I always got stressed out easily, but when my Lyme symptoms started I began to get intense anxiety and panic attacks seemingly out of the blue. It was really scary because I had no idea how to manage it at the time. I have created a toolbox of strategies that have helped me when it comes on:
Read MoreThree years ago, after getting back from a trip that involved hiking in California and Oregon, my body began to go haywire. I had struggled with health issues on and off for over the last 10 years, but I was always able to function. Now, I had no idea what was going on- I started getting flu-like symptoms that lingered, my digestion got worse, and I became unable to ignore the fatigue. I had constant sinus issues and headaches.
Read MoreAbout a year ago, I was chatting with a friend and she mentioned that she had started meditating. She told me how meditation helped to manage her stress level and emotions. I was intrigued. So the next day I took the plunge and signed up for the Headspace app’s free 10-day Basics pack. When I finished the pack, I was ready for more. I was hooked.
Read MoreWhen you are healing from a physical illness, you may experience emotional trauma coming up to be healed. Stuff from the past that you pushed aside because it was too painful to deal with. Stuff you didn’t even realize was traumatic. But then there it is in your face, coming up to be seen and felt.
Read MoreI couldn't breathe. I started a new medication in the evening and a few hours later my throat swelled up. It was after 10pm and no walk-in clinics were open, so I decided to go to the ER.
I had to wait over an hour to be seen while I felt as if I was gasping for air. I was finally taken in and I was given an IV with steroids, Benadryl and a few other medications. My whole body started immediately convulsing violently, my teeth were chattering intensely, I felt paralyzed and couldn’t move any part of my body, and I got very lightheaded, dizzy and nauseous.
Read MoreI find self-care to be a non-negotiable while healing from Lyme Disease, or any chronic illness. While it’s easy to feel like you don’t have control over your body or symptoms, incorporating self-care practices brings some semblance of control back into your life.
Read MoreMy name is Lauren, and I'm a chocoholic. Ok, now that we got that out of the way... Sixteen years ago, I was put on antibiotics for an infection. When I finished, the infection came back and I was put on another round, for a total of one month. I immediately started developing severe stomach issues. “IBS” I was told by a few gastroenterologists. They didn’t know the cause, or even how to treat it. I was given colon relaxers, which I took for two years. They did nothing.
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