I really didn't want to get to this point, but I am struggling and I honestly don't know what else to do. I've been fighting one form of illness or another for most of my life. I believe it all started with a tick bite sometime during one of many camping trips as a child. I had anxiety and phobias throughout childhood and my teen years which weren't treated and I frequently felt sickly. I have struggled with depression since age 11. I spent years in my twenties seeing counselors and psychiatrists to deal with major depression, severe anxiety and other mental health issues and was hospitalized several times. I had one health issue after another, including cervical cancer in 2000. I was diagnosed with a "mild" autoimmune illness and just kept feeling sicker and sicker with no relief after seeing a multitude of doctors, specialists and other practitioners. Most believed it was all in my head, that I was exaggerating how bad I felt. I struggled through one job after another, kept trying to just hold on, constantly searching for answers and wondering why I couldn't just have a regular life.

Finally, in 2013 at age 44, I was diagnosed with late stage Lyme Disease along with Babesia and Mycoplasma co-infections and active Epstein Barr virus. I felt like hell, but finally there was an answer. I could often not drive a car,  could no longer comprehend simple paragraphs while trying to read and got lost in my own neighborhood. I cried daily, had pounding migraines, vision problems, was drenched in freezing sweat every night, spent most days too fatigued to do anything but lay in bed and many more symptoms. Three and a half years of intense treatment for Lyme, co-infections and Epstein Barr followed. Many symptoms were gone, but my immune system had been hit hard and I am now struggling with Lupus and most likely fibromyalgia. I am in a lot of pain and still struggling with fatigue, nausea, swollen glands, enlarged thyroid and ongoing nutritional deficiencies.

I have not been able to work regularly for years and don't have a partner to turn to for support. I have attempted to earn extra money through my art and crafts, but making art regularly at this point only increases the pain. It's a vicious circle I can't find my way out of.  My  goal is to raise some money for treatments that aren't covered by insurance, so that I can feel well enough to get back to creating, write the book I've been trying to write, make a life for myself and give something back.  I'm doing the hard work...taking care of myself, eating healthy, trying to stay positive, constantly looking for healing options. I'm receiving immunotherapy treatments currently and still hoping it will kick in at any time, but I struggle with just affording groceries every month and trying to keep up with medical and other expenses. I do believe I have things to offer the world and I desperately want the chance to do so.  I have a book to write and art to make and hopefully some years left to do what I can to give back to others who are struggling. That's my dream anyway. 

Sincere thanks in advance for any contributions to my healing journey. I won't forget your kindness. ❤