Lyme Disease: A Survivor’s Truth from Northeast PA

My Journey: From Chef to Survivor

I’ve lived in all the major tick areas of the U.S., working as a chef, moving from one kitchen to another, from the coasts to the mountains. With every move, came more tick bites—too many to count. I always followed the “rules” we were told: If you don’t get a bullseye, you’re fine. The tick has to be on you for 24 hours. But let me tell you now—those rules nearly killed me.

I had Stage 3 Lyme Disease, and I didn’t even know it until my body broke down. Lyme changed my life—my joints, my brain, my career, everything. But I survived. And if you’re reading this from Northeast PA or beyond, I need you to know the truth.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted through blacklegged ticks (deer ticks). It's a spirochete, a spiral-shaped bacteria that can invade joints, the nervous system, and even the brain. It’s everywhere around here.

The Statistics (PA & NEPA):

• Pennsylvania ranks #1 in reported Lyme cases in the U.S.

• In Northeast PA, counties like Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Pike are among the highest risk areas.

• Recent reports show over 10,000 confirmed cases per year in PA alone—likely underreported.

How You Get It:

• Tick bites, often unnoticed.

• Ticks can transmit Lyme in less than 24 hours—don’t believe the outdated myths.

• You may never get a bullseye rash.

What to Expect:

• Early Symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches.

• Later Stages: Severe joint pain, neurological issues, heart problems, cognitive decline.

• I developed Bell’s Palsy, brain swelling, crippling arthritis, and impaired speech. I thought I was just getting old—but Lyme was taking over.

Misdiagnosis & The Standard Treatment:

They gave me Doxycycline, the go-to antibiotic. I spent a day in the hospital because they thought I was having a stroke—it was Lyme. The “standard” wasn’t enough.

My Road to Healing:

• One hip replaced, the other scheduled soon.

• I thought my career as a chef—walking miles in kitchens, standing all day—was over. But surgery helped.

• Lyme will break you—physically, mentally, spiritually. But healing is possible.

The Doctor Who Saved Me:

If you live in this area, find someone who gets it. I recommend Dr. Mast at the Center For Healing Arts.

• Contact:

  • Clarence Mast, Jr., M.D.

    Center For Healing Arts
    8805 State Route 6 Lower Level
    Meshoppen, PA 18630

  • http://www.drmastlymeclinic.com

  • (570)833-0190

• He had Lyme. He understands it.

• His treatments? Unorthodox. Not covered by insurance. But worth every dollar.

• He told me, “Give me a few weeks, I’ll have you walking again.” And he did.

Healing on All Fronts:

It wasn’t just antibiotics. I worked with my mother, Debbie, through Reiki, energy healing, and prayer. As above, so below. The spiritual work was just as crucial as the physical.

• Reiki & Energy Healing: Helped my body handle the intense treatments.

• Herxheimer Reaction (aka Herx): The “die-off” of the spirochete bacteria—it gets worse before it gets better.

• Therapy: Find a therapist who understands Lyme. It’s not just physical. It affects your brain, your mood, your mind.

Lyme Changes You, But It Doesn’t Have to Define You

• My speech improved—I didn’t even realize how much it had changed until someone pointed it out.

• Healing was slow, painful, but possible.

• Herbs, rest, love, medicine—and yeah, surgery. (Look up hip surgery—it’s like a damn woodshop, saws and hammers included.)

Final Words:

Lyme is real. It’s serious. And if you’re in NEPA, you’re at high risk. Don’t wait for a bullseye. Don’t wait 24 hours. And don’t wait to fight.

Find your team. Fight on all levels—physical, mental, spiritual.

I’m still here. Still standing. Still cooking.

Keith Kalm