“But you don’t ‘LOOK’ sick”

“But You Don’t LOOK Sick,” is a common phrase victims of Lyme Disease hear all the time.  I can not begin to tell you how many times I have heard that!  Nor can I begin to tell you how much it hurts to hear those words.  Sure, they are meant as a compliment, however, to a person with Lyme Disease it is like rubbing salt in an open wound.  We hear it far too often from doctors and others who are non believers of Chronic Lyme Disease.  We may look ‘normal’ on the outside, but our insides are filled with bacteria and other co-infections that can kill us.  In the case of a Lymie, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”  (A “Lymie” is the nickname recognized in the Lyme Community  given to a person with Lyme Disease.)

I  requested and collected all my medical transcripts since my onset of Lyme Disease in 2004.  Upon reviewing what the doctors all reported, I was somewhat appalled. Please remember, these were all written while I had lyme disease and was ‘questioning’ or complaining about all my symptoms. I was looking for and asking for help from our medical community whom we should trust with our lives.  Below are some of the things that were reported:

“Patient is well dressed.  I think she is depressed.”

“Patient is a healthy 41-year-old.  She is well dressed.  She carries herself well.  She  speaks well.  She appears depressed.”

“This 44-year-old woman was recently hospitalized at ________ ________ Hospital with chest pain and epigastric discomfort. She underwent a stress test and it was normal.  She had an upper GI endoscopy disclosing isolated erosions in the esophagus and stomach. She denies taking anti-inflammatories.  She looks healthy.”

“This is a healthy-appearing, well-developed, well-nourished woman in no distress.”

“This is a very nice 41-year-old woman. She dresses well.  She appears to be healthy.”

People with Lyme Disease do not want to be judged by their outer shell.  Doctors, you need to educated yourselves, take your time and  listen to us.  We know it isn’t all in our heads.  We know we may not all look sick on the outside, but our insides ARE!  Friends, Family, Loved Ones and Strangers who happen to be reading this, please do some research about Lyme Disease.  It is in all of our backyards.  Educate yourselves so that you or a loved one will not fall victim to this debilitating, life threatening disease that is quickly becoming one of the largest epidemics in the nation.  However,  don’t be afraid to enjoy nature…. just learn to enjoy it carefully!