In remission!!!

After another six months of losing my physical self to chronic Lyme disease, I'm in remission!

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Hello, everyone! 

I've been AWOL for the past three weeks because I've been in remission from my chronic Lyme disease! 

It happened just like last year; suddenly, one day, I was just healthy.

​Just like a year ago I realized it because I worked out harder than I should have, but the next day I didn't feel like shit.

(Anyone with a chronic illness will feel the momentous significance of this.)

Just like last year, I tested it for a few days just to make sure, because it's really too good to be true. But yes, I'm back to my old self! I can thank the magic power of the sauna and swimming for this. If only I had known a year and a half ago when I first got sick!

I swam slowly two-three times a week and made sure that I went to the sauna four-six, because after the first time I felt actually energized for the first time in six months. It was amazing! And after just six weeks of this practice I woke up perfectly fine.

Photo by Haley Phelps

This is why I've been absent; working at the computer felt so connected with being sick for me, as it was the only thing I could really do, so I've been spending my days hiking, lifting weights, swimming, and deep-cleaning the house. I just walk around enjoying how fresh everything smells, haha.

My happiness levels rose so fast, because being active is such a big part of who I am. Needing to rest after just walking the dogs, being unable to properly vacuum the house because I can't handle the heavy vacuum, and not being able to exercise like I'm used to (not to mention swing dance or do obstacle races) took a very heavy mental toll on me.

Last year this lasted for six months, so I know that it might be quite short-lived. Which is why I've thrown myself into doing the things I can't when I'm sick, because I will enjoy moving and using my body as much as I can, while I can.

​Last August it came back after three days of dancing late into the night for three days while being terribly jet lagged. Somehow the exhaustion and severe lack of sleep kicked the Lyme into gear again, so this time I will make sure to take better care of myself. I know what the stakes are.

Photo by Quan Nguyen

It is crazy though how fast you adapt to new circumstances. Maybe I'm extra good at it since I've moved around so much between different countries and cultures, but this became my new normal so fast, just as being sick did. But I will do my best to not just take it for granted and keep appreciating that I have my body back!

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