By Judith Howard

I was bitten by a female deer tick in Missouri in July 2015. My doctor said there was no risk of infection at the time, and I was neither tested nor treated for tick-borne diseases.

However, after both of my parents died in 2017, I began experiencing unusual symptoms that seemed to slowly multiply.

In 2021, I became progressively worse with many unexpected and debilitating neurological, endocrine, and musculoskeletal issues.

Over 20 medical doctors failed to recognize my described symptoms. Several referred me to psychiatry for involuntary movements, brain fog, vision impairment, temperature dysregulation, debilitating fatigue, and neck pain.

Finally, some answers

In 2022, 15 months after the most significant symptoms began, a friend asked if I had ever been bitten by a tick. I said yes, seven years before. She suggested I watch the documentary film “Under Our Skin.” I related to every story in it! She helped me find a Lyme-literate doctor, who diagnosed me with Lyme disease and started treatment.

I have since been treated with numerous antibiotic protocols and supplements and have improved significantly.

However, Lyme-related complications continue to prevent me from professional and personal activities. The highly engaged and ambitious life I enjoyed before Lyme disease will take time to restore.

I’ve written songs since I was 12, and have been a bar musician solo act since I was 16. Music has been a great outlet and hobby. I had developed a great career in corporate management in the 26 years prior to becoming a near-invalid with Lyme at 50.

I spent many hours writing songs in my mind when I couldn’t move. I was able to make a rough vocal track, with lyrics and chords, in one 5 minute take. I managed to find a producer in Nashville to record my songs with studio musicians, and am happy I did.

They have produced 12 songs for a Got Lyme collection related to this journey. I am teaching myself new skills and developing lyric videos for the “Got Lyme” YouTube channel. I hope to create a free, digital space for other Lyme songwriters to add their songs about the Lyme journey.

“Dear Lyme”

This is the title track, “Dear Lyme.”  It is meant to validate the reality of losses, and inspire strength to take down Lyme, like the mean bully that it is.

Recovery comes at a cost, which most Lyme patients cannot afford. Medical insurance will not cover Lyme disease testing, long-term treatments, or accommodations.

I sold my house to afford my effective treatments and recovery support. I believe this is an unfair advantage that most do not have. We all deserve a chance to access the available Lyme disease treatments to heal and recover.

Judith Howard is taking part in this week’s virtual Lyme Fly-In, asking her Congressional representatives to provide more federal funding for Lyme disease research.