Byrdie's Lyme Information

Maryland performing songwriter Mary Byrd Brown is critically acclaimed for her energetic and passionate performance art, and in particular for her distinctive rich vocals and her unique delivery that simultaneously invoke Billie Holiday and Joni Mitchell. From compelling grooves to spellbinding ballads, Mary draws from inspirations as diverse as jazzy torch songs and playful satire; "she glides gingerly between soulful, moody, minor-key moments and upbeat crescendos and everything in between." (Nicholson House Concerts). "A smooth guitar style, memorable voice, unique delivery, and terrific songs." (Country Roads Folk Festival)

Her impressive career spans nearly two decades and credits include five albums, significant radio airplay.

Though well-established as a solo artist in folk music circles, her myriad interests are reflected in her signature style: "a slippery shuffle between folk, rock, blues, country and jazz." In addition to renowned concert halls, clubs and festivals, Mary's performance resume also includes a variety of venues, ranging from coffeehouses and college campuses to seminars and house concerts. She tours nationally, energizing enthusiastic audiences - town by town, city by city, state by state.

"It's Brown's ability to connect with a live audience that has built her a wide following that cuts across regional boundaries and musical genres." (Nicholson House Concerts). In 1999, the readers of Music Monthly acknowledged that connection by voting Mary Best of Genre in Folk. Whether on a big festival stage or at an intimate spiritual celebration, Mary's performance leads through an emotional journey across the landscape of human experience and shares her refreshing perspective on life's vital challenges.

The Lyme Disease Diagnosis

It is hard to know where to begin when a story unfolds over so many, many years. After over ten years of immune system challenges and misdiagnoses, I was finally diagnosed with severe advanced Lyme Disease on May 1, 2002. Turns out I've probably been infected since I was age 13 or 14 and reinfected several times, not only with Lyme disease, but also with many of the tick-borne co infections (different organisms) that accompany Lyme.

In the Spring of 2002, I underwent a rigorous rule-out procedure of eliminating the possibility of many other diseases. The menu consisted of a Bone Scan, MRI, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Spinal Tap, Infinite blood tests, EKG, Stress Test, Holter Monitor, Neurological Exam, Psychiatric Consult, and on and on and on.

Result?

I have Lyme Disease.

The first line of treatment was six weeks of rigorous oral antibiotics; six weeks turned into one year of both oral and intravenous antibiotics. Then another year with more medications, and another year....

How Does Byrdie Manage Chronic Lyme Disease?

Managing any kind of chronic condition requires addressing the body's needs as a "whole." I am addressing heals on ALL levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This means being commited to weekly and monthly appointments with my body workers (i.e., massage, Reike), psychologist, psychiatrist (for medication management), acupuncturist and who ever else factors into the whole equation.

I also maintain a daily regimen of vitamin, mineral and herb supplementation. MOVING my body is critical; I take daily walks any time I can. Walking helps both the vascular circulatory system in the body AND the second largest circulatory system in the body: the lymphatic system. Detox protocols (foot baths, epsom salt baths) are also essential. Lots of protein and veggies are beyond essential.