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: Pain
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
Describing the Pain of Chronic Lyme
What is the worst pain you have ever experienced? Take that moment of pain that knocks you off your feet, that grinds into every joint and bone in your body, that makes you feel like you could vomit at any second if it continues. Imagine if that pain would creep into your world on a … Continue reading Describing the Pain of Chronic Lyme
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
Out of Order
Somedays the pain becomes too much to grin an bear. Your head spins to figure out what you did differently to cause pain levels to skyrocket out of control. ~ Today is one of those days. After a great nights sleep last night and feeling fantastic this morning, I might have overdone it a smidge … Continue reading Out of Order
When the Smile Fades
This photo was snapped just moments after spending the morning with my daughter and niece at a fashion show. We had a blast walking the runway and looking at all the fall fashion trends. ~ Fast forward to two hours later and my smile had faded. Pain and fatigue busted down the doors and once … Continue reading When the Smile Fades
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
Living with Grit and Grace 