Overcoming Isolation and Loneliness While You Heal from Chronic Lyme with Susan Pogorzelski

This is episode 15 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.
Fred Diamond's popular book, "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know" offers those who love someone with persistent or chronic Lyme ideas and tips to support this beloved person. It also helps Lyme survivors know how to ask for support.
On today’s podcast, Fred interviews Susan Pogorzelski, author of "The Last Letter" and founder of the LymeBrave Foundation.
As Fred conducted the research for his book “Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know,” many persistent Lyme survivors shared how isolated they felt while healing. Many shared how they felt abandoned by family and friends.
On this week’s Love, Hope, Lyme podcast, founder of the LymeBrave Foundation and author of “The Last Letter” Susan Pogorzelski shared the struggles she felt while healing and what steps she took to overcome them.
If someone you love has been afflicted with Lyme disease, listen to this podcast now.
The e-version of Fred's book is always free for Lyme survivors. Just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn. The print copy can be ordered at www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme....

[@LymeBrave]

Thank you, Fred, for granting us the opportunity to share our story and our heart when it comes to Lyme disease awareness! And a huge thank you for your work in highlighting advocates and organizations that continue to support the Lyme community. 💚 - Susan

[@morganbeardslee7123]

Thanks Fred

[@freddiamond7485]

Subscribe on Apple podcasts at podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-isolation-and-loneliness-while-you-heal/id1686146398?i=1000638201571

[@rockybeachy]

When I heard her say “I’ve taken a step back,” I stopped listening. She is no longer engaged.

[@freddiamond7485]

LymeBrave still offers a number of resources. She offers good advice on how to overcome isolation and abandonment.

[@LymeBrave]

Hi there, I just wanted to respond directly and clear up some misconceptions about what it means for me to take a step back. My experiences with Lyme disease was a huge part of my life and, as such, became a huge part of my purpose. When I say that I don't want anyone to suffer or struggle as I had--or as I've seen so many of my friends in the Lyme community experience--I mean it with great sincerity. This is why I've been advocating tirelessly since I began to understand Lyme disease when I was diagnosed in 2012 and why I created LymeBrave Foundation.
Through my own healing and multiple relapses I put my own time, very limited resources, and heart into creating a safe space for the Lyme community, including writing blog posts, working with other organizations, giving talks to groups, and building LymeBrave from the ground up (including creating the website and all of its resources). I say this because in the end, it did take a toll on myself in that I had sacrificed my own emotional wellness because I dearly wanted to be of help for others. By stepping back, I've been able to help myself, which enables me to better provide for others--both for the Lyme community and in greater context thanks to my experiences with Lyme.
While I've taken a step back from the public eye when it comes to the Lyme community, I still respond personally to multiple emails a week in support of patients and stay up to date in creating helpful resources wherever possible. LymeBrave Foundation also continues to have resources available for the Lyme community. If you have any questions about my personal experiences or would like to discuss, feel free to email me at [e-mail].