Comprehensive Guide to Treating Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-infections in Minnesota: Evidence-Based Herbal Protocols
Dr. Kyle Warren, Functional Medicine
From Hopelessness to Healing: Jenny's 18-Month Journey Overcoming Chronic Lyme Disease
In this powerful video (patient testimonial), Dr. Kyle Warren sits down with Jenny to discuss her remarkable recovery from chronic Lyme disease. After struggling with debilitating symptoms including extreme fatigue, cognitive difficulties, joint pain, and muscle twitches for over a year, Jenny found her way to Dr. Warren's practice seeking answers that conventional treatments couldn't provide.
Join us as Jenny candidly shares her journey from barely being able to walk after a day at the state fair to recently enjoying an active vacation filled with tennis, racquetball, pickleball, golf, and swimming. Her story highlights the challenges of finding effective treatment for chronic Lyme disease and demonstrates that with comprehensive testing, customized protocols, and patience, substantial recovery is possible.
Whether you're currently battling Lyme disease, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in alternative approaches to complex chronic infections, Jenny's experience offers valuable insights and a message of genuine hope.
Watch now to discover how personalized treatment made the difference in Jenny's return to health.
Click below to watch video
Jenny's message to other Lyme patients:
"To anyone struggling with Lyme disease: I understand the hopelessness and frustration you might be feeling right now. I've been there—dealing with extreme fatigue, brain fog, muscle twitches, joint pain, and that terrifying feeling when your brain just "shuts off." After trying various treatments with limited success, finding the right doctor who used comprehensive testing to create a customized treatment plan made all the difference for me. The journey isn't quick or easy—it took about 18 months of slow, steady progress—but I went from barely being able to walk 12,000 steps at a state fair to playing tennis, racquetball, pickleball, and golf on vacation with over 15,000 steps in a day and feeling great. While I'm still working on word recall issues and need more sleep than I'd like, I'm about 80-90% back to normal. Please don't give up hope—invest in yourself and your health because this disease is truly eating you up from inside, and with the right approach and patience, you can reclaim your life too."
Conversation between Jenny and Dr. Warren on Lyme.Jenny's personal story in his own words:
Jenny: So I really started seeing the problems back in, I don't know, 2020, 2021 maybe. I started really noticing them compounding. They may have been there earlier, I don't have a distinct memory of, you know, exactly when they started.
But I had things like just extreme fatigue, needing just 10 plus hours of sleep, sometimes restless sleep. My brain would just shut off, it'd be 8, 9pm, and literally I just couldn't function at all. It's like someone took a switch and just flipped it and I had nothing.
Breathing issues in my nasal sinuses, joint pain and stiffness was a huge one for me, and then these muscle twitches, like when you get the shivers, like that, but whole body twitches. And it would be all, a lot of the time, a friend of mine actually, who is a massage therapist, and she was saying, I was telling her all my different symptoms, and she's like, I think you've got Lyme. Because she had Lyme and she had similar symptoms, and she was like, you should get checked out.
And that's kind of how I even got on this road. Like, oh, maybe that is Lyme. So after she suggested that, I went to my primary care physician and told her my symptoms, and she's like, yeah, you're right, that does sound kind of Lyme-ish.
Let's run the standard tests and see what we get. So she ran the tests, and I think there's, what, 10 strands they check for or something for Lyme?
Dr. Kyle Warren: Bands. They're only checking one strain of Lyme, but they're checking 10 bands of that one strain. Yeah, yeah.
Jenny: So of those 10, I only tested positive for one. And so in normal situations, they would say, no, you don't have Lyme. But she said, given all of those other things you're telling me about, plus this one, I'm going to call it Lyme.
I'm going to give you a clinical diagnosis. And she says, I recommend that you take antibiotics for this much time, and then maybe follow up with this one, and then maybe do, did she say, I think she said the Dr. Rawl's program, but she wasn't going to lead me through any of that. She just said, this is what I recommend for you.
But I had already been seeing a kinesiologist and chiropractor in one, and I knew that he had treated some Lyme patients, so he was kind of my next step, like, let's go see what he thinks. And I knew that antibiotics could be helpful if it was recent bites or, you know, recent oncoming, but I knew mine wasn't recent. It had been going on for a while.
And so I just didn't feel like antibiotics was a good choice for me. Plus, it was like super sun sensitivity and all these side effects.
Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah, you make a really good point. I tell people the antibiotics work really well right away. And then chronic, you can certainly do it with antibiotics chronic, but I think it's a very hard way to do it because you need multiple high dose for a long, longer period of time.
And that can be very hard on you, which you were feeling that way. So, okay. So we go to this other doctor.
Jenny: Yeah. And he does some muscle testing for me. He tries, he has like this whole kit of different Lyme strands and side strands and whatever.
And he runs a bunch of tests and he says, yep, I'm getting hits on this particular one. And he has some homeopathic Chinese herbs, that kind of stuff that he recommends for me and starts me on that as well as some lymph drainage, liver drainage, that sort of thing. And so we do that for, I want to say six to nine months.
And I do see progress. I like, I make some good progress. And then he says, okay, well, we're done.
Like I tested you again for that same strand and there's nothing else here. And I was like, yeah, but I feel bad still. I don't really think we're done.
And so I started kind of questioning like, is this the best method? Is there something else out there? Because I don't want to go take the antibiotics.
That wasn't, I don't think the solution. And if he thinks we're done. So anyway, I encouraged him to run the whole gamut of muscle testing again.
Can we test for other things?
Dr. Kyle Warren: Because you still didn't feel close to your normal yet. You were still pretty far away from being what you would call healthy.
Jenny: Exactly. And so he tested again and sure enough, something else hit. And, but I was just, I kind of lost confidence because I'm thinking to myself, if you thought I was cured and all I had to do was just say, retest me and you found something else, like, are you going to keep missing stuff?
Like I just, this doesn't seem very reliable. And so that's when I went searching on the internet for better solutions. And I found you.
Dr. Kyle Warren: Okay. So you were, you were what, a year into this process from symptoms or from the MD, the other doc, maybe a year in?
Jenny: Yeah, probably pretty close nine months to a year. And like I said, we had made some progress. And but we just weren't all the way there.
And so when I talked to you, you were telling me about your process. And what impressed me and made me decide, yeah, let's pull the trigger is that it was doing blood work. And it was very thorough across the board.
Let's look at everything that Lyme related that it could be. And then let's really focus in on a custom treatment for you. Like the Dr. Rawls stuff that I found online. While it may be good, I don't know. I never tried it. It seemed like it was too generic for it meant to cover everybody.
But I wanted something that was meant for what I had, instead.
Dr. Kyle Warren: And this is the advantage of testing, like you said, is is any program. And I think Dr. Rawls program is good. But it's very generic because it has to be...
And the advantage of running really good accurate testing is I think we found three things in you that we thought were still there. Yep. Right.
And so we were still which which once again, most people when it's chronic have more than one thing. So it's Lyme plus some coinfections. Yeah.
And so we set some goals to go, okay, well, we need to put together a unique program for those three things. And we're going to test and measure, you know, along the way periodically to go, okay, did we fix, you know, one, two, and three, which one did we, you know, fix? Yeah.
Jenny: Okay.
Dr. Kyle Warren: So we started that process. And you liked some of the testing that it kind of little more concretely nailed down what we were targeting.
Jenny: Yeah. And it was really reassuring to as you were prescribing, you know, I think you should start with this herb or this supplement or this whatever, you know, and then we're actually going to switch it up, you know, to make sure that the Lyme is not getting immune or used to whatever it is. And so we can attack it again.
And so I liked that different abilities to look at all of those things and, and the periodic testing and the customization, but also the feeling that, okay, I now know what it is. And I know that you have a plan. And then you also were really forthright in showing different studies that backed up that, you know, cinnamon or oregano or cloves or whatever it was, you know, was highly effective against what I had.
Dr. Kyle Warren: Yes, there's, there's more research now than there ever has been, obviously, we'd still love more. But I do like, you know, trying to show studies to go, hey, look, some really smart people have looked at some of this. And we do have some very scientific, you know, reliably validated things that are very safe to, you know, to certainly start trying to see if they'll help you improve.
Right. And that's, and that's, you know, what we did with you. So as we're going along, I'll kind of ask, so how did it go as we went along?
How long did it take for you to see progress or feel progress? Tell us a little bit, okay, we started and then how long till you started, you know, noticing some changes? And what's your life?
Bring me through that journey as far as just your health.
Jenny: Yeah. So I think that I saw, well, I saw some impacts pretty quickly. But maybe not like a significant jump in improvement, or I don't know, six ish months, it was probably close.
I mean, we would see little improvements.
Dr. Kyle Warren: But now, yeah, we had minimal improvements with you. Right away, it was like small, little encouraging things. Yeah, for that first six months.
Jenny: Yeah, yeah, it was kind of a slow going. But and I think part of that was that we had already with my previous doctor had already hit some of the low hanging fruit. And so now we had to tweak things up and dive a little further.
And, and, you know, there was some inflammation and swelling and stuff like that we're fighting against, right. And my system was very sensitive, and didn't like to drain, like my lymphatic system didn't like to drain. And so we had to go very slow.
I think I don't remember which one it was. And you were like, okay, like, you know, start with a small dose and then go up a little bit. And I couldn't go up at all.
Nope, minimum dose. That's all I can handle right now. So I think that's also why it maybe took a little longer for us to get rolling.
It's my body.
Dr. Kyle Warren: Yes. Yes. And this, this is, it's a hard point in like, other stories to tell us that the concepts of doing some killing and some detoxing and balancing that out.
We talk about that with everyone, but different people really do this at different speeds and different balancing points. And you are someone who it was a little slower. What I do tell people is it kind of, your body can only go as fast as your body can go.
So you were, you were one who we were like, okay, it sounds like we're on the right track, but we're going to have to take the tortoise approach and go slow and steady wins the race here. Yep, exactly. How long was it total with you is we're at about 18 months.
Is that kind of where we're and what are you like now, if I can fast forward it a little bit, what are you like now?
Jenny: I would say I'm like 80, 90% of where I want to be where I think I can get. I hope I don't have the sort of brain shut off problems anymore. I have a lot less of those jitters or twitches.
The muscle stiffness is a lot less. And in some days, I don't have any, which is kind of exciting. You know, the breathing issues are better.
But another problem that I really had was word recall. And I still have that occasionally. The last couple of days today is not great.
But the last couple of days that that's come back a little bit, but so it varies. I think more sleep helps with the word recall abilities. But yeah, some days it's like playing taboo.
And I have to have somebody else guess the word I'm trying to come up with because I can't come up with it. But But overall, yeah, I think I'm a lot better. One example I like to go back to is even I think we were what would have been September of the year you started treating me.
So we weren't very far into your treatment. And my family and I went to the state fair. And we walked around.
And we walked I had a pedometer on because you had encouraged me to get more steps in because that would help me with my joint stiffness. And so I had my pedometer on. So I was checking.
But I think when we finished, we had 12,000 steps in. And I thought I was literally gonna die. Like, I did not think I could make it to the car.
I was like, y'all are gonna have to carry me because I can not walk.
Dr. Kyle Warren: Because I remember this story. I remember this.
Jenny: It was rough. Like, I was like, I can't drive. Anyway. So 12,000 steps nearly killed me. Now, fast forward. I just went on vacation a month ago.
We played tennis, racquetball, pickleball, golf, swimming. And I had a record setting day of like 15,550 steps. I think I felt great.
Next day, no problems at all.
Dr. Kyle Warren: I definitely see it.
Jenny: I would like to get all of my words back, you know, and I would like to not need as much sleep, but I'm not there yet.
Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah, obviously, we still want we still have some goals that you have yet to hit, but you hit many of them. It's fun for me as a doctor to see you kind of jumping into life as you're as you getting healthier.
Jenny: Right? Yeah. Yeah.
Well, a friend as well that I recommended to you, but she had a similar thing where she's, you know, been struggling to even have enough stamina to play a game of pickleball. And the other day, she played three with us. So, you know, it can it can get better. It does get better!
Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah. And those are those are exciting moments, right? That it's always fun because you're just you're just living your life.
You're healthy enough to go live life again. And that's just that's the whole point of this, right, is to be healthy enough to go live life again. And all those things.
Was there anything else you'd want to add to someone who's maybe sick and feeling maybe a little bit hopeless if they're, you know, kind of looking at this? What would you kind of say to them if they're at that point?
Jenny: Yeah, I would say that, you know, going with Dr. Warren and his group, they're super helpful. And they really care about you individually as a patient. And they really want to customize something that will help you get better.
And it works. It does. I know it's expensive, but it works like so invest in yourself and it will get better!
Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah. Thank you for doing this. And I appreciate taking time to talk with me today.
Jenny: Yeah, absolutely. My pleasure.
Key Take-aways from Jenny's Story:
1. Persistent advocacy matters
Jenny didn't give up when her first treatment approach seemed incomplete. She trusted her instincts when she still felt unwell and actively sought better solutions.
2. Comprehensive testing is crucial
Standard Lyme tests often miss infections. Jenny benefited from more thorough blood work that identified not just Lyme but multiple co-infections requiring different treatments.
3. Customized protocols works better than standard plans
Jenny experienced the limitations of one-size-fits-all approaches before finding success with a personalized plan targeting her specific infections.
4. Recovery is gradual, not immediate
Jenny saw small improvements at first, with more significant progress around six months into treatment. Full recovery took about 18 months to reach 80-90% of her health goals.
5. Each body heals at its own pace
Jenny's lymphatic system was sensitive, requiring minimal doses and a slower approach. As Dr. Warren noted, "your body can only go as fast as your body can go."
6. Objective improvements show progress
The comparison between Jenny struggling after 12,000 steps at the state fair versus easily handling 15,500 steps plus multiple sports activities provides tangible evidence of recovery.
7. Some symptoms may improve more than others
While Jenny's physical stamina, brain fog, and muscle symptoms improved dramatically, she still experiences occasional word recall issues.
8. Natural herbal protocols can be effective for chronic cases
Jenny chose not to use antibiotics for her chronic infection, finding success with herb-based protocols that were adjusted periodically to prevent resistance.
9. Investment in proper treatment pays off
Jenny acknowledged the expense but emphasized "it works," encouraging others to invest in their health.
10. Hope is justified
Perhaps most importantly, Jenny's story demonstrates that even after struggling with debilitating symptoms for extended periods, substantial recovery is possible with the right approach.
The Core Message: Lyme disease is complex, but recovery is possible. Be your own advocate and don't lose hope!
Message from Dr. Kyle Warren
" If you're struggling with Lyme disease and considering working with a specialist like myself, I want to share what makes our approach different.
When patients like Jenny come to me, they've often tried other treatments with limited success. What I've found is that comprehensive testing is essential—not just for Lyme, but for the co-infections that almost always accompany chronic cases. In Jenny's case, we identified three distinct infections that needed addressing.
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all protocols. Instead, we create customized plans based on exactly what's happening in your body. We use research-backed natural interventions, carefully selected to target your specific infections while supporting your body's healing processes.
Recovery is a balance—we need to kill pathogens while supporting detoxification, and everyone's body handles this differently. Some patients, like Jenny, need a "tortoise approach"—slow and steady winning the race. Her body was sensitive, particularly her lymphatic system, so we had to proceed gently.
Remember, healing takes time. Jenny saw small improvements initially, with more significant progress around six months. After about 18 months, she's now at 80-90% of where she wants to be. The transformation has been remarkable—from barely making it to her car after a day at the state fair to recently enjoying tennis, racquetball, pickleball, golf, and swimming on vacation.
If you're feeling hopeless right now, I understand. But I want you to know that with the right approach—one that's customized to your unique situation—improvement is possible. My team and I are committed to helping you not just manage symptoms, but truly reclaim your health and get back to living the life you want.
Dr. Warren
When patients like Jenny come to me, they've often tried other treatments with limited success. What I've found is that comprehensive testing is essential—not just for Lyme, but for the co-infections that almost always accompany chronic cases. In Jenny's case, we identified three distinct infections that needed addressing.
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all protocols. Instead, we create customized plans based on exactly what's happening in your body. We use research-backed natural interventions, carefully selected to target your specific infections while supporting your body's healing processes.
Recovery is a balance—we need to kill pathogens while supporting detoxification, and everyone's body handles this differently. Some patients, like Jenny, need a "tortoise approach"—slow and steady winning the race. Her body was sensitive, particularly her lymphatic system, so we had to proceed gently.
Remember, healing takes time. Jenny saw small improvements initially, with more significant progress around six months. After about 18 months, she's now at 80-90% of where she wants to be. The transformation has been remarkable—from barely making it to her car after a day at the state fair to recently enjoying tennis, racquetball, pickleball, golf, and swimming on vacation.
If you're feeling hopeless right now, I understand. But I want you to know that with the right approach—one that's customized to your unique situation—improvement is possible. My team and I are committed to helping you not just manage symptoms, but truly reclaim your health and get back to living the life you want.
Dr. Warren
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Impressive, Smart, Top Notch. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience at RHS. From my initial appt to my follow up. Dr. Kyle and Dr. Paul were great to work with and both encouraged me to better health through testing, exercises and education. Also their support staff Katie and Randi are wonderful as well. Prompt, courteous, and always available for questions! I highly recommend RHS! Cheers to better health."
-Tara Schwagmeyer
I have been seeing Dr Warren for a few years and he has improved my health and my life greatly. I have many health issues and had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue 8 years ago, after I had to leave my career. I tried almost every traditional medical specialist and even a few naturalpathic specialist without any continued improvement in health. Most told there was nothing wrong with me. Dr. Warren has taken the time and done a vast amount of research to help me with autoimmune, thyroid, chemical sensitivities, and even my gallbladder. He truly cares, takes the time to hear you and your health challenges, and is always willing to try additional routes. I am back working and able to have a fulfilled life again! I am so thankful to have the best doctor!"
-Erin Harty
I arrived at Restorative Health Solutions feeling extremely fatigued, had brain fog and not a high quality of life. I was just getting through the day.
After being treated I now have energy and a sense of well-being. I feel like I am now being proactive on having a healthy life. I am grateful for having found Restorative Health Solutions."
-T Lancello
I have been seeing Dr. Kyle and Dr. Paul for about 10 months now for Lyme disease. Prior to this, I was searching high and low for answers and getting no where. I was feeling fatigued, brain fog, stomach issues, anxiety, light sensitivity, dizziness... just a multitude of symptoms that I couldn't piece together.
The team at Rhs has been instrumental in me reaching my goals. Lyme disease has been extremely challenging and Rhs has been there every step of the way.
Lyme disease doesn't go away on it's own and it is a marathon, but Restorative Health Solutions has a process that works, follow it, be open and communicate. This is a two way street, they can't read your mind, so come in with the mentality of a partnership.
I would recommend anyone go and see them if you need to find answers on your Lyme disease journey."
-Aaron Lindholm
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