Nina Siegel’s Story

I was just 17 years old when I was diagnosed with mono. Not long after that came fibromyalgia, arthritis, neurological problems, pain. Doctor after doctor was just another diagnosis. No one ever wonders WHY all these horrible things were happening to me. Every doctor had another drug or surgery they wanted me to try. I somehow graduated high school early by the grace of God and help of my teachers. I went through 2 semesters of college and barley passed, my third attempt I had to drop out because my brain had no use academically.

It look 3 years for someone to test me for Lyme disease and finally get a positive diagnosis. I’m now 20 years old and have never been sicker. I suffer from shingles, extreme arthritis, mold overload, gene mutations, no memory, no neurotransmitters, hormone problems, parasites, lymphedema, unimaginably horrible pain.

Every day I suffer waiting for the next place to go, or next protocol to try. I lost all my friends, no one ever believed me. Do you know why? Because it’s the invisible disease.
Everyone always asks me “how are you still smiling?” Honestly, I’m not sure. I have every reason to not be. But I know there’s a reason why I’m being put through all this. If anything I want my story to bring awareness, help others, bring a cure. I’ve lost 4 years of my childhood that I will never get back. The things I’ve seen and done, should NEVER have to happen.

I’m blessed with amazing parents and boyfriend who never stop trying to help me. I hope one day everyone can at least have a doctor advocating for them, trying to get to the bottom of Lyme disease.