Abstract:
Stories of people becoming critically ill with Lyme disease are finally starting to emerge within communities and social arenas. For many, there is a sigh of relief, and for others, there is a sense of confusion and concern. Lyme disease has affected people for many years. Most of the literature focuses on medical treatments, issues with medical coverage, and the lack of medical acknowledgement. Few research studies exist that include personal stories and experiences that people with Lyme disease face daily. This study was designed to learn, understand, and describe how people with Lyme navigate the disease.
People with Lyme disease experience transformation within their everyday lives, a becoming of a different person. Their stories, as experienced through narrative inquiry, allow new knowledge to be gleaned through their journeys. Additionally, learning from one another within a community of support helps to educate and inspire everyone associated with the disease.
The realities of living with Lyme disease are hard to understand and resolve. Not unlike other diseases, it is imperative to learn about the effects of this disease. Recognizing coping strategies and understanding medical, nutritional, and other Lyme-related information is valuable. This poetic narrative inquiry provides an opportunity for those who suffer with Lyme disease to share their experiences. The stories told through poetry will provide new insights and a more robust understanding of what people with Lyme disease face daily.
