Ashley’s Story

"I first noticed a decline in my health my junior year of college. I remember the slew of odd symptoms that seemed to appear overnight. My first symptoms were pigment loss, extreme fatigue, muscle burning and drenching night sweats. I knew something was wrong but I continued to push through to graduate even though my health continued to decline. After college I had obtained my first manager role as a nutrition manager. Everything seemed to be manageable until one day I woke up for work and couldn't move my legs.

I must have seen over 100 doctors in one month searching for answers. Most believed I was making it up for attention, or interrogated me about my sexual health as if my symptoms were due to a sexually transmitted disease. I was engaged to my now husband at the time. What doctor was going to believe the 23-year-old black woman with 300 unrelated symptoms? This was when I knew I was in big trouble. So, I quit my dream job to research my symptoms. I decided to see an infectious disease doctor who would test me for Lyme disease. It came back positive. I also found out at this time I was 3 months pregnant with my first child. How about that for a twist! I was terrified but I took a leap of faith. I continued to treat my Lyme throughout my pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby girl who is 3 years now. This experience has made me understand the importance of taking action in my own health. I trusted, healed and learned that I was stronger than I thought.”

Stories reflect the experiences and perspectives of the individuals featured and are not intended as medical advice.

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