While living in Dallas, Texas, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, or a particular skin rash that appears to have a darker circle surrounding it. The disease attacks your joints and central nervous system. In my case, the Lyme Disease was left untreated for six years, which allowed other disabling symptoms to appear, such as numbing and tingling, which prevented me from lifting up everyday objects, writing, or participating in sports.
One of my most distinct memories was while I was sitting on the blue velvet loveseat in our ranch style home in Texas when I let out an ear pitching scream. Pure utter confusion drowned me with fear as I couldn't understand the origin of the mysterious pain which had gotten worse to the point where I had difficulty completely daily tasks such as lifting a spoon or walking. Every day I felt the pain traveling through my veins pulsing and sinking into each and every one of my joints. I could sense the continuous throbbing mysteriously crashing, flowing, and fading in my body. After ten minutes the pain would disappear and two hours later reappear.
It took six months to find a pediatric autoimmune specialist. Doctor Moyad was short, plump, and intimidating. He had a demeanor that reflected an aura of superior intelligence and focused intensity that terrified me. During my first appointment, he showed me a video of the Lyme Disease attacking the body’s cells; he told me that my body was harming itself. I could feel my chest tighten as I sat on the plastic chair, in disbelief. Tears began to pour down my face in anger. I could not understand how this was possible; I felt my condition was not fair. I was only eleven years old at the time, and the thought of living with this disease was beyond overwhelming.
Soon afterwards, my treatment began and I started taking a heavy dose of antibiotics. I took two doses twice a day; a total of 1000 mg of Azithromycin. I began to see results; the pain seemed to gradually lessen, but within the following appointments, I discovered I would never be entirely cured. The concept of chronic pain was introduced to me and I adjusted myself accordingly to what lay ahead. My condition not only affected me, but my family as well. It was a time of struggle, it was essentially through the support of my family that helped me the most. Through their love and endless positivity I persevered despite the obstacles.
Things got better as time passed; I got used to the winter months in which my arthritis would act up or the numbing and tingling in my fingers that comes and goes. I've learned that there are far worse things than Lyme Disease and that through a healthy lifestyle I can minimize its side effects, such as through all natural anti-inflammatory tablets such as fish oil and hot and cold water presses. Although, I deal with minor chronic pain, I have learned to persevere and not give up because in life you can't allow things out of your control to determine the quality of your life; in such you must always push forward even when things are difficult no matter what may lay ahead.
