This isn’t something I’ve really ever talked about on here.
I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ve never really gone into detail about it. I’ve thought about writing about this before and sincerely wanted to, but just never was really sure how to go about it. I think it’s easier to be vulnerable about things you have gone through and you feel like are in the past, but it’s harder to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply.
So during a particularly rough time for our family I figured it’s time to share a little bit. I do not share this for pity, nor for attention. I share this for anybody else who is battling a chronic illness or is relationally affected by one…to know you are not alone. I also really want people to be aware of the people in their life struggling and to give grace…just give a lot of grace. Lastly, I want people to be aware of the real possibility of getting Lyme. I just had friends get bitten by ticks and it hit me how badly I wanted them to stay healthy. I want ALL of you to stay healthy as well.
When I was little, I felt like my family was the family that looked liked they had it all together. Not just looked like it…I thought we did. My dad was (and still is) an elder at the church he’s been going to since he was born. He was the pharmacist at the local drug store with the old soda fountain and grill that was THE hangout spot in town. To know him was to love him. And my mom was the best (also still is). She was the mom who was always helping at the school. The kind of woman that strangers would come up to in the grocery store and tell their life story to because she listened so well. They both helped with everything at the church. They taught classes and lead Bible school. We lived on a lake. My sister and I made straight A’s. Kelly and I had so much fun together. We stayed outside everyday until it got dark being silly and playing games. We were living in a small town where everyone knows everybody and since my family had been there for so long, everyone knew me. We had our daily family devotionals and my sister and I were put to bed every night with dad singing a worship song, a prayer, a kiss, and an “I love you.”
In this past month I’ve been reminded of some of those memories and how things used to be. It’s crazy how things change over time without us even realizing it until something comes in and just completely takes us back in time. For me it was a worship song someone started to sing while we were in Peru. It was the song my dad sang to me at night. The one that goes”
“My Jesus, My Savior
Lord there is none like You…”
It completely took me back in time and I found myself crying on the bus thinking of how much has changed since then.
It happened yesterday as something threw my memory back to when my sister was 10, and what life was like back then with her.
And it just hurt my heart as I grieved the loss of what life used to be like.
And there was one thing that came in and took so much from me:
Lyme Disease.
It just came in and started taking things slowly to where I didn’t notice it immediately. I guess we just adjusted. It would turn us a little off course and as a family we changed with it. But now I’m looking back and realizing how it wiped us all completely off course. Because it just kept taking and taking and it just keeps taking and taking. It’s stolen so much.
My dad was diagnosed after a family trip to DisneyWorld when I was in 4th grade. He just felt so sick and didn’t know what was wrong. He felt like he had the flu really bad and he’d also been having a lot of memory problems. All the doctors he saw just told him he was getting older. He finally went to the Mayo Clinic. We were in the car on our way to our hunting camp in Texas when he got the call telling him he had Lyme disease. I remember my parents just being glad to be given any diagnosis but none of us really knew what we were about to be in for.
So without getting technical and medical, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection from a deer tick bite, that attacks your neurological system…like your brain and your nerves. It brings on things like brain fog (like thinking is foggy), anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, stiff joints and achey muscles, and on and on, and sometimes even death. My dad has compared it at time to Mono. It just rocks your world and gets in the way of everyday life. Everything is harder. It can just leave you kind of bed-ridden. You can have some good hours during the day, where everyone you know thinks you’re fine, but those other 20 hours are where you pay for those few good ones. It can differ by the weeks. Good weeks and bad weeks, good days and bad days.
Flash forward to middle school. By this point my mom, sister, and I had been tested and all of our tests came back positive. Many doctors believe Lyme can’t be sexually transmitted, but LOL at that. Yolanda Hadid, Gigi and Bella’s mom just came out with a book about her battle with Lyme, and apparently 2 of her children have it as well. So there’s another family.
Me being diagnosed really didn’t phase me at all. I didn’t tell people for a long time, not even our church. Most people look back on their middle school days as a horrible time of bullying and awkwardness and hate it for that. The only thing I really remember of middle school was starting to fight with my dad a lot. We had been best friends, but then I became a moody teenager and he became easily irritable from being sick. We butted heads a lot and I just felt so confused as to why we weren’t getting a long. My parents argued more and my sister didn’t have enough energy to play with me. I felt so alone then. I felt like no-one understood me. My parents were searching all over for a doctor. He tried countless different treatments with no avail…one even left him legally blind for a while.
By high school I was feeling affects of it. I’ve always been super active, but by my junior year of high school I felt SO tired. It didn’t matter how much I slept I was tired. I started going to a doctor more regularly then and he told me it was most likely triggered by the stress of transferring schools. So basically stress is a trigger that makes me more tired-when I’m tired I can’t get things done that I need to get done which makes me stressed, which makes me more tired. What a wicked cycle. But I pushed through. Those last years two years of high school I struggled with some depression but didn’t owe it to Lyme. I just didn’t want to believe that Lyme was a big problem in my life. I though if I ignored it, it would just go away. So dumb, but I just didn’t want to believe it.
So here we are now:
I’m in the middle of my last two years of college. I’m healthy enough to be active and do things, but it always comes with a price. Always. My family has been to countless doctors all over the country and no one is any healthier. Dad and Kelly just started new treatment and their bodies are taking a hard hit. Lately there’s been a lot of tears. By everyone. Everyone carries the weight of their own illness, but also the weight of each others’. It’s affected every aspect of life. My parents’ marriage and my own marriage. My dad had to quit working probably 10 years ago now. We wonder if my sister will be able to push through nursing school even though she has gotten straight A’s and honors in all she’s ever done. I’ve heard my dad ask to go on to heaven countless times. I feel like I’m living in a body that won’t cooperate with me…it won’t do its job. We have countless things we’re not supposed to eat. Flying is tough for him, so I don’t see my dad as much. I just emailed a new doctor and am hoping for good things there. Then there’s also thinking about passing it on to our own babies one day. There future holds a ton of uncertainty.
But God.
Lyme sucks, but God is good.
We don’t understand, but God has a plan.
We may no have healing on earth, but God has got healing waiting for us in heaven.
We feel alone and misunderstood often, but God understands it all.
It’s not always easy to believe God is good in the midst of this. Sometimes it feels impossible. But we have to hold on to what we know. We’ve prayed for healing for years, and just because God hasn’t answered our prayers in the way we would like for Him to, doesn’t mean that He is not at work. I have to believe He has a plan, and I believe in whatever He is doing He is going to be most glorified. I’ve been thinking about the glory of God a lot lately. And maybe God put it on my heart when He did specifically for this post. We’ve always prayed God would be glorified in our lives, and sometimes He answers prayers in ways we wouldn’t have chosen. Honestly I still don’t know what He’s doing. I can certainly see His kindness and goodness in our journey so far, but pain and uncertainty still loom over us. He gives us a hope and that’s what I hold on to. So we just keep hoping and keep praying which sometimes feels pointless. A lot of the time I feel like theres no point in praying for healing anymore, but I have to tell myself to keep believing that God is in the miracle-business and that He is in it for me…just because He didn’t bring healing yesterday doesn’t mean He won’t today or tomorrow! It’s crazy how He reminds me of that too…
A friend of mine hurt her arm really badly in a car accident a few years ago. We didn’t know each other at the time of the accident and when this event happened, we honestly didn’t know each other that well even then. But one night we were at the same event at school talking and I felt the urge to pray for her. For years her arm brought her constant pain and she couldn’t use it to even open a door. Something inside of me though reminded me of all the unanswered prayers for my own family, but I prayed anyway. I’ve never felt the Spirit like that before. I’d also never witnessed a miracle like that before. Even typing this I still get chills. By the end of the prayer her, her boyfriend, and I were all sobbing. She started to move her arm and before we knew it she was on the ground doing a pushup and freaking out at what was happening. We cried even more and praised the Lord. By the end of the night my friend had done 2o push-ups and even lifted up a chair! To this day she still has full strength renewed in her hand. I left that night in awe of the Lord. I felt so humble He would even use me, especially since I have been doubtful of healing. But I think that’s why He chose to use me. He let me witness His power and strength that night and it was like He told me “Mary Kate, I am strong enough and I am more than willing, but in my time. Don’t give up hope. Don’t stop trusting me.”
Even last night talking through things with that friend it hit me:
Where illness, of any kind, comes in and takes and takes, God continues to give and give.
He’s the One who gives peace that surpasses all understanding.
(Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”)
He gives us joy that can withstand anything going on around us.
(Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
He gives grace. He gives enough grace for today, and tomorrow He will give us enough grace for tomorrow.
(Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness.)
He has given us Himself. Which is the greatest gift of all. We have access to the Father and Creator. He listens to us. He knows us. He created us. He loves us.
This isn’t a post where I have a lot of advice to tell you because I got through it…and that’s because I’m not through it. It’s a tricky and confusing thing. Amongst the confusion and uncertainty I know the Lord to be constant.
Even if I don’t always “feel” it, I know these things to be true:
God is good.
God is all-powerful.
God is good at being God.
So these are my hopes for sharing this with you…
To anyone battling chronic illness or has a family member battling it:
I’m sorry. I’m sorry your dealing with this. I truly am. And I am praying for you as I write this. I’m praying you can hold on to hope that God has a plan for your life. I’m praying you will persevere in prayer. I’m praying for strength for you and energy. I’m praying for an ease of your pain. I’m praying that you would be surrounded and loved and lifted up by friends and family. I’m praying that the Lord gives you peace. Your life may not be the same as it once was, but there’s still so much beauty that the Lord offers in this world and I pray you would look for it everyday. I pray that it will refresh and renew your soul. If you are feeling dry in your faith or far from God, meditate on these verses. These are the verses I focus on when I’m feeling like that. I just write it on my hand and say it over and over again in my head or out loud.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me…restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51: 10&12
Because even in a sick body, its possible to have a steadfast spirit to help carry you through.
To anyone who knows someone battling a chronic illness:
I hope you might understand a little better what they are going through. I hope you can give them grace and give them a lot of it. I hope you will be empathetic. I hope you will pray for them and pray with them. I hope you will encourage them and let them know you love them. I hope you’ll try to understand when they say they can’t do something and not take it personal. I pray for you as well. I pray that you live under the fountain of God so you will constantly be filled and share your overflow with those hurting around you.
To everyone:
I hope we’ll all be a little kinder to one another. I hope we’ll consider the fact that we don’t always know what others are going through. I hope we’ll choose to speak kind and uplifting words to everyone and less words that tear down. I hope we’ll even go out of our way to speak life. I hope we’ll pray for one another more and love well.
Lastly I also want this post to put our awareness for Lyme disease. Lyme comes from a deer tick. Usually the tick bite will show a bullseye rash around it if the tick is an infected tick, but not always. Lyme is preventable at first by a round of antibiotics. To be safe, if you ever pull a tick off of you it is a good idea to go to the doctor and start on an antibiotic. Most doctors do not take Lyme disease very seriously, but that’s got to change. If someone blows it off, find someone that will not blow it off. I hope the seriousness of this disease will start to get out there and lots of people will be spared of its long-term effects.
Hi girl!
I usually read all of your blog posts but this particular one moved me to comment. I think your family is so strong, and I think that your family is so strong because you are all going through it together. I know it sounds kinda weird- but if just one of you had it, it would cause a division between you guys. I truly believe the lord does work in mysterious ways and he is making your family so strong even when you feel at your weakest! I will continue to pray for your whole family as you all wrestle with Lyme, just know that everything always works out with the lord, and he really does have a plan! 🙂
MY 33RD YEAR CHRONIC LYME 1983 AUG GAVE MY HEART TO JESUS (AS DISABLED NAM VET MIDNIGHT WAS TO SHOOT MYSELF IN HEAD, HOLY SPIRIT FILLED 1984 ,TICK APRIL 84 WAS SICK YET NEVER HEARD OF LYME CENTER OF MINNESOTA MY RANCH.TREATED 5 YRS LATER 1989 HOSP RUIENED MY MARRIAGE ,JUNE 5 2017 16TH TIME I GOT LYME AND OTHER TICK DISEASES 1991 APRIL LYME OCT TEMP BLINDED AT BIBLE STUDY AGAIN 2012 GOT IT 2 TIMES 2011 2012 ,HOSP TREATED EVERY YR SINCE 2011 -2016 2 MONTHS BICILAN 2 BUTT INJECTIONS ONE DAY/WK KILLS IN BRAIN,SHORTAGES BI C I TAKE ORALS NEVER GET ME WELL,I AM TRUMPS ADVISORY VETS CARE HOSP MY HISTORY SINCE 1969 ON HORRIBLE,LYME ADVOCATE AND NATIONAL CHAPLAIN.BEEN TO HELL AND BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN,MY CAT HORSE DOG TOO.I HELP PEOPLE FB WORLDWIDE LYME VIT MIN ETC HERBS TO TAKE.SO MANY TIMES WANTED TO DIE YET PRAYERS/LORD JESUS KEEPS ME GOING,GEOFFREY STEINER CUSHING MINNESOTA livemem@brainerd.net.3207492565 GOD BLESS YOU &YOURS….
Thank you so much for sharing this ? It reminded me of the song “He Giveth More Grace”
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men,
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
* !
My name is Laurie Beth I too have lyme. My sister sent the song,”He give the more grace” to me years ago. It is so meaningful and I have shared it with many others since. I was so thrilled to see that someone else knows of this treasure. I look for “Joy” in each day. Your sharing provided a “Joy” for me. Thank-you so much.
Mary Kate, thank you. Thank you for sharing your struggle, thank you for caring for and praying for everyone who lives with a chronic illness and knows someone with a chronic illness and everyone in between. And lastly, thank you for never giving up hope in Him. You are appreciated and although I don’t personally know you, I’m so glad you’re here today to show and share your love and knowledge with everyone. ?
So sweet and so powerful. Thank you for being brave. Your best writing yet!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My mother has a chronic illness, very rare, but similar to Lyme. She had to stop working. I completely understand when you say “you pay for the good hours.” People only see her when she feels good enough to be out and about, so it’s hard for others to understand what it’s like behind closed doors. I’m so sorry for what you are going through. But, I hope you know that just as you are here for us by sharing your story, we are also here for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayer. Thank you so very much for being brace enough to share your family’s story.
Thank you! I have celiac disease and other food allergies along with undiagnosed pain in my legs. No matter what odd diets I am put on or how many test my dr takes, they all come back negative and i still am sick. I am the only one in my family that has this disease. It is very hard with no support. They try but most of the time they yell and complain how I hold them up. I have been trying to get closer with God and reading this made me cry because there is hope. You have reminded me to believe and have hope. My favorite verses are Matthew 6:34 and Mark 5:36. These verses help with my stress, anxiety and depression throughout the day. Thank you for sharing! I will be praying for you and your family ❤
I understand Alexandria! I was diagnosed with a Celiac 7 years ago and it’s been really tough. I’m the only one in my family as well. I have undiagnosed abdominal pain so I know the feeling. God is good, despite our circumstances! Praying for healing for all of us ??
Oh my goodness, I have celiac too! I read this blog post back when it was posted, but came to reread it and saw your comment! I also have undiagnosed abdominal pain, even after being on a strict GF diet. I’m praying for you, friend! ❤️
I’m sorry for what you’re going through! Have you ever had a Western Blot Test for Lyme?!? If you haven’t, go to your Dr & get one! If you have & were told it’s negative, go tell them you want an actual copy of the whole rest & results! The CDC says in order to have a positive test for Lyme, you have to have 5 positive bands on your test BUT REALITY IS IF YOU EVEN HAVE ONE POSITIVE BAND THAT’S LYME SPECIFIC, YOU’VE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE LYME BACTERIA! Which basically means you have Lyme!! Testing is less than 50% accurate! My sister has chronic Lyme & it’s invaded her heart & brain! She is 37 & was a tri-athlete! Now she is surviving the best she can with a pacemaker & taking it second by second everyday & remains strong in her faith! Good luck! If you want to know which bands are Lyme specific for a Western Blot, Google them! And if you do have any positive bands get your results as fast as you can to an LLMD which is a Lyme literate medical doctor!! If you have any questions email me @ LindsayAkers07@yahoo.com
I have celiac too, and I’m also the only one in my family who has it. The isolation is so hard. Praying for you, friend!
Oh my! Thank you so much for sharing this. I can not express to you how much I needed to read this today. 3 years ago I was diagnosed with POTS syndrome a chronic illness that has pretty much the same symptoms as Lyme and is actually related to Lyme in some ways. But today I had a pretty bad flare up and was/am really struggling. Thank you for your encouragement, I love reading and following you on your blog! Your right no on really understands how you feel and they can’t, and to me that’s one of the hardest parts. I will certainly pray for you and your family!
?????
Thank you so much for sharing this. ❤️ It spoke to me so much in what I’m going through, but also reminds me that I’m not the only one and to take focus off myself. Praying for you and your family❤️
Thank you so much for sharing! I recently graduated from Liberty and had to stop playing lacrosse the last 2 years because of Lyme. It really does take a toll and I really appreciate your sincerity and faith. Sometimes I get frustrated wondering why I have Lyme but as you said above God is faithful.
Mary Kate, you are such a beautiful person and I am so thankful you shared this! I am 17 and do not have any experience with this illness, but I know it cannot be fun. Your love for the Lord inspires me and I am so proud of you for staying positive and joyful through this illness. You are an inspiration to many & so encouraging!! Keep loving the Lord and he will guide you. He is with you in everything you do!! You and your family will be in my prayers. Love y’all!
Wow, what an amazing post! You have so much insight into chronic illness, and I love all of the uplifting verses you used. I will pray that your dad, and other family and friends affected by Lyme, will continue to heal and be brought closer to God through their struggles, prayers, and life journeys. 🙂
Blessings, Madison
This was so so beautiful, Mary Kate! You are a living example of letting God’s light overflow to others through you. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
I rasa this and just went in to prayer in tongues, MaryKate. The Lord healed your friends arm, He WILL heal you and your family! I KNOW He will. For that we give thanks and Praise in Jesus’ most Precious and Holy Name!
I have a friend that contracted Lymes in high school and was actually cured by a God given mix of remedies that her family searched high and low for. If you ever want her information to see if what she tried is new info for you guys just let me know. She is a mom now with a healthy baby that is Lymes free, and she continues to test as Lymes free too. I remember what an awful time she had with it trying to finish her degree in outdoor recreation and will continue to pray for your family. I have lupus, a chronic automimmune disease and I understand wanting to not be labeled and defined by a disease, but also learning to admit that it is a daily part of your life and your struggle. It’s such a difficult balance. I’ll be praying for you and your family!
Kelly:
I have had Lymes for 20 years and everyday is a struggle. I have 3 of the main bacteria and rarely have good days. Please help… could you ask your friend about the recipe. I am desperate for some quality of life. I would be forever grateful for any help. God Bless!
Hi Terri,
I also have Lyme, I’ve had it for 30 years, I’m only 34. For some reason your comment jumped out at me. I have been trying a different treatment this year than I have ever tried before and it has truly been a miracle for me. It’s called NAET. It has changed my life and my 1 year olds life, who was born with Lyme. I have and Seizures, stroke and paralysis Along with a whole list of other crazy symptoms and NAET has given me my life back. Check it out. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. God bless you on your journey.
Hi Kelley,i would be interested in that recipe,god gave us all the plants and herbs to heal ourselves ,
Wow! This is so encouraging. I’ve never felt woth any chronic illness but I know how it feels to have someone in the family go through it. I will start praying for your family because with more prayer anything is possible with God. I love your blog you and your family and your husband’s family are very inspiring, good people of the faith ♡ sharing this was an act of courage, I admire this a lot!!
God Bless Y’all!:) ♡
Incredible post.
Prayers, prayers, prayers ❤️
Oh how I understand! Thank you ever so much for sharing….this truly encouraged me. My mom has been suffering from illness for many years and God has truly carried us through and taught us as a family. Hardships always draw us closer to God even though we may not understand He is always there for us in the pain. Much love to you…I will certainly be praying for you and your family.
Try Longevity Clinic in Roswell, Georgia. Dr. Anderson and Alice helped me get rid of Lyme disease…or get it under control…either way I feel great..better then I have in 35 years. I’m so sorry you all are dealing with this, but there is hope.
Oh Katie I’m going to the same place. I’m from Alabama. I was wishing I knew how to tell her about Dr Anderson. I had Lyme,RMSF, babesia,anaplasma,EBV, CMV, and parasites. Now all are not active except parasites. My stomach is still hurting very badly at times. I have fatigue and just don’t feel well yet. He is still working on me. I was thinking she could have co infections and not know it.
Mary Kate, thank you for sharing this… my mother was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease in November of 2016. I am 15 years old and am one of 4 kids in my family. Ever since she has contracted this disease our relationship has started going down hill, we argue all the time about sometime the littlest things. She is on a treatment right now, that shuts her immune system sometimes… so I know some of the stuff she says to me isn’t really coming from her, it’s the medicine making her act that way… but what she says still hurts. I am praying for a renewing of our relationship and that God will bring a time in which I can tell her how I am feeling! I really appreciate your post because today is the day I needed to read this, it comes at a miracle of a moment and it shows that I am not the only person with a family dealing with this. God is good!
I love love all your blog posts. But this one truly stuck out to me and hit close to home. I do not have a chronic illness. But my mom does, and I’ve seen her suffer and I have also seen things that she once loved and enjoyed taken from her. And it’s so hard to watch. I have a jaw misalignment and at 14 it’s taken so much from me over the past couple of years and still does to this day. But those beautiful verses that you shared really lifted my spirits. Thank you for being willing to become vulnerable. The way you have remained rooted in Christ is also so encouraging and insprining. I have to say that this post came exactly at the perfect time. I am so truly sorry that your family has to face such hard sufferings. But I pray that God will bring healing to all of you. And through these sufferings you and your family face I pray he will strengthen you all greatly. I pray that his beautiful and perfect steadfast love will overflow upon your family. I look forward to reading many more of your blogs. Oh and also a verse that brings encouragement to me on my worst of days is: Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
– Mikayla Kent ?
Hey there! Thank you so much for all your encouragement and openness on your blog. You are such an inspiration to me and reminder of what is truly important. I know you said you’ve seen doctors all over the country but I was wondering if you have tried alternative medicine to help with your Lyme Disease? My former boss also has Lyme Disease and she used alternative medicine as tragment and has seen much improvement! I hope you find something that works for you ?
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I know that it is hard to open up about something like this.
The Thorn (poem )
I stood before His royal throne And begged Him for one priceless gift that I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would
depart I cried, But Lord! this is a thorn! and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift which Thou hast
given me. He said, My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee.
I took it home, and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it
more and more. I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace:
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil that hides His face.
-Martha Snell Nicholson
This is one of my favorite poems. A friend sent it to me a couple years ago as my condition was becoming more complex. I have a genetic condition that has caused innumerable tumors to grow on the nerves throughout my body, one doctor says I have over a thousand. Since the tumors grow on the nerves it doesn’t just cause chronic pain, but is effecting my muscle and organ function.
I know how hard it is to feel different than some friends and family. How sometimes it’s hard to find your groove in certain situations. To leave early from events. To have to hide in random areas at gatherings just to lay down. To reach the point of pain and discomfort that your face can no longer hide it and your stuck in public. I also know how hard it is to open up about the REALness of your condition while simultaneously worrying if it sounds too depressing to the other person or if you are adding to the doubt that they may have ever had in The Lord.
I know that chronic illness has many ups and downs and can be very difficult, I want to encourage you to continue surrendering every aspect that this illness has caused you. I am pretty stinkin certain that you have a solid foundation but I also know that the enemy loves to divide and place doubt.
So keep going, keep spreading your wings, keep loudly claiming bible verses. I have to constantly have teachings or worship music on or else those doubts will just creep in and make me feel like I’m worthless. Keep pressing forward. Keep talking about your Lyme if you feel like God is saying to do so. Being open about my illness hasn’t only helped me but others as well. If you don’t continue to share openly about it, maybe just write privately about it, I have found God to speak to me as I write and have found so much healing in it.
Thank you for your authenticity in this post regarding what pains you…I know full well that your surrender in it is going to continue to touch many lives.
It was so wonderful to read the poem you shared! I too have a genetic disease that forms tumors on my nerves, Dercum’s Disease. I also have 1000s. God has been So good to me. I try to be an example to those I meet of God’s great love. I do resent what the illness has taken from me and my family. If you would like to continue to communicate, I would welcome the opportunity. Prayers and blessings to you!
“This isn’t a post where I have a lot of advice to tell you because I got through it…and that’s because I’m not through it. It’s a tricky and confusing thing. Amongst the confusion and uncertainty I know the Lord to be constant.” sweet Mary Kate, this post and these words touched me! I battle with a chronic mental illness. it’s been hard these past few months, especially on my faith. but after reading this, I feel renewed in a way. chronic illness can suck every little thing out of you, but God is still so so good – even on our bad days. praying for you and your family!
As someone who is struggling with chronic pain/numbness, THANK YOU for sharing. It’s so easy to think I’m the only one but there are so many others out there. Prayers for your journey!
Just keep God first and remember everything done is done for a reason. Coincidence isn’t a thing. Like this. With Lyme Disease you can share you’re struggle and how God helps you through. He loves you. And MaryKate, you are a big inspiration for me. I admire you and your thirst for God. Just thought you should know that ~Ashley Tucker~
Thank you so much Mary Kate for this blog post! I too suffer from chronic illnesses and have for many years. I think the most frustrating part is the feeling of failure. I feel like I fail my family, my husband, my daughter, my parents, and everyone else who looks to me for anything. I love to help and serve others but I feel like everytime I think I’m ok to do something, my illnesses knock me down, then that leads to more stress and depression, and that leads to more sickness. It’s such a vicious circle. One that I’m not sure I’ll ever truly be content with. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your struggles. Often I feel alienated. I have a very very supportive family, but I still feel that it’s very hard for them to understand without actually going through it. I know the Lord is good though and I know he is with us through this journey. I am praying for you and your family and for everyone struggling with something like this whether they are the sick or those close to the ones that are sick. It truly is a family struggle. May we lean into God for rest and understanding. God bless!
Hi Mandy ~ thanks for sharing. I can really relate to your comment. Praying for all… 🙂
Moving me to tears, God is so good. I admire you so much, not just for your strength, but for the strength of your faith. Thank you for inspiring me by your amazing words and great example.
I have Complex Regional Pain syndrome or crps! It’s in the top 10 most painful illnesses you can have! I know and relate to each & every single step you have taken. I’ve pushed my babies & hubs away because I didn’t want them to see my pain! I didn’t want them to know that yes in that moment I was not happy that God did this to me. But he didn’t do this to me but God did this FOR ME! I’d Live to connect and share just how God can use you for his kingdom! My Instagram is @malisadeb and my name is Debb keep the faith and reach out I’d love to pray for you!
Thank you for being so honest and willing to share! I love your blog and have been following your story for a while. I have a family member who’s autistic and was recently diagnosed with Lymes after potentially years of pain that went unknown due to his previous diagnosis. Where I live, it has only been within the past 6 years that Lymes is spreading like wildfire. We have multiple families in our church who had or have it. Many people have found success in treating their Lymes through a local homeopathic doctor and many have been cured with his treatments, although it can be a long and hard road for many. Prayers for you and your family!! You are such a sweet inspiration, Mary Kate!!!
Mary Kate, I have never been so moved and encouraged by something I have read before. My dad was finally diagnosed a little over 4 years ago. My family has struggled so family has struggled so much because my dad has not been able to work. Things have started to look up for my family but he still has those rough days and moments. Thank you for sharing, this really helped me. Praying for your family.
Mary Kate, thank you for sharing part of your story even though you’re not finished with this difficulty yet. I have been battling Chronic Lyme disease for 9 years, and one of my 5 children is fighting it as well. We understand all that you’ve written. I will say that I’ve been treating with a Lyme literate medical doctor in Washington, DC who has helped me put Lyme in remission. My daughter hasn’t been strong enough to handle treatment yet, but we’re praying for complete healing for both of us. Stand strong in Jesus, just like you’re doing!
Thank you so much for this!!! My daughter suddenly got sick back in January with many of these symptoms. This is one thing that NEVER crossed my mind. She was in fact bitten by several ticks when younger while horseback riding with a friend and her family. I had no clue this could lay dormant for so long. She started college last fall and it was a stressful transition to move away and start adulting, and all the responsibilities that entailed. Since January, we have been to heart doctor, multiple neurologists, general docs, etc. no one can give us an answer except Anxiety!! She gets real dizzy and passes out with no notice in addition to many of the symptoms you have described. I am not saying this is what she has, but this post has sparked me to call the doctor to see if Lyme was one of the things tested for in her bloodwork!
I don’t usually click on links and read blogs, no offense, I am just not a big reader! Something told me to read this one! Maybe it is God working through you to finally give us an answer. Again, thank you!!!
Hi, the tests aren’t great. 1 Get copies yourself and go to an INFECTIOUS DISEASE MD to be certain. My PCP told me my test was ‘CDC negative’ for years – all the while I was getting sicker. INFECTIOUS DISEASE MD looked at same test, sent me directly to the hospital. 2. Get a second opinion 3. Check her ferritin numbers. Iron deficiency anemia could be a factor. Most MDs don’t run that test generally. 4. Switch doctors if they don’t REALLY listen….
Thank you for sharing your story. I never heard of Lyme diesels until I met a dear friend of mine. She and her mom are both battling the disease. It was very tough for them because it is not really understood in Canada. It wasn’t until she came to Los Angeles did she start getting the help she needed.
You and your family will be in my prayers.
This post was so poised, powerful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing, your grace is inspiring! ❤
I don’t normally comment on things like this, but my mother died from cancer, and without going into a lot of details-it was a very confusing time for us. Having gone through that journey already, I feel like the Lord has taught me a few things that I am more certain of than ever. I would like to encourage you with these simple words: the Bible is our standard of truth. The Bible says we are all healed by the stripes of Jesus. Even though people may die (like my mother), even though symptoms may say otherwise-it doesn’t change the FACT that we are healed. What Father would pay the price of His own precious son to give us not only salvation, but also other benefits like healing, if He intended for us to be sick? That is never, ever His will. I heard someone say once (I believe it was Bill Johnson), “if I made my kids sick to teach them some kind of lesson or felt like they needed to go through that for a season, I would be arrested for child abuse.” God is not like that, even when the enemy would like for us to believe He is. I have had sickness try to come upon my body, even this year as I received a negative report. But according to the Word of God, that is a lie, and I won’t believe it or own it. So I encourage you to keep resisting Satan in this and he WILL flee. I love that we don’t have to beg him to heal us in our prayers, because we already know it’s His will and we just need to pray that His will be done on earth as it is already accomplished in Heaven. Much love to your sweet family. I will be proclaiming God’s truth over your lives.
I’ve been on doxycycline for 5 months following a positive with mycoplasma pneumonia. I’ve been suffering with it for years. Soon I’ll get to go off doxy for a month and see how my body reacts. Hoping to not have a relapse. Even though I didn’t have a name for it for a long while I knew something wasn’t right. I still have memory issues but we’re hoping they improve with time. My other symptoms have greatly improved. Many well wishes and prayers to you and your family, and all others who have commented with their own chronic illnesses. <3
I really needed to hear this. Thank you for writing this, and thank you for your prayers for those living with chronic disease. I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was five years old (diagnosed with JRA, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) and I am now 35. So much of what you describe sounds really similar to what I have lived with, the family dynamic changing, the physical pain and fatigue, feeling like people doubt or don’t understand just how bad you feel, or how hard simple things can be… I have struggled my whole life to keep bitterness out of my heart, for all the things and opportunities i feel like my disease has cost me. Thank you for the verses you suggested. I know God is all that has gotten me through some points of life. But I also want to tell you that I will pray for you too. Marriage is hard enough when you’re completely healthy and I understand all of the extra problems it can cause when one spouse is suffering such a disease. I know from experience, you just have to throw caution to the wind, cast all your worries and cares on the Lord, if you want children, have those babies, what is meant will be either way! And as far as how to cope and do everything that needs to be done as a wife and mama, just do all you can do and don’t worry what people think or believe, let who will help you when they can, God will provide! When you are down others will have to step up, and they will. I still have some low moments when I worry about the future and want to feel sorry for myself, but then I snap out of it and thank God for all the blessings i do have in my life! Two healthy boys, 3 and 5 ( we were married 8 years before we decided to have babies, but best thing we ever did, wish we would have sooner) and a husband who helps. Good luck and God bless!
4 out of 5 members of my immediate family including myself were diagnosed with Chronic Lyme about a year ago. It’s definitely been a major adjustment and I have had moments of great grief, as you have, realizing what it had taken from us over the years. It’s so important for people to realize the risk and consequences of the disease. Thank you for sharing your story!
MK,
GOD IS SO GOOD. Thank you for sharing your story and proving how good God is! As a young woman who lost her mom to an extremely difficult battle with Multiple Sclerosis, I truly love this blog post and appreciate your message so much. I would like to share with you my story.
MS is not supposed to be hereditary, as I thought, until at the age of 19 I starting seeing double vision (which is a huge indication of MS). I had MRI done of my spine and brain stem and lesions were found leading the best neuro-ophthalmologists in the area to believe I had MS as well. Litterally my worst nightmare of my entire life had come true. I watched my mom struggle in pain and agony for my whole life until the Lord graciously brought her home and took her out of pain when I was 16.
When they found the lesions, my worst fear had come true only a couple years later. I though my life was over, I thought I was going to be wheel chair bound, lose the feeling in my arms and legs, have memory problems, have an extremely difficult time trying to have children or raise them, have trouble keeping a job or going to school and have to become completely dependent on other people. I thought every horrible thing I’ve seen in my life that happened to my beautiful mom’s body and mind was going to happen to me. But I prayed. My entire family prayed. My entire church prayed. I had everyone I knew on my side but more importantly I always knew I had God on my side. The first couple months out of the hospital were tough emotionally because I didn’t know what to expect. But every day I kept asking God to give me strength and give me the wisdom to understand what was happening. I asked God to give my doctors wisdom to be able to help me and diagnose me properly. I asked God to give my family strength and wisdom and patience for me since I was an emotional wreck and not always completely there. We prayed before every doctors visit and every test. One year after my initial diagnosis I had an MRI done of my head, neck and spine. PERFECTLY CLEAR. No lesions at all. God is SO amazing. No symptoms for about two years now. Nothing has changed, like I so badly feared it was going to. I am still a healthy, mentally and physically, young woman starting Dental Hygiene school this week and planning to marry the man of my dreams next summer.
God has given me my health these past few years and I continue to pray every day it remains this way. I know how good he is to me because I have experienced it first hand. He gives and gives so much love to us every day and I have truly felt His healing hands. I hope that people reading stories like these can benefit from them and be uplifted by His spirit. All glory goes to Him:)
I know someone with this disease, but never really had a full understanding of it. Thank you for spreading awareness on Lyme disease, and thank you for sharing your heart with us. I know your struggle, not this one exactly, because I don’t have LD, but a similar struggle. And I know it is hard. I will lift you and your family up in prayer. You are a beautiful inspiration of faithfulness, love and hope, Mary Kate!
Hey MK,
Thanks for allowing the lord to speak through you in such a vulnerable way! My father too has lymes, and I also have a chronic syndrome related to my stomach, not to forget to mention my moms medical issues. Sometimes it’s easy to forget about the Lords consistency and his glory in our most hard and raw moments, but I think all the more how blessed we are that he is gracious with us even then. Thank you for bringing awareness and open about something so difficult to not only you but millions around the world. I pray your love for our amazing god will keep you open to trusting him in the hard moments, and honestly pray the same thing for myself. Much love to you and yours ?
A fellow 21 year old girl choosing to trust in Jesus
Thank you for sharing your story Mary Kate…you are an encouragement. My husband has a chronic illness , he actually has multiple things going on…he was affected by toxic mold in his apartment over six years ago before we got married the landlord tried to cover it up but he paid a guy from a nearby university to get a tape sample after he saw what looked like someone threw a can of coke on his kitchen wall…then he found mold spores all over his belongings and got rid of most everything & moved….he then started getting muscle twitches and spasms, brain fog, constipation, dizziness, stomach pain and discomfort and lost 40 pounds…he went to doctor after doctor…you know the “regular” medical doctors that are schooled under “Big Pharma”…did you know “Big Pharma” owns the medical schools…so unfortunately they aren’t going to teach those doctors what Dr. Any Myers and Dr. Josh Axe, and Dr. Mercola(look these doctors up online if you wish) know…those doctors I mentioned look for the root cause of the illness and did you know that everything stems from our “gut” that is like our “second brain” as Dr. Amy Myers describes it…so my husband has Leaky gut and Candida overgrowth that he has been battling and he went for computer testing to be done a few months ago and found out the biggest toxin in his body is a pesticide(did you know I read a lot of the corn we eat can contain Roundup Residue) and so just washing an apple won’t get a pesticide off of it…it grows within it you know.
So Candida overgrowth can cause you to have Leaky gut…my husband has also been having burning over his heart that is not heartburn and burning in his throat…please say a pray for his healing…we are starting to take some things from dr. Amy Myers and dr. Josh Axe and have switched to trying to eat all organic. The gal who did his computer testing gave him drops and supplements to take to help his body first recognize the toxin(pesticide) and then to help his body remove it along with a ketogenic type of diet and drinking plenty of water(easy to forget we need to) and trying to keep stress out of our lives has been a struggle but I’ve heard stress prolongs your healing & believe it…also sleep & exercise are important. Diatomecious earth and apple cider vinegar I just read can kill candida(but you have to follow a certain diet(mostly cut out sugar & gluten I think) and then Candida can come back so you have to stick to a diet which is a lifestyle change. Since the birth of my daughter last year I’ve also been struggling with twisting my pelvis often which is near dibilitating but thank God for chiropractors..then I’ve had edema last months longer than it should have & was diagnosed with both superficial and deep venous insufficiency in my legs…and I just had computer testing done myself and found out I have a parasite in my body which I was told can be common for people to have…so I’m taking drops and pills to get rid of that. I’ve recently read by dr. Josh Axe how when someone with autism or Leaky gut eats gluten it works like an opioid on their brain and causes moodiness and anxiety and a few days ago I read Candida does the same thing…that has been so bad with my husband at times I’ve wondered if he was bipolar it’s been aweful for us….
since I read that just recently I strongly believe now it is from the candida and Leaky gut.
It is so hard to live with someone with a chronic illness I love my husband and we pray everyday for his healing. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope mabe you or some others could also find some hope and or encouragement and mabe even healing from some things I shared here in my story.
God bless you and I will pray for you.
So crazy because I never am on these forums or never heard of this gal before. God is winking for sure. All those docs you mentioned are good, for sure, however, the BEST doc for mold detox is the doc who actually founded it and has actually brought it to light years ago. Dr. Shoemaker. He has lots of YouTube vids on recovery. They are incredible eye opening. I recently, was dignoised with mold toxicity and am starting the protocol in just days. Yes the candida diet helps, but that is such a small detail. This CSM shake is life changing. I have been taking thyroid pills for 17 years without feeling better, which then morphed into Hashis, which then morphed into my adrenal gland shutting down and now this. There are a series of tests, vision, blood and physical mold tests to do on yourself and your environment. Dr. Showmaker walks you thru it all.
Also I want to mention that I just read there is hope for overcoming candida & Leaky gut…for example Dr. Amy Meyers has a kits to take and diet and 30 days recipes plan you can follow she said she’s helped thousands of people….we have to make more changes to our diet now & im hopeful my husband can overcome those things and have healing
Also I want to mention that I just read there is hope for overcoming candida & Leaky gut…for example Dr. Amy Meyers has a kits to take and diet and 30 days recipes plan you can follow she said she’s helped thousands of people….we have to make more changes to our diet now & im hopeful my husband can overcome those things and have healing
Wow!!! Thanks for sharing! God is a Healer! I will continue to pray for you and your family!!!??
Boy oh boy did I need this. I suffer from a chronic illness and was having a really rough day, and this is exactly what I needed. Praying for your strength and healing 🙂
Mary-Kate,
My heart goes out to you and your family. This is way, way to familiar. We are a family of 5, with 4 positive test to Lyme. My moms dear friend also had a positive Lyme test but just went to a new doctor here in our home state in Arizona and is Lyme free, including all the sub diseases you can get. Our family just found a new hope. We’re currently trying to figure out how to get the two remaining family members into this clinic to get treatement. I’d be happy to send you all the information I’ve got on it so far. It’s crazy you just shared this because I’ve recently found a passion and drive to help the people in the Lyme community find something that can help. I’ll be praying for you all but please let me know if there is anything I can share. God bless
I would love info
Mary Kate,
As someone battling chronic severe pain and wanting deeply to understand how God allowed it, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being so honest and real. It is possibly the most difficult and most courageous thing a person can do to let people in to the deepest parts of their heart and confess our most difficult struggles. I cannot explain to you how encouraging your words and prayers are to someone like me or how much I needed to hear them. Thank you. I am praying for you too.
Have you heard the song Blessing by Laura Story. It’s a beautiful song!
Thank you for sharing. My whole family is battling with lymes right now. My sister has had it for 10 years and she is trying to get healthy enough to do stem cells. Which there is a place in Beverly Hills called infusio. It’s a stem cell medical center for lymes patient and many have gotten back to normal. It’s something to research
Thank you so much for sharing this and being so honest and raw ! A friend of mine sent this to me last night – I too have Lyme. I have been suffering in silence for over 2 years but have had these symptoms most of my adult life – just recently have they become unmanageable. After umpteen doctors dismissed me as “anxious” God finally led a Lyme person to my bible study who listened to my prayer requests and insisted I see a LLMD. After review of my labs turns out I do have Lyme ! Unreal how every doctor and specialist I saw said no way and they chased cancer and everything else. This has deeply affected my life with small kids at home and then god showed up again and used my pastor who’s friends with one of the higher ups in a company called nutramedix. They are a Christian company and make herbs to treat Lyme and promote a protocol called The Cowden Protocol. Dr. Cowden is also a believer and is an incredible Doctor. I’m only 2 1/2 months into treatment and finally seeing some relief – I have now spoke with several people who followed his treatments and are totally in remission. Please look into it for your family – it’s all natural and so cool how everything from the herbs to the Dr are believers! Feel free to ask me any questions I have learned so much and if my deep suffering could help even one person it will all have been made worth it. I am far from fully healed yet as the treatment is 9 months long but I have tons of symptoms gone and relieved already. It’s a huge blessing !!!
Praying for your sweet family ! Never stop asking for healing either- I never do ! Let’s flood the gates of heaven for Gods help with this deeply misunderstood and debilitating disease
((Hugs)) and prayer !
The Cowden protocol DOES NOT WORK. I tried it for years as many others have. It will put Lyme to sleep ONLY to wake up years later with a vengeance. I have around 50 bottles of that junk unopened..
It didn’t work for my daughter either.
Thanks so much for sharing. I’m so sorry you are going through this. Two friends of mine from church just wrote a book about their battle with Lyme as well. It’s called Hope When it Hurts. Your post reminded me so much of that. Check it out if you have the time.
Thanks for sharing! Will learn from this!!!
Mary Kate, thank you so much for sharing this! Growing up in Connecticut, lyme disease was a big fright and my mom insisted on checking us for ticks after every afternoon of playing outside. Even with these precautions, many of my friends at school and at church contracted the disease. I even had it at one point. Luckily, the doctors in our town were quick to prescribe antibiotics. I truly cannot imagine having a doctor dismiss lyme disease and I know that your whole family is so strong for battling this together. Please know that I am praying for y’all. Your faith and grace in this situation is inspiring and I have no doubt that you are inspiring individuals all over the country with your bravery, honesty, and pure faith.
Mary Kate!
Thank you for sharing your story with grace & honesty. This one hit really close to home – growing up, my family struggled with Lyme Disease too, severely. It was mostly my mom, but we all took hits for it as well. It’s not easy. I realized a couple months ago that I had completely blocked it out of my memory.
I share this because there was a happy ending to our Lyme story – my mom found a cure. She is 100% healed now with no traces of the disease in her body, as are we. The Lord has lead countless people to her with Lyme to help them be cured, and they have been. If y’all are interested – I would love to connect y’all. It is really her heart now, to bring healing to others who have been affected by Lyme Disease. My Instagram is @macydunnigan – reach out to me & I can connect yall with my mom! Nonetheless, I’ll be praying for full restoration & recovery over your sweet family.
Thank you for sharing not only your insight on Lyme Disease but also your faith. God is good all the time. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Not sure how it came about but a lot of my Brothers and Sisters who served during the Gulf War have it. Burning oil fields, bug spray, the diesel fuel which stayed on my 2 uniforms constantly, who knows. Anyway your comment about doing something and resting for 20 hours is right on. Thanks again because of this blog I will share my disease a little more openly. Love you girl and your family. Praying God continues to bless you.
Thank you for sharing your struggles. My 18 year old son took his life 9 months ago and on top of that I have had multiple spinal fusions that have left me unable to work and most days even get out of the house. It was very encouraging to hear someone else share their struggles but still know that God is good. You have God, you have a platform to encourage others and you have courage!! Thank you for sharing
I’m so glad that I found this blog post. Your faith in God is so beautiful and inspiring
Thank you for sharing
God bless you and your fam ?
Thank you for sharing. I have psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia and have suffered hardcore for eight years. My faith is what keeps me moving forward and seeking treatments. I’m blessed mine struck in full force when my kids were older.
I pray for your family.
Get yourself tested for Lyme. All arthritis is caused by infection. Treat the infection. All of our patients with fibromyalgia are testing positive for Lyme. I run an association. You most likely were already tested but the testing is very unreliable. You need to see a Lyme literate doctor. You can get better.
Thank you so much for sharing you and your family’s story! Praying for you all! My oldest son (8) was born with a chronic health condition. A heart condition and even though he appears normal most days he has his days where he struggles and it’s hard for others to understand!
This is one beautiful post! Not because of the illness but because you choose to trust God through it all! That really moves me, so I wanted to say THANK YOU and I truly admire your strength and your faith in God! I don’t know if you have heard the song before but it’s called “Not Today” by Hillsong United its an encouraging song and this post kinda reminded me of it!
This touched me so much! It breaks my heart to hear the pain you and your family has been through. I am and will be praying for y’all! You always stay close to God even when when pain can tempt you to stray away. You are my role model, and teach me so much about my faith!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I will keep praying!!
Mary Kate,
Thank you for this today. I love your heart. Your courage to be vulnerable and share your story, gives me the courage to be able to share mine. My heart goes out to your family, and you all are in my prayers. It looks like there have already been some amazing leads to healing on this thread of comments. As you know, with God, all things are possible. 🙂
Mary Kate,
This post has truly touched me because when I was around 11-12 years old I was diagnosed with Lyme. Now 16, I’m blessed to be fully recovered but not a day goes by when I don’t remember this point in my life. I only experienced the mental symptoms (again, I’m so lucky) but the anxiety, depression and brain fog really took a toll on my young body. I was sad most of the time but also so confused by why I had so little control over my own feelings. As you’ve experienced, this took a great toll on my entire family, but most of all my mom who devoted the majority of her time to bringing me to treatments and helping me through this horrible time. There were many days where I struggled to see that this was all part of God’s plan for me, all while praying more than I ever had before. Now that I’ve reached the light at the end of my tunnel I realize that experiencing this sort of heavy obstacle so young has made me so much stronger and more mature in the short 4 years since.
I truly hope that no matter God’s plan for you and your family, you experience some extra good days in the midst all your lows. Thank you so much for sharing your story!!
You have a lovely heart MK! Thanks for sharing and helping so many. I have found that when traditional medicine fails, functional medicine often offers hope. God bless you and your family sweet girl!
Something I want to also mention that I just discovered reading from dr. Amy Myers is …”Candida has the ability to suppress the immune system so it is important to test your total lgG, lgA, lgM(immunoglobulins) levels along with the Candida antibodies. Low levels of total lgG, lgA, lgM antibodies could cause a false negative response to the candida antibodies meaning you have the candida but since your immune system is lowered you are unable to produce a response and your blood test comes back negative”…so dr. Myers says you have to tell your “regular” doctor that so they make sure to check for all those things) or you can purchase a test online from her to take to a lab…that happened to my husband.
He also went to Mayo Clinic early on & unfortunately the doctor hardly looked him over & with all the symptoms I mentioned to you he was having I was floored when the doctor said “why are you here?”(because he doesn’t feel well & lost 40 pounds and has all those things he is dealing with I felt like saying after the fact)…God bless doctors and nurses we need them…they know a lot but they don’t know everything, God does tho right!
God wants us all healed and each person has their own unique health situation and we pray God lead us on the best pathway to my husbands healing (thank you for that wisdom Dr. Reginald Cherry MD)…and believe he has been.
Dr. Cherry says it’s always prayer(and sometimes as you Mary Kate have witnessed from your stories it is only prayer…but it could be a person simply needs just prayer & supplements/ or prayer and supplements and some medication / or prayers and surgery and medication, you know…he gives verses in the Bible people can pray on healing in his book “healing prayer” also.
Philip Yancy also wrote a book I read while back I forget the name but he talks about how studies have been done on humdreds of patients and those prayed for verses those not prayed for always either just plain got better or recovered more quickly than those not prayed for.
God bless
Hi!
God is going to heal your family. Don’t stop trusting in the Lord, he is faithful. You’re showing me to put my faith in God all the time!! You’re amazing and loved by Jesus Christ. My family is prayer for you and your family??
You just need a touch from Jesus!!!!?
“Then a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the [tassel] fringe of His outer robe; for she had been saying to herself, “If I only touch His outer robe, I will be healed.” But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Take courage, daughter; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.” And at once the woman was [completely] healed.”
MATTHEW 9:20-22 AMP
[…] "[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply," Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
[…] “[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply,” Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
What a beautifully written post! It is so hard to describe how much Lyme affects you, in a way that healthy and sick people can relate. I’ve been diagnosed with Lyme for 11 years and have tried everything in the book. Come to find out, I have heavy metal poisoning as well, which if not addressed makes it impossible to get rid of Lyme. My new doc is a specialist with Lyme/Auto-immune/heavy metal poisoning/food intolerances….etc. if you feel led to check him out, his name is Dr.Daniel Pompa. He is a Christian, who through his own serious illness, God showed him how to address illnesses at a cellular level to help people to heal completely. He has many podcasts on his website to help educate people. Drpompa.com
I’m hesitant to suggest this bc I know what it’s like to have people constantly tell you that you should try this and that. But now that I have seen the truth in his approach, I wanted to at least share it with you and let you decide.
Praying that God continues to give you and your family wisdom and strength through the trials of this age!
[…] “[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply,” Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
Mary Kate: I saw your story on the Fox News site. Thank you for sharing the struggles you and your family have experienced due to Lyme Disease. Although I’m older than dirt now, I had weird things happening to me neurologically beginning at age 25 in 1983. After 5 years, a major symptom that caused vision loss, every new Lyme Disease test they were developing, and finally the capability of MRI technology…they discovered it was MS. I thanked the good Lord profusely the day of my diagnosis because for 5 years I was convinced it was an inoperable brain tumor. Praying hard for 5 years worked. Since that time, I pray daily to laugh at some of the silly things MS makes me do…random taco throwing, to help me be kind and not lash out at others on bad days, and refuse to give in to self pity. The Lord is never too busy to listen. That is a great comfort.
[…] “[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply,” Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
[…] “[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply,” Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
Bravely written! I’ve followed thewildercoast.com for a few years, and read along as Melina discovered she had Lyme. Hoping you might find comfort in her story and success with treatment. There’s a “Lyme Disease Story” button on the right side of her homepage.
[…] “[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply,” Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
Thank you for sharing your story! I too have been battling Lyme disease for almost 6 years. Numerous doctor visits, treatments (which made me feel worse)! I still run fever everyday and constantly feel like I have the flu! I’m only 42 years old and had to quit work and am now on disability due to such a tiny insect! Stress does make it worse cause during all this I’ve gone through a divorce after being married 21 years! The stress of having to quit work as well! If I “over do” just one day, I pay for it for 5 days or longer! I don’t want pity, I’m stubborn and want to do things on my own! I am now on a natural remedy, because the numerous antibiotics made me sicker. I have chronic Lyme disease and the bacteria Bartonella with it. I pray for you and your family and completely understand what you are going through! I have the loving support of my God, 2 children, family, and friends! But you are so right this illness does suck!
If you or your family have never seen Dr Dimio in Ohio – we have heard wonderful things as I have several friends he has treated. Blessings to you!!
So much I want to say in response to this post but I’m too emotional right now. I do want to thank you for using your platform to shed light on this topic. I’ve battled this illness (unknowingly until recently) since I was a teenager. Now, approaching 50, mother to 5 (ages 15-26), and still struggling after trying a variety of treatments for decades. in fact, I’m actually feeling worse than ever & sometimes very hopeless. One of the most difficult aspects is feeling so isolated & alone & like no one understands. Your words were encouraging at a very dark time. My thoughts & prayers are with your family as well. Blessings. 🙂
Moderator: can you change the name in my comment to MamaT5…I guess I didn’t realize that the full name would be published. Then can you delete this comment? I’m not sure how else to communicate. Thanks. 🙂
[…] “[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply,” Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
Thank you very much so well done and yes a better understanding of Lyme disease I’ll be praying for you and your family and also praying for a cure for why deceased thank you
I’m so glad you shared this. I live in Oregon now but have two young friends (single ladies in their 30s) who were diagnosed (at the same time) with Lyme disease about 3 1/2 years ago. What a nightmare it is.
They, like you, are daughters of the King and are able by His grace to process all of the necessary things in that context. It’s overwhelming to consider the life changes, the endlessness of it all, the never-ending reality that, even on “best days” – “I just don’t feel good/ or strong….”
Thank you. I agree with you wholeheartedly that it is important that understanding of this is spread far and wide.
Have had experience with other devastating disease in the last couple of years – you are right on in your observation that disease “takes and takes” and that our Father, in faithfulness, “gives and takes.”
Blessed be His name.
Please check out Dr Brad Montagne in Moose Lake, Mn. I know several people who have been cured through him – my husband being one of them
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband has suffered for over 25 years with Chronic Lyme. It has been a very difficult road. I am thankful that I have a God in Heaven who I can cast my burdens on. Not saying that my husband is a burden. It is the dealing with the disease. It is so very hard to watch your loved one suffer and there is nothing you can do. I would take his pain away if I could. He has gone thru treatment that has left us bankrupt and him unable to work. I work 2 jobs to pay the bills. Our daughter has watched her Daddy get sicker and sicker. She is attending Gardner-Webb University to become a youth minister. Again, thank you for sharing your story.
Yes, I understand. Our family has had lyme, too. (((()))) Between prayer, much, much prayer, and treatment at the Hansa Center in Wichita, KS (gifted, Godly docs who specialize in chronic illness), most of us are doing much better. I know exactly how you’re feeling. Believe it or not, there is hope. Press in. I’ve been there.
Wow! Don’t even know how I found this testimony. But thank you. God bless your dad & your family & future family. What encouraging words of perseverance and faith. Tears of joy words aren’t enough. Amazing grace! AMEN & AMEN Glory be to God Jesus his son & the Holy Spirit our helper.
Mary Kate,
My three children and myself also have lyme and co-infections. My children are much better and I have hope we will all be completely better soon. Don’t give up. We have been dealing with it for 6 years. Thank you for sharing. Stay encouraged!
Deanna
Hey girl , I read your article and I’m so moved , I want to tell you about the rife I use to help me recover from Lyme disease , your whole family can use this , also it helps with co infections too – like Babesia , & Bartenella ! Here is the site , https://www.hymbas.com/
It’s the BCX ultra deluxe – ask for Dianne – tell her yolanda san sent you ! Trust me ! It’s a powerful machine and it kills any pathogen – I want to give you hope and trust and you will get better – my email is yolandasan101@icloud.com
Thank you so much for this post. I was diagnosed with Lyme’s and took antibiotics. My last test came back that I didn’t have lyme’s, but I am suffering so much. This was such an encouraging article.
Thank you for sharing. You are right that it takes and takes. Im so tired from years of it. Especially the last few years have been the worst. God does give and give. We can only believe and hang on. God bless you.
What a faithful and good servant. Don’t give up on those miracles.
Although I am not well (yet) I made it through 16+ years with Lyme and damage from it. I got sick when my youngest of 6 were just 18 months, 4, 9, and 14. I truly thought I’d not get the chance to see them grow up. Heart involvemeny, 2 bouts of paralysis and many other issues had me just about 0 thoughts of even making it. Yes, chronic disabling disease causes all kinds of guilt, resentment, anger and MOST of it caused by fear. Fear (stress) can be paralyzing in itself.
Try to not let it get the best of you. Hope and faith is the only thing that can erase it.
Next week my youngest turns 18 and starts her senior year; my second youngest is a Marine reservist and in college; my next youngest is now a mom of 2 and I got to witness her firstborn’s birth. My older 3 are thriving. Have got to witness children coming into life and parents or family going on to eternal life. Weddings and proms and driving tests, each birthday becoming a gift and not a curse of aging like most women think.
It’s a hard, painful life being so sick, people not getting the treatment they should…but every day I am still here to HAVE life and witness it is a GIFT!
Thanks for sharing your story. As you know, Lyme and its unknown mysteries is terribly misunderstood. Each person who comes forward helps to uncover the truth of its epidemic proportion and makes those who suffer not feel so alone.
[…] “[It’s hard] to talk about the things that are still very real and very present…the things you are still struggling with that make your heart ache pretty deeply,” Robertson wrote on her blog The Little Duck Wife. […]
Mary Kate,
Fellow Flame, thanks for sharing the testimony. I’ve had Lyme for going on a decade now and have been through 5 treatments with it always coming back after 6 to 8 months. Hey I feel blessed with every good minute that I get. Mornings are best for me and I always try to do a days work during that time. My son just got diagnosed a few months back, but we hope he was treated soon enough, so it doesn’t become chronic. May God bless you and enjoy your time at Liberty.
Laine Hurdle (Liberty, 2009)
Mary Kate, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and two other co-infections in July of 2001.I as treated in time but the disease had already taken a foot hold and begun to multiply. I have never been “cured”. One of my sons was diagnosed the year before e as well. I come to you as a person that has lived with Lyme for many, many ears. I won’t go into the devastation this disease has caused, you have seen it first hand. I am very concerned that you have not been treated in all these years. If you go on the computer and look for a Lyme Disease support group in your area they will be able to steer you towards a Lyme literate doctor. It would take too long for me to help educate you about this disease and its politics. You CAN get help. You may not come all the way back but there is help for your entire family! Please, I have submitted my e mail address. You are welcome to contact me! I would be glad to supply you with any information about the disease or where and how to get help. I am a 62 year old disabled Mom of two with a loving husband. I am not trying to scam you. E mail does not cost anything and it is no threat. I would GLADLY share any helpful information with you! You deserve to get help and regain some strength! Wishing you the very best. Allie
Mary Kate… beautifully heartfelt post. I also have Lyme. Just want to suggest using a rife beamray machine to kill the bacteria. It really works in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing. I have found much relief from treatments with it. God bless!!!
I definitely needed to read this today. Just yesterday I spoke with my Lyme doctor and she is very concerned that my infection is back So tospeak. Trouble is we relocated and Lyme isn’t very prevalent where we now live. My heart is a mess and I’m trying to book specialists. Was very much without hope. I’ve been through the ringer with Lyme, and before my daughter was born I had some hardcore treatment that left me pretty bedridden. Anyway, thank you.
Sweet girl…my heart aches for you. I’ve been battling chronic Lyme Disease for almost 13 years now and can fully 100% relate to everything you shared. Thank you so much for writing and being real. It takes courage to put this out there. Lyme is such a painful, lonely, devastating disease to deal with. But our Jesus is oh so very faithful!!! He is being glorified through your story and victory is coming!!! Sending love, prayers and blessings dear one.
Oh, sweetheart, thank you, for spreading awareness about Lyme disease! Your story made me cry! I was misdiagnosed for several years until I was finally diagnosed with Lyme in 2011. I’ve been through long term antibiotics and natural herbs, just trying to get my life back. Some family members don’t believe in lyme disease or they think I should be well by now. My strength comes from God and he comforts me when days are too hard bare. God bless you, for telling your story about your family and how difficult lyme disease is. I pray that your family has healing and remission from this horrible disease! I understand completely how this disease can affect your life and your loved ones. It’s a daily battle to get through each day but with the grace of God, it can be done. I’ve talked to so many beautiful people online, that are struggling with lyme disease and it breaks my heart, knowing that there are so many suffering from a disease that is denied by medical Dr’s and the CDC! Thank you, for your honesty and for bravery! Your voice will help those that are suffering in silence, help to bring attention to the worst vector borne disease of today, and give hope to those that have lost hope, because lyme disease has taken the life they once knew. God bless you sweetheart! Praying for you and your family to be healed by God’s amazing grace and love!
Love, Karen
Thank you for raising awareness for Lyme disease. I was diagnosed in 2015 with Lyme disease, babesia and bartonella. Finding a doctor to take me seriously was a struggle and I am now chronic. Its affected every aspect of my life and now my daughter may have it. Keep using your platform to raise awareness, this is what we need if there is going to be real change. Stay strong warrior!
Mary Kate I also suffer from Lyme Disease, Babesia and Bartonella. I also live in West Monroe not to far from the Robertson’s. I am on a support group site on facebook for Women with Lyme Disease. We have all been fighting to get things changed by writing letters to all of the Senators and mailing them in lime green envelopes to Washington in the month of July. It would be great if we could try to do something locally to bring awareness and to try and make some changes for us all. There are hundreds of thousands out there that need a voice. Thanks for your story.
Thank you for sharing this. I am battling Lyme disease myself and I have obviously had it for many years, many years of being misdiagnosed, many years of Chronic pain, many years of life being lost to what was unknown. Now years of financial issues because of this disease and trying to figure out how to pay for my medical expenses.
Thanks for sharing….this has really opened my eyes to certain situations. May God continue to Bless you and I’m praying for you and your family
Thank you so much for sharing this, I also suffer with Chronic Lymes and your blog post said everything my mind couldn’t put together. Never stop sharing your journey , I know the Lord is going to use it to touch many lives!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have this horrible disease too. I got better with long term IV antibiotics twice a day, including Rocephin. Please look into it as well as stem cells. God bless.
Thank you for sharing I also suffer from this and I hate it. There are days I can’t get out of bed and them days I feel good for a bit but then I’m drained. I feel hopeless but I don’t give up.
I just want to say that this beautifully written. God bless you and your family.
This was so encouraging. I have had Lyme’s disease for over four years now and it completely redirected my life. It is hard for people to understand who don’t have it. There are times when it is so hard, but God is faithful. Though there have been close calls God has always provided for me.
Thanks for sharing your story, it is so encouraging to know I am not alone.
Mary
https://www.themarycurator.com/
Our oldest son age 35 started getting sick in 2009. He was always very healthy and very in-tune with his body. The medical community was not helpful. It was all in his head they claimed. He had to push to learn about this disease himself and finally demand that he be tested to have it confirmed in 2012. Which means for three years the bugs are running amuck in his system. We live in Washington state. The common response is that we don’t get that disease here. And this is my first-born child. I hate not being able to help him. Thank God he has a loving wife and 5 year old daughter. He misses being “alive” with her. He makes plans to take her somewhere and has to disappoint her. It is not just a physically limiting disease it is emotionally devastating and exhausting mostly on him but also on all of us who love him. It is helpful to know that others who have faith in God are dealing with this. Money for research. Find a cure. Make people aware that it is a real thing.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I am 61 and have chronic migraines. They started in high school but have gotten worse the older I get. Many days I feel only my 84 year mother whom I inherited them from understands. It is hard for my adult children and my husband when I cannot do things. How well I understand paying for the good hours. Other times, you just try to pretend that your ok. The Lord knows why, but some day I will be living well in heaven and praising our Lord even more!
Dear Mary Kate,
I’m so very sorry about your struggle with Lyme. You are so young and beautiful and it breaks my heart that you are faced with a life full of unknowns and struggles. Has anyone ever talked to you about Plexus? Plexus is a plant-based all natural supplement health system. I don’t pretend that Plexus is going to “cure” Lyme disease, but Plexus does help reduce inflammation in your body (which is probably what is causing a lot of the Lyme symptoms in your body) and can give you natural energy and help you get your gut health in balance. Our Probiotics not only have good bacteria, but they also have enzymes to kill off bad bacteria in our bodies and to get our immune system back healthy again. And when your gut is healthy, things like depression and anxiety will begin to go away too! (Google gut health) Plexus also has the best multi-vitamins on the market in my opinion! I don’t know if Plexus will work for you, but Plexus has a 60-day money back guarantee! So, if you don’t like it and it doesn’t help you at all, you can get your money back. I know several people who have Lyme that said that Plexus helped them start feeling like themselves again! I’d love to talk to you about it if you’re interested in hearing more! Plexus has made all the difference for me, as I struggle with many health issues myself! I am finally feeling like my old self again and my health issues are much more manageable now. You can e-mail me at twinsplus3more@gmail.com if you want to talk further about it! But most of all, I will pray that you will be healed from this disease and that it will no longer affect your life in negative ways! I have a daughter that is about the same age as you and she is a Junior at Mississippi State University and I have her on Plexus too! You are such a beautiful and godly young woman and I am so proud of you and your sweet husband! May God richly bless you and your life together!
Please, please continue to use your voice to bring awareness to this horrible disease. Both my husband and 36 yr, old daughter have Chronic Lyme Disease. Our family has been forever changed. So many people in the public eye do little to let the public and medical community know that Lyme Disease does exist and that hundreds of thousands are being effected. Please keep speaking up with the platform that God has given you. This is the only way that your family and mine plus many others have a chance to live a healthy life that so many others have been blessed with
Thank you for sharing. I was recently confirmed to have Lyme Disease and have the exact same symptoms you mentioned above which have been wearing me down. Currently going through a 3 week course of antibiotics and praying there are no chronic symptoms. One thing is for sure, I have been given a new perspective on the struggles people have with chronic illness and I echo your sentiments that we should be ever more graceful towards people who have those struggles.
Thank you so much for sharing y’all’s testimonies, Mary Kate. I am 15 yrs old (we live in TN) and my Mom has had Chronic Lyme disease for about 2 years now. The journey is so hard, and recently, she has struggled for hope… but I saw she had found your post today. Thank you. May God bless you and your family. The journeys we all take… there is always hope and love and joy. Blessings!
-Angela | thepeculiarmessenger.wordpress.com
Loved this post. As a mama of 2, and Lyme disease warrior of 10 years (along with having siblings/parents with LD), I went through so many of the same thought processes when the time came for us to start a family. I have found some supplements that help keep me in remission longer-term, but only in the last four years. I went through many different types of treatments prior to that as a teen and young adult. It can be so, so challenging to be newly married and chronically ill.
Please feel free to email me if you ever have any questions about the avenues we’ve been down thus far. Thank you for writing this!
Wow Mary Kate. This is so powerful. I have loved reading your blog because it encourages me to grow in my faith. You have such a beautiful heart and soul. This was so eye opening. I truly pray for you, your family, and others dealing with similar struggles. I’m thankful to read the words you write and your kindness and vulnerability. You are right, God is good.
Thank you for sharing this! I can relate to what you and your family are going through and experiencing as I, too, have this dreadful disease. However, I AM being cured! I see a homeopathic doctor near where I live and he treats people from all over the world. I’ve been taking his drops since January 23rd and I had a check up on August 1st and part of my Lyme is gone!!! And I know it is, because the pain I have felt in my neck for years, is now gone! I will pray for you and your family, too. If you want this homeopathic doctor’s information, let me know. We are all in this together. ❤️
Mary Kate – read your post because the Global Lyme Alliance posted it on Facebook. A couple of suggestions – treatment needs to usually be for 18 months straight and then 2 months past remission of symptoms in Chronic stage. Treatment also has to cover all 3 fmorphing orms of borrellia (usually 3 antibiotics at once). After that a pulse of six weeks with a break of 3 weeks will kill off the remaining per sisters (pulsing up to 3 times is the most ever required for remission) This is the Burrascano method and he has cured many of Lyme. Also – I am sure you know butncoinfectikns need to be treated as well. If antibiotics are not tolerated, there is a Dr. named Tony Smith in Couer d’Alene Idaho that has an innovative magnetic therapy called Lymestop that has put many people into remission. Having read countless books, articles and research – these 2 different options I have seen have the highest chance of recovery. Lastly – with so many of your family members contracting Lyme – I think that you may want to consider seeing a Shormaker Certified Practitioner for an evaluation for mold exposure. They wil run a series of blood tests and an MRI to determine this. Most is all covered by insurance. Lyme and mold creat the same symptoms. I was positive for both but found out about the mold 8 years later. It was not until I treated the mold did all my fatigue melt away never to return. Look up on YouTube Christa Vanderhams Lyme story. She was a young Christian lady who was absolutely devestated by the disease. She went on to have a healthy baby boy. The medicine she used is the same used for Lyme and mold toxins. The medicine removed the seizures she had been having for years anc caused them to go away. Maybe it was on your heart to post your story so God could bring you the help and answers you are crying out for. There is always hope!!!
I’ve had Lyme for most of my life. Pushing 40 now.
The last few years have been particularly hard. Throw in some more bad news and I’ve been almost actively looking for excuses to keep fighting. My wife and kids are the only reason I get out of bed. I would have quit treating and just given up years ago on my own. I was making progress, then I was fighting to not lose progress, now I’m just trying to slow down the progression of the disease.
I have gone so far past what I thought my breaking point was that I don’t even have a point of reference any more. Some how I keep getting pushed back in to the fight every time I get knocked down. This was another push to keep going.
Thank you for this article.
I’m wiping my blurry eyes trying to respond to your touching story. It’s not just a touching story in the sense that I’m heart broken for you, but that it’s also near and dear to my own life… and family. You see, I am that story too. I’m the story where my FAMILY is infected. My 10 year old daughter, Lilli and my 6 year old Reese also suffer greatly. They got Lyme in utero and I’ve had it 25 years unknowingly. You’re right, it just takes so gradually that you don’t even notice; you just adjust. I remember being at a volleyball tournament with another migraine and asking my teammate “Why am I always sick?” When I was diagnosed, I said the same, “Yay!” Not much later my demeanor changed drastically. My two daughters have accommodations for the classroom and my heart breaks for them. But no one would know they were so sick unless I told you. We push. We all push through. And we have Jesus too. I don’t know how anyone could do this without Him. I have a pace maker from this, and I almost died multiple times. My daughters have heard me say the same. I’ve wanted God to take me at times because the pain was so bad I couldn’t see anything outside of the pain. Those times are fleeting because God is good. He may not take the pain in our time, but He does. Mary Kate, you will understand this: The way I see it, God works miracles in our life ALL the time. During the most painful times in my children’s life I look at them deep in their eyes and say, “Lilli, Reese, God is going to use you in ways that He doesn’t use others, because you will have compassion that others don’t have. Your experiences now are going to give you a ministry that came with a hard road. But you are going to touch so many people’s lives.” Glory to God. You are so right Mary Kate. That’s what it all comes down to glory to God. He’s the only one deserving of that glory, and trusting Him is the way to freedom and healing. The road may be narrow and hard, but it’s worth it. You’re family is in m prayers. If you want to hear more about my family’s story I wrote about it all the way back from when I just thought it was food allergies. That was only a sliver of the whole thing. My website is http://www.momongodesigns.com/blog. Mom on go was supposed to be my own business as an artist… but God had other plans. I am unable to work now but He’s used my blog to touch other people’s lives for Christ. As sad as my story may seem at first read, it’s not. It always comes down to Jesus and how GREAT He is. Keep pointing people to Jesus Mary Kate. And keep on writing. You have a GREAT story to tell. Hugs. Sarah Altizer
Mary Kate, first let me say what an amazing, inspiring person you are. Your story is really touching lives. I myself do not suffer from any disease or illness but at the age of 23 I was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. I too had to give it to the Lord. I had a complete stranger approach me one day and tell me the Lord had spoke to her the night before and said he was going to heal one of his servants and she was going to be the point of contact. She told me that I had stage 4 cancer and that the Lord was healing me and asked if she could pray for me. She said I should go back to my doctor and have the tests repeated and they would find that the cancer was gone. That was many years ago and i have to give all the glory to our father in heaven. I realize that healings come in a lot of different ways some are instant some may take months and even years but I do want to tell you of a natural product that healed my daughter of celiac and cervical cysts. I can’t say enough about this amazing product please please do the research on this. I think this is going to heal your family! God bless!! MIRACLE TWO PRODUCTS. SOAP, NEUTRALIZER AND GEL. GO TO MIRACLE TWO REVIEWS.
I have had Lyme disease fir about 12 years. So many people dont believe or care abiut our struggles. So many days I wonder why God wont heal me thank you for sharing and reminding me he still might
Check out Cass Ingram and his story. Oregano oil and other oregano products helped my wife with Lyme. If you hit it hard with Cass’s program you can beat it. http://www.cassingram.com
God Bless!
Mary Kate – I wrote about your post on my own blog. Here’s the article:
http://www.momongodesigns.com/blog/the-little-duck-wife
Hey! This is the first time I’ve read your blog – I saw it via Instagram as I follow a many Lyme feeds. I’ve had Chronic Lyme Disease likely since I was very young, however, didn’t find out that’s what I had until 2 years ago. My husband has it too, he remembers his bite, but didn’t get diagnosed for about 6 months. As you can imagine it’s been horrible, we’ve had so many difficulties physically, mentally, spiritually and also relationally and financially.
We have been to so many Drs and have done so many treatments, all to no avail until recently.
Have you ever tried Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation? I’m sure you’ve heard of everything over the years. That was the only treatment that has made a considerable impact on fighting our Lyme and many of our friends with Lyme too. That along with our diet and sprays called Lyme Support (RNA results). We are slowly improving, good days and bad days still, bit nothing like the nightmare it was before. Man, this disease sucks. But God is so incredibly GOOD and kind. I love that He counts us “worthy” to suffer for His glory and our good. Love you as a sister in Christ and a fellow Lymie. Praying for continued trust and growth as you face each day anew.
What you share here is a very real window into what it is to live with Lyme and I am sure other chronic illness, as well. I, too, have Lyme. I, too, try to ignore its existance as often as I possibly can. To my own detriment. It’s hard to struggle with something with so much controversy surrounding it. When the regular medical establishment is in such a terrible place concerning it, and you have to fight for even a diagnosis, and then are told the test results are not right by that same medical establishment….it just stinks! But God! He IS Healer and He IS good and He is Bigger than all we may have to go through in our lives! Praise Him for that! And Thank you for speaking up and sharing your story. You have encouraged me to stop pretending and accept the reality. My limits. That I need to take it seriously and not keep pushing myself for as long as my body will tolerate it until I crash. How dumb it is to do that. Yet how tempting. Ugh. The battle is real! I am thankful for our Jesus, who is long-suffering and who has the victory over all the battles! Also, you have opened my eyes a little further to the possibility that my own daughters Health issues may be lyme related. Another thing I have been trying to ignore and hope isn’t the reality. I pray for healing for your entire family! Thank you, again!
Thank you from a fellow Lymie! Thank you from the Lyme community!! We need more people in the public eye to speak out on Lyme. I wouldn’t wish this awful disease on anyone but people like you can truly help those of us with Lyme. Your words are so sincere, honest, and ring so very true for me. It’s hard for people to understand when you “seemed” fine one day and are unable to do anything the next. Please contact organizations like ILADS.org and offer to be a spokesperson. We need to bring the truth about Lyme out in the open so more research can be done. My son apparently contracted Lyme in utero but was not diagnosed until age 19. I had Lyme for 40 years before being diagnosed. After many misdiagnoses and many other chronic conditions now caused by the undiagnosed Lyme, I am thankful to have had some response to treatment. Bless you for speaking up and bringing awareness to our cause!!
I suffer from Chronic Lyme Disease it took the doctors 10 years to figure out what I actually had but by than I was already so sick I was put on IV medications they inserted a port in my chest and was on IV meds for a year and a half. I went into remission because the antibodies of Lyme will always be in body. I know have Fibromyalgia because of the Lyme Disease. For the longest time I had my Fibro under control until this last year now I’m completely out of remission but the doctors can’t tell me if I’m having a flair up of my Lyme Disease or my Fibro or both. So I just take it day by day and remember I’m only given what I can handle on a given day. So hang in there it does get better. Diet does help and there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I’ve been fighting this since I’ve been 18 and I’m now 43 it’s a long exhausting battle. I have 2 children, my son doesn’t have any symptoms but my daughter does have health issues but I can’t get a doctor to confirm or deny it’s from Lyme Disease; she is now 19 years of age. Best wishes.
Mary Kate, please post more on your new protocol. I am interested in your process. What you have tried, gone thru…etc, what didn’t work. Testing you have done etc. I have done the vision test, failed, the blood tests, my level is off the charts at over 10,000. I still haven’t gotten my MMPs back yet, mold test on the house and RV are done but cannot read them. (Doc Appr soon to read them). We are in the beginning stages and I have been put on CSM cholestyramine and haven’t started the protocol yet because you need to be home…. I am excited to start feeling better, this has been a 7 year journey for me and am now seeing a light at the end of a very dark tunnel because of this protocol. My doc in SoCal is going by the Dr Shoemaker protocol for old toxicity, there are lots of YouTube videos on this and they are extremely informative. They are meant for docs to train with so lots of medical jargon since they have been recorded years ago and at conferences, but still worth the listen. I know you are fighting Lyme, but the way it infiltrates the body is very similar to and symptoms are similar to mold toxicity. There are thousands upon thousands of people in our shoes, walking this brain fog, perpetually tired and painful walk, so this blog post was nice.
I had been misdiagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when it was really Lymes. I have found almost total relief from an acupuncturist who also is an herbalist. I still get the occasional flare up, but we are talking a few times a year instead of a few times a week. I am off all western medicine and only took the herbs for maybe 6 months.
Dear MK,
My family has enjoyed the Duck Dynasty family for years. They have openly shared struggles and given God the glory through it all.
I have had Lyme since I was 12. I’m now 38. It is in the last 10 years that we finally knew what my diagnosis was.
My husband and children have it as well. My kids were treated 10 years ago… and with making sure to build their immune systems up…. they are healthy and active teens. My husband is doing great. He is in remission. My numbers are looking ok for now…. but stage 3 Neuro Lyme is tough! The damage that has been done is devastating.
I was a hospice nurse. Going to go back to school for my P.A. I had all these “marvelous” plans.
BUT…. God had different plans. This illness has been one of the greatest gifts of my life and my families life! Yes…. one of the greatest blessings!
Once focused on all my plans….. I loved Jesus, but until he took us to the point that he was all we had…. I didn’t truly understand who he was and how much I needed him.
We’ve prayed for physical healing for me….. that hasn’t happened… but the spiritual, emotional, and relational healing has been awesome!!!!
A wise godly woman who has a chronic illness told me long ago, “This illness is not just for you, your marriage or your family. This illness is going to be a witness to others of who Jesus is, and how awesome his work in us is.
Life is not easy or cake. It’s hard stuff…. but it’s so good and beautiful.
I was dying in 2009. My organs were shutting down, and I developed allergies to every antibiotic and med they were trying. Someone told me about a medical center that treats Lyme and other diseases naturally. We went because the Lord provided…. the Lord used it to save my life…. my health struggles are very real…. but I am here…. 9 years later I’m here.
I understand asking the Lord to take me home…. he’s not done with me yet!!! Heavens going to be awesome!
I write this out to say… you are brave! Thank you for being vulnerable and real. Thank you for giving God the glory.
My family and I will be praying for all of you. I’ll be praying for you and John Luke for wisdom, strength and endurance…
Keep shining for Jesus! He is able!
Thank you so much for this story of your family. I would not have seen this if my son (Jeremy) had not sent it to me to read. You see, Jeremy has Lyme disease and has suffered several battles with the joint pain,muscle pain, flu symptoms especially when the weather changes. He was diagnosis about 2 years ago. I pray for hi and others everyday who has this disease as well as others who deal with a chronic disease. No it is not easy but with God our Lord beside us does make it a lot better. I will also pray for you and your family. Your family are wonderful people even though I do not know you personally. Take Care and Tank You again for this story.
Mary Kate, I too have two chronic diseases so I know your pain. I don’t know if this information will help but I felt led to tell you about Anthony Williams, Medical Medium. He has a lot of great information on chronic illness and treatment. He is on Instagram and Facebook. May God Bless You!
I hope you contact me as 100’s of people INCLUDING Yolanda Foster and an actor on Jane The Virgin have used this device to eliminate all your Lyme symptoms. I can give you the name and you can contact the person yourself in L.A. https://www.facebook.com/lymediseasefree/
Your story is heartbreaking. Our family also has Lyme. The first one to contract it was our daughter who was 15 at the time – she’s now 40. Our diet is very strict and we take high quality supplements. There are now Lyme Literate doctors all over the nation who know how to help and reverse this condition. Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt in Seattle is the most famous. We are in the Portland OR area and go to Restorative Health Clinic in Tualatin OR. Their specialty is Lyme and mold. Praying you and your family will find new health and recovery. You may contact me if you want to know more.
Mary Kate,
Thank you so much for sharing your story on this blog. As a person with chronic sacral pain, I know your struggles. I am 58 and starting at age 50 I had to have 3 back surgeries. I still can’t sit for more than 15-30 minutes and can’t stand in place more than few minutes. I went from very athletic to not being able to do most of things I truly loved. My life has totally changed and definitely relationships have been affected. But I too know that God is good and has a plan for each one of us. And if we don’t get that healing here one earth we will in heaven. Thank you for reminding me of all the good things and blessings we have received. Your honesty really touched me and I pray for you and your family and all those affected by chronic pain❤️
Thank you so much for sharing! It is so nice to read an article about Lyme that echoes your own heart and words that I fail to be able to express on my own about my Lyme journey. I had no idea of your journey and I am so grateful you chose this time to share it! I know the ravage and the taking but I know that God gives and he takes away and he is teaching me to REST in him during this isolating journey of Lyme disease. I know how you’ve researched and heard about everything but just in case you have never heard of the Hansa Center for Optimum Health in Kansas, I would urge you and your family to look into it. I have been twice and have had some big improvements! May God continue to sustain you and John Luke as he guides you in this journey! Y’all are precious and God has already used y’all in HUGE ways for his kingdom! Nothing else really matters but our eternal impact and y’all are rocking that!
In christ!
Thia is such a God moment for me! I’m literally in tears.
My precious Aunt who is lke a mother to me has been suffering with Lyme disease for almost ten years now. I have taken her to specialist after specialist, doctor after doctor, with absolutely NO results. We cannot get a Doctor here in Texas to take it seriously. They “don’t believe” in Lyme. We’ve looked and looked. I don’t believe there is a Mayo Clinic in Houston but we’ve seriously been considering traveling to one that would take her and test her – even if it was out of the state or out of the country!
Would you mind sharing with me your doctors name? Or a doctor they could recommend in Texas? We will be willing to go anywhere where someone will just BELIEVE US and stop telling her that she is a “depressed housewife.” I can’t tell you how many times she’s been told this by doctors.
She has terrible inflammation that will just pop up out of nowhere! She believes it’s food related partially so she’s been keeping a journal of what she’s eaten when it’s at its worst.
She has even said to me that sometimes the suffering is just too much and she wants Jesus to just take her home.
Any direction you could steer me, anywhere you could recommend no matter where or how far would be greatly appreciated. I want her to have hope again!!!!! She is so hopeless right now.
I love her so much and would be willing to do whatever it takes to see that she’s better or st least being treated so we have a chance!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your pain, your story, but most importantly, your faith and hope.
There are no coincidences in life…God had me in the right place at the right time to see this from you. Bless you from the bottom of my heart and I PRAY SO HARD that I will hear back regarding the doctors that believe in and treat Lyme….thank you, thank, thank you.
I will be checking my email every single day in prayer….
Dear Little ducky❤️
I’m so sorry for you and your family. I had no idea this was an issue for you. While my late husband was in PT a very young man with a great career and wife and kids was learning to walk again and has speech difficulty. I was thinking MS. During a visit I learned he had Lime. This is so insidious, and so few realize. Including the medical industry. Sending you big ? hugs. And next time we meet I’ll hug you with a new meaning. Love you. ❤️❤️??
Fabulous, what a web site it is! This web site gives helpful facts to us, keep it up.
Oh dear Mary Kate, sending my love and prayers as you continue to fight. I know a lot have given different clinics to try and I would like to add to that. The office is in Pocatello, Idaho with Dr. Jason West. He has helped and continues to help so many suffering with chronic illnesses. People come from all over to seek help from him. His website is http://www.westcliniconline.com. I don’t know if you’ll see this, but know I am thinking about you and pray that the Spirit will guide you to the right clinic.
PLEASE look into Dynamic Health in Coeur D’alene, Id. I have been fighting Lyme for over 10 years now and started treatment with Dr. Smith in July of this year. I have found that his treatment and protocol has helped me IMMENSELY. This disease, along with its coinfections, has left me wishing that God would call me home, but I’m hopeful now. I’m finding energy I didn’t have and noticing many symptoms diminish. I will share their contact information below. God bless you and your family. Keep fighting!
Sending love and prayers from Texas!
http://www.lymestop.com/contact.html
Thank you for writing this. I am a young newlyweds who has chronic Lyme and a bunch of co-infections, including mono and babesia. I’m unable to work, can barely afford treatment, and most days are a battle to hold onto that joy and hope in the healing that I know is coming, one way or another. May God bless you for sharing your story and I will pray that you are fully healed. Living with Lyme can be pure hell, but I’m so thankful we know that heaven is HERE, because we have Christ in us.
[…] in a new entry in her blog, Mary Kate Robertson opens up about her family’s battle with Lyme disease. Mary Kate Robertson is married to John Luke […]
Stumbled on to this post and was so impressed with your courageous story, amazing faith & love of family. Would love to share a new scientific breakthrough that goes directly to the cellular level that’s non-toxic and native to the body with no side affects but positive results. Feel free to e-mail me if you’re interested in more info. God bless you and your family.
I wad diagnosed many years ago, treated with heavy doses of antibiotics. Said I was cured. Continue to suffer many problems. I carry intigers in my blood. Know one family has lost s father, mother and two children. All corn rats tested in this county are carriers. I am sure prayer keeps me alive. I am told the lime dx is terminal if not cought soon enough. I can’t copy your story. Could you please send me
a copy.
?????? God bless. God is the greatest!
Thank you so much for your story. I will tell as many people that I can!
Thank You
Thank you so much, I was recently diagnosed with lyme. But probably have had it about 20 years. I am 34, I have felt for years like something was stealing the life out of me. Now trying to get a doctor who will treat me for it. Your post is such an encouragement!!!!!.
THIS MAY HELP, PLEASE READ!
I pray you are reading this as I truly want to help you and your family’s Lyme disease. Through my own chronic illness journey, a doctor recommended products from ResultsRNA. They offer the ULTIMATE LYME SUPPORT SYSTEM EXTRA STRENGTH. I actually don’t even work for them, I just know firsthand the desperation of trying to find a cure and sometimes you feel up to trying just about anything, so I wanted to suggest this to you all in case this could help you! My prayers go out to you!
There’s a little Mennonite bulk food store in Stoystown, PA near the Flight 93 Memorial. I spoke with one of the owners there who had Lyme pretty bad for a number of years. She found an herbal treatment that helped & now carries it in her store. I don’t remember her name, but it’s a family store; so whoever answers will be able to get you to the right person. It’s called Dormina’s Country Cupboard. 814-629-5841. Hope it helps! Hugs & prayers. Thanks for sharing your story & your faith.
Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for writing this. I’ve gone through Lyme disease twice and our family can relate. Take care
Hallelujah JESUS!
Little duck wife…U rock!!
Sooo much insight for so young! Your on path girl, so stay strong in your Faith! Sounds like u get HE holds us up when We cant! Awe truely we are just sheep in the scope of things! GLORY TO GOD!!! THANK YOU Lil ducky again!!!!????
God Bless you Mary Kate Robertson for writing this blog. This is a national problem that many state and local doctors do not recognize as a chronic illness. They will not treat long term Lyme symptoms I’m glad people like you that ate known in the public domain speak out and are bringing awareness to Lyme disease. We have a 32 year daughter with Lyme. We are very much aware of the issues it causes. It’s a day to day struggle to just make it thru each day. We live in one of the states that does not recognize nor treat long term Lyme-“ALABAMA-of course-a backward state in so many ways” LOL. We really do like the state-just the crazy politics and such are embarrassing sometimes. Anyway our daughter has been treated by a doctor in Savannah GA but this doctor retired last month. We heard there might be someone in Atlanta. Which brings me to you-does your family have a doctor in the area such as Louisiana or not too far from Alabama? If you could follow up in an email about this I’d appreciate it. Thank You. Blessings.
Thank you for sharing your heart, Mary Kate. I’m so sorry you and your family are suffering with Lyme disease.
You’re so right, Lyme sucks.
I’ve been dealing with it for 5 years because the doctors in the small town where I live said, “You can’t get Lyme disease in Missouri.” So, like so many of us, I wasn’t diagnosed or treated until years too late and it has become chronic.
I recently read an amazing book by Ann Voskamp, The Broken Way…a daring path into the abundant life. Ann says, “In shattered places, with broken people, we are most near the broken heart of Christ.”
Before Lyme I was afraid of being broken, but I’ve learned that it is where God wants me to be so He can use my illness and use me. And your post is further affirmation that God can use our deepest wounds to show others His amazing love.
You have a beautiful heart and you’re so right…God is good. He’s in control. I’m praying for blessings and healing for you and your family.
This really brought back memories of my Father. He died from Lyme Disease almost 7 years ago. It took years to diagnose him because, as the doctors said “there is no Lymes in Colorado.” They were wrong. He suffered for 8 long years with it. Many times we would talk about the guilt he felt by wanting to die, to not suffer anymore, but he didn’t want to leave my mom and I. The hardest conversation I ever had with him was assuring him how strong he had raised me and how mom and I didn’t want to see him suffer. Two days later he passes away. It is a horrible, ugly disease that undoubtly altered the course of my family as well.
Thank you. Thank you for putting into words our life for the last 7 years. We are tired. BUT GOD. Thank you.
Thank you dearly for this …. this is my first time reading a post of yours … it came across FB …. I am a 51 year old mother of two boys , wife , mom of four-leggeds as well?
I was undiagnosed for 11 years . Diagnosed almost three years ago now . My oldest son , 16 was then diagnosed last year when symptoms appeared out of nowhere. I know I have it to go in the womb. He had mono and it set his body into low immune etc and I think dormant Lyme came out.
Your post is exactly what I would say . I lack the strength and courage to begin a blog . I pray for direction in how to be a light of ChrisT through this …my gift is of service and I’m trying to see His plan in this . Thank you for making me feel less alone and more understood . I can’t tell you the blessing your post has been for me. Angie in Colorado
My 11 year old daughter has Lyme and interesting your father caught it is Disney World. We have no idea where she got bit, but we were at Disney her 3rd grade year and she remembers being sick a lot the end of third grade. Funny thing… several doctors told us there are no ticks in Texas or Florida!!! We found help for her a month ago. She calls her new doctor a wizard and magical. I will share her testimony and a few others if you email me.
Lyme sucks! It took 196 days straight if her 5th grade year.
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. At first I went to a Lyme specialist doctor and was given antibiotics which helped a little bit but then my body couldn’t handle the antibiotics. I then went a more natural route and Dr. Lindsey out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin has helped me tremendously. I never thought I would get my life back but God has brought healing and has used this man’s wisdom and knowledge about Lyme to bring healing. It was about a 7 hour drive but it was worth it. I have been way better for about 2 years now.
The author and podcaster, Tim Ferris, contracted lyme disease and appears to have cured himself of it… or at least the manifest symptom. Here is a link that I believe describes changes to his diet that had a positive impact. It might be worth a listen. Perhaps you could contact Tim for more specifics on his case and the outcome of his treatment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3KuJVni5zQ
Thank you. I have struggled with Lyme stealing my youth away for 6 years now. I didn’t know you struggled with Lyme, and I strongly feel people should spread awareness so we can get better tests and trestment. God is helping me so much, I almost died several times from herxheimers but I got prayer and have continued to improve in small ways since then. I went back to work, I even go for a short hike now and then. Thank you for sharing. It helps to know I’m not alone.
Thank you for being so brave and posting this.
I too have lyme disease along with my mother. I’m into my 4th year of treatment and I have to say each year does get a little better. I can say that diet, my doctor’s supplements, and antibiotics have played a key role in my all around health improvement. But don’t get me wrong there are still many hard days.
My husband and I are in about the same position as you and yours. About 3 years into our marriage, talking about starting a family and what that will entail, currently getting him tested for the disease too. (It is transferable!!)
Please feel free to email me if you would like any information about my doctor. He has his own practice and specializes in lyme and autoimmune diseases. He has truly saved mine and my mom’s life!
We have to stick together us “Lyme Survivors”!! Thank you for using your voice to bring light to this awful disease. I wish you and your family the best of luck!
im glad to hear some of you have been able to get on a regimen that has you feeling better. for many others it is almost impossible to get any doctor to even give a diagnosis of lymes. i knew i was in trouble many years before i finally got a doctor to test for it. once it goes chronic about all you can do is pray for a good day. muscle spasms,and twitches, the muscle cramping contractions, nerve pain, the brain fog i dont know whats worse. i did not have a good experience with the so-called specialist. he had me on so much anitibiotic that it killed all the good bacteria in my system and i couldnt digest food. theres a cowden protocol that has decent results with some people but its about 400 per month for 9 months and most insurance wont cover it. i pray you all find some peace and have a majority of your days without occurance. for me i hav egiven up. i shall wait til our lord takes me as there isnt much else i can do or can afford
Thank you for sharing your story! My daughter was finally diagnosed with Lyme in May. She is also trying to get the word out for Lyme awareness ! She was very sick for 3 years and after visiting doctor after doctor and them telling you everything is normal it was so frustrating! Even after the diagnosis, the main stream doctors really don’t know what to do with it other than throwing antibiotics at it. Learning about Lyme and how complicated it can be, if you have chronic Lyme I think antibiotics only hurt you and worsen the Lyme. We finally went to a Lyme literate doctor which did help…..but there’s also a cure out there that a lot of doctors down south won’t practice for fear of getting their medical license taken….so you have to go to the northern states (where Lyme is more common). It kills the Lyme bacteria, however, you may have to live with some of the damage that has been caused by chronic Lyme but atleast it kills the bacteria and prevents it from doing more damage. Lyme does horrible things to your body! Again, thank you for raising awareness !
Hey! I have Lyme as well. I got mine in High school in 9th Grade. I am now a Graduate student, so I got Lyme about 8 years ago. Back then, mine was not chronic, but I think it might be back. I also have had Mono in the past and I was just tested for Lyme and Mono again last week because I feel like I have Mono and Lyme combined recently, it is exhausting. I have been so exhausted, foggy, and depressed, but I am trying to be hopeful. I do know that the University of Connecticut, where I go to college, does a lot of studies on Lyme, maybe check out their databases and research! I am going to look into it more as well. It is not that researched, especially down south because it is more common up here, but I have it and a lot of animals here have it. My horse gets it really bad and needs IV treatments for it sometimes. Literally every horse in CT probably has Lyme. I do hope and pray that there will be a treatment or prevention of Lyme. There are also new and even deadlier tick diseases that were recently discovered that are even worse than Lyme so everyone watch out for any and all ticks.
Hi there. I don’t know what treatments you have done but we do have a doctor here in Monterey, CA who takes Lyme disease very seriously and knows how to treat it. I do understand that there can be chronic symptoms, however, He saved my life really, as I was infected and very sick. He also discovered that I not only had lymes but I also had two co-infections carried and transmitted by the tick that required different treatment. Thank you for sharing your story.
Don’t give up hope!! God is going to use you to help many with similar chronic disease through the coming years. At our clinic, though it is small, we walk with our patients daily through circumstances similar to yours. We believe the Word given by God, including the parts about leaves being for the healing of the nations. It is with joy and thankfulness I can report that our patients get better, usually slowly, but sometimes very quickly, by using appropriate nutrients and herbal protocols, depending on the mix of Lyme co-infections and other health problems present in the patient. We also emphasize strengthening the immune system, rather than suppressing it with typical autoimmune-treating drugs and steroids. Please remember He already gave us the answers. I’m praying for an earthly healer or amazing event to show God’s love in bringing about miracles for your family!
Saved as a favorite, I love your blog.
Thank you for sharing!!
Sister this is one great Blog for us Wives out there.
I just wanted to let you know how encouraged i was reading this post. I’ve known that i had Lyme for years but finally this week had a conventional doctor diagnose it. While i am so glad to have an explanation of all the other things going on it is a discouraging diagnosis to receive. Thank you for being honest and vulnerable, the Lord with greatly anoint and bless your honesty. Praying for you and your family.
I have been suffering from Lyme borreliosis complaints for quite a while now. A friend recommended PeaPlex. I saw this product on RS4supplements.com and I ordered it and it’s very helpful for me. You should try it.
Hi! I didn’t read through all of the comments, but I’m sure you will get many recommendations for clinics and doctors. I wanted to give you two more in case it can help you, your family, or anyone else. Veritas Medical in Lubbock, Tx and Dr. Dalton in Lubbock as well. I’ve also heard of Dr. Jack Tipps and I think he’s out of the Dallas area. There’s also a place called Biodynamic Wellness in California that I’ve heard good things about. I hope y’all can find some help!
Hi,
I just came across this post of yours and I am feeling overwhelmed with His love.
I have been chronically ill for at least the last few years, finally receiving a diagnosis in November (Fibromyalgia). I think I have been relying too heavily on doctors, and much too little on God.
I think he’s been trying to show me that I need to turn to him instead of relying on the arm of man.
I have tried countless treatments, and not one of them has helped me. I have another new one starting soon and while I am hopeful, I think I have been silently growing bitter towards God; causing me to drift farther from Him.
I feel as if my spirit has been re-awakened and the tears have not stopped from flowing from my eyes.
Thank you for sharing such vulnerable parts of yourself with the world. Thank you for letting God use you.
x
WOW. Just now reading this blog but boy am I in awe. I’m not dealing with chronic illness of any sort but this spoke to me in the pain that I feel from other things. Such truth about our consistency in prayer and God’s greater plan. Thanks for sharing! Xo
So encouraging. I’ve been living with a chronic illness for 8 years… I am 29! I was diagnosed my senior year of Bible school…I still don’t understand and I may never fully understand this side of Heaven. But God! His ways are perfect and He gives strength each day. He is my reward in this broken and tough world. Thanks for sharing your heart, so good to hear from someone who can relate! ?
My 24 year-old daughter, after at least 10 years of illness, was recently diagnosed with Lyme. I pray for her healing, but I also pray that she will not give up hope or trust in God.
I am starting a support group in Savannah, GA
savannahlyme.com
If you are in the area, please come. Let’s get together to support one another.
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2005. I was given antibiotics, which seemed to help. However, I still suffer from some of the symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, and even neurological problems in controlling hand and leg movements. The inability to walk right etc, are temporary and generally happen when I am really tired and have been working hard. I lost touch with reality.. Suspecting it was the medication I Went off the antibiotics (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started on Lyme disease natural herbal formula I ordered from Natural Herbal Gardens, December 18, 2017 after being on the herbs you recommended, i had a total recovery from Lyme disease with this natural herbal formula treatment. The chronic fatigue, joint pain has subsided. When I stumbled upon you guys, it was just pure instinct. And from that day on it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. The caring that goes into explaining what herbs work for whatever ails me is astounding. In today’s world where so many are after a quick buck, selling without care, Natural Herbal Garden’s staffs amplifies the difference. I’m a believer in karma, and for generations to come, this is a herbal store that will be leaving it’s footprint in this world. Visit NATURAL HERBAL GARDENS official web site www. naturalherbalgardens. com A world of thanks to The Natural Herbal Gardens!”
Mary Kate,
You are such an inspiring young woman. I, too, have Chrinic Lyme. I was diagnosed in 2007. It has been a truly horrible experience for me and my family. I have been unable to work since 2010 and I am a nurse with a master’s degree.
There are wonderful doctors who treat Lyme with success. There is a clinic called the Hansa Center, which has had good results and Dr. Jemsek is located in Washington, D.C. He has been at the forefront of Lyme research and treatment for a long time. If you have not watched “Under Our Skin,” I highly recommend it. It’s very informative. There is a sequel also.
I will keep you all in my prayers and hope for relief of your pain and suffering.
Wow. So young yet full of wisdom. A wisdom that comes from God indeed. My husband has been battling a lung sickness since 2009. He inhaled asbestos when he was working on the first house he bought to build a family but lost everything after asbestos. We’ve prayed for healing numerous times and he still isn’t healed. Every year in Spring is the worse and I’m grateful to God for He is the only One who can give you peace in the midst of a storm. This is a fallen world we live in and one day, we’ll be in a place where no pain dwells. No sickness, no brokeness, no hatred, no malice… it will be wonderful and we are looking forward to that. Godbless your wonderful family.
Hello, I wanted to tell you about a friend of mine I don’t know a lot of details, but she suffered with Lyme disease for years, when finally they discovered a treatment in Mexico that is not available in the United States. She now is living pain free.
I’m not a believer in any way. I’m agnostic, and believe that everything is just random. I used to be a believer though. I enjoy your posts anyway and I really hope they find a breakthrough for this disease. My Cousin has it. I see him go through it every day. He gets releif with Marijuana a lot. Might not be your thing, but it is natural and might help you as well.
Hey Mary Kate! I usually read your blog posts as they get posted, but today I was just reading some of them again because I really enjoy all of the different things you write about! Whenever this post was posted, I read it, but at the time it didn’t really touch me like it is currently. Just this year I was also diagnosed with an illness of some sorts, but we aren’t sure what’s causing everything that’s going on just yet. I was really struggling today with finding out more news and needed to hear your encouragement of although you haven’t hit the finish line just yet of getting better health, you’re still pushing on, because that’s all you know how to do. Thank you for writing this and I’m praying you get more and more good days ahead of you!
Hi Mary Kate. I was searching online to see why Miss Kay was so sick her hubby had to take her food on a tray for 3 months, and found your blog. I had Lyme Disease in my 30s and again in my 50s. There is a way to eradicate Lyme from your system. My docs are baffled and looking at my blood work is free and clear.
What I did was use herbs for years after I was done with my antibiotic treatment. I thought I had permanent hip pain in my 30, but took hyssop for a cold, and it took are of the cold and my hip.
I don’t want to give out info online, because people react differently to herbs, but one that has stood the test of time is garlic. I take it daily and it’s been 3 years since my second round with Lyme. You must always take something that’s a natural antibiotic for a long, long time. Lyme can lay dormant for decades.
There’s also a new study of how frankincense and myrrh can kill Lyme permanently I turn over every stone, since I live in Pennsylvania, the #1 state for Lyme. If you’d like to chat, and know how to kill those buggers outside with lavender, I’d love to help you. I have no symptoms of Lyme and I attribute it to prayer, good docs, and herbal medicine. Praying for you! .
Hi Mary Kate,
I read your story and it resonated so much with me. Several years back, you and John Luke spoke at our church (Newspring-Pastor Perry Noble). I, too have been on a rough road and the mysterious Lyme and co. My young son contracted it and it has been devastating for our family. We have been on a desperate search to find healing for him. We just finished a treatment that many Lyme afflicted are being healed with. At our treatments the psst two days, I was lucky to converse with a few different people that were at the clinic for their rechecks. I am amazed at the stories I heard of their symptoms vanishing and getting their lives back. I would love to share this info with you. I have been on the hunt for healing for my son and have done SO much research, protocols, you name it. This treatment we just did was one that I had came across by mistake. I was skeptical, but started finding people on social media and support groups. I randomly messaged asking for their experience. All were good, so we decided to give it a shot. We figured it couldn’t hurt. At this point we were desperate to fox his immune system and all of the other horrid symptoms.