I like so many things about Rachel’s YouTube video, I hardly know where to start. She’s so earnest, so honest, so insightful.

The details she gives of life with lyme at 14 along with her perspective at age 20 reveals so much. Her juxtaposition of “then” and “now” is simply brilliant.

I’m right there empathizing as she describes the gradual onset of her symptoms over several years, from knee pain to total collapse.

I know just how she felt when dismissive doctors didn’t believe her pain was almost off the charts…or declared that she didn’t have lyme.

Like Rachel, I know how lucky I am to have the support of steadfast friends and family to see me thorough.

What I do not share with Rachel is what it’s like to be a teenager with lyme. However, from listening to many moms who live with and support sick kids every day, I’m keenly aware of all that teens miss.

They lose out on things they can never recapture, from the social life and studies at school to scouting and the soccer team, drama club, a first date, and prom. And countless other special times.

If you are a teen and you feel like some people in your life just don’t get it, this is a good video to share with family, friends, and maybe even teachers.

By the way, while people who weren’t diagnosed for a long time may need treatment for longer, every recovery timetable is different.

The important thing to keep in mind is Rachel at 20, and knowing that however long it takes, it will eventually be possible to get out of bed, feel energetic, and get back to doing the things you love.

Thanks for sharing, Rachel.

You can post comments for Rachel aka gigglegirl13 on her YouTube page.

Tagged: bedridden, children, inspiration, knee pain, lyme disease, missing school, recovery, school, soccer, teenager, teenagers