I’ve lost count of the number of times people have asked me what it is like living with Lyme disease, and, furthermore, the ways in which the illness impacts my daily life. As much as I appreciate the interest and the willingness of others to learn more about Lyme disease, I always explain to individuals that Lyme disease, much like most chronic illnesses, affects each person differently. No two cases are the same, therefore, no two people experience Lyme disease with identical symptoms, if that makes sense.
A lot of people, understandably, are quite shocked when I tell them I play rugby, considering I have Lyme disease. What is perceived by others is one thing, but what I encounter after a hard practice, let alone a game, is not what the general public sees.
Playing rugby with Lyme disease is not easy, nor is it particularly pleasant. Every hit, impact, whack and tackle hurts that much more since having Lyme, and my recovery from injuries is often lengthier than most of my teammates with similar injuries. But, the joy the game brings me does wonders for my mental health, which is why I’ve decided to play the game until my body can no longer withstand the violence.
My Lyme disease is different than someone else dealing with the same condition, and I think the ways in which chronic illness impacts each person differently is something that requires a broader general understanding. I have Lyme disease and am able to play rugby, but there are people who are in wheelchairs because of the same disease. Every case is unique, and every person has different needs and limitations, depending on how the illness has affected them personally.
Chronic illnesses are complicated, and they’re not by any means similar across the board. I think we could do better in terms of understanding this knowledge in a broader context.
Photo by Thomas Serer on Unsplash
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