Episode 343: Shining Through Lyme - an interview with Becca Greenberg

Becca Greenberg is a 26-year-old rhinestone artist from Florida who grew up in upstate New York. Prior to getting sick, Becca was very social, had excellent grades, and ran 25 miles a week. Becca was bit by a tick at the age of 9 and was likely reinfected at least once in her childhood. At the young age of 14, Becca became wheelchair-bound and developed an array of symptoms, including fainting spells, dizziness, migraines, sudden onset confusion, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, muscle pain, fatigue, left-sided paralysis, tachycardia, hearing loss, vision loss, and hallucinations. Doctors dismissed Becca and told her she was "just going through puberty" or that it was all in her head. Becca's mom posted on Facebook looking for answers and had a friend who was a doctor reach out and say that her symptoms were consistent with Lyme disease. Becca got tested and was positive for Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella. Bercca treated with her mom's friend for 9 months on oral antibiotics, but she didn't get any better. Next, Becca visited Dr. Daniel Cameron where she got an additional diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and was treated with IV Rocephin and a rotation of oral antibiotics for almost 2 years. At the end of treatment, Becca was completely symptom-free. Becca re-entered life full force and suffered a crash, but she discusses how she skipped the recovery and maintenance faces of recovery and how she's now focusing on that part of her journey. If you'd like to learn how a determined young woman has navigated the ups and downs of Lyme, uses her artwork to bring joy to others, and is giving back to the Lyme community, then tune in now! PS Emma Pikoulas special guest co-hosted this interview with Matt from Tick Boot Camp!