I am an artist, a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter...and I have been living with lyme disease for most of my life. I decided to write this blog to chronicle my journey through Lyme Disease, from onset to healing...and every crazy, confusing, life altering moment in between.
My aim is to shine some light on this misunderstood disease and share my experiences of living with an undiagnosed/misdiagnosed illness... for so long. I've spent so many years living in fear and confusion, not knowing why my body had suddenly turned on me and then continued to present unusual and often debilitating sensations. Years spent seeking medical help without any conclusions, feeling alone and unheard, trying to research the ever changing symptoms (even before internet was a thing) and then, finally, having an "ah-ha" moment that opened my eyes and my heart to the possibilities that this burden I had been carrying since I was a teenager, could finally be lifted.
Treating chronic Lyme can be long and difficult (lots more to say about that), but finally being able to name this illness, gaining knowledge, and realizing that I am not alone, have been huge first steps in finding wellness. This understanding and diagnosis started a new journey for me, one of hope and healing. I am learning that I am more resilient and resourceful than I ever gave myself credit for. I have developed a new found passion for my art, as well as ways to create art in a safer, less toxic way, and have been working on a series of paintings and prints that express my challenges with Lyme and my healing journey.
Lyme Green is about my experiences with Lyme Disease, as well as so many others. It's about knowing that there is a positive course for Lyme even if you have been living with it for a long time. It's about learning of ways to be more mindful of how you treat your body and the environment you live in whether you are in compromised health are not, and, as an artist, it is about using safer, non-toxic materials and practices.
It is not easy putting myself out there in this very personal way, in writing or through my artwork, but if I can reach even one person who is unnecessarily struggling, it will all be worthwhile.
Just keep swimming...
Theresa
Stay tuned for more
Wow. You write beautifully! And this will help so many people.
I'm proud of you! Theresa