Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by Lori Geurin
The New York Times and Apoorva Mandavilli claimed in a recent article that being diagnosed with Lyme is “great news.” While I wish this were true, the hundreds of thousands of us living with chronic Lyme (and all the research proving otherwise) know firsthand how inaccurate this statement is.
I shared my thoughts on Instagram recently. I wanted to share that post with you below. (You can follow me on Instagram @lorigeurin – I’d love to connect with you there, too!)
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New York Times, This Is Lyme
I read the @nytimes article, “My Son Got Lyme Disease. He’s Totally Fine” while on vacation with my husband. I was heartsick over the misinformation given in the piece and sent a reply. I love how the Lyme community has come together, sharing our stories and challenging this misleading article.
Living with untreated Lyme for nearly two years and now chronic Lyme for over seven, feels like you’re swimming under an icy pond, desperately searching for a way out. You feel trapped in your rapidly declining body, racing against time to survive. But no one hears your urgent cries for help. I don’t say this so you’ll feel sorry for me or because I feel like a victim, because I don’t at all. In fact, I know others who have struggled more than me.

A Long-Awaited Hike
My husband, David took this photo last week hiking in Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. The views were breathtaking in more ways than one. Though I may look healthy on the outside hiking was challenging for me. Before Lyme, it would have been easy, but I haven’t done anything like this since Lyme. I had to stop many times to catch my breath or sit and rest as we slowly made our way up to a higher elevation.
Elderly people and children were passing us at times. Despite this, I felt strong to be able to do it at all after being bedridden for months. Then on the way back down, D held my hand for balance, helping me find my footing. The gorgeous southwestern landscape was worth the journey and I loved this day with D so much. We came home from our trip and I was exhausted. So I stayed in my favorite leather recliner my Dad gave me for most of the week to recover.
Lyme Disease – We Stand Stronger Together
The love and support of our Lyme community have proven enduring and unmatched. Our brand of togetherness is fierce and unchanging. We’ve fought Lyme and know how to roll with the punches. We will rise up, a positive force for change, educating our communities on the research-based facts about TBD, lending support, and advocating for our sisters and brothers who are too weak to speak for themselves. I’m humbled and grateful to each one of you.
?We hear you, Lyme warrior. You absolutely matter and are cared for here. ?We stand stronger together.
#nytimesthisislyme
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.
More Information About Lyme Disease
Several years ago I had many unexplained symptoms and none of the doctors could figure out what was wrong with me.
I was desperate for answers. I spent many hours researching on my own, working to figure out what was causing all of my health problems.
Thankfully, I was eventually tested for Lyme and co-infections and diagnosed with Lyme and tularemia. Yet, so many people are still searching and wondering why they’re suffering from the symptoms above.
Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, autoimmune conditions, or chronic fatigue syndrome – as I was at first.
But, like me, you wonder, what is causing all of this? Why am I in pain and exhausted all the time?
I created a Lyme resource to help answer your questions. The guide gives you:
- more details about Lyme and other tick-borne diseases
- valuable information on diagnosis and testing
- where to find financial help for Lyme patients
- Lyme and tick-borne disease prevention tips
- instructions for how to properly remove a tick
- encouragement
- and more…
all based on research. Simply click below to check it out.

For more information about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, check out:
- The Signs, Symptoms And Stages Of Lyme Disease
- 16 Vital Facts About Lyme Disease: A National Epidemic
- 21 Simple Strategies To Fight Lyme Disease Naturally
- Everyone With Lyme Disease Has A Story
Do you have a chronic illness? Share your thoughts below!
NY Times seriously reporting fake news obviously! Lyme disease is real, painful, and needs a cure! How dare they report this, and needs to be attacked.
Yes, Stephanie. I was really surprised to read this coming from the New York Times, but they really missed the boat with this entire piece. Thank you so much for your support!
I have a good friend with Lyme and it’s been a serious struggle for her.
Oh, Rachel, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. Please feel free to give her my site and email (healthylife@LoriGeurin.com) as a resource if you’d like. Sending you both lots of love and prayers for answers to her health struggles.
Oh my goodness. Lyme disease is everywhere these days. Thanks for spreading awareness. I think so many people are suffering from this without even knowing.
This is soo true, Nadalie! It’s been reported in all 50 states and is drastically underfunded compared to other diseases in the U.S. (of the same magnitude). Thanks so much.
I can’t believe something like the New York Times would get something SO wrong. But well done for speaking up about it and making others aware of what it’s really like living with Lymes ?
Louise x
Exactly what I thought, Louise. Thank you!
I hiked Tent Rocks last year and loved it! Good for you for getting out there and overcoming!
Hey there, Amanda! Isn’t it amazing?! Thank you!
Looks like a beautiful hike but So sorry to hear, hope you find comfort and healing with this disease!! Praying for your recovery!
Kileen
cute & little
Thank you so much, Kileen. I really appreciate your kindness. I’m learning so much I didn’t know before this disease. It’s definitely teaching me to slow down and appreciate who/what’s most important in life. X, Lori