What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of the Woods: Healing from Lyme Disease for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Hope and practical help for Lyme disease sufferers everywhere.
More than 300,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year, and many, many more are suffering from Lyme without knowing it. Katina Makris was one of those undiagnosed individuals who nearly died from the disease. At the peak of her career, classical homeopath and health-care columnist Katina Makris was stricken with a mysterious “flu.” Only after five years of torment—two completely bedridden—and devastating blows to her professional and family life was Katina’s illness finally diagnosed as Lyme disease. Out of the Woods not only shares the brutality of Lyme disease through the telling of Katina’s story, but it also describes her incredible journey back to full recovery, giving thousands of Lyme sufferers hope for their uncertain and frightening futures.
Katina’s memoir is a gripping and inspiring story of healing through faith and perseverance, but Out of the Woods extends beyond Katina’s personal story. Putting her homeopathic training to work, Part Two of the book details the nuts and bolts of Lyme disease, offering readers up-to-date information on Eastern and Western treatments. Readers will learn about the importance of antibiotics as well as acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, energy restoration, and a path to emotional healing, affirming that complete healing from any disease encompasses body, mind, and spirit.
More than 300,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year, and many, many more are suffering from Lyme without knowing it. Katina Makris was one of those undiagnosed individuals who nearly died from the disease. At the peak of her career, classical homeopath and health-care columnist Katina Makris was stricken with a mysterious “flu.” Only after five years of torment—two completely bedridden—and devastating blows to her professional and family life was Katina’s illness finally diagnosed as Lyme disease. Out of the Woods not only shares the brutality of Lyme disease through the telling of Katina’s story, but it also describes her incredible journey back to full recovery, giving thousands of Lyme sufferers hope for their uncertain and frightening futures.
Katina’s memoir is a gripping and inspiring story of healing through faith and perseverance, but Out of the Woods extends beyond Katina’s personal story. Putting her homeopathic training to work, Part Two of the book details the nuts and bolts of Lyme disease, offering readers up-to-date information on Eastern and Western treatments. Readers will learn about the importance of antibiotics as well as acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, energy restoration, and a path to emotional healing, affirming that complete healing from any disease encompasses body, mind, and spirit.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 24, 2012
Kim Makris lives near where we live and, like me, suffered a case of Lyme disease that lasted for years. She skillfully combines a memoir of her life with Lyme, the losses and insights she gained in the process of discovering what this devastating illness was and how she, as a natural healer, would heal from it. The last part of the book is a useful compendium of facts about Lyme disease and conventional and alternative remedies for it.
June 4, 2012
This was a very personal story to me because I have a very good friend that was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease – but not until after several years of sickness that no one seemed able to explain. The author, Katina Makris, shares her own personal story of her fight with Lyme disease in her book “Out of the Woods“.
When my friend was going through her illness, well before she was ever diagnosed, it was hard to imagine that she could have so many things wrong with her at one time. Doctors told her that every thing was in her head, take this pill, take that pill, she got called a hypochondriac, and the list just goes on.
In Out of the Woods, Katina explains how one day her life was busy and fulfilling as a successful Homeopathic Healer. Most people would assume that as a healer, if something started to go wrong in her body that she would be able to fix it. But her quality of life started to dwindle little by little, year by year, until she was struggling to keep her marriage and career – while trying to find out what seemed to be destroying her body from the inside out.
When she finally finds a doctor that recognizes that what she has is Lyme Disease, she is able to start turning around her health, body, mind and life and restore the health that she felt before.
In this book, she chronicles her very tough and moving story from its start until she has completely restored her health. Through her words you “hear” the pain and defeat that this disease had on her, but you also “hear” the elation that follows once she has healed herself!
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is struggling with disease, especially one that no one seems to be able to fully diagnose. By holding true to what the author knew was going on in her body, she was able to finally get that diagnosis and heal her body and life. Very heartwarming story!
When my friend was going through her illness, well before she was ever diagnosed, it was hard to imagine that she could have so many things wrong with her at one time. Doctors told her that every thing was in her head, take this pill, take that pill, she got called a hypochondriac, and the list just goes on.
In Out of the Woods, Katina explains how one day her life was busy and fulfilling as a successful Homeopathic Healer. Most people would assume that as a healer, if something started to go wrong in her body that she would be able to fix it. But her quality of life started to dwindle little by little, year by year, until she was struggling to keep her marriage and career – while trying to find out what seemed to be destroying her body from the inside out.
When she finally finds a doctor that recognizes that what she has is Lyme Disease, she is able to start turning around her health, body, mind and life and restore the health that she felt before.
In this book, she chronicles her very tough and moving story from its start until she has completely restored her health. Through her words you “hear” the pain and defeat that this disease had on her, but you also “hear” the elation that follows once she has healed herself!
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is struggling with disease, especially one that no one seems to be able to fully diagnose. By holding true to what the author knew was going on in her body, she was able to finally get that diagnosis and heal her body and life. Very heartwarming story!
January 15, 2019
"It turned out that Lyme disease was perhaps the most complicated infection we had ever seen." p 10, from preface by Neil Nathan, MD
"I know that I'm not the only one who struggles with feelings of self-pity. How many thousands of others are sidelined by the debilitating effects of Lyme disease? Multitudes hover on sofas and beds like me, too drained to do anything more than just the bare necessities of daily functioning. In fact, some can't even do that. Anyone living with chronic illness that imposes severe limitations must experience similar feelings of disappointment, frustration, fear, sadness, and envy. I am not alone." (p 220)
This book is 3/4 memoir, and just a small section on the "nuts and bolts" of Lyme disease, mostly giving resource information for some of the healing therapies the author used.
As an informational book, though, this was pretty useless... readers would be better off reading a separate, more in-depth book for a better picture of Lyme disease in its many manifestations and a wider range of treatment possibilities.
As a memoir, it was valuable for what it was: one person's subjective story of healing from Lyme disease.
In case the subtitle didn't give it away, I'll say that much of the memoir focuses on the spiritual side of healing - in this case, it was very "new age," with an emphasis on "finding healing within yourself" or drawing strength from "whatever you call your god." The author details some strange "out of body" experience, and mentions a witch-doctor who prophesied about her life... that kind of stuff.
(I'm a Christian, so I can't get behind this spiritual mumbo-jumbo. I believe there is only one true God, and only He can heal.)
A couple other negatives: the writing is very flowery (why use one adjective or adverb when you can use seventeen?) and it seemed like Makris was trying too hard to be "profound"; the names of God and Jesus are used in vain.
The chapters are mercifully short, which is great for those of us suffering from brain fog and concentration issues. (Though, with the format of the book, there are a good 40 or so pages that are completely blank - what a huge waste of paper!)
The strength of the book is simply that Makris describes accurately the emotional turmoil one experiences when chronically ill, and especially ill without finding answers. I can't really recommend it, though. It just wasn't good enough for that.
"I know that I'm not the only one who struggles with feelings of self-pity. How many thousands of others are sidelined by the debilitating effects of Lyme disease? Multitudes hover on sofas and beds like me, too drained to do anything more than just the bare necessities of daily functioning. In fact, some can't even do that. Anyone living with chronic illness that imposes severe limitations must experience similar feelings of disappointment, frustration, fear, sadness, and envy. I am not alone." (p 220)
This book is 3/4 memoir, and just a small section on the "nuts and bolts" of Lyme disease, mostly giving resource information for some of the healing therapies the author used.
As an informational book, though, this was pretty useless... readers would be better off reading a separate, more in-depth book for a better picture of Lyme disease in its many manifestations and a wider range of treatment possibilities.
As a memoir, it was valuable for what it was: one person's subjective story of healing from Lyme disease.
In case the subtitle didn't give it away, I'll say that much of the memoir focuses on the spiritual side of healing - in this case, it was very "new age," with an emphasis on "finding healing within yourself" or drawing strength from "whatever you call your god." The author details some strange "out of body" experience, and mentions a witch-doctor who prophesied about her life... that kind of stuff.
(I'm a Christian, so I can't get behind this spiritual mumbo-jumbo. I believe there is only one true God, and only He can heal.)
A couple other negatives: the writing is very flowery (why use one adjective or adverb when you can use seventeen?) and it seemed like Makris was trying too hard to be "profound"; the names of God and Jesus are used in vain.
The chapters are mercifully short, which is great for those of us suffering from brain fog and concentration issues. (Though, with the format of the book, there are a good 40 or so pages that are completely blank - what a huge waste of paper!)
The strength of the book is simply that Makris describes accurately the emotional turmoil one experiences when chronically ill, and especially ill without finding answers. I can't really recommend it, though. It just wasn't good enough for that.
July 17, 2012
often get books to review about topics in the medical field and was excited to read this book regarding one woman's journey with Lyme disease. Living in a heavily wooded area where Lyme disease is a real daily concern, it definitely hit close to home how important it is to stay on top of protection and routine checks after any outdoor activities.
Out of the Woods: Healing Lyme Disease--Body, Mind & Spirit by Katina I. Makris is an in depth look at one woman's struggle with Lyme disease, the health problems, the effects on her family, her income and every aspect of her life.
Lyme disease is very prevalent in wooded/southern/warmer states, but can also affect any area with mountains, deer, woods and larger wild game. Katina shares how her family was affected but also how to deal with both the little issues and the big issues that change with this diagnosis.
Although I had some interest in the subject matter, it was not an item I felt compelled to read about "just for fun". That said, I found the book informative and fairly easy to read although a bit on the heavy side with adjectives/descriptions. It has a wealth of information for someone newly diagnosed to aide them in where to go, what to do and how to cope. Katina also has more than enough to share and assist those that have suffered for years as well.
I think this would be a great gift item for anyone you know is recently diagnosed with Lyme disease or even a book to grab and read at leisure for information purposes.
Out of the Woods: Healing Lyme Disease--Body, Mind & Spirit by Katina I. Makris is an in depth look at one woman's struggle with Lyme disease, the health problems, the effects on her family, her income and every aspect of her life.
Lyme disease is very prevalent in wooded/southern/warmer states, but can also affect any area with mountains, deer, woods and larger wild game. Katina shares how her family was affected but also how to deal with both the little issues and the big issues that change with this diagnosis.
Although I had some interest in the subject matter, it was not an item I felt compelled to read about "just for fun". That said, I found the book informative and fairly easy to read although a bit on the heavy side with adjectives/descriptions. It has a wealth of information for someone newly diagnosed to aide them in where to go, what to do and how to cope. Katina also has more than enough to share and assist those that have suffered for years as well.
I think this would be a great gift item for anyone you know is recently diagnosed with Lyme disease or even a book to grab and read at leisure for information purposes.
February 12, 2022
In my own Lyme journey, I have benefited greatly from inner work and had to reach far beyond conventional medicine in similar ways as the author... so I really wanted to like this book. I do agree with her core message that you've got to trust your intuition and it really does take healing the body, mind, and spirit to recover from Lyme disease. I just wish it hadn't been wrapped up in almost romance novel type descriptions. I stopped counting how many times she used the word 'forlorn' at 3... and there were more lol (just not for me).
It is 3/4 memoir about a very privileged homeopathic doctor holding her life together around the illness and the woo woo intuitive training she went through and about 1/4 basic and dated information and referrals to learn more about Lyme disease. Both times I've picked it up, once years ago when I was very sick, and now - in remission, I've hoped she would have described the treatments and what she did to heal more in-depth... did I mention she's a trained homeopathic doctor!? Yet she only gives the reader very basic information about the herbs she used and a ton of information on her journals and paintings... and out-of-body experiences.
Wouldn't necessarily recommend it for anyone going through Lyme disease currently, but might be a great way to get a woo-woo friend or loved one to understand what chronic Lyme disease feels like.
It is 3/4 memoir about a very privileged homeopathic doctor holding her life together around the illness and the woo woo intuitive training she went through and about 1/4 basic and dated information and referrals to learn more about Lyme disease. Both times I've picked it up, once years ago when I was very sick, and now - in remission, I've hoped she would have described the treatments and what she did to heal more in-depth... did I mention she's a trained homeopathic doctor!? Yet she only gives the reader very basic information about the herbs she used and a ton of information on her journals and paintings... and out-of-body experiences.
Wouldn't necessarily recommend it for anyone going through Lyme disease currently, but might be a great way to get a woo-woo friend or loved one to understand what chronic Lyme disease feels like.
March 17, 2013
Amazing job of describing the descent into Lyme hell. Her writing style is beautiful. i kept highlighting and highlighting quotes that i loved . . she is a very gifted writer. i wish she had spent a little less time describing the getting sick part (about 50% of the book). i wanted to get to the healing part faster. but that is literally my only "criticism" of the book. very well written. i recommend it to everyone.
January 13, 2012
When one is struggling with Lyme disease and all it's unknowns combined with the minuscule, often incorrect information/treatment given by the average family doctor it feels so overwhelming. I'm really thankful that Katina Makris decided to share her story of healing. Her years as a homeopath make her experience illuminating for those of us who feel alone and in the dark. The main bulk of the book is really a memoir about her inspirational transcendence over Lyme as well as personal growth. Her basic message is that Lyme needs to be addressed according to each individual on all levels as her title says "body, mind and spirit." At the conclusion of her own personal story, she includes a much appreciated "Nuts and Bolts" section which goes into detail about both Eastern and Western approaches on healing Lyme. I know next to nothing about homeopathy and naturopathy so it's given me a whole new perspective on my own choices.
Lastly, Makris provides much needed emotional support for the reader. She consistently makes clear that we need to honor our selves and our bodies as we go through illness. Her courage in sharing so much of her own life is admirable. Most of all, she's able to provide us with hope.
Lastly, Makris provides much needed emotional support for the reader. She consistently makes clear that we need to honor our selves and our bodies as we go through illness. Her courage in sharing so much of her own life is admirable. Most of all, she's able to provide us with hope.
June 5, 2012
Beautiful Story ~ Yes I'm at it again another book read and very well written. This book was a very good one it was really inspiring as someone who suffers from a disease with no cure it was very uplifting to hear a story that had a good ending. This book is about Katina who falls ill to Lyme disease and spends years suffering not only from the disease but from the personal trauma it inflicts. This book is very inspiring as well as very insightful as to how a person feels when they are crippled by a disease or illness. I definitely recommend this book and will probably read it again when i find myself lingering in a dark mood one day.
March 15, 2013
amazing description of the real life hell caused by Late Stage Lyme Disease. Could easily visualize people, places and feelings. Not really a how to book but does give some good information in the latter part of the book concerning alternative treatments. I used homeopathy myself with help of an integrative MD. Treating Lyme is never a do-it-yourself project as this author points out.
April 29, 2012
this book offers a better understanding of the effects of Lyme Disease as it effected this author. Truly frightening what can happen to a very healthy person.
Currently Reading
October 15, 2012As a chronically ill mom to a youngster, I feel kindred with the author. I can't wait for more.
July 25, 2022
Beautifully written, beautiful spirit
I really enjoyed this amazing book. I found it inspiring. I loved how she was able to move from one identity to a whole other. Even though it was because she had no choice due to her illness, she still seems just as happy if not happier with this life. Her relationship with Hunter is very touching. She's a talented writer, and this is a beautiful memoir.
I really enjoyed this amazing book. I found it inspiring. I loved how she was able to move from one identity to a whole other. Even though it was because she had no choice due to her illness, she still seems just as happy if not happier with this life. Her relationship with Hunter is very touching. She's a talented writer, and this is a beautiful memoir.
December 17, 2017
True story from an author who suffered from Lyme disease. Interesting account of the physical and emotional struggle she had to endure while battling this crippling disease.
February 12, 2017
This is now one of my very favorite books. The writing is beautiful, though I did find it hard to read at times. My experience with Lyme Disease has many commonalities and just reading Katina's descriptions brought a lot back to me. It was a pleasure to follow her journey. I hope to share this with others fighting Lyme or with those who seek to understand our battles.
May 28, 2012
Lyme Disease? It is so easy to get and often not considered as a diagnosis! As I read this book I continuously wondered why the doctors did not realize to check for Lyme Disease. It was not that long ago I read the newspaper and a local woman had Lyme Disease for 5 years as well! I hope the author reads my review and contacts the lady, I am sure talking with her would be great support.
Oct. 23, 2011 -- After five years of medical misdiagnoses, a host of tests and potent prescriptions, Donda Danforth finally found out what was making her life a living hell, Lyme disease. Her journey to a final diagnosis has been painful and expensive. She is angry it took so long, but she now has hope. Outwardly, the disease that ravages Danforth, 42, is only noticeable to those closest to her. The Greene County native now .. Observer Reporter
Katina started the story out telling about her time with her family and as it turns out, the moment she 'caught' Lyme Disease. She takes you through the ups and downs in her life, which consists of unknown problems, losing her ability to treat her patients, and a marriage that was deteriorated. Because her ex-husband was with her throughout most of her journey, I would love to know what his take on the entire ordeal was. With so many misdiagnosis and assumptions going on, I wondered how many other people in the US have gone through this. As we learn through the book, Lyme Disease takes everything you have to get better, including relationships. I would recommend this book not just for information on Lyme Disease, but also for reading about personal journeys.
Picks of a Blacklegged Tick: http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factshe...
I live in an area where EVERYTHING is outside! From when I was a little kid my grandma would always make us check one other and ourselves for ticks. I absolutely hate them, but every time I am outside and come in I still do this - especially my hair! I have always had longer blonde hair and it seems like it attracts them. Yuck! Be sure to visit www.outofthewoodsbook.com for more information on this!
Visit her website to get a sample chapter to witness her ability to put such a difficult story in words.
Oct. 23, 2011 -- After five years of medical misdiagnoses, a host of tests and potent prescriptions, Donda Danforth finally found out what was making her life a living hell, Lyme disease. Her journey to a final diagnosis has been painful and expensive. She is angry it took so long, but she now has hope. Outwardly, the disease that ravages Danforth, 42, is only noticeable to those closest to her. The Greene County native now .. Observer Reporter
Katina started the story out telling about her time with her family and as it turns out, the moment she 'caught' Lyme Disease. She takes you through the ups and downs in her life, which consists of unknown problems, losing her ability to treat her patients, and a marriage that was deteriorated. Because her ex-husband was with her throughout most of her journey, I would love to know what his take on the entire ordeal was. With so many misdiagnosis and assumptions going on, I wondered how many other people in the US have gone through this. As we learn through the book, Lyme Disease takes everything you have to get better, including relationships. I would recommend this book not just for information on Lyme Disease, but also for reading about personal journeys.
Picks of a Blacklegged Tick: http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factshe...
I live in an area where EVERYTHING is outside! From when I was a little kid my grandma would always make us check one other and ourselves for ticks. I absolutely hate them, but every time I am outside and come in I still do this - especially my hair! I have always had longer blonde hair and it seems like it attracts them. Yuck! Be sure to visit www.outofthewoodsbook.com for more information on this!
Visit her website to get a sample chapter to witness her ability to put such a difficult story in words.
December 15, 2015
very scary, but the author had some good healing in the end. I wasn't all that impressed with how she led her life, but I'm being judgmental. emphasis on mental. she talked about how "healthy" she had been all her life, but then she mentions how she had this or that, stuff even I had never had, and I never claimed to be super healthy my whole life. This disease is mind boggling in it's insidiousness', it's horrible how it mimics so many different illnesses and is so underdiagnosed. and misunderstood. speaking as someone who has a family member going through some of the same things as the author, it is completely devastating. Doctors don't believe you, you get shuffled around...we were lucky to have a naturopath that actually listened to what she was saying, and broke thru the barrier. Now, to find a Rife machine that we can borrow, to see if that is helpful...
July 16, 2015
Ms Makris is a gifted writer. That is what kept me reading the book. I was sorry that more homeopathic information was not included in the story itself as it appears, until the ending information, that her recovery was more based on mind/spirit exercises, rest and the Rife machine. I tired of reading about these as well as the failed relationships throughout the book.
I am hopeful that books like this will enlighten others to the prevalence of Lyme Disease and the inadequacy of typical medical responses.
I am hopeful that books like this will enlighten others to the prevalence of Lyme Disease and the inadequacy of typical medical responses.
August 7, 2020
This is an excellent memoir about the author's struggle with a condition which wasn't diagnosed for years as chronic Lyme disease. Kim's writing is clear and manages to be impassioned and also objective. The end result offers hope and she includes descriptions of many methods used to address her issue. Worth reading even if you don't have a chronic disease.
September 19, 2016
Lovely memoir about her experience with Lyme disease. Would have loved just a little more information in the second half about the disease, what to expect, different case studies maybe? Just a little more meat with the nuts and bolts of the disease.
January 13, 2018
Great resource for anyone suffering from Lyme Disease or wishing to understand or prevent. A combination of memoir and resource book, a success story worth reading and having compassion for those going through such struggle with any chronic disease.
November 12, 2014
Very informative
December 29, 2015
Makris writes with beauty and authenticity. I have Lyme Disease. She helped me to understand it and also have a companion along this difficult journey.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews