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: chronic illness
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
Hey Siri, How Much Epsom Salt Will I Need to Make Me Feel Human?
You know the feeling you get when you think something is not right? Maybe it's the flu? Maybe it's something you ate? You ignore the signals your body is giving you to push through and do what you want to. Pushing through my day = pain levels skyrocket. Pushing through gives lyme the perfect opportunity … Continue reading Hey Siri, How Much Epsom Salt Will I Need to Make Me Feel Human?
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.
Good News; Bad News
Hands like ice, three numb fingers, vibrations pulsing throughout your body, pins and needles in both feet, pain in back and neck, brain fog, feeling like passing out, sensitivity to lights and sound....my current list of roller coaster symptoms that I am experiencing daily goes on. Battling chronic Lyme is no joke. It is also … Continue reading Good News; Bad News
Limitless or Limited?
Limits. We all have them. The number of drinks you can consume while out with friends, the number plates you can fill and eat at a buffet, speed limits...we are surrounded by limits everyday. But what about your body? Do you feel limitless? Do your limits change? What if they change overnight? What if you … Continue reading Limitless or Limited?
Under My Skin…A Typical Day
A snippet of a day in the life of a person battling lyme. The symptoms are complex, they change from minute to minute, they come and go in waves like a roller coaster and many are invisible. It is so hard to explain what lyme patients experience. So much happens under the skin that is … Continue reading Under My Skin…A Typical Day
“But You Look so Healthy”
The part of my illness that you don’t see. When the fatigue and pain become too much, I hide. I retreat to “my spot” on the couch or in bed. Saturday afternoon, my body was tired of fighting. When your body is constantly in battle mode against itself, it eventually will rebel and you will … Continue reading “But You Look so Healthy”
It Gets Worse..
So experienced Lyme warriors say "it gets worse before it gets better". They warn you that you will have your ups and downs and your symptoms will intensify as you fight Lyme. Tonight must be the "it gets worse" part. Over the past few days, my stabbing pains have increased. Tonight they are almost unbearable. … Continue reading It Gets Worse..
Living with Grit and Grace 