How has Lyme Disease affected your life?
I do not personally have Lyme disease, but I have a son who has suffered with it for more than nine years. Unfortunately, doctors are not educated enough on Lyme disease and its symptoms. My son went undiagnosed for eight months—long enough to let the Lyme multiply in his body. Thankfully, he was able to get in to see a LLMD who started antibiotic and herbal treatments. The next six years were filled with doctor visits and medical tests. He spent three years trialing different antibiotics and herbal remedies with no relief. He was always so exhausted and spent much of his day in bed. He used to run cross county before developing Lyme disease. When asked to describe his fatigue after developing Lyme disease, he would say he constantly felt like he had just finished running a race—he just did not the energy to get out of bed. He also developed a whole array of adrenal issues. I am thankful that today he is feeling better, not 100%, but enough to function with daily life. He still tires easily, has adrenal issues, and “brain fog”.
How did this affect my life? It is very difficult to see your child suffering and there is nothing you can do to help. I know that God is in control of all of this, and it because of God that he is feeling better now. Prayer is powerful. We all tried to remain optimistic as month after month went by and the antibiotics were not helping. It was a part-time job scheduling the timing of the medicines (at one time he took 53 pills a day) and all the appointments, not to mention all the discussions with the insurance company over what would and would not be covered. I hated seeing him give up things he always enjoyed doing and missing events at school. The issues he was dealing with were much greater than a teenager should have to deal with. At times my helplessness was overwhelming to me.
What inspires you?
People with afflictions who refuse to give up or give in inspire me. My son’s perseverance inspires me. He has been on five missions trips in the last three years in order to help others less fortunate—even though he doesn’t feel that well himself sometimes. It inspires me when people who are suffering still want to help others in need.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”