocate, and author of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness. Through her writing and advocacy, Nicole seeks to help people living with Lyme disease and chronic illness feel seen, heard, and supported.

    Her book weaves together stories from members of the Lyme disease community to create a message of resilience, healing, and connection.

    Read More About Nicole’s Manhattan Book Launch

    Tick Boot Camp recently attended Nicole O’Donnell’s inspiring Manhattan book launch event, where nearly 1,000 people gathered in support of the Lyme disease community and the message behind Resilient Hope.

    Explore More Tick Boot Camp Resources

    🎙 Tick Boot Camp Podcast

    👩‍⚕️ Lyme Doctor Interviews

    🧠 Tick Bite Blueprint

    🧪 Lyme Testing Resources

    🔬 Learn Why Lyme Persists

    Final Thoughts

    Nicole O’Donnell’s story is a reminder that chronic Lyme disease affects every part of a person’s life—but it can also become a catalyst for transformation, deeper connection, and purpose.

    Through Resilient Hope, Nicole is helping build a stronger Lyme disease community rooted in validation, compassion, and healing.

    If you or someone you love is navigating Lyme disease, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a powerful reminder that resilient hope is possible.
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Episode 564: From Vision Loss to Voice: Marina Morgan’s Lyme Disease Journey

    Episode 564: From Vision Loss to Voice: Marina Morgan’s Lyme Disease Journey
    Apr 25 2026
    In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen sit down with Marina Morgan, a professional singer, songwriter, real estate agent, and Lyme disease survivor from New York and New Jersey. Marina shares the deeply personal story of how a vibrant, high-energy young woman who loved running, fitness, and music suddenly found her life turned upside down by Lyme disease in her early twenties. What began as stomach issues quickly progressed into neurological symptoms, extreme fatigue, balance problems, and ultimately sudden vision loss in one eye — a terrifying turning point that led to her eventual diagnosis. After seeing multiple doctors and facing potential misdiagnoses such as multiple sclerosis and scleroderma, Marina was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease through a Western Blot test by Dr. Pollack. Her treatment included 18 months of IV antibiotics through a PICC line, followed by another year of treatment after a later flare-up. Today, Marina continues to navigate chronic Lyme symptoms while building a career in music, real estate, and fitness, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and determination even on difficult days. Her story is a powerful reminder that Lyme disease can affect anyone — even young, healthy, active people — and that persistence, positivity, and support are essential in the healing journey. About Marina Morgan Marina Morgan is a professional singer and songwriter who has appeared on the Today Show, was named Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month, and has been featured on iHeartRadio and in multiple publications as an emerging artist. In addition to her music career, Marina works as a real estate agent serving New York and New Jersey and as a gym manager, continuing to stay connected to the world of fitness despite the physical challenges created by Lyme disease. Marina has also used her music to express the realities of chronic illness. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional and physical struggle many Lyme patients face when their bodies no longer cooperate with the life they once lived. Watch Marina’s Lyme-inspired music video “Paralyzed" Follow Marina on Instagram Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Life Before Lyme Disease Before getting sick, Marina lived an extremely active lifestyle. She ran miles every day simply for enjoyment, maintained multiple jobs, and had a vibrant social life. Fitness and movement were central to her identity, and she describes having seemingly endless energy. Lyme disease dramatically altered that reality. Early Symptoms and Sudden Vision Loss Marina’s illness began subtly with stomach issues and fatigue, but symptoms soon escalated. She began experiencing: Severe fatigueWeakness in her legsBalance and coordination issuesNeurological symptomsBrain fogLoss of vision in one eye The sudden vision loss was the turning point that signaled something much more serious was happening. Misdiagnosis and the Search for Answers Before receiving a Lyme diagnosis, doctors suspected conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and scleroderma. Marina visited several doctors and specialists before finally receiving the correct diagnosis. Her father, who had previously experienced Lyme disease himself, recognized the possibility and helped advocate for Lyme testing. She was ultimately diagnosed at age 23 through a Western Blot blood test by Dr. Pollack. Intensive Lyme Treatment Following her diagnosis, Marina underwent 18 months of intravenous antibiotic treatment through a PICC line, one of the more aggressive approaches used for severe Lyme disease. Years later, after experiencing a flare-up, she required another year of treatment. Today she is not undergoing active Lyme treatment but continues supportive wellness practices including: Infrared saunaYogaProbiotics Living with Chronic Lyme Marina estimates she has recovered to about 60% of her pre-Lyme health. The most persistent symptom she continues to battle is extreme fatigue, which can make even simple daily activities exhausting. She describes the unpredictability of chronic Lyme — how a good day can be followed by days or weeks of exhaustion. Despite these challenges, Marina continues to work, maintain relationships, and pursue her passions. Music as a Voice for Lyme Patients Marina has channeled her experience with chronic illness into her music. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional reality of Lyme disease — the feeling of being trapped in a body that no longer functions the way it once did. The song resonates deeply with Lyme patients and others living with invisible illness. Watch the video here Advice for People Fighting Lyme Disease Marina encourages patients not to give up during the darkest moments of illness. Lyme disease can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, but maintaining hope and continuing to pursue healing strategies can make a meaningful difference. She stresses the importance of: Listening to your bodyGiving ...
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    1 h et 14 min
  • Episode 563: At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: ILADS Expert Panel Webinar

    Episode 563: At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: ILADS Expert Panel Webinar
    Apr 18 2026
    This special Tick Boot Camp Podcast crossover features the full International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) webinar recording, “At the Frontlines of Chronic Illness: Conversations with ILADS Experts.” In this dynamic panel discussion, leading clinicians and specialists unpack why Lyme disease and other infection-associated chronic illnesses are so misunderstood, why testing fails so many patients, and what it really takes to heal—brain, immune system, mitochondria, and terrain included. Moderated by Rich Johannesen (Tick Boot Camp), the panel delivers practical insights and hopeful, patient-centered guidance for anyone navigating complex chronic illness—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or advocate. Featured Panelists Chris Winfrey, MD — Psychiatrist; Medical Director, New Image WellnessNicole Bell — “The Lyme Disease Engineer”; CEO, Galaxy DiagnosticsTania Dempsey, MD — Medical Director, AIM Center for Personalized MedicineMelanie Stein, ND — Naturopathic Doctor; Author focused on cellular wellness and healing terrainHost/Moderator: Rich Johannesen (Tick Boot Camp)ILADS Intro: Ali Moresco (ILADS) Episode Highlights ILADS Mission and Why This Webinar Matters The webinar opens with ILADS’ mission: improving diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and associated illnesses through research, education, and policy. ILADS emphasizes physician training and patient-centered care, while also supporting the educational mission of ILADEF. Rich frames the night as a rare opportunity to hear from experts working at the front lines of complex chronic illness—especially for patients who’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their symptoms “don’t make sense.” Segment 1: Brain Health, Neuroimmune Illness, and Why Lyme “Feels Like Dementia” Chris Winfrey, MD Dr. Winfrey introduces a core theme: Lyme is not only an infection—it often behaves like a neuroimmune illness. Key takeaways: The brain is a high-energy, high-immune-demand organ, uniquely vulnerable to infection-driven inflammation and toxicity.Lyme can disrupt brain function through:Blood flow issuesSynaptic dysfunctionMyelin damageNetwork-level disruption, not just “neurotransmitters”He describes brain function through networks that Lyme can destabilize:Default Mode Network (internal reflection)Salience Network (switching between networks)Central Executive Network (planning/organization)Action Network (execution)Autonomic Network (regulation)Limbic Network (threat/fear response)The result: patients often describe “brain shutdown,” confusion, cognitive impairment, and even dementia-like symptoms. A major reframing: Emotions are not “non-physical.” They are measurable physiological states.Lyme-driven nervous system injury can create emotional disturbance because the biology is disturbed. Segment 2: Poly-microbial Infection, Fight-or-Flight, and the Belief-Healing Loop Winfrey + Rich Discussion Rich frames humans as spiritual, emotional, and physical beings, and asks how chronic infection impacts both body and emotional resilience. Key points: Lyme can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect virtually any organ system.The nervous system becomes a “central battleground,” and measurement is hard because nervous system dysfunction isn’t captured well by simple bloodwork.Rich and Dr. Winfrey explore how illness disrupts perception, decision-making, and our ability to interpret the world—especially when gut function and intuition feel “offline.” The healing paradox: Chronic stress and “fighting your way to healing” can backfire.Dr. Winfrey emphasizes that healing requires a parasympathetic state—rest, digest, repair—and that this often involves acceptance, surrender, trust, and safety. Segment 3: The State of Testing—Why So Many Patients Test Negative Nicole Bell (Galaxy Diagnostics) Nicole shares her personal motivation and professional mission: testing determines treatment, reimbursement, and belief—and too many patients are failed by existing tools. Indirect testing (antibody testing): The standard approach relies on antibodies—meaning it depends on the immune system behaving predictably.But Lyme and other stealth pathogens evade and suppress immune responses.Even in controlled research models, two infected subjects can show completely different antibody patterns.Immunosuppression (illness severity, medications like steroids, immune dysregulation) can reduce antibody reliability. Direct testing (pathogen detection):Nicole contrasts Lyme testing with illnesses like COVID—where you use tests that look for the pathogen itself (PCR/antigen), not just antibodies. Why direct detection is hard in Lyme: Pathogens can be low abundanceThey can be tissue-sequesteredSampling matters Why urine can matter for Lyme: Lyme may not stay in blood, but it can shed proteins/antigens that filter into urine.Galaxy’s approach includes methods to capture, concentrate, and detect...
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    1 h et 27 min
  • Episode 562: Pediatric Lyme, Autism Regression, PANS/PANDAS & Root-Cause Healing | Dr. Somer DelSignore

    Episode 562: Pediatric Lyme, Autism Regression, PANS/PANDAS & Root-Cause Healing | Dr. Somer DelSignore
    Apr 11 2026
    In this powerful in-person interview at the Tick Boot Camp studio, Matt Sabatello sits down with Dr. Somer DelSignore, DNP, a board-certified pediatric practitioner specializing in Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune and neuroimmune disorders, autism-like regression, and congenital tick-borne illness. This episode is essential listening for parents who have been told to “wait and see,” families who have seen multiple specialists without answers, and anyone trying to understand how infection, inflammation, immune dysfunction, and nervous system imbalance can impact a child’s brain and development. 🎙 About Dr. Somer DelSignore Dr. DelSignore began her career in traditional pediatric medicine before recognizing that many children with complex chronic illness could not be properly treated in 10–15 minute appointments. Her clinical evolution accelerated after: Training with Dr. Richard Horowitz (tick-borne disease complexity and layered treatment strategies)Training with Dr. Kenneth Bock (autism and autoimmune encephalopathy patterns)Identifying the infectious and immune triggers driving neuropsychiatric symptoms Today, she runs a private practice in upstate New York where she treats children (and a small cohort of adults) using a comprehensive, root-cause framework. 🧠 Autism, Lyme & Autoimmunity — Connecting the Dots Dr. DelSignore explains that autism is often a cluster of symptoms, not a single-gene condition. In her clinical experience, many children experience immune-triggered neuroinflammation that presents as: OCDAnxietyRageIntrusive thoughtsImpulsivityHallucinationsDevelopmental regression Lyme and co-infections such as Bartonella and Babesia can activate autoimmune responses that interfere with neurotransmitter signaling. When inflammation blocks receptors for dopamine and serotonin, psychiatric symptoms emerge. Her message is clear:These symptoms are often biomedical — not simply behavioral. 🦠 Why “Root Cause” Is Rarely One Thing Healing rarely comes down to one pathogen. Children may present with overlapping contributors such as: Lyme disease and co-infectionsMold and mycotoxinsHeavy metalsEpigenetic pathway dysfunctionDetox impairmentNervous system dysregulation Dr. DelSignore emphasizes layered pattern recognition and systematic evaluation rather than single-diagnosis thinking. 🧬 Treatment Approach: Layered, Sequenced & Individualized There is no cookie-cutter protocol. Her framework may include: Targeted antibiotic combinationsHerbal antimicrobialsBiofilm and fibrin supportGut protection from day oneDetox support (liver, kidney, lymphatic)Ozone therapySOT (gene-silencing therapy)IVIG for autoimmune modulation (when appropriate)Plasmapheresis referralRegenerative PRP strategies Sequencing matters. Some children require detox and nervous system stabilization before antimicrobial treatment begins. 🧱 Biofilms & Tissue Infection Dr. DelSignore confirms: Biofilms are real and clinically significantMicrobes communicate and protect one anotherChronic infections often reside in tissue, not just bloodKilling pathogens without detox support can worsen flares Her philosophy:Eliminate pathogens while simultaneously rebuilding the body. 🌿 Detox, Regeneration & the Nervous System Pathogen elimination is only part of recovery. Healing also requires: Supporting liver and kidney detox pathwaysEncouraging lymphatic flowGentle sauna when toleratedEpsom salt bathsBreathwork and box breathingVagus nerve stimulationNervous system retraining Many children are stuck in chronic sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) mode. True recovery requires shifting into parasympathetic “rest and repair.” ❤️ A Story of Hope Dr. DelSignore shares the case of a child born with congenital tick-borne infections who: Was non-verbalRequired feeding tube supportWas diagnosed with autism After comprehensive treatment and immune regulation, the child: Became verbalEngaged sociallyReached developmental milestonesThrives in school It’s a reminder that recovery is possible—even in severe presentations. 🏥 The Care Coordination Challenge Families often see 10–15 specialists before reaching her office. Dr. DelSignore stresses the importance of: A “medical home”One lead clinician acting as quarterbackCoordinated communication among providers She also discusses the urgent need for legislative and insurance reform to support time-intensive chronic illness care. 🌎 Looking Forward Dr. DelSignore hopes for: Increased research fundingBroader recognition of infection-driven neuroinflammationEarlier pediatric interventionA shift toward prevention and health-promotion medicine Her belief: When properly supported, the body can heal. 🔑 Key Takeaways Trust parental intuitionNeuropsychiatric symptoms may be immune-drivenDetox and gut health are foundationalNervous system regulation is criticalHealing is possible—even in complex cases
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    1 h
  • Episode 561: Healing Chronic Lyme Through Terrain, Stress Physiology & Liquid Intelligence | Frédéric Roscop

    Episode 561: Healing Chronic Lyme Through Terrain, Stress Physiology & Liquid Intelligence | Frédéric Roscop
    Apr 4 2026
    Frédéric Roscop, French-born osteopath and founder of AEQUIL, joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast as our first-ever in-studio international guest, flying in from London to Long Island to share his personal battle with chronic Lyme disease—and the breakthrough that reshaped his life and career. After decades of unexplained symptoms, misdiagnoses, heart inflammation, neurological dysfunction, and failed treatment attempts across multiple countries, Frédéric discovered that killing microbes alone wasn’t enough. His recovery began when he shifted focus from chasing pathogens to restoring the body’s foundational terrain—supporting immune regulation, detoxification, cellular function, stress physiology, and energetic balance. In this deeply reflective and technical conversation, Frédéric shares how childhood tick exposure in rural France, years of undiagnosed Borrelia and Bartonella infection, and repeated medical dead-ends ultimately led him to develop a patented biotech system designed to help others reset their foundational wellbeing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Growing Up in Tick Territory Frédéric describes growing up in rural France, frequently covered in ticks as a child—long before Lyme disease was widely recognized in Europe. Early symptoms included: Chronic insomnia and hyperactivityDigestive dysfunction and blood sugar instabilityVisual disturbances and light sensitivityEmotional instability and neurological symptomsRecurrent inflammation At 16, following general anesthesia for a broken nose, he experienced what he now recognizes as a major Lyme “crash,” leading to cognitive decline, emotional dysregulation, and worsening physical inflammation. Heart Inflammation & Athletic Collapse By age 17–18, Frédéric’s promising volleyball career ended due to inflammatory joint disease and recurring pericarditis (heart inflammation)—which would return six times over the next 15 years. Antibiotics temporarily improved symptoms, but the root cause remained unidentified. “I Didn’t Even Know What Lyme Disease Was” As a young osteopath in practice, Frédéric recalls a patient asking whether her symptoms could be Lyme disease. At the time, he had never been trained on it. Years later, another patient was hospitalized with Lyme-related encephalitis—triggering Frédéric’s realization that Lyme might explain both his patients’ suffering and his own. This episode includes an honest discussion about: Medical training gapsDiagnostic limitationsThe importance of humility in healthcareWhy the doctor–patient relationship must be a partnership Diagnosis: Borrelia, Bartonella & More Specialty testing eventually revealed: BorreliaBartonellaViral findings including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)Heavy metal burden (notably elevated mercury) Frédéric began aggressive antibiotic and detox protocols—but experienced severe gut collapse and worsening terrain. Despite trying treatments across Europe, the U.S., China, India, and Switzerland—including antimicrobial, herbal, and integrative approaches—he improved only marginally. The Turning Point: It’s Not Just the Bug — It’s the Terrain Frédéric revisited the foundational debate in medicine: Louis Pasteur: It’s the germ.Claude Bernard: It’s the terrain. His breakthrough came when he shifted focus to rebuilding: Gut functionCellular membranesDetox pathwaysNervous system regulationEmotional and energetic resilience Rather than focusing exclusively on killing microbes, he asked: Does the body have the capacity to self-regulate and self-repair? From that question, AEQUIL was born. What Is AEQUIL? AEQUIL is a biotech wellness system built around a patented technology Frédéric calls Liquid Intelligence — a formulation combining: Structured/dynamised waterBotanicalsVitamins and electrolytesBiochemical and biophysical support The system supports: Brain, heart, gut, liver, and immune foundationsDetoxification and lymphatic flowStress physiologyEmotional and energetic regulation The AEQUIL Deep Reset System Maintain (Foundational Support) A daily liquid formula designed to nourish the body’s core systems and support cellular regulation. Suggested use: ½ teaspoon morning½ teaspoon evening Reset (Deep Reset Protocol) A structured approach to support: Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites)Micro-toxins (detox pathways)Micro-traumas (stress and emotional stagnation) The protocol is phased to reduce Herx reactions and build resilience gradually, with many users reporting a noticeable physiological shift around weeks 8–10. Everyday Support Wearable patches and digital wellness tools (affirmations, breathwork) designed to support mood, sleep, energy, and immune balance during recovery. Core Message of This Episode Chronic Lyme recovery is rarely about one silver bullet. It requires: Restoring foundational systemsSupporting detox and immune functionAddressing nervous system and stress patternsRecognizing both ...
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    1 h et 41 min