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: lyme symptoms
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
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
A Boulder Slamming on my Chest
Imagine waking up everyday to a scene straight from the movie Groundhogs Day. The alarm goes off at the same time every morning. Your eyes blink to adjust and the same reality hits you like a boulder being dropped on your chest. Chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, brain fog, GI issues, dizziness, stabbing pains, … Continue reading A Boulder Slamming on my Chest
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
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
Living with Grit and Grace 