Last Updated on May 4, 2021 by Lori Geurin
Everyone has a story to share. We each have unique life experiences. Being vulnerable isn’t always easy. But sharing your story is important because it could help someone else who’s struggling. E
(Want our FREE Lyme disease download that’ll give you the signs, symptoms, and stages of Lyme? Simply click the link below for the printable PDF.)
During that time I started hearing about other people who were living with Lyme disease. Learning about their stories gave me hope and let me know for the first time that I was not alone in this fight. Simply knowing that others were going through the same thing meant so much to me. Later I decided I wanted to share my story too.
Everyone With Lyme Disease Has A Story
Recently I had the opportunity to share my story with a reporter for KY3 and KSPR News in Springfield, MO. Reporter Linda Simmons drove to our home and interviewed me. You can watch the interview here.
Since the interview aired I’ve received an outpouring of emails, messages, texts, IMs, and phone calls from people in southwest Missouri near where I live (and out of state too) who have had their own experiences with untreated Lyme.
Lyme has been reported in all 50 states and it’s certainly here in Missouri. I don’t share names to protect privacy but some of the people who’ve contacted me in the past couple of weeks and a little about their stories include:
- the sweet wife of an elderly farmer who has multiple tick-borne diseases which have been treated but he continues to suffer from chronic pain and insomnia
- a middle-aged mom and teacher with chronic Lyme who needs treatment but her insurance won’t cover it
- a young lady who can barely get out of bed due to severe chronic pain and chronic fatigue due to untreated Lyme
- the family of a
young dad who works full-time and is suffering from neuro Lyme symptoms causing pain, tingling and numbness in his extremities - a young mom with chronic Lyme who is dealing with brain fog
- a man with a science career background with chronic Lyme whose symptoms are flaring up
Making Personal Connections Through Telling Your Story
Many of the people who I talked to have told me that they didn’t know anyone else with Lyme disease or tick-borne illness before me and they were glad to finally know someone who could relate to what they’re going through.
It’s not that my situation is more serious than anyone else’s. And it’s certainly not that I’m any better at sharing my story than anyone else. Nothing could be further than the truth.
Related: The Signs, Symptoms And Stages Of Lyme Disease
But we weren’t meant to do this life alone. So thanks to all of you, dear readers, for making yourself vulnerable and sharing your experiences with me and others too.
Everyone with Lyme disease has a story. You never know whose life may be changed for good by sharing yours!
And not only that, but sharing your story can benefit you too. X, Lori
Want to learn more? I created a Lyme resource to help answer your questions. The guide provides you with:
- more details about Lyme and other tick-borne diseases
- valuable information on diagnosis and testing
- where to find financial help for Lyme patients
- prevention tips
- instructions for how to properly remove a tick
- and more…
all based on research. Simply click below to check it out.
What have you noticed from sharing your story with other people? How has someone else’s story impacted your life?
You go girl! So impressed you were interviewed for the news and got to share your story there. It’s true that sharing stories is powerful!!! My friend has Lyme and it’s something not many people know about.
Aww, thanks, Julie. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share. I do hope your friend is doing okay and improving every day. X
I’m so sorry you have to go through this. It is so hard. I know people who have it also and it’s such a struggle. I think it’s great you are sharing our story and experience with others. Very helpful to people and helps them feel like they aren’t alone. I hope for the best for you and health.
Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, Julie! It seems like so many people know someone else with Lyme. I truly hope that those you know are getting the treatment they need to improve their health. Please feel free to refer them to me or my site. Thanks!
Thanks for raising awareness about Lyme disease. I do not know anyone who suffers it but I can imagine the challenges it brings
Absolutely, Cristina. I appreciate this. I barely knew what Lyme was until I had it and now I know so many with it. Thank you.
I have a friend with Lyme disease- really eye opening~!
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, Ruthie. I hope she’s improving.
I know a few people with Lyme disease. It was never expected and they find living with it always presents challenges. Thanks for bringing attention to this!
Hi Tiffany, You said it all with, ‘it was never expected.’ My thoughts exactly. I guess this is part of what makes life so precious – you never know what’s going to happen. Or when. Yes, definitely challenging. I pray your friends are finding answers and treatments for their illness. Thanks so much for your kind words!