Hello
My health journey and battle with Lyme disease have profoundly opened my eyes to the transformative power of natural medicine. This experience has taught me that all disease has an underlying root cause, and true healing comes from addressing these foundational issues rather than merely managing symptoms.
It has inspired me to explore natural therapies that work in harmony with the body, empowering individuals to reclaim their health and wellbeing.
My Story
While working in London as a busy jazz saxophonist, I could never have foreseen the drastic turn my life was about to take. At the time, I was at the pinnacle of my career. I had recorded my debut album, secured an endorsement deal, and was performing at some of the most renowned jazz clubs in the industry. Out of nowhere, I fell ill. Once fit and active, I began to experience debilitating symptoms that often left me too unwell to function. Despite undergoing numerous tests, doctors were unable to identify the cause and suggested that my symptoms were psychosomatic. I was eventually dismissed with a prescription for strong anti-anxiety medication and told that nothing more could be done.
Ronnie Scott's, London
As my health deteriorated, I began to experience alarming neurological issues, including problems with my vision and cognitive function. After five years of relentless research in an attempt to uncover the root cause of my increasingly severe and mysterious symptoms, a chance appointment with a new GP finally shed light on the situation. The GP explained that many of my issues were likely a result of the strong anti-anxiety medication I had been prescribed. Unbeknownst to me, the medication—a potent benzodiazepine—had been placed on repeat prescription without adequate warnings about its risks. I was informed that I had become dependent on the drug and would need to undergo a tapering programme lasting between six months and a year.
My tapering programme was overseen by an NHS drugs counsellor specialising in supporting individuals withdrawing from heroin. The withdrawal effects were harrowing, and the tapering process took two years to complete, followed by a further two years of recovery from the symptoms. I was later informed that the specific benzodiazepine I had been prescribed was not only more addictive than heroin but also considerably more difficult to taper off safely.
I also learned that the dosage I had been given was typically reserved for palliative care patients — a level far beyond what is normally prescribed for anxiety or insomnia. Despite this, I was maintained on the medication long-term without appropriate monitoring or a clear exit strategy.
During withdrawal, I experienced severe and debilitating symptoms, including psychosis, auditory hallucinations, and damage to my vision. These symptoms profoundly affected my physical and mental health, my ability to function, and my quality of life.
I initially pursued legal action against my original GP for medical negligence. However, I was ultimately too unwell during the withdrawal and recovery period to continue with the case within the three-year legal limitation period. Additionally, the GP failed to provide a full and detailed prescription history when requested for the court case, which further obstructed the legal process and accountability.
Following my ordeal with benzodiazepines, I had a strong instinct that an underlying health issue remained unresolved. Through years of research into the potential causes of my illness, Lyme disease had frequently emerged as a possibility. Having lost confidence in conventional doctors, I decided to take matters into my own hands and arranged for my own blood tests.
Although my initial test for Lyme disease came back negative, I was aware of the disease's notorious difficulty to diagnose and the limitations of testing methods in the UK. With guidance from a Lyme disease support website, I arranged for my blood samples to be sent to Germany, where a more accurate diagnostic method was available. This new test confirmed a positive diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis.
My initial symptoms, which had prompted my persistent visits to doctors eight years earlier, were ultimately revealed to be the result of Lyme disease. Finally armed with answers to the years of health challenges I had endured, I began my fight to overcome the disease.
There was no support available from the NHS, as they did not recognise chronic Lyme disease and would likely have disputed the validity of the German test that had confirmed my diagnosis. Due to the damage caused by the benzodiazepines, I was not able to undergo antibiotic treatment — the standard approach for Lyme disease — which left me with very limited options. This led me to seek out individuals who had successfully healed from Lyme disease through natural methods. Pursuing a natural approach became my only viable path forward.
I was fortunate to assemble my "Lyme Team," which comprised individuals who had successfully healed from Lyme disease naturally and a Lyme-literate naturopathic doctor. With their guidance, and through the use of herbal treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and ozone therapy, I have successfully placed my Lyme disease and autoimmune symptoms into remission.
My recovery has been a slow and gradual journey, spanning three years. I’m happy to say that I’m symptom-free.
My health journey has taught me that individuals with chronic conditions often face an uphill battle navigating a healthcare system that isn’t designed to uncover the root causes of these conditions. The modern medical model tends to focus on masking symptoms with toxic pharmaceuticals rather than addressing the underlying issues. This approach leaves many people without proper support or understanding of their health, making it even more difficult to find lasting solutions. As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I believe it's crucial to advocate for more comprehensive care that focuses on healing, not just symptom management.
I am now pursuing studies in natural medicine with the aim of supporting individuals living with chronic health conditions.