Category: Lyme Disease

Link Between Toxoplasma and Borrelia Infections

May 17, 2024 / Editor

Toxoplasma and Borrelia Text On Typewriter paper. Image Credit: PhotoFunia.com

The Fascinating Link Between Toxoplasma and Borrelia Infections and Personality Traits

Human behavior is a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and various external factors. However, recent research has unearthed a surprising connection between certain infections and alterations in personality traits. Among these infectious agents, Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cat feces, and Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease transmitted through tick bites, have garnered considerable attention. Beyond their well-known health implications, these infections have been intriguingly associated with changes in human behavior, independent of overt health deterioration.

Toxoplasma Infection and Personality: Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite notoriously linked to toxoplasmosis, has been implicated in altering human behavior. While most infected individuals exhibit no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, recent studies suggest that chronic Toxoplasma infection might influence personality traits.

One of the most striking findings is the potential link between Toxoplasma infection and increased risk-taking behavior. Research conducted by scientists at the University of Colorado found that individuals infected with Toxoplasma displayed subtle changes in personality, including a greater propensity for risk-taking and decreased conscientiousness. These alterations could be attributed to the parasite’s ability to manipulate neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which plays a crucial role in reward-motivated behavior.

Moreover, Toxoplasma infection has been associated with changes in cognitive functions and psychiatric disorders. Studies have shown a correlation between Toxoplasma infection and an increased risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While the exact mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear, researchers hypothesize that the parasite’s neurotropic effects and modulation of neurotransmitter systems could contribute to psychiatric symptoms.

Borrelia Infection and Personality: Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is primarily known for its physical symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and joint pain. However, emerging evidence suggests that Lyme disease could also impact personality traits independently of its physiological effects.

A study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found that individuals with a history of Lyme disease exhibited differences in personality traits compared to healthy controls. Specifically, Lyme disease patients scored lower on measures of extraversion and higher on measures of neuroticism. These findings suggest that Borrelia infection might influence social behavior and emotional stability.

Furthermore, chronic Lyme disease has been associated with cognitive impairments, commonly referred to as “Lyme brain fog.” This cognitive dysfunction could manifest as difficulties in concentration, memory lapses, and impaired decision-making, all of which could indirectly affect personality traits.

Conclusion: The notion that infectious agents like Toxoplasma and Borrelia could influence human personality traits independent of overt health deterioration challenges our understanding of the complex relationship between infectious diseases and behavior. While further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the extent of these effects, these findings underscore the interconnectedness of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of human health.

Understanding how infections shape behavior not only sheds light on the intricacies of the human brain but also holds potential implications for disease prevention and management strategies. By recognizing the multifaceted impact of infectious agents on human health and behavior, researchers can pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions and targeted public health initiatives aimed at mitigating the broader consequences of infectious diseases.

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Invisible Disabilities and PIP Assessments

May 8, 2024 / Andrew Jones

Invisible Disabilities Text On Typewriter Paper. Image by Photofunia.com

Unseen Struggles: Shedding Light on Invisible Disabilities and PIP Assessments

There are a lot of media discussions relating to invisible disabilities and illnesses, these conditions, while not immediately apparent to the casual observer, can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, often presenting unique challenges that are difficult to understand or quantify. In the United Kingdom, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for financial support. However, for those with invisible disabilities, navigating this system can be an uphill battle, with their conditions frequently misunderstood or underestimated.

The term “invisible disability” encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions, ranging from chronic pain, mental health disorders, and neurological conditions like autism or multiple sclerosis, to autoimmune diseases such as lupus or fibromyalgia. Despite the debilitating effects these conditions can have on individuals, their symptoms may not manifest visibly, leading to misconceptions and skepticism, particularly during PIP assessments.

One of the primary challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities during PIP assessments is the difficulty in providing tangible evidence of their conditions. Unlike visible disabilities, which may be readily apparent through physical indicators, such as mobility aids or visible scars, invisible disabilities often lack such overt markers. Consequently, individuals may struggle to convey the extent of their limitations and the impact on their daily functioning to assessors, leading to disparities in assessment outcomes.

Moreover, the subjective nature of many invisible disabilities poses additional hurdles in the assessment process. Mental health conditions, for instance, can fluctuate in severity, making it challenging to capture their full impact within the confines of a single assessment. Similarly, conditions like chronic pain or fatigue may vary in intensity from day to day, further complicating efforts to convey their consistent impact on one’s ability to engage in daily activities.

The proposed green paper on disability benefits and assessments offers an opportunity to address these issues and improve the support system for individuals with invisible disabilities. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by this demographic, policymakers can work towards implementing reforms that foster greater understanding and inclusivity within the PIP assessment framework.

Key recommendations for the green paper may include:

Enhanced training for assessors: Equipping assessors with a deeper understanding of invisible disabilities and their diverse manifestations can help mitigate biases and ensure fairer assessments. This may involve providing education on the nuances of various conditions and strategies for evaluating their impact on individuals’ lives.
Flexible assessment criteria: Recognizing the fluctuating nature of many invisible disabilities, the assessment criteria should be adaptable to accommodate variations in symptom severity over time. This could involve implementing periodic reviews or allowing individuals to provide evidence of their condition’s impact beyond a single assessment snapshot.
Holistic assessment approach: Moving away from a solely medical model of assessment, there is a need to consider the broader social and environmental factors that contribute to individuals’ disability experiences. This could involve soliciting input from healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support networks to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s needs and capabilities.
Improved communication channels: Establishing clearer channels of communication between assessors and applicants can facilitate a more transparent and supportive assessment process. This may involve providing guidance on how individuals can effectively communicate their experiences and ensuring assessors are receptive to their input.

Unveiling the Spectrum: 30+ Invisible Disabilities and Conditions Challenging to Validate

Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Lyme Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Crohn’s Disease
Endometriosis
Interstitial Cystitis
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Chronic Migraines
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Psoriatic Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Meniere’s Disease
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Gastroparesis
Complex PTSD
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Schizophrenia
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

This list represents only a fraction of the diverse range of invisible disabilities and conditions individuals may face. Each condition presents its own set of challenges, from debilitating symptoms to societal misconceptions, making them inherently difficult to prove or quantify in assessments like PIP.

Enhancing Credibility: Strategies for Claimants in PIP Assessments

Navigating the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process can be a daunting task, especially for individuals with invisible disabilities or conditions. The success of a PIP claim often hinges on the claimant’s ability to effectively communicate the impact of their disability on their daily life. While the system may present challenges, there are proactive steps claimants can take to strengthen the credibility of their claims and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Gather Comprehensive Evidence: The foundation of a credible PIP claim lies in thorough documentation of one’s disability and its effects. This includes medical records history, specialist reports, prescription records, and any relevant test results. Additionally, maintaining a personal health journal can provide valuable insights into the fluctuating nature of certain conditions and help paint a more comprehensive picture for assessors.
Provide Detailed Examples: When describing how your disability affects you, be specific and provide detailed examples of how it impacts various aspects of your daily life. Whether it’s difficulty with personal care tasks, mobility limitations, or challenges in engaging with social activities, concrete examples help assessors better understand the real-world impact of your disability.
Seek Supportive Statements: Statements from healthcare professionals, caregivers, or support networks can offer additional credibility to your claim. These individuals can provide firsthand accounts of your condition and its effects, lending validation to your experiences.
Prepare for the Assessment: Familiarize yourself with the PIP assessment process and what to expect during the evaluation. Take the time to review the criteria for eligibility and how your disability aligns with these criteria. Being prepared can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you effectively convey your needs during the assessment.
Be Honest and Transparent: Integrity is key in establishing credibility. Be honest about your limitations and avoid exaggerating or downplaying the severity of your condition. Providing accurate information allows assessors to make informed decisions based on your genuine needs.
Utilize Technology to Track Health: Leveraging digital tools can streamline the process of documenting your health and activities. Platforms like DisabledEntrepreneur.uk and DisabilityUK.co.uk offer spaces to track your health and daily activities, providing a convenient way to compile evidence to support your claim. These platforms allow you to record symptoms, medication usage, appointments, and other relevant information, facilitating a more comprehensive overview of your health journey.
Seek Advocacy and Support: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from advocacy organizations or support groups specializing in disability rights. These resources can provide valuable advice, assistance in understanding your rights, and support throughout the claims process.
Appeal if Necessary: In the event of an unfavorable decision, consider appealing the outcome. Many successful claims are initially denied but approved upon appeal. Utilize the feedback provided, gather additional evidence if needed, and seek legal advice if necessary to navigate the appeals process effectively.

By taking proactive steps to enhance the credibility of your PIP claim, you can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome and access the support you need to manage your disability effectively. Remember, you are your own best advocate, and by effectively communicating your needs and experiences, you can ensure your voice is heard in the assessment process.

Conclusion

By addressing these issues and implementing reforms guided by the principles of empathy, fairness, and inclusivity, the proposed green paper has the potential to transform the PIP assessment process into a more equitable system for individuals with invisible disabilities. Through collaborative efforts between policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and affected individuals, we can strive towards a society where all disabilities, seen and unseen, are recognized, understood, and accommodated with dignity and respect.

We have compiled some useful resources which you can access here.

Unraveling Lyme Disease: A Life-Altering Journey of Fatigue and Pain

March 28, 2024 / Andrew Jones

Unraveling Lyme Disease: A Life-Altering Journey of Fatigue and Pain

In a world where health uncertainties lurk in the shadows, the story of Lyme disease serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden battles waged by individuals facing debilitating symptoms. Recently, the narrative of a mother left bedbound by relentless fatigue and joint pains, only to be diagnosed with Lyme disease, sheds light on the profound impact of this often misunderstood condition. Her journey epitomizes the challenges and complexities inherent in diagnosing and managing Lyme disease, a condition that can dramatically alter one’s quality of life.

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. The hallmark sign of Lyme disease is a characteristic rash known as erythema migrans, which often resembles a bull’s-eye. However, not all individuals develop this distinctive rash, leading to difficulties in early diagnosis. As the infection progresses, a myriad of symptoms can manifest, affecting various bodily systems.

Fatigue, joint pains, and flu-like symptoms are among the common early indicators of Lyme disease. These seemingly innocuous symptoms can easily be mistaken for other ailments, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, such delays can allow the infection to disseminate throughout the body, leading to more severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

The case of the bedbound mother underscores the insidious nature of Lyme disease. Initially dismissed as fatigue from the rigors of motherhood, her symptoms progressively worsened, robbing her of the ability to carry out daily activities. Such debilitating fatigue is a hallmark feature of chronic Lyme disease, a condition that afflicts a subset of individuals who experience persistent symptoms despite receiving standard antibiotic therapy.

Diagnosing chronic Lyme disease presents a formidable challenge for healthcare professionals. The absence of definitive diagnostic tests and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions contribute to diagnostic uncertainty. As a result, many individuals with chronic Lyme disease endure a prolonged odyssey of medical consultations before receiving a proper diagnosis, if at all.

Treatment of Lyme disease, particularly in its chronic form, remains controversial. While antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for acute Lyme disease, their efficacy in addressing chronic symptoms is debated within the medical community. Some clinicians advocate for prolonged antibiotic therapy, while others caution against its potential risks and lack of robust evidence supporting its benefits.

Beyond the physical toll, Lyme disease exacts a heavy emotional and psychological toll on affected individuals and their loved ones. The relentless nature of symptoms, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding diagnosis and treatment, can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and despair. The story of the bedbound mother serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to navigate the tumultuous terrain of chronic illness.

Moving forward, raising awareness about Lyme disease is paramount to improving early detection and management. Educating healthcare professionals about the nuances of Lyme disease, investing in research to develop more sensitive diagnostic tests, and fostering a compassionate and understanding healthcare environment are crucial steps in supporting individuals affected by this complex condition.

Safeguarding Against Lyme Disease: Preventative Measures to Avoid Tick Bites

To prevent yourself from being bitten by ticks and reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease, consider the following measures:

Wear Protective Clothing: When venturing into wooded or grassy areas where ticks are prevalent, dress in long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes. Light-colored clothing can also make ticks more visible.
Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin to exposed skin and clothing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.
Perform Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body, clothing, and gear for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, underarms, groin, and behind the knees. Promptly remove any ticks found using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure.
Stay on Trails: Stick to designated trails and avoid brushing against vegetation in areas where ticks may be present. Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, brush, and leaf litter.
Create Tick-Safe Zones: Make your outdoor living spaces less attractive to ticks by creating barriers such as gravel or wood chips between lawns and wooded areas. Regularly mow the lawn, trim vegetation, and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitat.
Treat Pets: Use tick preventatives recommended by your veterinarian to protect your pets from ticks. Check your pets for ticks regularly, especially after they have been outdoors.
Shower After Outdoor Activities: Take a shower as soon as possible after coming indoors, preferably within two hours. This can help wash away any unattached ticks and reduce the risk of tick bites.
Dry Clothes on High Heat: Ticks can survive washing machine and dryer cycles, but tumbling clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes can effectively kill ticks on clothing.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Being aware of potential risks can help you take proactive steps to protect yourself and seek prompt medical attention if necessary.
Consult a Professional: If you live in or frequently visit areas where ticks are prevalent, consider consulting with a pest control expert about measures to reduce tick populations around your home and property.

By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of being bitten by ticks and contracting Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.

Conclusion

Lyme disease represents a formidable adversary, capable of upending lives and challenging conventional notions of health and illness. The journey of the bedbound mother serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, empathy, and perseverance in the face of adversity. By shining a light on Lyme disease, we can strive towards a future where early detection, effective treatment, and compassionate care are accessible to all those affected by this relentless condition. Mum left bedbound by fatigue and joint pains diagnosed with lifelong disease (msn.com)

Famous People With Lyme Disease.

October 9, 2021 / Editor / 0 Comments

Famous People With Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease:

Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi is an infection caught from the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease can cause a circular red rash around a tick bite and flu-like symptoms. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics from a GP. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery. You can reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease by covering your skin when you’re outdoors, sticking to footpaths, and using insect repellent.

It is a black-legged tick that will attach to its host and suck the blood slowly for several days. If the host animal has certain bloodborne infections, such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, the tick may ingest the pathogen and become infected. If the tick later feeds on a human, that human can become infected.

Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness that can damage a persons’ quality of life but also alienate them from their communities. Diagnosis is tricky, and the cost of missed or misdiagnosis compounds the detrimental effects of the disease itself.

If you have or suspect you have a tick-borne illness, you may or can offer comfort to someone going through the same struggle by learning the surprising stories of eighteen famous people who have been diagnosed with tick-borne diseases.

1. Avril Lavigne

This Canadian pop star’s Lyme Disease diagnosis caused her to retreat from the public eye for several years. Avril has become an advocate for the disease where she was quoted as saying she had been bedridden from the illness. Her songs from her album, Head Above Water, were inspired by her struggles with the illness.

Avril now has her own charity, The Avril Lavigne Foundation, and works with the Global Lyme Alliance and the LymeLight Foundation to raise awareness about Lyme.

2. Shania Twain

Canadian singer struck by tick-borne illness, Shania Twain has suffered lasting effects from her struggles with Lyme. One of her symptoms, dysphonia, has permanently damaged her singing voice. Singing, she says, now requires more intense warm-ups and effort than ever before.

3. Alec Baldwin

Hollywood A-List Actor says a tick bit him around the year 2000. For five years after that, he suffered devastating symptoms every summer, becoming bedridden and suffering high fevers and sweats.

During a 2011 interview with The New York Times, the “Saturday Night Live” actor mentioned that he had chronic Lyme disease.

Alec Baldwin didn’t mention his diagnosis again until 2017 when he spoke onstage at an event benefiting the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. It was then where Alec opened up about the loneliness and fear that can come with being diagnosed with a tick-borne illness. He was not married at the time of his first episode of the illness and symptoms got so bad, he felt very alone and was sure he would die from the illness.

4. Yolanda Hadid (and Her Kids)

Former model Yolanda Hadid starred on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, not many people knew she was suffering from debilitating Lyme symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and pain.

Since the airing of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Yolanda spoke openly about the disease to help spread awareness. She’s is now an advocate for Lyme patients, calling the tick-borne disease an “invisible disability” that can harm patients’ mental health and alienate them from friends and loved ones. She’s talked about how she not only battled several doctors to finally get an accurate diagnosis, but also struggled to be understood by friends, co-stars, and even her ex-husband (David Foster).

Yolanda in December 2012, reported that she was having a port implanted in her arm to help treat what she has stated is chronic Lyme disease. In April 2013, she had the port removed. In January 2015, she revealed that, as a consequence of the illness that Hadid believed she has, she had “lost the ability to read, write, or even watch TV”.

If that weren’t enough, Yolanda’s children Anwar Hadid and Bella Hadid also have Lyme. Yolanda has been vocal about how her other daughter Gigi, is fortunate not to have the disease.

5. Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller another Hollywood A-Lister Actor provides a hopeful example of how early detection and antibiotic treatment can help manage symptoms. After a knee injury that coincided with excessive, inexplicable inflammation, he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease he believes he contracted in Nantucket.

Doctors were able to diagnose and treat Ben’s Lyme Disease, and he’s since reported being “symptom-free.” However, he acknowledges that Lyme “never leaves your body,” echoing concerns about chronic Lyme that the medical community is now recognizing exists.

6. Daryl Hall

Daryl Hall singer, of the pop duo Hall & Oates, acknowledges his life in the countryside for his and his family members’ tick-borne illnesses.

In 2005, the duo Hall and Oates canceled a tour, revealing that Daryl Hall had been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

In 2011, he opened up about his experiences, explaining how he contracted the disease and his journey to health.

Though he’s still performing music, symptoms from the tick-borne disease have affected his career and quality of life, causing him to cancel tours.

After years of suffering a host of disparate and confusing symptoms – including fevers and wild fluctuations in body temperature, new food allergies, tremors, aches, and stiffness – he was eventually diagnosed with “six or seven” different tick-borne illnesses. Now he has “roving symptoms” that come and go, including heart arrhythmia – a common problem for chronic Lyme sufferers.

Hall says the confusion and controversy around Lyme disease can lead infected individuals to suffer “on their own.”

7. Amy Tan

Celebrated author Amy Tan has been very vocal about her battle with undiagnosed Lyme Disease. After she “soldiered through” increasingly erratic and troubling symptoms like pain, numbness, and hearing sensitivity during a major book tour, she suffered through debilitating anxiety, paranoia, and even hallucinations, plus several drug regimens that left her exhausted.

Like many Lyme sufferers, Tan’s quest for diagnosis was debilitating as her battle with Lyme Disease itself. At one point, doctors found and removed a small brain tumor, but the symptoms persisted. She even had an ELISA – a common test for Lyme – come back negative.

Still struggling with symptoms that made her unable to even write, she finally got positive results on a Western Blot from IGeneX and was diagnosed with Lyme.

Tan now serves on the Honorary Board of Directors for the Lyme Disease Association.

8. Rebecca Wells

Rebecca Wells is an American author, actor, and playwright known for the Ya-Ya Sisterhood series. Like her friend and fellow author Amy Tan, Rebecca Wells’ illness struck just as she was ascending as a successful fiction writer.

Similar to Tan, she suffered through symptoms like dizzy spells, noise sensitivity, respiratory infections, numbness, and even multiple-chemical sensitivities for over a decade before being diagnosed. At one point she even had to be hooked up to an oxygen tank for two hours per day.

9. George W. Bush

The Washington Post reported that back in 2006, former President George W. Bush was quietly diagnosed with and treated for Lyme Disease. Another example of how early detection can lead to better chances of recovery, Bush is thought to have fully recovered.

10. Kelly Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter chronicled the effects of Lyme on her life in her 2016 memoir, detailing how she suffered through recurring sore throats, stomach pain, and even seizures for ten years before getting a clear diagnosis. This had given the disease time to advance to stage III neurological Lyme. Throughout her undiagnosed illness, Osbourne’s intense drug regimen caused a cycle of depression, anxiety, and treatment for those symptoms.

After her father’s Birthday Party, Kelly noticed and burned a tick off her body after spending time near reindeer. But her story proves that removing a tick is only the first step in preventing disease.

Lyme patients can take inspiration from Osbourne’s resilience and self-advocacy in the face of this poorly understood illness.

11. Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber, Canadian Pop Star made headlines in January 2020 when he revealed that he had been struggling with Lyme disease. The story resonated with many in the Lyme community because Bieber was sick for months before getting a proper diagnosis. Complications from Lyme as well as a case of mono exacerbated Bieber’s exhaustion and damaged his mental health, serving as a further reminder of the consequences of a missed diagnosis.

In January, the singer wrote on Instagram that it has been a “rough couple of years” battling the disease.

Justin Bieber explained that, for a long time, people speculated that he was “on meth,” but failed to realize that he’d actually recently been diagnosed with Lyme disease. He said that he’d also been struggling with “a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health.“

12. Amy Schumer

In September, Amy Schumer shared on Instagram that she has Lyme disease and “maybe had it for years.”

Seeing as this disease is the “great imitator” with a range of symptoms, it’s possible she could’ve experienced Lyme symptoms for quite some time without realizing it.

In an Instagram post, the comedian said she’s currently taking doxycycline, an oral antibiotic, to treat the condition and she also asked others for advice.

13. Ally Hilfiger

Ally Hilfiger battled the disease for decades and chronicled her journey in a memoir.

The former “Rich Girls” star went misdiagnosed for a long time after being bit by a tick at 7 years old in 1992.

In her book “Bite Me: How Lyme Disease Stole My Childhood, Made Me Crazy, and Almost Killed Me,” Hilfiger chronicles her battle with the invisible illness and the all-too-visible symptoms that followed.

In 2016, she told Health magazine, “I remember getting bit by a tick and my parents sent it off to the labs. And we got inconclusive tests back.”

14. Debbie Gibson

Deborah Ann Gibson is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actress. Gibson released her debut album Out of the Blue in 1987, which spawned several international hits, later being certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

In 2014, Debbie Gibson revealed she’d been privately battling the illness.

Debbie Gibson took to her blog in April 2014 to give an update on her health, revealing that she’d begun experiencing symptoms in early 2013.

She said she first felt anxiety and sensitivity to certain foods.

Then, she said she began feeling unique pain and muscle fatigue she’d never had before. She added, “I got tested for everything under the sun, though it did not occur to me, or my West Coast doctors, to test for Lyme.

15. Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Jamie-Lynn Sigler is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on the HBO series The Sopranos.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler battled Lyme disease before learning she also suffered from multiple sclerosis.

At the age of 19 years old and starring on HBO’s hit “The Sopranos,” she learned she had Lyme disease.

Shortly after, in 2016, she told People magazine, “I was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) when I was 20 years old. It was a shock, it was surprising.”

“I had been diagnosed with Lyme disease the year before, so to get the diagnosis was confusing, and also strange because I didn’t feel sick. I didn’t feel that anything was wrong.”

She’d taken antibiotics, a standard course of treatment for early-stage Lyme, “and things had started to go away,” she shared.

Sigler now advocates on behalf of those with chronic illnesses.

16. Thalía Mottola

Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda Mottola, known as Thalía, is a Mexican singer and actress. Born in Mexico City, she is widely considered one of the most successful and influential Mexican artists

Thalía Mottola began feeling ill during her first pregnancy in 2007 and became unable to care for her newborn daughter.

In her 2011 memoir “Growing Stronger,” she explained that doctors tried to convince her she was suffering from postpartum depression, writing, “I continued to feel like I had been run over by a truck that had dragged me for a thousand miles, along with a steamroller that had crushed every last bone in my body. I literally thought I was dying.”

When she found the energy to research online, she started seeing Lyme specialists, eventually undergoing two years of “heavy treatments.”

17. Kris Kristofferson

Kristoffer Kristofferson is a retired Hollywood American actor, musician, and songwriter.

Kris Kristofferson experienced several misdiagnoses before being treated for Lyme.

His wife revealed in 2016 in a Rolling Stone interview that the music legend had been diagnosed with Lyme disease just shy of his 80th birthday.

The magazine then wrote that Kris’s wife believed Kris had been bitten by a tick while filming the 2006 movie “Disappearances” in Vermont.

“He was taking all these medications for things he doesn’t have, and they all have side effects,” she shared, talking about medications he was taking for depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

After three weeks of Lyme disease treatment, Lisa noted that “All of a sudden he was back to his normal self,” adding that he is not cured and still struggles some days yet “some days he’s perfectly normal and it’s easy to forget that he is even battling anything.”

18. Kathleen Hanna

Kathleen Hanna is an American singer, musician, artist, feminist activist, pioneer of the feminist punk riot grrrl movement, and punk zine writer.

Kathleen Hanna battled Lyme disease for over a decade before being properly diagnosed.

Kathleen Hanna took time off from her band, Le Tigre, in 2005, citing personal health issues. However, at that time she was unaware she was struggling with Lyme Disease. She was only diagnosed in late 2010.

She experienced debilitating symptoms over the course of several years that made her unable to move or speak at times and she began to heal after two years of “intensive therapy,” according to The New York Times.

After multiple misdiagnoses — from multiple sclerosis to lupus and panic attacks — she saw a 2008 documentary called “Under Our Skin” about the unspoken Lyme epidemic and realized that a tick bite she got in 2005 could still be causing her health problems, even though she’d been treated with a standard course of antibiotics.

In 2013, Hanna returned to the public eye and in 2016 she formed a new band, Julie Ruin.

The Importance of Testing

While the bewildering symptoms of tick-borne illness can be very isolating, you don’t have to suffer alone. If you have Lyme symptoms – especially if there’s a chance you’ve been bitten by a tick – it’s important to get accurate testing and medical advice.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It’s usually easier to treat if it’s diagnosed early.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

A circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people.

The rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by an infected tick but usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks. It can last for several weeks.

The rash can have a darker or lighter area in the center and might gradually spread. It’s not usually hot or itchy.

The rash may be flat, or slightly raised, and look pink, red, or purple when it appears on white skin. It can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin and it may look like a bruise.