Why You Haven’t Heard Much From Me Lately

Kym KempReaders, virtual friends, and fellow newshounds,

I know many of you have been worried. I have been posting less frequently and some of you have written in questioning what has happened. Until recently, all I knew was that I was in more pain than I had ever been in my life. The pain was so intense I couldn’t perform the most basic functions.

However, I now have a diagnosis. I have tested positive for Lyme Disease and it is currently severely attacking my system. I don’t sleep, the pain level often reaches the level I experienced during natural childbirth. Tomorrow, I head down to see a Stanford doctor and will hopefully learn how to best manage my illness. Already, the antibiotics are helping me by reducing the pain and allowing me some sleep. Also, the pain meds are helping me return to work.

First, I want to thank the incredibly kind and hardworking medical professionals throughout Humboldt County who worked on my case. Some of them came in on days off to look at test results. Some called me almost every day to check in on what was happening. All treated me kindly and listened carefully. Particularly I want to express my warmest thanks to Southern Humboldt Medical clinic. Their gentleness and efforts on my behalf moved me to tears several times. Their diagnosis and resulting prescriptions have helped me begin to return to health. I feel blessed to be part of a community that has such caring professionals.

Second, I want to thank my husband, my sons and my large extended family who have fixed meals, hauled me to doctors’ appointments, tucked me into bed, counted pills, rubbed my back, calmed my fears and otherwise dealt with the ugly personal misery this disease has forced on me. (Also, extra kudos to my 14-year-old son that has cheerily done a ton of extra dishes beyond his normal chores.)

Finally, thank you to everyone who has written me with concern. It is good to know that what we do here matters to you.

The website will probably be less active for the next week but we hope to back to full speed after that.

Thanks for your patience,

Kym Kemp

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169 Comments
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Desi
Guest
Desi
6 years ago

I wish you much luck in Stanford and a speedy recovery. Your a hero here don’t forget that.

patrick cherry
Guest
patrick cherry
6 years ago

i’m srry sweetie-they’ve made great strides in it lately-get better soon

Ted Pease
Guest
6 years ago

Jeez, Kym. That’s really awful. Good thoughts from all your virtual and real and imaginary friends on getting Stanford to find something that will help.

Steve
Guest
Steve
6 years ago
Reply to  Ted Pease

Best of luck healing Kim, don’t burn the candle at both ends, we can wait for your recovery.

Dot
Guest
Dot
6 years ago

Sending our best healing energy for a successful treatment and strong recovery.

zachary zwerdling
Guest
zachary zwerdling
6 years ago

Get Well Soon, Kym. We miss you

Humanityfirst
Guest
Humanityfirst
6 years ago

So sorry to hear you have been so sick. I have missed you on here too. It just isn’t the same without you 🙂 It’s good to hear things are getting done to help you deal with it all. Hope you find more answers soon and that life will return to a decent degree of normality. Thanks for all you do on this site 🙂

CONCERNED
Guest
CONCERNED
6 years ago

wishing you good health and many blessings

Connie hill
Guest
Connie hill
6 years ago

You take all the time you need dear. We’ll be here when you get back.

Patte Rae
Guest
Patte Rae
6 years ago

Please take care of yourself, we will miss you but want you well!

onlooker
Guest
onlooker
6 years ago

Thanks for letting us know! We’ve been wondering and wishing you well.

Renee
Guest
6 years ago

I’m so sorry , much love and prayers for a very fast , full recovery !

fakeemail@gmail.com
Guest
6 years ago

im sorry youre in pain,and im glad that as a cute white local girl youre getting appropriate treatment.. any one else gets the “fuck off you junkie scum” treatment when mentioning the word “pain” to local so-called medical personnel.

sharon
Guest
6 years ago

You have a problem. Maybe you are a junkie. Why is this a black or white thing? It’s not. Don’t try to make it one. My child is of mixed race. Be an intelligent voter, commenter. Not a hater.

wow!
Guest
wow!
6 years ago

You must a large self-esteem issue!

Amy Woodard
Guest
Amy Woodard
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Damn trolls. Glad you are doing better and recieving the medical care you need Kym.

sharon
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Bless your heart. Get well. Hugs💖💚💜💛😘😁omg kym!!!

troll diet
Guest
troll diet
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

What? No! Your cuteness is perrenial and isn’t stifled one bit by your obvious strength and solid goddess physique.!! Wtf. .. have u seen “My 600lb life?” THATS OVERWEIGHT!!haha That asshole doesn’t realize your rocking stature is maintained by a steady diet OF TROLLS! HAH!

Beside the point tho. What a physician prescribes is between the patient, the pharmacist and the doctor. Additionally ” Pain Meds ” can mean a lot of different substances none of which are prescribed by personal appearance. I’d literally ignore that Guy lol

judi
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

hello, kym,
my opinion of how the medical people you’ve been dealing with are treating you…

they know you, or have seen or heard that you’re SINCERE, hold a high degree of INTEGRITY, are forthright, and civic minded. i have to imagine your family appears sane, happy, industrious, honest, and working for the greater good.
the healers might feel they have the pleasure to serve you, even when you are at your worst.

i’m so sorry for what you’ve going through. maybe you needed a break from work, time to focus on you. you’ve been running this race and ya need a little repairs for the next series of laps.

kym, i know you’ll get back what you’ve put out. you’ll be back-at-em in a short time.
i feel you have a lot of strengths that will shove your through this shit…with bells on, too. feel that love.

remember me, kym? i’ll be the 1st person to stand in line – in the pouring rain for days – for your book signing. while your getting your rosy cheeks back go ahead & dictate whatcha want, i’ll type it up for you. i hope your editor won’t be upset if i can’t learn to use capitol letters like a normal person?

finally, i bet many people probably think you’re cute but you don’t believe it when they tell/show you. you must think i’m overweight, cute older woman in saying that. well…yup. damn cute, actually. *big toothy grin*

i’m lighting a candle for you.
good fortune to you and yours!

Experienced local
Guest
Experienced local
6 years ago

Sorry but while i dont agree with the “cute white” part, anyone who mentions pain at our clinic gets the boot.

Veterans friend
Guest
Veterans friend
6 years ago

I was given pain meds at the clinic that I said emphatically I did not want or need. What’s up with that?

Angie
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Angie
6 years ago

Good god..

onrust
Guest
onrust
6 years ago

Kym – I had cousin in her early thirties diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and treated for it for 10 years. She ended up in a wheel chair and decided to get a second opinion. The second doctor diagnosed her with Lyme disease and within weeks she gave her wheel chair away to someone who needed it. Get well soon.

To the person concerned about you getting better treatment because of your looks. I think Kym is a pretty woman but I am not a handsome man. I am an old, white hippie with beard hair down to my nipple line. I look like I’ve been rode hard and put away wet. I bathe pretty often and dress cleanly but mostly I look like and old cowboy hippie.
I have a messed up spine with bone spurs growing into my spinal cord. Some of the best surgeons in the country declined to operate on my back because the chance of success was so low. The told me to go home and come back when I had to wear Depends.

I was initially quite pissed because I thought they could just fix it. It’s been 5 good years since that diagnosis, five years of advancement in spinal surgeries and technology and pain management strategies. And maybe, just maybe when I start pissing myself and defecating on myself, they will be able to operate. Periodically, I get severe back pain and am unable to walk. I have been prescribed Percoset, which I use sparingly because the Oxycontin scares the hell out of me. I have consumed two 100 pill bottles in the last 5 years. There is never any question about prescribing me what I need. They see my use and understand that I only use the drugs when I absolutely need them. I have been treated with the utmost respect by a wide range of doctors even when I disagreed with them regarding treatment strategy or diagnosis. I also use liquid cannabis for pain and use about 32 oz. of 100 milligrams concentration in juice for a year’s treatment. This actually works better than the Percoset.

I’ve only had one doctor refuse a prescription for pain meds and that’s because he had a policy not to prescribe for pain. It’s his business and he referred me to someone who was willing to prescribe after they examined my MRI’s and other medical records. All doctors I visited volunteered to send me to the Pain Center locally or to the one at UCSF. I’m pretty sure that my being an old broken down cowboy hippie did not have a negative impact on my treatment.

amanda haas
Guest
amanda haas
6 years ago

Sending love and light . Thank you for explaining. you are amazing at what you do. I especially appreciate your follow up and follow through. your direct action real news has saved me many times and I am truly grateful. I propose you train 2 helpers, volunteers perhaps through HSU, you know what reporting news really means and that is a dying art. I have an auto immune disease life gets busy and hard and help is needed. I am so grateful for your gift to our community. Many blessings in your healing

Co2dav
Guest
Co2dav
6 years ago

So sorry to hear i had noticed the minimal posts and was hoping you were on some great vacation. Get better soon. You and your blog is an important part to our community.

Jan Carr
Guest
Jan Carr
6 years ago

Oh dear! Feel better! xoxo!

Luke Bruner
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Luke Bruner
6 years ago

Kym,

You’re in my thoughts and prayers. You are a treasured member of this community.

-Luke

Laurie
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Laurie
6 years ago

Thanks for sharing. we enjoy reading your posts.. Hope your feeling better soon..

Nan
Guest
Nan
6 years ago

We are sorry to hear you are going through this horrible Limes We pray you are on the healing path and bless your family and friends for their support!
love to you and all!

Melissa
Guest
Melissa
6 years ago

Love and healing light being sent your way. And yes, you are much appreciated and missed.

Hiddin illness sucks.
Guest
Hiddin illness sucks.
6 years ago

So sorry. I’m going through something similar and spend hours unable to do much. Brain surgery soon. Superior Canal Dehiscence. Keep busy as much as you can and take care of yourself.

Deonne
Guest
Deonne
6 years ago

I was diagnosed with Lyme about 20 years ago. My pain levels were never what you are describing, but enough so that I had a hard time keeping up with normal activities. The Dr. I had here in Chico put me on antibiotics for a year, and that seemed to be enough to keep me mostly healthy in the years since. I do have quite a lot of arthritis pain, but nothing that acetaminophen and ibuprofen can’t handle. I’m writing this in the hopes that it will encourage you and give you some peace of mind. It can be so scary knowing that some little critter can cause so much pain and damage, but from what I’ve read the treatment now is much better than it was years ago. Treat yourself kindly and keep letting your family and friends help. It’s good for them and for you!

Luvs
Guest
Luvs
6 years ago
Reply to  Deonne

The spirochetes are more than just a little bug, they are actually one of the most advanced species on the planet. They are “intelligent”, they know when youre looking for them and literally hide in the body. Science is finding they use a manganese coating, very basic description. This coating helps them hide from our bodies natural immune system.
Lyme is becoming an epidemic, and probably has been for awhile as the testing up until a few years ago was not very accurate. It is not something that is tested for when you give blood. If youve had a transfusion and have any lyme symptoms you ought to get tested. I think most people in southern humboldt should get tested, the amount of people with it is huge! I can think of 20 folks besides myself who have it.
The cdc now says there are 300,000 new cases nationally each year.
Unfortunately most insurance wont cover the full treatment so its very expensive to treat, and is sadly contraversal in the medical community.
Its very intense treatment that is similar to chemo, very high dose antibiotics that kill everything.
Wishing you the best kym!! Theres a support group that meets in mckinleyville, and lots of info online. Lyme zaps all your energy, take naps everyday. Remember treatments work differently for everyone so keep trying, and dont try to kill them off too fast or you’ll feel even worse.
♡☆♡☆

laura
Guest
laura
6 years ago
Reply to  Luvs

please obtain the best medical insurance you can if you haven’t already to help with complete recovery.
love and good recovery to you

Veterans friend
Guest
Veterans friend
6 years ago
Reply to  Luvs
Louis Ramirez Fellow Journalist
Guest
Louis Ramirez Fellow Journalist
6 years ago

Get better soon Kym! Humboldt appreciates your journalistic integrity!

Kimberly Finley
Guest
Kimberly Finley
6 years ago

Sending positive thoughts and prayers.Having a wonderful family to help you means the world.🙏😊

Sarah Jane
Guest
Sarah Jane
6 years ago

Please let me know if I can do anything to help!! sending positive vibes and love .

Beverly Cary-Parlet
Guest
Beverly Cary-Parlet
6 years ago

God Bless you, Kym! Prayers going your way and hope that you are well very soon. I enjoy your writing and honest coverage of issues that need covering. Be well soon!

jmarie
Guest
6 years ago

Wishing you Kym and Family my best for although painful, Lyme s
It is the worst Pain ever! !!! Shingles isn’t anywhere near as painful.
Take care

Cathy Jones
Guest
Cathy Jones
6 years ago

Oh Kimberly, I’m so sorry to hear about your illness. Please no I’ll keep you in my prayers.

fan
Guest
fan
6 years ago

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery…

Toni Genaro
Guest
Toni Genaro
6 years ago

Praying for your speedy recovery and good health.
Toni

Max
Guest
Max
6 years ago

Oh, Kym, I had no idea. I am so glad you have a diagnosis and an approach in place that is beginning to help. Love you and thinking healing thoughts for you.

Eileen Hawkins
Guest
Eileen Hawkins
6 years ago

Sorry to hear this. Hopefully you will recover completely. Chronic pain sucks, so you have my best wishes.

Betty Fulton
Guest
Betty Fulton
6 years ago

I can relate to what you are going through Had lyme years ago befor it was found here in Humboldt the antibiotic called Rosefin was the drug that saved my life. I was in the hospital 6 weeks. Th Dr who worked my case was DR. Gambin . My prayers for a full recovery. Sorry that you are suffering with this. Call me if you want to talk.

Hz
Guest
Hz
6 years ago

you might want to check in with your doctors about the possibility of spreading lyme to others in your family. I have heard that this can happen ?

Julia
Guest
Julia
6 years ago

Much love to you. I follow you on Facebook and am so sorry to hear you’re struggling with health issues! Please let all of us know if there’s anything we Humboldtians can do to help.

Marci ebert
Guest
Marci ebert
6 years ago

may your healing be quick and easy! You are Such a gift to out community and look forward to your return to health

M
Guest
M
6 years ago

If you have had it for more than a short time you may be in for a long treatment. Know and ask your doctors about the split in the medical community about chronic Lyme. Many of the symptoms associated with Lyme are actually caused by coinfections like babesia and bartonella, which may or may not be affected by the antibiotics you are prescribed for Lyme. Make sure your doctor is afiliated with ILADS, International Lyme and Associated Disease Society. If not, please consult with them or an associated doctor. Good luck.

Susan
Guest
Susan
6 years ago

Best wishes that you get better soon, Kym, thank you for sharing. I am very impressed with your beautiful family and circle of support, what a blessing!

sharon
Guest
6 years ago

Bless your heart. Get well. Hugs💖💚💜💛😘😁

Tammie Chapman
Guest
6 years ago

I was wondering and worried. Thanks for letting us know and we are praying for your speedy recovery to full health. It will happen.

Livin' Easy
Guest
Livin' Easy
6 years ago

Thank you Kym for all the positive you have given to Humboldt. Wish you the best!!!!

Nina
Guest
Nina
6 years ago

Miriam peachy is a local dr and is amazing. I work at Lima’s pharmacy and we compound a specific lymes medication that is helping a lot of patients. I truly hope you feel better it is a very hard disease to manage.

ali
Guest
ali
6 years ago
Reply to  Nina

Does your Lyme’s medication take a drs Rx? Can you let us know what you have come up with so we can tell a doctor if so?

Linda
Guest
Linda
6 years ago

Praying for healing. My daughter in law lives in Colorado and is right there with you..Same diagnosis she is steadily but slowly improving…sending love and hugs from the ranch!

Mike
Guest
Mike
6 years ago

Best of luck Kym. I was figuring something had to have been up since I noticed the decline in articles. Hope they get you feeling better soon and youre feeling like your old self in no time.

Erin
Guest
Erin
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

So, so sorry to read this news. Dr. Raphael Stricker in SF cured my lyme and co-infections. I hope you get the very best care at Stanford. I look forward to reading your writing again. Keep us posted on your progress.

Scotti Leslie
Guest
Scotti Leslie
6 years ago

Kim, I was diagnosed in 97. After repeated treatments by local doctors, I was worse than I could believe. I was cured by prolonged antibiotics prescribed by a hematologist in SF. He has a clinic specializing in tickborn diseases. I was just examined at ucsf neurology and they can find no sign of the disease in me. I was lucky. Dr. Raphael Stricker at Union Square Medical Associates;

http://www.usmamed.com

Good luck, stay strong, this too shall pass!

lynda
Guest
lynda
6 years ago

Hugs and bubbles of love girl!

Davey
Guest
Davey
6 years ago

Hope all goes well and you return to outstanding health! Take care and have pleasant dreams.

elvis costanza
Guest
elvis costanza
6 years ago

Kym, I am saddened by this. As an ex-Humboldter I really depend on your blog to keep up on “The Old Country”. I am wishing you all success at Stanford. You are loved and appreciated by many, many people (even the complainers).

Bill
Guest
Bill
6 years ago

I wish you the best of luck and hope things go well for you. Please know we all really appreciate your contribution you make for all of us down here in Mendocino as well as all of north west coastal Cal. You really make a difference. Thank you and we all will be sending good thoughts, Bill

Lee Richardson
Guest
Lee Richardson
6 years ago

Hi Kym…Thank you for sharing this with us. As you know, Lyme disease is painful, and will raise hell with you. I’m so sorry you are having to experience this. I am glad to hear you have had good care in Humboldt county, as for the most part, that has also been my experience. I am from the Stanford area, and have had better care here, for the most part. I hope Stanford works for you. It sounds like you have good support at home, and that is so very important. Take care and get better soon.

John Heflin
Guest
John Heflin
6 years ago

OMG Kym, i cant believe what is going on, i have noticed less and less posts from you but never thought it was this bad for you. I am praying for the best treatment you can get and a speedy recovery to get back home!!!