How has Lyme Disease affected your life?
No one believed me. Until physical symptoms started to occur that were visible I suffered alone. It felt like being a tortured prisoner in my own body. I communicated how I was feeling with others (doctors, friends & family) for over 15 years. The more I tried to explain myself to loved ones and medical professionals, the Moreau symptoms and the pain was invalidated. I was told to see a psychiatrist. I went to many. Then I began a journey of collecting over 1,000 medical treatment papers. I felt like a guinea pig. I heard, “Sorry, I can’t help you. There’s nothing I can do until you have a proper diagnosis.” I began to invalidate my own experience because nothing showed on routine testing and my health plummeted and nearly died multiple times.
I decided I’m a warrior. I decided I wanted to survive. I decided I would stand up for myself and speak my truth. I decided enough is enough. I told myself I am worthy of proper health care, and I will receive it. I reclaimed my personal power. I began to allow others to see me as I am, share my story and hear my voice. Yesterday I had surgery to remove a large lymph node in my groin. I had a biopsy done to check for lymphoma. This disease is very real and it’s brutal. I never felt such validation for what I’m going and have been through. Keep going warrior, you can.
What inspires you?
“Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor.”
“Ships are safe at harbor but that’s not what they are made for.”