Collin’s Lyme Story
I saw the tick, we removed the tick, and went on with life. I can’t be sure if it was that particular tick, another, or if I contracted Lyme in utero from my infected mother, but Lyme invaded my body with a vengeance. First came the food allergies, then the migraines, then joint pain, digestive issues, sleep issues, trouble concentrating, and so on…
Having health problems from Lyme Disease means many things in my life are different from others and most of them are invisible. Unlike other diseases that people are familiar with, most people do not understand Lyme Disease and its effects, and of those that think they know, many are actually misinformed.
I was only 3 months old when the hives started and they became worse when I started solid foods. By the time I was 2, I was allergic to over 100 food products they could test. I didn’t grow very quickly and always had strange rashes or hives on my body. I was almost 8 before I could sleep through the night without pain or interrupted sleep. I don’t recall a time when my knees and legs have not hurt. As a teen, I started to have debilitating migraines that caused me to miss so many days of school that school officials wanted to deem me as truant. I could not read a page in a book without rereading several times to just understand its basic concept. Eventually, my joints hurt so bad that I constantly had ice packs or a heating pad on me. When I would eat, I could not digest simple foods. Somehow, I have pushed through these symptoms and am a well functioning young adult.
Lyme Disease doesn't mean I'm not still a normal human being. I am currently a college student, NCAA athlete, avid video gamer, and a pretty funny guy. But, I sometimes spend the day struggling with Lyme symptoms. Along with Lyme Disease, I worry about everyday things like school work, my classmates, and my family, just like others my age. However, Lyme clearly makes me different.
When you've got the flu, you probably feel miserable, but I've been sick off and on like that flu feeling for a long time. I don’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t fighting a Lyme symptom. The never ending cycle brings me down on occasion. Some days I am merely coping, other days I am living a great life feeling normal.
Being able to do something today doesn't necessarily mean that I can do the same tomorrow. With Lyme Disease, it gets more confusing everyday. My body is like a yo-yo. That is one of the most frustrating problems of Lyme. Some days I am able to run, study, or hang out with friends, while the next day I'll have trouble simply digesting my food and waking up for classes. I may need to cancel a commitment at the last minute. My family and friends know not to take it personally anymore.
There is always the lingering question in the back of my mind, what’s next? Those tiny little spirochetes are hiding and waiting to attack again. I know the struggle to find the food that doesn’t make me sick or leave a rash over my body. I remember the headaches that lasted for days and required me to lay in the dark with pillows covering my head. I know stomach pain that feels like I’m being stabbed. I have gone all too many times to the doctors for pain just to have them repeat, there is nothing wrong with you. I can share about my sleepless nights or sleeping for 20 plus hours in a day, both unnatural. These are just my Lyme symptoms, others endure far worse.
If someone wants to suggest a cure to me, I’m open to it. In all likelihood, if you've heard of it or tried it, so have I. In some cases, I have been made sicker, not better. I have explored all sorts of weird and obscure potions and pills. I usually opt for what works today for today’s symptoms. I have endured awful side effects, severe allergic reactions, days of herxing, and trying to sleep it off. My healing is definitely not for lack of trying.
As Lyme Disease education, advocacy and research continues to improve, I hope that a cure, vaccine, or more treatment options are on the horizon. Until then, I advocate for myself and am trying to make the best of my current situation. A tick bite changed my health but I try not to let it change who I am. I am confident in what I want to become, what I stand for and why I will fight the battle every day.