I Got ‘Skinny’- But Not the Way I Wanted
‼️ In 2016 - just a few months after having my son - I was bitten by a tick, and within weeks everything changed.
My neck stiffened, my GI system spiraled, my muscles weakened, and the weight gain hit fast and hard. It felt like my body opened the floodgates and went to war with itself overnight.
For years I hit wall after wall searching for answers. Only this year did everything finally start to make sense. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, Alpha-gal, insulin resistance, and several chronic autoimmune conditions triggered by that one tick bite.
I spent my entire life savings being poked, prodded, and dismissed before anyone connected the dots. It took nine years to finally understand what my body was trying to tell me.
I think back to being a teen and praying to G-d to “make me skinny” so people would stop making fun of me. I had no idea how careful I needed to be with that wish.
✨ The lesson?
I learned to advocate for myself, to trust my intuition, and to love the body that kept fighting even when I was exhausted. I’m finally “skinny”- but not in the way I imagined getting here.
And now? It’s time to get strong.
Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Strong in my boundaries, strong in my health, and strong in the belief that I deserve to feel whole again. #AlphaGalSyndrome #LymeDiseaseAwareness #Lemon8Diary
Experiencing a tick bite that triggered chronic illnesses like Lyme Disease and Alpha-gal Syndrome can drastically alter one’s life in many unexpected ways. Lyme Disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted through black-legged tick bites and can affect multiple body systems, causing symptoms such as joint pain, muscle weakness, and neurological issues. Alpha-gal Syndrome is a rare allergy to red meat and other products made from mammals, resulting from a tick bite, which causes the body to react to a carbohydrate called alpha-gal. In addition to these conditions, people often face challenges like insulin resistance and autoimmune disorders triggered by their immune system’s abnormal response. These complex illnesses frequently lead to symptoms like weight fluctuations, digestive issues, and overwhelming fatigue, making daily life difficult. What many don’t realize is how the physical changes intertwine with emotional and mental health. It’s common to feel frustrated and isolated when symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed. Learning to self-advocate is crucial—this means trusting your intuition, seeking knowledgeable specialists, and not settling for uncertainty. Support groups and awareness communities like Lyme Disease Awareness and Alpha-gal Syndrome networks can provide valuable advice, empathy, and shared experiences. Your body is your greatest ally. Despite the exhaustion and setbacks, valuing your resilience is essential. Strength isn’t just about physical recovery but also building emotional and spiritual well-being. Setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, and embracing self-love represent significant steps toward healing. This journey highlights the importance of increased public understanding surrounding post-tick bite illnesses. Early diagnosis and treatment not only improve outcomes but reduce long-term suffering. If you or someone you know is navigating these conditions, remember you are not alone, and help is available. Empower yourself with knowledge and community support to regain control and foster holistic health.