With my birthday and a new year quickly approaching, I took some time to check in with myself and reflect on the lessons I’ve learned while healing from late-stage Lyme disease.  

I received a late-stage Lyme diagnosis after about 4 years of “arthritis” and mysterious illnesses had progressed into neurological symptoms. When the doctor broke the news, she had a serious look on her face. The results showed positive chronic and acute markers, she knew this test could explain the years of symptoms I had been complaining of. I was terrified, but felt relieved to finally have a diagnosis that explained everything! 

Once I had the diagnosis, I imagined I’d be placed on some healing conveyor belt. This is a serious illness, my doctors surely know what to do. Now, I just need to follow the protocol, rest, and heal, I thought. Little did I know that a late-stage Lyme diagnosis would reveal only one layer of a complex and controversial illness.

Looking back, it seems as though I spent the first year of Lyme treatment teetering between denial and fight or flight mode. I didn’t give myself any time to process my emotions or take a look at the bigger picture. I had been sick for years, but I thought I would get better overnight.

By my second year of treatment, the haze of denial I was living in started to lift. I was being prescribed medication after medication to not only address the bacteria which causes Lyme disease, but also many other drugs to address the growing list of debilitating symptoms I was experiencing. 

Even with the Lyme diagnosis doctors still wanted to poke, prod, and test me for more illnesses. Within 6 months I was given around 15 more syndrome diagnoses. Each diagnosis had a medication with its own side effects to deal with, so I was prescribed other medications just so I could tolerate the first ones! 

It got to the point where I was taking pills every two hours and STILL feeling horrible while my health continued to decline. My Lyme specialists seemed to be throwing therapeutic trials at me like spaghetti to a wall, just hoping one would stick. 

It became clear to me that if I wanted to heal from this thing, I would have to take healing into my own hands. I began to learn all I could about our body’s natural ability to heal. I practiced every natural healing modality that sparked interest. I began connecting to and trusting my intuition more and more.  

Over the last two years, I’ve remained focused on supporting and strengthening the immune system, healing my gut, reducing inflammation, and addressing the mind-body connection. Healing from this thing has been a full-time job. I have relied heavily on my own research and intuition. I have found doctors who are willing to work with me, that respect my views, and listen to my concerns. I have worked hard to reduce daily stress and surround myself with inspiration and compassion. 

Since my diagnosis, I have been mistreated by many medical professionals, and I have lost a lot of friends and relationships, but through it, I have gained a more trusting and loving relationship with myself. I don’t have as much energy as I once did, but through this fatigue, I’ve learned to respect my boundaries and cherish my time and energy. I often deal with indescribable pain, but through it, I have found an inner strength and resilience that I would never have known otherwise. 

As I reflect on my year, which has been full of flares and hardships, I take comfort in knowing that each dark moment has been an opportunity to lean into myself and unearth more love, more resilience, and more healing layer by layer.

While I’ve made massive improvements over these last 4 years, I know I still have more healing to do. I continue to learn all I can and support my body with all-natural methods. I have learned to prioritize my self-care. I stopped comparing my current abilities to my pre-Lyme abilities. I don’t allow my inner critic to place my self-worth on how many things I accomplish in a day. I try to celebrate each full deep breath. On my good days, I am happily back to doing some of the things I loved doing before Lyme put my life on pause. During my bad days, I lovingly rest and honor my body’s needs. 

I am grateful and excited as I head into this next year of healing, my birthday, and a new decade! I am more dedicated than ever to show up for myself and my goals in a powerful and authentic way.

One of my goals is to help more Lyme patients skip the mistakes I made! So, please take some time before the new year to reflect on your healing path. Acknowledge your resilience, by setting aside time to celebrate the hardships you’ve made it through. Renew your intention and dedication to reaching your goals. Remember that no matter how slowly you go each step adds up! Keep your chin up, and check-in with yourself often. 

Happy Holidays to you and yours! I hope your 2020 is full of clarity and good health!

If you want to learn more about Lyme disease watch my video Lyme 101 or download my free eBook 10 Tips to Manage Jarisch-Herheimer.

For more support managing your Lyme symptoms, check out my group and private coaching programs and the Holiday & Birthday Sale happening now through January 1st!