How has Lyme Disease affected your life?
I grew up in North Carolina where they say there is no Lyme disease. I lived in the woods like any other kid and found ticks on me, embedded, all the time! I was a healthy child growing up. Then at the age of 19 I was diagnosed with Endometriosis… from there Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. I was always told I was just looking for attention and needed to see a therapist.
After raising my children on a farm at the age of 43 I started with more symptoms. Heart issues, neurological issues and seizures. One day I had to be rushed to the hospital. No one knew what was wrong with me and referred me to other doctors until they started telling me that they didn’t want to/couldn’t help me. Researching on my own I found a doctor who would test me for Lyme. Came back borderline CDC approved, so we sent my blood to Germany where I was told I had Lyme Disease with 9 coinfections! No wonder I felt so bad!
Finally, I knew what was wrong and now I could get well. Not the case… many different medicines and tens of thousands of dollars later, I now fight for a day to just be able to cook a meal for my family, or a quiet visit from a friend. Chronic Lyme Disease took away who I am as a person. I’m still fighting to get her back! I won’t stop till I do!
What inspires you?
My faith inspires me. Knowing there is a bigger plan for me. Trusting that one day I can help others with this awful disease.
My family inspires me to get well, so we can be what we once were.
Two quotes always inspired me… even before I was sick.
- Lord, let them see You in me. (The way I handle my illness is key).
- God’s purpose is greater than our problems. (He knows what I was created for).