Tick Boot Camp Episode 523: Wrestling with Lyme - Mark Ouellette’s Fight as a Retired Cop and Bodybuilder
In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Mark Ouellette, a retired law enforcement officer, professional bodybuilder, and former wrestler from the Boston, Massachusetts area. Mark shares his powerful story of overcoming chronic Lyme disease, including years of misdiagnoses, debilitating symptoms, and his battle to reclaim his health and identity.
🔎 Key Topics Covered
🧬 Mark’s Early Symptoms and Missed Diagnoses
- Migraines and memory issues began in 2015
- Brain MRI revealed "spots" but Lyme was never tested
- Misdiagnosed with early-stage dementia and vasculitis
- Official Lyme diagnosis came in June 2021 via a blood test
🦠 Triggers and the Turning Point
- Contracted COVID-19 in September 2020, triggering severe Lyme symptoms
- Rapid health decline: joint pain, insomnia, fatigue, brain fog
💥 Life Before Lyme
- 20-year law enforcement career
- Competed in bodybuilding and professional wrestling
- Lived a high-performance, high-stress lifestyle
💊 Treatments and Protocols
- 3+ months of doxycycline (worsened gut issues)
- Herbal protocols: Japanese Knotweed, Wormwood, Black Walnut
- Detox strategies: ionic foot baths, binders, gut cleanse
- Energy and frequency therapies: RIFE, low-level laser, PEMF mat
- Supplements: injectable glutathione, vitamin B complex, magnesium soaks, colostrum, Essiac
- Hormonal support: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
🧠 Cognitive Recovery and Lessons
- Severe short-term memory loss episodes
- TRT and clean nutrition helped restore clarity
- Emphasis on gut-brain connection and inflammation management
📈 Recovery Status and Advice
Today, Mark is 70–85% recovered and working part-time. He has returned to weight training and feels better than he has in years.
- Advice to Lyme patients: “Take it one day at a time. Be open to trying everything. Track what works and don’t give up.”
- Advice to those who are not sick: “Check yourself, your kids, and your pets. If you find a tick, get it tested. Prevention is key.”
🧪 Featured Products and Therapies
- Dr. Natura Colonix 30-Day Cleanse
- Resciency Binder+ Comprehensive Detox
- PEMF Mat by HealthyLine
- Essiac Herbal Tea
- RIFE and low-level laser therapies
- Grass-fed colostrum and herbal tinctures
🎧 Listen Now
If you're struggling with chronic Lyme disease or know someone who is, this episode is packed with powerful insights, recovery strategies, and hard-earned wisdom from a true Lyme warrior. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are streamed.