Blog post,  Life with Lyme Series,  Lyme Disease

Life with Lyme Series: Brandi — ‘Mission to Remission‘

May 13, 2021

In this edition of Life with Lyme Series, our featured guest is Brandi — Mission to Remission.

Brandi bravely shares a glimpse into her personal struggles of living with Chronic Lyme and tick-borne diseases; a familiar journey that too many suffering with these insidious diseases face.

Brandi — Photo from 2017 Lyme Disease Challenge

Brandi — In her own words:

One thing I’ve never talked openly about until now…..

I want to shed more light on the devastating results of Chronic Lyme Disease and what can happen if you don’t treat Tick-Borne Diseases immediately.

In 2013, I took medical leave from my job in California and headed home to the Midwest (Indiana) to be with my family and seek treatment. My dad drove me several times a week, an hour and half both ways to my doctors office in Illinois. At that time, I still didn’t have the proper diagnosis after being sick the last 9 years.

As months passed by, my job wanted an update when they could expect me back to work since my medical leave was coming to an end. I didn’t know when I would return because I was still searching for answers on my health as it continued to deteriorate. So I resigned in 2014.

That same year I found an amazing Rheumatologist who took 17 vials of blood and ran every test imaginable. It was clear I had been suffering from Tick-Borne Diseases and began intravenous antibiotics immediately. Insurance would not cover anything so I paid 100% out of pocket (and still do) for 3 long grueling and painful months of treatment.

Then in 2015, after giving it a lot of thought, I filed for Social Security Disability. It was an extremely hard decision to proceed this route. I started working when I was 12 years old, had a strong work ethic and couldn’t accept the fact that my body kept failing me day after day, week after week, unable to get better from treatment.

It took several years filing appeals for disability before the State of Indiana decided to schedule a hearing. I will never forget that day as long as I live: November 9, 2017. I appeared in front of a State Judge and several State Representatives to discuss what my life was like the previous 3-5 years.

I did my best not to cry, but reliving the nightmare I lived during those dark years pushed me to the edge and all I could do was cry the entire hearing. My life had changed drastically so I had a hard time (and still do) accepting this new normal.

The Court took several months to make their decision and in 2018 they deemed me permanently disabled. That’s hard to even say for me due to the plethora of emotions I have surrounding this. On a daily basis I work on not feeling embarrassed or ashamed what my life has become. Not having a career I worked so hard to achieve is a difficult pill to swallow.

I share this with you because there are hundreds upon thousands in this Lyme/Tick-Borne Disease Community who are also dealing with this new way of life, unable to work.

I share this with you because I know this can help someone out there not feel so alone, having a disease that’s far too often misdiagnosed and misunderstood by many.

I share with you because this disease is invisible, I look normal on the exterior, but my insides tell a very different story.

I share with you because it’s time to be more open on the devastating results of Tick-Borne Diseases.

Much love, strength and healing to all of you beautiful warriors! 💚

__________

A special thank you to Brandi, for offering important information and insights into the debilitating, life-altering effects of Lyme and related co-infections.

Feel free to leave a note for Brandi in the comments below this post.

*Follow ‘Mission to Remission’ on Instagram.

*Photo from 2017 Lyme Disease Challenge
Mission to Remission Logo|Meaning

More about Brandi’s story:

Share Your Story

Your story, your journey through life and the challenges faced while living with Lyme disease and chronic illness… is important. Sharing the struggles AND the victories — no matter how small or grand — not only provides a therapeutic outlet for you, but offers encouragement and sense of community for others traveling a similar path, while also helping to bring more awareness to these diseases.

There are so many ways to share your story: through social media, Life in Lyme Light, blogs, etc.

I welcome the opportunity to share your story here, through the Life with Lyme Series. Should this interest you, please leave a note in the comments, or send an email via ‘Contact’ — located in the Menu Section listed under the ‘Reflections with Terry’ header on computer/tablet, or click on arrow button 🔽 if on mobile phone.

Find the outlet that speaks to you — and please, share your story!

Until my next Reflections…

To each and every beautiful soul negotiating life with Lyme and tick-borne diseases (or any illness), or trying to find your way through life’s many challenges — much love, prayers and positive light for strength + healing are with you. Today and always.

Keep moving forward, lovelies — one day… one tiny step… one breath at a time.
—Terry xx

#LymeDiseaseAwarenessMonth #LymeDiseaseAwareness #LymeDisease #TickborneDisease #ChronicLymeDisease #ChronicIllness #StrongerTogether #ShareYourStory

Over here reflecting about life, illness + healing. Offering encouragement + empathy + support. Sharing smatterings of sarcasm + sass. Oozing with opinion. Speaking my truth. —tmm

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