From a tick bite to a complex journey—finding answers and hope
Penelope’s journey began with what looked like a simple bite. What followed was a battle with panic attacks, vocal tics, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and insomnia—symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed as “just psychiatric.”
Her mom refused to accept that answer. She pushed for testing and eventually learned Penelope was fighting multiple infections including Lyme, Bartonella, Mycoplasma, Borrelia, and more—all triggering PANS/PANDAS.
With the right doctors and treatment, Penelope is now in remission from PANS/PANDAS and thriving—back to playing soccer, gymnastics, and enjoying life.
Learn More about Tick Borne Disorders today!
One year ago, Penelope was bitten by a tick, marking the beginning of our journey to uncover the truth. When she showed me the characteristic bull’s-eye bite, I initially mistook it for a spider bite, being unaware of Ticks and Lyme Disease.
As her symptoms progressed from a mild cold to severe panic attacks, difficulty breathing, vocal tics, and a mild fever, I sought emergency medical attention despite professionals’ suggestions of a psychiatric evaluation. This big hospital believed she was seeking attention and refused to test her for any infections. Doctor after doctor – no help. I persisted, knowing time was crucial. I refused to believe that this was nothing and knew time was of the essence. I didn’t allow these doctors to tell me to sit and wait or tell me this was a theatrical episode.
As Penelope’s symptoms worsened, including panic attacks, severe headaches, balance loss, nausea, sensitivity to noise, dizziness, anxiety, and insomnia. These doctors wanted to numb my daughter, and I refused. I wanted answers to why her body was being attacked in this manner. I turned to ASPIRE: The Alliance to Solve PANS and Immune Related Encephalopathies, a specialist for help. They guided me to the right doctors who would not ignore my daughter.
Penelope was eventually diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia, Lyme disease, Bartonella, Borrelia, encephalitis, and symptoms from mold exposure. Once my daughter tested positive for Lyme, we moved her to a functional medicine doctor. They have been the key component to her healing journey. Today, she is in remission from PANS/PANDA following the removal of her adenoids and tonsils, which revealed strep in the back of her throat. Since her surgery, Penelope has been symptom-free! We continue to work towards overcoming Lyme. Penelope has an autoimmune brain disease. Her brain was being attacked when she had an infection, and this disease gets triggered by Lyme, Strep, mycoplasma pneumonia, viruses, and mold. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of 200 children has this condition without their parents knowing, and is misdiagnosed and misguided down incorrect treatment paths.
It’s been a tough year… God helped me, guided me to all the right people. God’s will gave me the strength to advocate for my daughter and not to let them control my daughter’s destiny. If I had listened to these doctors whom we had trusted, God forbid, Penelope would not be here with us today. Currently, Penelope is a straight-A student who enjoys playing soccer. Her doctors are amazed that she continues to play soccer and gymnastics, and feels really good about it. They say she is lucky to be so active! It was not an easy battle; we had not-so-good days, weeks, and months. I’m traumatized by this disease and the doctors who ignored my daughter.
Penelope was one of the lucky ones; many others have been misguided and lost their battle with PANS/PANDAS or with a tick borne disease.
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Gabriella True
