Jeni’s Story
Jeni, Congenital Lyme & hEDS Warrior⠀
“I am a congenital Lyme warrior. Like most of us, my symptoms were dismissed throughout childhood. Looking back, it was very clear that I was suffering from tick-borne infections from the get-go. By the time I turned 14, my pain became incredibly disabling. When I turned 17, my mom begged the pediatric rheumatologist to test me for Lyme disease. He refused, claiming it does not exist in Texas. Trusting his decades of experience, we foolishly dropped the pursuit. I spent the next twelve years searching desperately for answers. I received countless misdiagnoses and wasted well over six figures on useless and band-aid treatments. Unfortunately, this journey caused me to develop CPTSD.
Although I wish I hadn’t suffered needlessly, I became determined to make something positive come out of my struggles. I pursued a career in nursing, so I could be a patient advocate and truly provide empathetic care to others. Once I was formally diagnosed, I dove into these illnesses and learned everything I could. I don’t want others to suffer like this, so I devote my free time to raising awareness of and providing education regarding tick-borne illnesses and the environmental toxicities that often accompany them. Life with Lyme is the hardest battle I will ever face, but I refuse to let it make me a cold person. I will forever be an advocate and resource for this beautiful community of warriors. Together, we can change the future for generations to come.”
Stories reflect the experiences and perspectives of the individuals featured and are not intended as medical advice.
