It only took 3 years, one ambulance ride, multiple ER visits, cardiac specialists, multiple doctors, a ridiculous diagnosis of PTSD and being labeled as a mental case to receive a proper diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. I’m one of the lucky ones. Most patients see many more specialists over the course of more than 10 … Continue reading Overcoming Trauma from Chronic Illness
Tag: anxiety
What Does Healing Look Like?
Healing is being able to hike up Camelback Mountain with your daughter and not have to worry if you will randomly pass out. Healing is being able to attend a Cubs/Cards game with my family and not have a panic attack from a crowded stadium. Healing is saying YES to attending community events and not … Continue reading What Does Healing Look Like?
A Picture of Pain
My illness is hidden. This is what you don’t see. These are my bruises. This is my pain. If the layers of my skin were peeled back, this is what you would see. Lyme disease is no joke. The pain is hidden yet it is so real. It grinds into your joints, muscles, organs...anything it … Continue reading A Picture of Pain
The Face of Pain
What does pain look like? Most days, my pain is not visible, although when I was deep in my battle, I was unable to hide the reality of excruciating pain that ruled my every move. When the pain was unbearable, I would hide. I would retreat to my spot on the hardwood floor in a … Continue reading The Face of Pain
Warrior
Warrior. What does that word mean to you? Do you feel like a warrior? Battling a chronic illness can be draining not only physically but also mentally. The mind games, anxiety, panic, depression can all be so overwhelming. Where do you find the strength to pull yourself out of bed or get yourself to your … Continue reading Warrior
Vibrations, a Magraine, and Pain…OH MY!!! (Day 12)
The past week has been a roller coaster of a journey with hours spent each day at the doctors office hooked up to an IV pole. I’ve had moments of feeling better and moments of not feeling well at all. The doctor says week three of treatment is typically the week patients begin to feel … Continue reading Vibrations, a Magraine, and Pain…OH MY!!! (Day 12)
Paying the Price for Leaving the House
How can go you from feeling like a rockstar one minute to having pain, brain fog and anxiety hit you upside the head forcing you to search for the nearest exit?!?! I have been spending much more time out of the house, although it comes with a price. It is so draining physically and mentally … Continue reading Paying the Price for Leaving the House
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart. Lyme Disease is millions of microscopic corkscrew bacteria that drill their way through skin, muscles, joints, bones, nerves, organs and brain tissue causing out of control inflammation and a myriad of disabling symptoms which … Continue reading What Is Lyme Disease?
I’m NOT okay.
I'm okay .... I'm NOT okay. Those two sentences mean very different things. Why do we often choose the safe answer and say I'm okay or I'm fine? Why is it so hard to say the words "I'm NOT okay"? Sometimes it is easier to simply avoid the question and move on with your day. … Continue reading I’m NOT okay.
When Panic Strikes
Leaving the safety of your house with a hidden illness can be a daunting task. Jordan had a basketball tournament this weekend at Illinois Wesleyan. I was not able to make it to his games on Saturday, but I was determined to get there Sunday. I woke up not feeling well at all. I ignored … Continue reading When Panic Strikes
Living with Grit and Grace 