As a mom, it’s easy to push through discomfort or convince ourselves we’re just stressed. But ignoring symptoms can lead to burnout, illness, or even chronic conditions that take much longer to heal. Listening to your body can be the key to avoiding illness and feeling well.
For me, it took a major chronic illness in my twenties to change how I approach my health. I went from reactive to proactive. Today, I take much better care of myself, which means I rarely need to see a doctor. But that mindset almost cost me this time. I told myself I was fine, when really, I was headed straight back into chronic Lyme.
The Subtle Signs I Almost Missed
At first, I just felt “off.” It was easy to blame stress or exhaustion, especially after a roller coaster of a year (hello, corporate layoff). But one by one, the symptoms stacked up until I couldn’t ignore them anymore.
Anxiety and Difficulty Breathing
The first symptoms to materialize were heightened anxiety and difficulty breathing. The anxiety was disruptive and it was ruining my quality of life.
At the same time, I started feeling pressure in my chest, almost like my breathing was restricted. This was a symptom I had experienced when I first had Lyme years ago, but I dismissed it as stress.
Physical Clues
The neck pain should have been an obvious clue, but it’s such a vague symptom that it was easy to overlook.
Sleep Disturbances
Out of the blue, I found myself tossing and turning, unable to get a good nights rest. A vague symptom that in isolation, doesn’t seem like anything serious.
Brain Fog
The difficulty concentrating was what finally made it all click. One day while working, I found myself staring at my computer, having trouble processing what was in front of me. That was when it really hit me: this wasn’t just stress, it was Lyme
How to Tune Into Your Body’s Signals
Our bodies are always trying to communicate with us. When something feels off, that’s a signal worth paying attention to. If something doesn’t go away, it’s worth digging into.
Like the first time, I didn’t have every textbook symptom. But enough started showing up that I finally put everything together and took action.
Notice Patterns
Journaling or tracking symptoms can be a game changer. Years ago, I used a printed calendar to log how I felt each day. This time, I used my phone notes. The more data you collect, the faster you and your doctor can connect the dots.
Trust Your Gut
You know your body better than anyone else. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t let a dismissive doctor convince you otherwise. If your concerns aren’t taken seriously, find someone who will listen and dig deeper.
Don’t Dismiss the Small Stuff
Minor symptoms are still symptoms. Even if they seem insignificant, they can point to something bigger. When they don’t resolve, it’s worth getting checked out.
Navigating Doctors
Finding the right doctor isn’t always straightforward. When I first had Lyme in my twenties, it took multiple attempts before I built a team I trusted. Getting recommendations from others helped to speed up the process.
Here’s what helped me navigate appointments then and now:
- Prep before appointments. Write down every symptom and every question so you don’t leave anything out.
- Keep records. I started a medical binder years ago with every test and result, and I still have it. I even brought it to this new appointment 15 years later to show my history and advocate for myself.
- Be confident. Go in prepared to speak up and push for answers.
Final Takeaway: Why Listening to Your Body Matters
I’m glad I listened to my body. I left that appointment with a prescription for antibiotics and a follow-up with an infectious disease doctor. Within the first two doses, my symptoms began to disappear. I was able to breathe again, the anxiety began to melt away and the fog was beginning to lift. If I waited even just another week or two, it could have become chronic (again).
If something feels off, listening to your body and acting on it is the key. Don’t wait until it gets worse. And if you’re facing something chronic, start gathering data and keep detailed notes. It might be the key to getting a faster, more accurate diagnosis.
