All these years of treatment, and I could proudly say, despite multiple co-infections on top of Lyme disease, at least I DIDN’T have Bartonella (or, Bart, as we affectionately like to call it). Well that all changed this week....
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Welcome to my blog - a blog about living and thriving and HEALING in the face of Lyme disease and a host of health issues. I'm glad you're here. I hope you'll find connection in my story, and whatever YOUR journey may look like, please know that you aren't ever alone.
Half my lifetime ago I was expecting to be permanently disabled or even dead at a young age unless I found a way back to hope and health. As a result of a mystery illness, I was nearly bed-ridden as a teenager. Sometimes I had to CRAWL up the 7 steps to my bedroom to get to bed because I couldn’t walk that far. I HAD to nap every single day. I was in *constant* burning, aching pain throughout my body and experienced exhaustion and brain fog so bad I could barely communicate. I had quit all sports, babysitting and other jobs by the age of 15. My ambitions, successes, sense of self, and LIFE were slipping through my fingers. Little did I know I was embarking on years of many misdiagnoses, autoimmune disease battles, and little help from the medical community. Thankfully, we were able to finally discover that Lyme disease and co-infections were the primary culprit of my medical mysteries. At the time of my diagnosis, I was spiraling into depression, helplessness, and hopelessness. I had no idea where this journey would take me, but I could not see a light at the end of it, and that was just plain scary.
Half my lifetime ago I was expecting to be permanently disabled or even dead at a young age unless I found a way back to hope and health. As a result of a mystery illness, I was nearly bed-ridden as a teenager. Sometimes I had to CRAWL up the 7 steps to my bedroom to get to bed because I couldn’t walk that far. I HAD to nap every single day. I was in *constant* burning, aching pain throughout my body and experienced exhaustion and brain fog so bad I could barely communicate. I had quit all sports, babysitting and other jobs by the age of 15. My ambitions, successes, sense of self, and LIFE were slipping through my fingers. Little did I know I was embarking on years of many misdiagnoses, autoimmune disease battles, and little help from the medical community. Thankfully, we were able to finally discover that Lyme disease and co-infections were the primary culprit of my medical mysteries. At the time of my diagnosis, I was spiraling into depression, helplessness, and hopelessness. I had no idea where this journey would take me, but I could not see a light at the end of it, and that was just plain scary.
My mom took me to many doctors, but none specialized in Lyme and tick borne illnesses. They all treated the symptoms I was having as best as they could, but I was still getting slowly worse, or having side effects from medications I was being put on. A list of autoimmune diseases graced my medical records, and I relied on my mom to help me navigate the medical world and advocating for myself.
Finally we sought alternative options for treatment out of desperation. Homeopathy, diet changes, proper supplements, and rest finally started to lead me into healing and the fog started to lift. During that time, myofascial release from a certified massage therapist was one of the most helpful modalities I tried. She used essential oils too, and that was officially my first introduction to their power. All of these alternative options helped me survive, start to thrive, and begin the next leg of my journey: entering adulthood and pursuing a career as a nurse. I thrived in such a career: combining science, research, and helping others through their suffering and health goals spoke to me. In my young adult years, I finally had the opportunity to continue my treatment and health journey with an actual Lyme specialist, which has since helped me heal more fully than I ever would have thought possible 10yrs ago.
I knew that as I got married, started a family, and was working on healing my body, I had some big goals: 1) to be there for my family and to be able to care for them fully and 2) to have a non-toxic home and life in order to live our best lives. My cousin shared with me some of her journey, which had similarities to my own. She was using some things I was already curious about, including essential oils and specialized supplements. I was HOOKED after the first sample I tried! I could now clearly visualize the next steps of my healing journey - hope had returned!
Now, I have endless hope and high level health. I can LIVE LIFE. This is the healthiest I’ve truly been since about age 14 and I’m thriving! I’ve been able to advocate for my own 4 babies, 3 of whom have ended up with Lyme too. I’m dedicated to using my nursing background and love of education in combination with appreciation for functional medicine and alternative therapies to help everyone I can. My hope is renewed. I am empowered and equipped. I’m enjoying and embracing the journey and have a passion for sharing how to do that.
Does this sound like you? Someone you know? I'd love to hear from you! Let's link arms as we walk this journey *together*.
If you're looking for a healing, Lyme-y community, I invite you to mine - check it out HERE!
**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional here to diagnose, treat, cure, or otherwise influence your medical journey outside of the guidance of a medical professional. Please find a doctor you trust and discuss any medical concerns or treatments with them. Also, please know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through my site at no extra cost to you.
**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional here to diagnose, treat, cure, or otherwise influence your medical journey outside of the guidance of a medical professional. Please find a doctor you trust and discuss any medical concerns or treatments with them. Also, please know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through my site at no extra cost to you.
