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Chronic Lib/E: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic--And How to Get Healthy Again
After nearly dying of the disease himself, Steven Phillips, MD, experienced firsthand the confusion in the medical community about Lyme disease that too often leads to misdiagnosed and undiagnosed cases. He has made it his mission to separate facts from misconceptions, working with top universities to find cures and novel therapies for this often debilitating disease that affects so many.
In this eye-opening and controversial book, Dr. Phillips and his former patient, Dana Parish, who has become a major voice in the field of Lyme disease, take on the medical establishment. Dr. Phillips posits that the bacteria that causes Lyme, Borrelia burgdorferi, and its germy relatives can trigger other autoimmune diseases (including MS, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, fibromyalgia, lupus, and others) and allow them to persist. Chronic delves into the history and science of Lyme and its coinfections, debunks commonly held beliefs by doctors and patients alike, reveals how the medical establishment got the facts patently wrong, and provides solutions that empower readers to keep infection at bay without weakening their immune systems.
In this eye-opening and controversial book, Dr. Phillips and his former patient, Dana Parish, who has become a major voice in the field of Lyme disease, take on the medical establishment. Dr. Phillips posits that the bacteria that causes Lyme, Borrelia burgdorferi, and its germy relatives can trigger other autoimmune diseases (including MS, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, fibromyalgia, lupus, and others) and allow them to persist. Chronic delves into the history and science of Lyme and its coinfections, debunks commonly held beliefs by doctors and patients alike, reveals how the medical establishment got the facts patently wrong, and provides solutions that empower readers to keep infection at bay without weakening their immune systems.
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First published February 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 3, 2021
seeing as this book doesn't have many reviews I guess I should write one since I do want more people to read it. It is a good introduction to the chronic lyme community and explains what it's like to suffer the misfortune of acquiring an illness that does not fit into established medicines neat little categories. It touches on the basics of lyme+ treatment but doesn't have an exhaustive list or explanation since I don't believe it was written to be a treatment manual.
I keep trying to continue writing this review without sharing my more bitter thoughts on my own experiences and those of patients like me. I'll write more later
To understand why this book was written the way it was, you need to have some understanding of how the medical community habitually treats patients that don't fit into their little boxes. In fact the system is designed so that even patients with the diagnoses that they consider legitimate but aren't made immediately clear by their system of checkboxes are expected to go through years of mental abuse being told they're lying, crazy or some combination of both, before, if they persist, finally coming to their diagnosis at which point the abuse by medical professionals stops. Now, if they're trained to do this to patients for years or sometimes decades, who they admit are actually really sick, imagine how they treat patients who have an illness they haven't figured out yet?
This book was written to help beleaugered patients defend themselves from health professionals and others who are supposed to help them, but instead turn on them and decide it's easier to brow beat a weak and sickly patient into some form of silence or submission rather than admit they might have an illness they don't understand. Any patient who does not meekly submit to the health system of checkboxes and its conclusions soon finds medical professionals acting more like an angry pack of lawyers who scream do you have a paper to prove it? every time you report any symptom or experience. So you end up with situations where functionally, a patient reports symptoms and since they don't fit boxes, the medical professional decides that the patient is in fact not allowed to have those symptoms, unless they can produce a scientific paper explaining why they have those symptoms. Put another way, the doctor says to the patient I don't know how to solve your problem so your problem is not allowed to exist, unless you tell me how to solve it in a way I like, at which point I'll claim the solution as my own and forget that I'm actually paid to find the solution. And if I don't like your solution I'll just go back to repeating in increasingly louder tones that because I don't know how to solve your problem, it doesn't exist. In fairness to medical professionals, they cling to their system of checkboxes even when they know they're not working because any medical professional who deviates from the checkbox system risks the wrath of the checkbox system which usually involves not just all system medical professionals acting like hostile lawyers, but the actual hiring of lawyers to strip said deviant medical professional of their profession, wealth, reputation and anything else they can possibly figure out how to strip away from them. But I digress, so this book comes in handy when the sickly patient says hey I think this solution might solve my problem and the medical professional says that's not in my list of checkboxes and therefore your symptoms and life experience can't exist because you need scientific papers to prove the existence of your symptoms and experience, you can throw this book at them since almost every sentence has a footnote referencing a study and yell "see I do exist!"
I keep trying to continue writing this review without sharing my more bitter thoughts on my own experiences and those of patients like me. I'll write more later
To understand why this book was written the way it was, you need to have some understanding of how the medical community habitually treats patients that don't fit into their little boxes. In fact the system is designed so that even patients with the diagnoses that they consider legitimate but aren't made immediately clear by their system of checkboxes are expected to go through years of mental abuse being told they're lying, crazy or some combination of both, before, if they persist, finally coming to their diagnosis at which point the abuse by medical professionals stops. Now, if they're trained to do this to patients for years or sometimes decades, who they admit are actually really sick, imagine how they treat patients who have an illness they haven't figured out yet?
This book was written to help beleaugered patients defend themselves from health professionals and others who are supposed to help them, but instead turn on them and decide it's easier to brow beat a weak and sickly patient into some form of silence or submission rather than admit they might have an illness they don't understand. Any patient who does not meekly submit to the health system of checkboxes and its conclusions soon finds medical professionals acting more like an angry pack of lawyers who scream do you have a paper to prove it? every time you report any symptom or experience. So you end up with situations where functionally, a patient reports symptoms and since they don't fit boxes, the medical professional decides that the patient is in fact not allowed to have those symptoms, unless they can produce a scientific paper explaining why they have those symptoms. Put another way, the doctor says to the patient I don't know how to solve your problem so your problem is not allowed to exist, unless you tell me how to solve it in a way I like, at which point I'll claim the solution as my own and forget that I'm actually paid to find the solution. And if I don't like your solution I'll just go back to repeating in increasingly louder tones that because I don't know how to solve your problem, it doesn't exist. In fairness to medical professionals, they cling to their system of checkboxes even when they know they're not working because any medical professional who deviates from the checkbox system risks the wrath of the checkbox system which usually involves not just all system medical professionals acting like hostile lawyers, but the actual hiring of lawyers to strip said deviant medical professional of their profession, wealth, reputation and anything else they can possibly figure out how to strip away from them. But I digress, so this book comes in handy when the sickly patient says hey I think this solution might solve my problem and the medical professional says that's not in my list of checkboxes and therefore your symptoms and life experience can't exist because you need scientific papers to prove the existence of your symptoms and experience, you can throw this book at them since almost every sentence has a footnote referencing a study and yell "see I do exist!"
January 31, 2021
If you are interested in Lyme disease then this book is an easy five stars. However, if you are interested in learning more about treating autoimmune diseases in general as was I, then this is not the book for you. This book is strictly about Lyme, treating Lyme, and how Lyme might manifest in the body to resemble other diseases.
May 14, 2020
"A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, & a new generation grows up that is familiar with it." - German physicist Max Planck In other words, change does not occur because scientists with incorrect opinions change their minds in response to sound evidence, but rather because younger generations of scientists are more open to new ideas."
After nearly 20 years of suffering with health problems that no Doctor could ever hope to understand or address aside from IBS & incurable autoimmune disease, I like many others in my shoes, gave up on the doctors drug pushing in pursuit of alternative treatments.
"Big Pharma doesn't sell cures, it sells bandages - very expensive bandages that require lifelong refills. No pharmaceutical company is interested in finding the cause of autoimmune disease & eradicating it. That wouldn't be profitable."
I decided to try to get better on my own by reading books and seeing what might "stick". My plan worked. I now feel better than I did when I was in my twenties, but to say I'm completely better would be a lie. The first step to improving my health was changing my lifestyle. Things like getting more exercise & fresh air, less TV, quitting booze, eating healthier, etc. The thing is, the older I get, the less recovered (aka in remission) I am feeling. The authors explain this phenomenon as our bodies burden growing the longer we live. Therefore our bodies are subjected to more & more invaders, giving our bodies more to have to fight which increases inflammation. This in turn creates more health problems. But can they be cured? That's what this book explores.
My current management plan has been a shelf full of supplements, quitting my job to start my own small eco-farm (now my full time job) where I know exactly where my food comes from. The exercise from such an endeavor is nothing to sneeze at. I also follow a combination of a low FODMAPs/AIP diet. All of this in attempts to keep my symptoms in remission. Does it work? Most of the time yes.
Chronic opens the door to a new possibility at to the why of autoimmune disease. While the books main focus is on Lyme's (it calls all other autoimmune diseases Lyme +) it is not exclusively about Lyme's & it really is eye opening. However, there are a few problems with this book Most damning is that it is not written in an engaging way. It is too technical. Even the layout is not user friendly. The chapters on how to get better are not as helpful as one would hope.
My main take away from this book is to go to the Doctor (good luck with that as the meat of the book features numerous patients who sometimes had to visit upwards of 25 doctors before they were properly treated!), go on antibiotics & do "pulsing". Pulsing is going on a particular antibiotic for a certain length of time, then off the antibiotic for typically the same length of time, then back on the antibiotic for a certain length of them, then off the antibiotic... taking antibiotics off & on in "pulses".
The authors also touch on other possible methods for treating autoimmune disease aka Lyme + such as lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, dietary changes and supplementation. The dietary changes were often conflicting. In one section a Paleo diet is recommended. Later a Mediterranean diet is touted as best, then even later a Vegan diet is strongly encouraged. My conclusion is not that any of these types of diets are necessarily better than the other, that instead they are all reasonable options to try thanks to what they don't promote - processed "foods". Instead they tend to focus on things like Low carb, whole foods, unprocessed, home cooked, grass fed and finished, fruits and vegetables in their natural recognizable form, etc. By now everyone should know that fast food, meals in a box you "cook" at home, eating too many sweets, too much caffeine, processed meats... processed anything really is not good for you. How can you ever expect your body to heal if you don't nourish it with whole foods?
While this book was initially difficult to get into, by page 44 or so, it started to pay off. There is a lot to think about in the theory that bug bites in general (not just bites from ticks) are causing sickness in our bodies because our bodies are constantly trying to fight off invaders that are fast & sneaky. This in turn causes a wide range of health problems with no understood cause (autoimmune disease) when in the authors opinion there is a cause, it is the body fighting the invader. If the invader is mainly in the brain, the bodies defense could cause Parkinson’s for example.
One of Dr. Phillips patients who fully recovered after Dr. Phillips treated him, reported back to his previous doctor of his amazing results. His previous doctor (who didn't help him get better in the first place) responded to these results by saying "Sounds like voodoo medicine."
"And so it is in medicine that arrogance frequently goes hand in hand with ignorance. It's a wonder medical science makes any progress at all."
After nearly 20 years of suffering with health problems that no Doctor could ever hope to understand or address aside from IBS & incurable autoimmune disease, I like many others in my shoes, gave up on the doctors drug pushing in pursuit of alternative treatments.
"Big Pharma doesn't sell cures, it sells bandages - very expensive bandages that require lifelong refills. No pharmaceutical company is interested in finding the cause of autoimmune disease & eradicating it. That wouldn't be profitable."
I decided to try to get better on my own by reading books and seeing what might "stick". My plan worked. I now feel better than I did when I was in my twenties, but to say I'm completely better would be a lie. The first step to improving my health was changing my lifestyle. Things like getting more exercise & fresh air, less TV, quitting booze, eating healthier, etc. The thing is, the older I get, the less recovered (aka in remission) I am feeling. The authors explain this phenomenon as our bodies burden growing the longer we live. Therefore our bodies are subjected to more & more invaders, giving our bodies more to have to fight which increases inflammation. This in turn creates more health problems. But can they be cured? That's what this book explores.
My current management plan has been a shelf full of supplements, quitting my job to start my own small eco-farm (now my full time job) where I know exactly where my food comes from. The exercise from such an endeavor is nothing to sneeze at. I also follow a combination of a low FODMAPs/AIP diet. All of this in attempts to keep my symptoms in remission. Does it work? Most of the time yes.
Chronic opens the door to a new possibility at to the why of autoimmune disease. While the books main focus is on Lyme's (it calls all other autoimmune diseases Lyme +) it is not exclusively about Lyme's & it really is eye opening. However, there are a few problems with this book Most damning is that it is not written in an engaging way. It is too technical. Even the layout is not user friendly. The chapters on how to get better are not as helpful as one would hope.
My main take away from this book is to go to the Doctor (good luck with that as the meat of the book features numerous patients who sometimes had to visit upwards of 25 doctors before they were properly treated!), go on antibiotics & do "pulsing". Pulsing is going on a particular antibiotic for a certain length of time, then off the antibiotic for typically the same length of time, then back on the antibiotic for a certain length of them, then off the antibiotic... taking antibiotics off & on in "pulses".
The authors also touch on other possible methods for treating autoimmune disease aka Lyme + such as lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, dietary changes and supplementation. The dietary changes were often conflicting. In one section a Paleo diet is recommended. Later a Mediterranean diet is touted as best, then even later a Vegan diet is strongly encouraged. My conclusion is not that any of these types of diets are necessarily better than the other, that instead they are all reasonable options to try thanks to what they don't promote - processed "foods". Instead they tend to focus on things like Low carb, whole foods, unprocessed, home cooked, grass fed and finished, fruits and vegetables in their natural recognizable form, etc. By now everyone should know that fast food, meals in a box you "cook" at home, eating too many sweets, too much caffeine, processed meats... processed anything really is not good for you. How can you ever expect your body to heal if you don't nourish it with whole foods?
While this book was initially difficult to get into, by page 44 or so, it started to pay off. There is a lot to think about in the theory that bug bites in general (not just bites from ticks) are causing sickness in our bodies because our bodies are constantly trying to fight off invaders that are fast & sneaky. This in turn causes a wide range of health problems with no understood cause (autoimmune disease) when in the authors opinion there is a cause, it is the body fighting the invader. If the invader is mainly in the brain, the bodies defense could cause Parkinson’s for example.
One of Dr. Phillips patients who fully recovered after Dr. Phillips treated him, reported back to his previous doctor of his amazing results. His previous doctor (who didn't help him get better in the first place) responded to these results by saying "Sounds like voodoo medicine."
"And so it is in medicine that arrogance frequently goes hand in hand with ignorance. It's a wonder medical science makes any progress at all."
May 23, 2020
"Chronic" is about how Lyme disease and other vector (tick, spider, etc.) borne diseases are not correctly diagnosed or treated and that they cause autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. They make the case that Lyme+ diseases have similar symptoms to autoimmune diseases and so get incorrectly diagnosed and treated, leaving the underlying cause untreated. If the underlying Lyme+ disease is properly treated with effective antibiotics, then the autoimmune disease symptoms end. They also feel that the official recommendations for treating Lyme disease are not using the correct antibiotics or using them for long enough. So between misdiagnosis and improper treatment, many people are living with untreated chronic Lyme disease.
The book focused on making these points and telling stories of people who lived this out but are now better. There's a chapter about how Dr. Phillips treats Lyme disease, but it's not for self-treatment but to explain a better way of treating Lyme disease. He also talked about ways to heal from the emotional trauma of having Lyme disease and being misdiagnosed. I had thought the book would be more about the treatment and prevention of Lyme disease, so I found this book depressing as it seems inevitable everyone will have Lyme disease someday. They didn't convince me that Lyme+ disease is the cause of autoimmune diseases, but it's certainly good to know that they can have similar symptoms and can be misdiagnosed as autoimmune disease. Overall, I strongly recommend this book to doctors and those who think they might have Lyme disease.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
The book focused on making these points and telling stories of people who lived this out but are now better. There's a chapter about how Dr. Phillips treats Lyme disease, but it's not for self-treatment but to explain a better way of treating Lyme disease. He also talked about ways to heal from the emotional trauma of having Lyme disease and being misdiagnosed. I had thought the book would be more about the treatment and prevention of Lyme disease, so I found this book depressing as it seems inevitable everyone will have Lyme disease someday. They didn't convince me that Lyme+ disease is the cause of autoimmune diseases, but it's certainly good to know that they can have similar symptoms and can be misdiagnosed as autoimmune disease. Overall, I strongly recommend this book to doctors and those who think they might have Lyme disease.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
December 3, 2020
As somebody with a chronic medical condition, I had high hopes for this book--and they were exceeded. It's not easy to combine paradigm-shifting information in a friendly format, but the authors did that very thing. I expected a self-help book, but what I found was so much more.
The personal stories were riveting, albeit not anything more than I would expect in a book of this caliber, but what I did not expect was the painstaking investigative journalism from these authors. This book is basically a textbook and a novel wrapped up in one. A joy to read, but kept me awake at night thinking about how little my doctor knows.
The personal stories were riveting, albeit not anything more than I would expect in a book of this caliber, but what I did not expect was the painstaking investigative journalism from these authors. This book is basically a textbook and a novel wrapped up in one. A joy to read, but kept me awake at night thinking about how little my doctor knows.
February 9, 2025
Okay. Let me start by saying that I am so, SO glad that there are doctors out there, such as this author, who care about getting to the root cause of a patient's illnesses and will sit down and listen to them. Chasing the cause instead of slapping labels that don't fit onto patients is something I wish was the standard. I commend Dr. Phillips for this, although I wish this was something so mundane that it wasn't commendable.
With that said, I am so let down by this book. As someone with multiple chronic illnesses post-acute infection, I had such high hopes for it. At first, it felt like it was going to be a solid read. I learned a lot about Lyme+ and its many manifestations, and reading about patients who went through dozens of doctors before finally getting the treatment they needed was eye-opening. It was so interesting to see how many MS patients tested positive for Lyme. When he talked about how sudden mental status changes--abrupt onset of depression or dementia-like symptoms--can be a cue that an infection is the source, I was on board. Bacteria and viruses have a way of impacting us in a multitude of ways, and I do think the public needs to understand that this sudden changes can reflect underlying causes.
But then it started to feel like Dr. Phillips was implying that most/all mental illness can be traced back to an infectious source, and that was when I started to have my doubts about this book. I have anxiety, depression, and OCD; I have had these my entire life, and the medications I take for them truly help. The way Phillips talks about mental illness feels like he thinks it can all be attributed to Lyme+ and even if it's been a lifelong battle, you must have been infected in utero. This felt very invalidating.
And autism?! An infectious source for autism and antibiotics can cure it?! I don't even know what to say to that.
My final hail Mary hope for this book was the chapter about covid. Covid ruined my health and triggered so many problems. Alas, this was perhaps the biggest letdown. He touted ivermectin as a fix, and I cannot get behind anybody, especially a medical professional, who does so.
With that said, I am so let down by this book. As someone with multiple chronic illnesses post-acute infection, I had such high hopes for it. At first, it felt like it was going to be a solid read. I learned a lot about Lyme+ and its many manifestations, and reading about patients who went through dozens of doctors before finally getting the treatment they needed was eye-opening. It was so interesting to see how many MS patients tested positive for Lyme. When he talked about how sudden mental status changes--abrupt onset of depression or dementia-like symptoms--can be a cue that an infection is the source, I was on board. Bacteria and viruses have a way of impacting us in a multitude of ways, and I do think the public needs to understand that this sudden changes can reflect underlying causes.
But then it started to feel like Dr. Phillips was implying that most/all mental illness can be traced back to an infectious source, and that was when I started to have my doubts about this book. I have anxiety, depression, and OCD; I have had these my entire life, and the medications I take for them truly help. The way Phillips talks about mental illness feels like he thinks it can all be attributed to Lyme+ and even if it's been a lifelong battle, you must have been infected in utero. This felt very invalidating.
And autism?! An infectious source for autism and antibiotics can cure it?! I don't even know what to say to that.
My final hail Mary hope for this book was the chapter about covid. Covid ruined my health and triggered so many problems. Alas, this was perhaps the biggest letdown. He touted ivermectin as a fix, and I cannot get behind anybody, especially a medical professional, who does so.
February 20, 2021
This book is a reminder for the things you already know but are most likely not actively doing because let's face it-doing the right thing as far as health is not easy. We all know we should not eat bad additives but they taste so god or more accurately we are so use to the taste that natural foods taste unnatural. We know we need exercise but there are so many excuses when we do not engage in physical activity(we say we are tired, we did not have time, I will start tomorrow, etc.).
Here is a question I have: How do we become better when the agencies in place that are there to protect us fail us with the ingredients that are pronounced as safe for consumption until decades later when these same items become less safe? Why in the United States do we have more foods with additives than other "first world nations?"
I would recommend this book and when you read it-send me a line or three.
Here is a question I have: How do we become better when the agencies in place that are there to protect us fail us with the ingredients that are pronounced as safe for consumption until decades later when these same items become less safe? Why in the United States do we have more foods with additives than other "first world nations?"
I would recommend this book and when you read it-send me a line or three.
January 31, 2021
Autoimmune diseases are understudied. Steve Phillips and Dana Parish offer perspectives on the possible causes and treatments for a variety of conditions . As these issues can be controversial, they are supported by solid scientific evidence as referenced in the book. It is delivered in a clear , understandable style that will resonate with both healthcare professionals and the general public.
The personal health journeys of both authors is deeply moving, it provides a context for their quest to learn more and act in a way that helps patients get better.
The personal health journeys of both authors is deeply moving, it provides a context for their quest to learn more and act in a way that helps patients get better.
March 23, 2021
I thought there were some very interesting concepts to explore, but I gather that unless you are wealthy, most of these treatment options will not be available to you. It’s unfortunate that the authors don’t address how to get help if you are not able to shell out for a private physician like Dr. Phillips.
July 18, 2025
I learned that everyone has Lyme+, and seems to be the cause of every health issue known to mankind, including depression, anxiety, and even autism. That women carry Lyme+ and it transmits in utero to the child, who end up with autism. This is not about autoimmune diseases. This book is a hyped up scare tactic to make people worried. They say a course of antibiotics on and off for the rest of your life will "cure" just about anything. I learned some information about ticks, which was helpful, since I live in Maine, which is tickworld.
March 7, 2021
Fascinating overview of Lyme long-haulers.
February 28, 2021
An excellent look at autoimmune illness, with a fresh new and proven perspective. I liked the combination of true life cases and scientific evidence advocating for certain treatment.
I liked how the book had some suggestions for treatment (even some holistic ones) and paths to wellness. Recommended, for its new perspective and practical advice.
**Publisher provided copy for review**
I liked how the book had some suggestions for treatment (even some holistic ones) and paths to wellness. Recommended, for its new perspective and practical advice.
**Publisher provided copy for review**
February 2, 2021
I was afraid this was going to be another one of those books claiming to have “the answer” to whatever ails you, filled with hype and unsubstantiated claims, but this is not that book. It wildly exceeded my expectations.
Chronic offers a very compelling challenge to the dominant paradigm regarding autoimmune disease, backed by solid research and argumentation, in a readable narrative form. The authors did a masterful job covering so much ground.
My own thinking has changed as a result of this book, which asks the fundamental question, what causes so-called “autoimmune” disease in the first place? Why do we have this epidemic?
Why does modern medicine seem satisfied with just identifying symptoms and the mechanisms that produce them, and then suppressing patients’ immune systems for life, instead of trying to understand and address root causes? There’s too much evidence of persistent infection in Chronic to ignore. The authors do not overreach, and the implications for what they present are profound. Doctors and researchers need to read this book. (Patients too will find tons of useful information.)
In grad school, I was taught that infectious diseases were mostly conquered in developed countries and essentially replaced with chronic illnesses (part of the “epidemiologic transition”). Implicit in that framing is the idea that “chronic” and “infectious” are mutually exclusive categories… but why? The framing itself isn’t based on science. Yet it has shaped how the medical establishment has thought about disease for decades.
Maybe that’s why Chronic seems so revolutionary. The book tosses out this framework which has held sway for too long, and takes a clear-eyed look at the science connecting infections with chronic illnesses (without ignoring the role of genetics; another example of where assumed mutual exclusivity has no basis). The result is a totally different approach to patient care that offers patients real hope of improvement.
While reading the book, I kept remembering hearing that ulcers were caused by stress, and how astonishing it was when the role of H. pylori was discovered. I didn’t know until reading Chronic that one of the researchers – dismissed as crazy for years – literally ingested the bacterium himself in order to prove it. History is filled with examples of how major leaps forward in science do not happen easily; there is always resistance to ideas that challenge dominant paradigms. Kuhn’s famous book comes to mind. Is this one of those moments?
There are signs a shift may be underway - now the media is focused on COVID-19 “long-haulers,” and in some areas of the country it’s impossible to ignore the epidemic of chronic Lyme and other tick-borne infections (thoroughly covered in this book), despite a shameful failure of the medical establishment to acknowledge it. We need to stick to basic facts and good science while also retaining our ability to question scientific dogma that ignores inconvenient truths. Chronic is a very valuable step in that direction.
Chronic offers a very compelling challenge to the dominant paradigm regarding autoimmune disease, backed by solid research and argumentation, in a readable narrative form. The authors did a masterful job covering so much ground.
My own thinking has changed as a result of this book, which asks the fundamental question, what causes so-called “autoimmune” disease in the first place? Why do we have this epidemic?
Why does modern medicine seem satisfied with just identifying symptoms and the mechanisms that produce them, and then suppressing patients’ immune systems for life, instead of trying to understand and address root causes? There’s too much evidence of persistent infection in Chronic to ignore. The authors do not overreach, and the implications for what they present are profound. Doctors and researchers need to read this book. (Patients too will find tons of useful information.)
In grad school, I was taught that infectious diseases were mostly conquered in developed countries and essentially replaced with chronic illnesses (part of the “epidemiologic transition”). Implicit in that framing is the idea that “chronic” and “infectious” are mutually exclusive categories… but why? The framing itself isn’t based on science. Yet it has shaped how the medical establishment has thought about disease for decades.
Maybe that’s why Chronic seems so revolutionary. The book tosses out this framework which has held sway for too long, and takes a clear-eyed look at the science connecting infections with chronic illnesses (without ignoring the role of genetics; another example of where assumed mutual exclusivity has no basis). The result is a totally different approach to patient care that offers patients real hope of improvement.
While reading the book, I kept remembering hearing that ulcers were caused by stress, and how astonishing it was when the role of H. pylori was discovered. I didn’t know until reading Chronic that one of the researchers – dismissed as crazy for years – literally ingested the bacterium himself in order to prove it. History is filled with examples of how major leaps forward in science do not happen easily; there is always resistance to ideas that challenge dominant paradigms. Kuhn’s famous book comes to mind. Is this one of those moments?
There are signs a shift may be underway - now the media is focused on COVID-19 “long-haulers,” and in some areas of the country it’s impossible to ignore the epidemic of chronic Lyme and other tick-borne infections (thoroughly covered in this book), despite a shameful failure of the medical establishment to acknowledge it. We need to stick to basic facts and good science while also retaining our ability to question scientific dogma that ignores inconvenient truths. Chronic is a very valuable step in that direction.
November 7, 2023
'Chronic' offers you everything you want to know about autoimmune diseases, from medical myths to breakthrough treatments.
In the twenty-first century, autoimmune and chronic illnesses have emerged as a global crisis, affecting an estimated 50 million people in the United States alone. As the prevalence of these conditions continues to rise, there is a pressing need to understand their underlying causes and explore effective treatment approaches.
Steve Phillips, in his book ‘Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic – and How to Get Healthy Again,’ takes on this formidable challenge, offering perspectives on various autoimmune diseases and chronic infections. In this review, we will delve into the compelling insights presented in ‘Chronic’ and explore how the authors shed light on this critical topic of immense significance to both healthcare professionals and the general public.
Author’s background
Steven Phillips, MD, is a distinguished physician and researcher, specialising in Lyme disease and chronic infections.
He received his training at Yale and is recognised for his expertise in these fields. With a successful private practice since 1996, he has treated many patients, hailing from almost twenty different countries. His knowledge and experience have led him to lecture worldwide and frequently contribute as an expert in media discussions. His practice is situated in Wilton, Connecticut.
What is the book about?
‘Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic – and How to Get Healthy Again’ is a thought-provoking book that offers a new perspective on autoimmune disease. The author, Dr. Steven Phillips, explores the idea of referring to all autoimmune diseases as ‘Lyme+’ and presents compelling stories of individuals who have battled these conditions and found recovery.
The book delves into Dr. Phillips’ approach to treating Lyme disease, emphasising the importance of seeking proper medical attention, even though it can be challenging to find a knowledgeable practitioner. Antibiotics and ‘pulsing,’ which involves cycling on and off antibiotics in specific intervals, are highlighted as part of the treatment strategy.
The authors also explore various methods for addressing autoimmune diseases, such as lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, dietary adjustments, and supplementation. Dr. Phillips defines Paleo, Mediterranean, and vegan diets as the most beneficial for autoimmune disease treatment, underlying the importance of avoiding processed foods and nourishing the body with whole, unprocessed foods.
While the author’s theory about the autoimmune disease may not convince all readers, the book still offers food for thought and a compelling argument for exploring various treatment options and lifestyle changes to support overall health and wellness.
Key takeaways from ‘Chronic’
1. Taking antibiotics is not an ineffective and dangerous way to treat autoimmune disease
‘Chronic’ dispels various myths about the disease treatment and one of such misconceptions is linked to the danger of using long-term antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease.
The book underscores the significance of exploring innovative approaches to tackle the complexities of Lyme. It stresses the need for longer antibiotic treatments, as existing evidence points to high failure rates with short-term therapies. The book cites specific cases that demonstrate the ability of Lyme disease to survive initial antibiotic courses, emphasising the necessity for extended treatments until more effective solutions emerge.
2. It is not easy to diagnose Lyme disease
One more myth, the book debunks, is that it is easy to diagnose Lyme. The widely used two-tier blood test, which looks for antibodies against the pathogen, has limitations in detecting Lyme cases and the presence of the bacterium itself. Early testing can miss around 60% of acute Lyme cases as it takes time for the body to produce antibodies. Late-stage cases also present challenges in detection.
Moreover, Lyme antibody testing cannot identify related Borrelia species or other infections such as Bartonella, Babesia, and Anaplasma. There is considerable variation in results between labs, and the test cannot assess treatment response after antibiotics. Additionally, it cannot distinguish between an ongoing infection and a past one.
3. Recognising the mind-body connection is crucial for the healing process
Not only does Dr. Phillips explains the possible ways of treating Lyme+ (an umbrella term for various autoimmune diseases, including Lyme disease) but also recognises the traumatic experience autoimmune patients face. Living with Lyme+ is no easy journey; it is filled with all sorts of challenges like the judgment of society, mistreatment by others, and feeling marginalised. Plus, getting a proper diagnosis can be a long and exhausting process.
The book presents hope for healing and recovery by offering various supportive measures, emphasising the significance of self-care and stress management in preventing the emergence of new symptoms. The authors acknowledge that what works for one person may not work for another, advocating for personalised approaches ranging from relaxation techniques and dietary changes to exercises that enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
The author also points out the importance of recognising the connection between mind and body in the healing process. Mindfulness and becoming aware of internal experiences are vital components in addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic experiences associated with chronic infections.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Combines personal stories with investigative journalism, making it both engaging and informative.
• Supported by solid scientific evidence, making it reliable for healthcare professionals and the general public.
• The personal health journeys of the authors add depth and context.
• Presents paradigm-shifting information in a friendly and easily understandable format.
• Well-written, authoritative, and urgent, making it a compelling read that can inspire action to relieve human suffering.
Weaknesses:
• Some concepts and treatment options discussed may be financially inaccessible for many readers, without addressing alternative options for those with limited resources.
• Some readers consider that the book lacks originality and offers nothing new compared to other publications on the subject.
Best quotes from ‘Chronic’
“Failure rates are high when treating Lyme with one-month- long courses of antibiotics. Many of these patients will go on to develop a chronic form of Lyme that will be increasingly difficult to treat, possibly causing other conditions.”
“Neurological problems resulting from Lyme disease are extremely common, much more so than arthritic issues, which typically affect the knees and are associated with positive Lyme antibody tests.”
“Despite their toxicity, immune-suppressing drugs (like the ones in numerous TV commercials) have become commonplace treatments. They can sometimes temporarily suppress symptoms but they do not get to the root of the problem in people who have an underlying infection.”
Final takeaway
‘Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic – and How to Get Healthy Again’ by Steve Phillips is an illuminating and thought-provoking book that addresses the pressing issue of autoimmune and chronic illnesses. By combining personal stories with solid scientific evidence, the authors offer a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of these conditions and advocate for innovative approaches to treatment.
Healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of autoimmune diseases, as well as individuals affected by chronic illnesses looking for new insights and potential paths to recovery, will find ‘Chronic” to be an invaluable resource. This book serves as a guiding light for anyone invested in the pursuit of better health and wellness amidst the challenges of autoimmune and chronic diseases.
In the twenty-first century, autoimmune and chronic illnesses have emerged as a global crisis, affecting an estimated 50 million people in the United States alone. As the prevalence of these conditions continues to rise, there is a pressing need to understand their underlying causes and explore effective treatment approaches.
Steve Phillips, in his book ‘Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic – and How to Get Healthy Again,’ takes on this formidable challenge, offering perspectives on various autoimmune diseases and chronic infections. In this review, we will delve into the compelling insights presented in ‘Chronic’ and explore how the authors shed light on this critical topic of immense significance to both healthcare professionals and the general public.
Author’s background
Steven Phillips, MD, is a distinguished physician and researcher, specialising in Lyme disease and chronic infections.
He received his training at Yale and is recognised for his expertise in these fields. With a successful private practice since 1996, he has treated many patients, hailing from almost twenty different countries. His knowledge and experience have led him to lecture worldwide and frequently contribute as an expert in media discussions. His practice is situated in Wilton, Connecticut.
What is the book about?
‘Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic – and How to Get Healthy Again’ is a thought-provoking book that offers a new perspective on autoimmune disease. The author, Dr. Steven Phillips, explores the idea of referring to all autoimmune diseases as ‘Lyme+’ and presents compelling stories of individuals who have battled these conditions and found recovery.
The book delves into Dr. Phillips’ approach to treating Lyme disease, emphasising the importance of seeking proper medical attention, even though it can be challenging to find a knowledgeable practitioner. Antibiotics and ‘pulsing,’ which involves cycling on and off antibiotics in specific intervals, are highlighted as part of the treatment strategy.
The authors also explore various methods for addressing autoimmune diseases, such as lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, dietary adjustments, and supplementation. Dr. Phillips defines Paleo, Mediterranean, and vegan diets as the most beneficial for autoimmune disease treatment, underlying the importance of avoiding processed foods and nourishing the body with whole, unprocessed foods.
While the author’s theory about the autoimmune disease may not convince all readers, the book still offers food for thought and a compelling argument for exploring various treatment options and lifestyle changes to support overall health and wellness.
Key takeaways from ‘Chronic’
1. Taking antibiotics is not an ineffective and dangerous way to treat autoimmune disease
‘Chronic’ dispels various myths about the disease treatment and one of such misconceptions is linked to the danger of using long-term antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease.
The book underscores the significance of exploring innovative approaches to tackle the complexities of Lyme. It stresses the need for longer antibiotic treatments, as existing evidence points to high failure rates with short-term therapies. The book cites specific cases that demonstrate the ability of Lyme disease to survive initial antibiotic courses, emphasising the necessity for extended treatments until more effective solutions emerge.
2. It is not easy to diagnose Lyme disease
One more myth, the book debunks, is that it is easy to diagnose Lyme. The widely used two-tier blood test, which looks for antibodies against the pathogen, has limitations in detecting Lyme cases and the presence of the bacterium itself. Early testing can miss around 60% of acute Lyme cases as it takes time for the body to produce antibodies. Late-stage cases also present challenges in detection.
Moreover, Lyme antibody testing cannot identify related Borrelia species or other infections such as Bartonella, Babesia, and Anaplasma. There is considerable variation in results between labs, and the test cannot assess treatment response after antibiotics. Additionally, it cannot distinguish between an ongoing infection and a past one.
3. Recognising the mind-body connection is crucial for the healing process
Not only does Dr. Phillips explains the possible ways of treating Lyme+ (an umbrella term for various autoimmune diseases, including Lyme disease) but also recognises the traumatic experience autoimmune patients face. Living with Lyme+ is no easy journey; it is filled with all sorts of challenges like the judgment of society, mistreatment by others, and feeling marginalised. Plus, getting a proper diagnosis can be a long and exhausting process.
The book presents hope for healing and recovery by offering various supportive measures, emphasising the significance of self-care and stress management in preventing the emergence of new symptoms. The authors acknowledge that what works for one person may not work for another, advocating for personalised approaches ranging from relaxation techniques and dietary changes to exercises that enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
The author also points out the importance of recognising the connection between mind and body in the healing process. Mindfulness and becoming aware of internal experiences are vital components in addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic experiences associated with chronic infections.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Combines personal stories with investigative journalism, making it both engaging and informative.
• Supported by solid scientific evidence, making it reliable for healthcare professionals and the general public.
• The personal health journeys of the authors add depth and context.
• Presents paradigm-shifting information in a friendly and easily understandable format.
• Well-written, authoritative, and urgent, making it a compelling read that can inspire action to relieve human suffering.
Weaknesses:
• Some concepts and treatment options discussed may be financially inaccessible for many readers, without addressing alternative options for those with limited resources.
• Some readers consider that the book lacks originality and offers nothing new compared to other publications on the subject.
Best quotes from ‘Chronic’
“Failure rates are high when treating Lyme with one-month- long courses of antibiotics. Many of these patients will go on to develop a chronic form of Lyme that will be increasingly difficult to treat, possibly causing other conditions.”
“Neurological problems resulting from Lyme disease are extremely common, much more so than arthritic issues, which typically affect the knees and are associated with positive Lyme antibody tests.”
“Despite their toxicity, immune-suppressing drugs (like the ones in numerous TV commercials) have become commonplace treatments. They can sometimes temporarily suppress symptoms but they do not get to the root of the problem in people who have an underlying infection.”
Final takeaway
‘Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic – and How to Get Healthy Again’ by Steve Phillips is an illuminating and thought-provoking book that addresses the pressing issue of autoimmune and chronic illnesses. By combining personal stories with solid scientific evidence, the authors offer a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of these conditions and advocate for innovative approaches to treatment.
Healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of autoimmune diseases, as well as individuals affected by chronic illnesses looking for new insights and potential paths to recovery, will find ‘Chronic” to be an invaluable resource. This book serves as a guiding light for anyone invested in the pursuit of better health and wellness amidst the challenges of autoimmune and chronic diseases.
January 31, 2021
This book brought me understanding and hope. I've been to many doctors whose theories didn't pan out, and several doctors who thought my condition was in my head. My 14th doctor diagnosed me with an autoimmune condition. When I asked him what's causing it (I was fine 2 years ago and got sick over the span of a single month) I got a blank stare. When I read this book, I found myself staring back at me from these pages, and everything just clicked. I'm shocked and mystified that I've never been checked for any of the many infections discussed in this book that can all cause autoimmune disease. The only one I was ever tested for was Lyme and from what I learned from this book, now I know that they didn't even check for that one correctly. I'm stunned and amazed. This book should be part of every medical school curriculum, it's that good.
June 22, 2024
I was diagnosed with bartonella in 2019. I do not doubt the validity of these conditions. But this book... The sensationalized style of writing was a red flag. I do not doubt the author's intentions to help, but I think it has caused them to overstate points to the point of inaccuracy. I do not recommend this book. If you decide to read this book, please do your own fact checking for anything that feels off. And refer to the referenced study yourself. The one on pulsing in particular is just lacking and we need so much more data in the face of potential antibiotic resistance.
July 1, 2021
Dr. Steven Phillips' 2020 book with Dana Parrish, Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic and How to Get Healthy Again is one of the most important and fascinating health books I've ever read. It's not about a conspiracy theory. It doesn't blame the typically-clueless physicians tying to help us become healthy. It's about the need to reconceptualize our health care system and reeducate the doctors.
I told a friend the title of this book and her first question was “when did the pandemic start?' Well, I stammered that it began when doctors began to claim that very sick people had autoimmune diseases when short-term antibiotic rounds failed to cure them and their illnesses returned or worsened.
I don't know exactly when that was. Phillips probably has an idea, but there's a great deal of medical information in the book and while I can share the crucial stuff with you, you'll want to read the book for the details. We didn't always have what are called autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, ALS, fibromyalgia, autism, and much more. It's been a handful of decades at least and before that they were rightly considered and treated as chronic infections.
If I say something in error, it's not intentionally. I'm trying my best.
In brief what this means is that vector-borne diseases, those caused by infectious bugs and not just ticks and fleas, underlie most of our mental and physical health ills and are usually not treated properly.
Dr. Phillips has specialized in adult-onset infectious diseases for decades after experiencing his own horrific struggle with getting treated for a kind of infectious disease brought on by a spider bite while he was sleeping. Patients often are told their problems are in their head and are sent to psychiatrists.
While he recommends proper training and testing of infectious diseases and shares what pulsed antibiotic and antimicrobial therapies has best worked for him in countless patient stories, he also recommends alternatives like certain herbs, monolaurin derived from coconut oil, insecticide spray that he uses on bedposts and clothing, and a whole foods, low-glycemic diet like my own.
He doesn't specialize in cancer or Alzheimer's or cardiac health, but for decades the evidence has skyrocketed for their infectious origins or as triggering events. Infections may even be inherited through generations of families and babies can be born with them, then either die in stillbirth or suddenly in the crib or grow up with mental or other health problems. Autism rates, for example, keep rising and schizophrenia is now understood as a spectrum of problems including bipolar and autism. I have a friend saddled with all three and he's never been treated for infections, only as a mental patient.
It might seem like Chronic is a depressing or frustrating book and it is until he talks about his hope for the coming future. There are many signs already that researchers and doctors are working to stem the autoimmune pandemic because they've opened their minds to see the body of evidence and not deny it. The singer-songwriter-actor Kris Kristofferson's story of his battle for his mind is included.
We also need to be educated about how prevalent infectious disease is and how to treat it so we can keep the pressure on for change. America's health care system can't afford to do less.
Very highly recommended!
February 9, 2021
In Chronic, Phillips and Parish deliver the best book the medical community has seen in years. Detailing their own personal stories with Lyme+, the duo lays out what you need to know about the origins of long-lasting, chronic disease. This is a book that everyone with a “chronic” disease needs to read, and a book all medical professionals need to invest time in. Chronic goes in depth into the chronic infections and their manifestation on the human body, providing a check list, backstories, professional interviews, and the way to escape the hell of living with a chronic disease. Chronic infections plague our society, and now we are seeing patients experience long term effects from COVID. The timing of this book could not be better. We all know someone who suffers from a “Chronic” disease. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and expand your knowledge on the origins of chronic syndromes. What has happened over the years to patients with chronic diseases or syndromes is criminal. They bounce from doctor to doctor, spend tens of thousands to get better, are misdiagnosed, mistreated, and ridiculed. The negligence of the “professionals” is criminal. With a little further education and humility, many doctors could catch these chronic infections early and save patients from life-long battles. Dr. Phillips is one of the brightest physicians in the country. His expansive knowledge on the many pathogens and their systemic effect on the human body is unparalleled, and he shares this knowledge with the world in this wonderful, educational masterpiece. The book is well organized, well written, with a glossary of terms for the nerds but written in a way that everyone—no matter your involvement in medicine—can have some major takeaways. It is truly a book for all. Well done.
June 10, 2021
“Chronic” by Dr. Steven Phillips and Dana Parish is an excellent researched book on Lyme+ diseases. As a person who has spent many years trying to find answers to why and what caused my autoimmune illnesses, this book gave me a great deal of hope.
These authors focus on diagnosis, misdiagnosis, myths, facts and suggestions for treatment, pain and trauma therapies.
“Every primary autoimmune condition is just a secondary one whose cause has yet to be determined. If a treatable cause is not determined, chronic symptoms thereafter are usually misattributed to an autoimmune disease. And the same inflammatory response caused by these infections can also trigger one of our most debilitating illnesses on the planet today; mental illness.”
This book takes you through several heartfelt examples of misdiagnosis and then for some a healthy road back to recovery.
“Dealing with major illness is traumatic under the best of circumstances. Worse is when it’s discredited by doctors and loved ones”.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants answers on autoimmune questions and getting healthy again.
These authors focus on diagnosis, misdiagnosis, myths, facts and suggestions for treatment, pain and trauma therapies.
“Every primary autoimmune condition is just a secondary one whose cause has yet to be determined. If a treatable cause is not determined, chronic symptoms thereafter are usually misattributed to an autoimmune disease. And the same inflammatory response caused by these infections can also trigger one of our most debilitating illnesses on the planet today; mental illness.”
This book takes you through several heartfelt examples of misdiagnosis and then for some a healthy road back to recovery.
“Dealing with major illness is traumatic under the best of circumstances. Worse is when it’s discredited by doctors and loved ones”.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants answers on autoimmune questions and getting healthy again.
January 31, 2021
Yes! This is the book I wished I’d had when I was sick with a mystery illness in 2017. Im deeply appreciative of the care taken to present the science of infections causing autoimmune and psychiatric diseases in a way I could understand and which put forward strategies that I didn’t know about to find recovery. I had many lightbulb moments and for once felt HOPE that I can recover. There are clear paths presented on CHRONIC. From how to find a doctor, to treatment options to bring to your doctors, to what to eat to reduce inflammation to trauma therapies - which I surely need after all I’ve been through. I bought 2 additional copies for doctors who dismissed me. I hope this book opens their minds. All doctors and patients with autoimmune disease or confusing symptoms should read this book.
July 23, 2024
2.5/5 | Smá þurr á köflum en innihélt þó alveg áhugaverðar upplýsingar. Kann að meta tilraunina til að gera hana minna fræðilega með því að hafa tvo höfunda, annan lækni og hinn sjúkling, en hefði viljað heyra meira frá sjúklingnum. Það er líka alveg ljóst að læknarnir sem koma að þessari bók eru almennt mjög pirraðir út í læknastéttina, af góðum og gildum ástæðum og það er ekkert að því, en ég þarf kannski ekki að heyra það endurtekið aftur og aftur 😅
Ég áttaði mig ekki á því áður en ég byrjaði að lesa að bókin er fyrst og fremst um sjálfsónæmi sem afleiðingu smitsjúkdóma af völdum skordýrabita, og mögulega hafði það neikvæð áhrif á upplifun mína af bókinni. Ef einhver er að fást við sjúkdóm sem má rekja til skordýrabits þá er bókin eflaust talsvert áhugaverðari.
Ég áttaði mig ekki á því áður en ég byrjaði að lesa að bókin er fyrst og fremst um sjálfsónæmi sem afleiðingu smitsjúkdóma af völdum skordýrabita, og mögulega hafði það neikvæð áhrif á upplifun mína af bókinni. Ef einhver er að fást við sjúkdóm sem má rekja til skordýrabits þá er bókin eflaust talsvert áhugaverðari.
February 23, 2021
There are all kinds of medical information available here, especially how difficult it is to diagnose and treat Lyme Disease: there are many unknowns. Even the symptoms mimic many other disorders. Certain antibiotics can help. Being treated by someone who is educated about it often makes a difference in survival. Covid also is a risky treatment: one American is dying of it every minute. I also learned that doxycycline is toxic when old.
June 18, 2022
Helpful and encouraging
Interesting and more current info than I've found in a while. As a sufferer of Morgellons, I had hoped to find that disease acknowledged and discussed. It is spoken of briefly on pages 71-72. The horror and loss of days, months, and now years, of family and friends, is heartbreaking with no recourse for treatment, or even answers we so desperately seek.
Interesting and more current info than I've found in a while. As a sufferer of Morgellons, I had hoped to find that disease acknowledged and discussed. It is spoken of briefly on pages 71-72. The horror and loss of days, months, and now years, of family and friends, is heartbreaking with no recourse for treatment, or even answers we so desperately seek.
March 28, 2024
I would give this 3.5 stars. Since the publication of this book websites like the CDC have basically said not to do what is recommended in this book, which is fascinating politically, but leaves many people in a lurch. So much of chronic inflammation research is contradictory that it’s impossible to make an informed decision, just levels of desperation. It’s good to hear that this is working for people though.
October 15, 2021
Fantastic book -- well-written, authoritative, and urgent. I happened upon it as I picked up another book nearby, and am glad I did. Even though I haven't personally had any major illness, I felt galvanized by the possibilities this book opened up for relieving so much human suffering. And who knows, someday it may become essential for me or my loved ones.
December 31, 2021
For anyone who has lived with or experienced Lyme Disease, this is an invaluable book to read. My youngest son has tackled misdiagnosed and mistreated Lyme for decades with very troubling consequences. Dr. Phillips uses his own experience to illuminate this terrible disease and then offers treatment plans that are sorely needed. I'm immensely grateful and highly recommend the book.
April 8, 2024
Interesting read with some good information. I thought this book was going to talk about treating autoimmune disease in general, but instead it strongly and strictly focuses on Lyme + diseases. Incredible information about Lyme+ in here, just not what I was expecting or hoping for in terms of autoimmune diseases in general
December 29, 2024
Cue every hypochondriac thought I’ve ever had. The title should just be “Terrifying Things: 90% Lyme Disease, 10% Other Things that Will Give You Nightmares.” In the event that I’m ever diagnosed with a bacterial chronic illness, which now I’m pretty convinced I will be, I will feel very validated in my truth. There was a little bit about Covid that is potentially really concerning, too.
March 19, 2021
Well written and highly educational. Anyone suffering from Lyme+ or an unknown chronic illness should read this and add to their proactive knowledge. A fresh and scientifically backed take on autoimmune illness.
May 22, 2021
Must read
I heard about this book on a Dr.'s Farmacy podcast hosted by Dr. Mark Hyman. Dr. Phillips has given, in his book Chronic, the knowledge and tools to begin a discussion with your physician, if you think you may be dealing with a vector borne condition.
I heard about this book on a Dr.'s Farmacy podcast hosted by Dr. Mark Hyman. Dr. Phillips has given, in his book Chronic, the knowledge and tools to begin a discussion with your physician, if you think you may be dealing with a vector borne condition.
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