Today we welcome Tiffany, one of The Tick Chick’s NetGen contributors! Make sure to give her some love and a follow @tiffanyandcook on Instagram and recommend her to anyone who can relate!
~Ali
I grew up in Hilton Head, South Carolina. A beautiful 12-mile island built around nature. The town restricts buildings from being taller than the trees. All buildings and road signs are neutral to blend in. One road sign in specific warns drivers of deer’s crossing. There are thought to be hundreds of deer resided on the island. It’s very common to see one on your property. There goes a saying that where there are deer, there are also ticks. In 2007, my father got bit by three ticks on his back while building our house in Sea Pines. But because he didn’t have the bullseye rash, which not all do, it was not enough evidence. The doctors were in disbelief that it could happen in the Low Country. Within two weeks, he could not function. My mom brought him to every doctor, hospital, and disease specialist in the area. He was not properly diagnosed until receiving treatment in Charleston. He suffered from sixth nerve palsy and meningitis. He made a full recovery, other than experiencing joint pain. For that reason, they moved to Florida for the warmer climate.
Fast forward to the Summer of 2019, I began experiencing symptoms of Lyme Disease in Bluffton, South Carolina. It started as mild but gradually worsened each week. I went to numerous doctors and specialists in the area, even ER visits. However, I was told I looked fine from the outside and didn’t show any symptoms of Lyme Disease. I felt frustrated and unheard. I called my sister and told her I felt like our dad when he was sick. I began to google Lyme Disease myself. I took screenshots of the symptoms then highlighted which ones I was experiencing. I must’ve highlighted all but a few. I had sharp eye pain
associated with floaters, tinnitus, migraines, neck pain, rapid heart rate, chest tightness and pain, fatigue, aching/stiff joints, extreme brain fog, heightened anxiety, sensitivity to light and sound, and severe vertigo. My mom found a Lyme specialist an hour away from where she lived in Florida. I called on a Thursday and they had an opening the following Monday. I took the appointment as I knew I had to act fast because my health was rapidly deteriorating. I had to break my lease, quit my job, and leave without saying goodbye to most of my friends.
I’ve tried a combination of alternative and western medicine. However, I’ve found alternative medicine works best for my body. Long months of heavy antibiotics wreaked havoc on my digestive system, so I stopped treatment. I am currently taking daily vitamins and minerals to strengthen my immune system. I was advised to receive vitamin C IV’s twice weekly. I bought an at-home sauna from Amazon to sweat out
toxins. I’ve also tried cupping and deep tissue massages. I’ve found that seeing a chiropractor regularly helps with my neck pain and vertigo. A red-light therapy bed called TheraLight has helped my pain, anxiety, and energy levels. Next on my list to try is ozone therapy treatments.
Lyme Disease treatment can be trial and error as everyone’s body is different. We all have different co-infections. There are days that you want to give up but can’t. You will find new strengths that you didn’t know you had. You are not alone in this. We as a Lyme community will get through it by supporting each other. If you are also being doubted by doctors, keep fighting! Only you know your body best. Some days I am bedridden, other days it is up and down. But those up and down days keep me going. I am not in remission, but I know I am on my way there. We will get there together.
