Opinions expressed by contributors are their own. Jennifer Crystal is a writer and educator in Boston. Her work has appeared in local and national publications including Harvard Health Publishing and The Boston Globe. As a GLA columnist for over six years, her work on GLA.org has received mention in publications such as The New Yorker, weatherchannel.com, CQ Researcher, and ProHealth.com. Jennifer is a patient advocate who has dealt with chronic illness, including Lyme and other tick-borne infections. Her memoir, One Tick Stopped the Clock, is forthcoming from Legacy Book Press in September 2024. Ten percent of proceeds from the book will go to Global Lyme Alliance. Contact her via email below.
Email: lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com
Articles
November 12, 2024
Learn the ten critical symptoms of Lyme disease that you should never overlook and understand why early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Lyme disease is sometimes called “The Great Imitator” bec...
From Bedridden to Red Carpet: A Lyme Warrior's Inspiring Journey at the GLA Gala
November 4, 2024
A Lyme warrior recounts her inspiring journey from illness to walking the red carpet at the Global Lyme Alliance Gala, celebrating GLA's progress in Lyme disease research and patient support. When I w...
Fall is Still Tick Season
October 29, 2024
Ticks are active in fall and winter. Learn how to protect yourself and your pets from Lyme and other tick-borne diseases year-round. Stay informed and safe outdoors. I recently gave a talk about myths...
Life After 'I'm Not Crazy, I'm Sick': The Mode Family’s Ongoing Struggles and Hopes for the Future
September 29, 2024
Update on the Mode family from the Lyme documentary, I'm Not Crazy, I'm Sick, highlighting their ongoing struggles with treatment access, financial hardships, and hopes for a better future. The Lyme d...
Dear Lyme Warrior... Help!
September 24, 2024
Jennifer Crystal addresses questions on Lyme disease symptoms, including extreme thirst, aggression, and cardiac issues, offering insights and advice for managing these challenges. Dear Lyme Warrior…e...
Adjunct Therapies for Lyme Disease: Talk Therapy
September 9, 2024
Learn the role of talk therapy in managing Lyme disease, its emotional impacts, and the importance of finding the right therapist for holistic healing. When I was first sick with symptoms of Lyme dise...
Adjunct Therapies for Lyme Disease: Neurofeedback
August 26, 2024
Learn about the benefits of neurofeedback as an adjunct therapy for Lyme disease, how it works, and how to find a practitioner. Find out how neurofeedback can help manage symptoms and improve quality ...
Leaky Gut and Lyme Disease
August 15, 2024
Learn about the connection between Lyme disease and leaky gut syndrome, how it affects your health, and effective treatment options. For two years before I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, babesiosis,...
Epstein-Barr Virus and Lyme Disease: A Patient's Perspective
August 7, 2024
Understand the intricate relationship between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Lyme Disease through the experience of Jennifer Crystal. Learn how they coexist and impact each other in chronic illness. Whe...
Tips to Improve Energy Levels with Lyme Disease
June 20, 2024
Learn how to improve energy levels with Lyme disease through pacing, rest, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and more. Discover tips for managing chronic fatigue and finding balance. Being sick is exhau...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help!
June 11, 2024
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com. I have been battling Lym...
Lyme Disease and Lymphatic Drainage
June 7, 2024
Learn the impact of Lyme on the lymphatic system and ways to promote drainage for clearer thinking and overall wellness. Recently I was telling a friend about my integrative manual therapy appointment...
Ötzi the Ice Man: His Story and Significance
May 31, 2024
Discover the ancient origins of Lyme disease through Ötzi the Ice Man's story, an "intriguing investigative lead" shedding light on the history of Lyme. Learn how research on this 5300-year-old man is...
Coping with Lyme Disease Flares: Tips for Managing Symptom Exacerbations
May 21, 2024
Learn how to manage Lyme disease flares with tips on symptom tracking, self-care, pacing, and seeking medical attention. Expert advice for navigating symptom exacerbations. One of the most frustrating...
What Does Lyme Disease Awareness Month Mean to Me? A Lyme Warrior Reflects
May 6, 2024
Explore the journey of a Lyme warrior reflecting on progress, setbacks, and strides in Lyme disease awareness. For many years when I was battling acute Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, I felt like ...
Babesiosis Versus Bartonellosis: The Lived Experience
April 3, 2024
Explore the differences between Babesiosis and Bartonellosis, uncovering the complexities of vector-borne diseases and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. Before I was diagnosed with tick-borne...
Navigating the Challenges of Lyme Disease in the Workplace
March 25, 2024
Learn how to navigate the challenges of working with Lyme disease, from rights and accommodations to disclosure and disability options. Find support and resources for managing your career while living...
Glutathione and Lyme Disease, a Patient's Perspective
March 19, 2024
Learn how glutathione can help support Lyme disease symptoms like brain fog and fatigue. From Jennifer Crystal's personal experience, learn its benefits and the importance of consulting a Lyme Literat...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help!
February 16, 2024
Preparing for your first visit with a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor? Should you rest or get out each day when you have Lyme disease? All this and more in Jennifer Crystal's latest edition of "Dear Lyme...
Lyme Disease Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances
January 31, 2024
Learn about the impact of Lyme disease on sleep, Lyme disease insomnia, and how to manage sleep disturbances. Discover why Lyme disease causes sleep problems and find effective remedies to improve sle...
Lyme Disease Facial Palsy: Difference Between Bell's Palsy & Lyme
November 14, 2023
Learn about the connection between Lyme disease and facial palsy, a symptom of neurological Lyme disease. Discover the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to avoid long-term complications. Sin...
Chronic Lyme is Getting More Validation
October 23, 2023
The narrative around chronic Lyme disease is shifting, bringing more validation to those who have been battling for recognition of their illness. Despite the progress, there is still work to be done.
Fever and Lyme Disease
October 5, 2023
Discover the importance of recognizing and addressing low-grade fevers, especially in the context of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Learn why it's crucial to take fevers seriously and seek me...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help!
September 25, 2023
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com.
What it Means to Live with Chronic Lyme Disease
September 18, 2023
Whenever I tell someone that I’m a writer, their natural question is, “what do you write about?” If we get past the perfunctory response of “health content,” the subject turns fairly quickly to Lyme d...
Review of Newly Released Lyme Disease Doc., I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick
May 31, 2023
This gripping documentary exposes the relentless fight of patients against Lyme disease and chronic illness. When I first saw the Lyme disease documentary Under Our Skin in 2008, I had to leave the th...
Crashing After Activity with Lyme Disease
May 10, 2023
Those with Lyme disease have to fight against symptoms of fatigue, especially after strenuous activity. One of the hardest parts of being sick with Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and chronic ...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! A New Book on Lyme, Co-Infections, and Long COVID Coming 2024
April 28, 2023
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com. There is much debate on ...
Lyme Disease and POTS
February 3, 2023
Have you heard of POTS? Between my freshman and sophomore years of college, I was bitten by a tick while working at a summer camp in the woods of Maine. As I’ve described in many of my blog posts, it ...
Victim Blaming and Lyme Disease
February 1, 2023
Lyme patients need to learn about victim blaming so they can protect themselves when visiting with their doctor. A friend with long COVID recently saw a physician about memory issues she’s experienced...
RSV, COVID, or the Flu? As a Lyme Patient, This Isn’t My First Time Dealing With a Misdiagnosis
December 20, 2022
There is a lot of sickness going around this winter with COVID-19 and RSV. It's important to prioritize your health and advocate for yourself when speaking to your physician about Lyme or any other il...
The Tick-Borne Disease Babesiosis Can Cause Neurological Symptoms
December 20, 2022
Tick-borne infections can result in neurological symptoms, as is the case with babesiosis. Whenever someone tells me they found a tick bite or got diagnosed with Lyme disease, I always reply, “Make su...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! Babesiosis, Air Hunger, and Lab Work
November 28, 2022
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com. Have you had long term p...
Dear Lyme Warrior ... Help! Herxheimer Reactions, Fatigue, and Healing Without the Use of Antibiotics
November 1, 2022
Every couple months, Lyme Warrior Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Here are her answers to questions she is frequently asked. Do you have a question for Jennifer? Email h...
Lyme Disease and Sensory Overload
August 22, 2022
Lyme disease can result in sensory overloading, causing patients to develop a sensitivity to both light and sound. A few years ago, some new friends invited me for a night out at what I thought was go...
Lyme Disease and The Effects of Vitamin D
August 16, 2022
Lyme disease can deplete your vitamin D levels–which ironically, are essential in your recovery. Read about the positive effects of Vitamin D and techniques to increase it. While kayaking recently, a ...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! Lyme Diagnoses, Testing, and Bloodwork.
August 12, 2022
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com. How were you finally dia...
When Lyme Disease Takes Away Your Energy
July 21, 2022
Those with Lyme are not lazy or unmotivated. They are suffering from a lack of energy as a result of fighting an invisible illness. During my long convalescence with Lyme disease, I was close to bedri...
Lack of Respect for Those With Lyme Disease
July 15, 2022
Lyme disease patients deserve to be treated with respect from not only doctors, but also colleagues, friends, and family. The other day I went for a standard blood draw, something I’ve been doing ever...
When Lyme Interrupts Your Life Path
July 5, 2022
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases can change the trajectory of your life, but this perspective is what you need to keep moving forward. I’m a natural planner. As a child, I’d line up my stuffed anima...
Lyme and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
June 16, 2022
Many who contract chronic Lyme disease develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of the stress, pain, and suffering. For many years after my April 2007 relapse of Lyme and other tick-b...
The Most Helpful Thing in My Lyme Journey
June 14, 2022
The article discusses the one thing that has helped me most in my Lyme journey. Lyme warriors write to me every day to ask what helped me get better. Many of them have been suffering from persistent s...
Things I Didn’t Know About Lyme Disease Until I Got It
June 6, 2022
Here is some important information about Lyme disease that I only learned after having contracted it. Before I was accurately diagnosed with Lyme disease (and other tick-borne infections)—eight years ...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! Tick Bites and Co-Infections
May 27, 2022
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com. Now that tick season is ...
Is it Lyme or a Co-infection? Knowing the Difference Can Make a Difference
April 26, 2022
In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can transmit a variety of co-infections that make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis and complicate the healing process. As tick populations and Lyme...
Where Am I? Disorientation and Lyme Disease
April 22, 2022
Do you know what it's like to have Lyme disease and suffer from disorientation? It can result in confusion or forgetfulness. The other night while making dinner, I thought of something I needed to add...
Dear Lyme Warrior...Help! Self-Image and Memory Loss
April 11, 2022
As a Lyme warrior, how do I love and forgive this new version of myself, even though it’s not who I am at my core? Do you have a question for Jennifer Crystal? Email her at jennifercrystalwriter@gmail...
Lyme Disease and the Eyes
March 18, 2022
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases can cause many ocular manifestations including double or blurry vision, floaters, conjunctivitis (pink eye), inflammation of several parts of the eye, sensitivity to...
Recovering From Lyme Disease: How to Promote Healing
February 28, 2022
Here are several ways to support one's recovery including following a Lyme diet, detoxing, and listening to your body. If you’ve been diagnosed with Lyme disease, the most pressing question you probab...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! Lyme disease and Mood Swings, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Body Aches.
February 15, 2022
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Below she answers some that she’s recently received. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarri...
Reactivated Infections: A Possible Piece of the Chronic Illness Puzzle
January 28, 2022
Did you know that old infections can get reactivated due to COVID-19 or tick-borne illness? For almost two years now, comparisons have been drawn between long-haul COVID-19 and long-haul tick-borne il...
Lyme Disease and Fatigue
January 21, 2022
The severity of fatigue that comes with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses can be difficult to describe because Lyme disease fatigue is a whole different story When I was sick with COVID-19 in 2020, ...
What it Means for a Patient to be Heard
December 15, 2021
A friend experiencing unusual fatigue finally went to see a doctor recently. “I was so nervous,” she told me. “I was afraid he wouldn’t believe me.”
Adjunct Therapies That Have Helped with My Tick-Borne Illnesses
November 30, 2021
Jen Crystal discusses the adjunct therapies that helped her in her Lyme disease journey. Patients write to me every day asking what helped me achieve remission from tick-borne illness. I wish there wa...
How Does Having Lyme Disease Affect Your Relationships?
November 8, 2021
Countless Lyme disease patients have asked me, has Lyme disease affected your relationships?
Lyme Disease and Depression
October 6, 2021
Many people who are fighting Lyme disease also suffer from depression. “Maybe you’re just depressed.”
Dear Lyme Warrior...Help! Lyme Treatment and Dormant Spirochetes
September 26, 2021
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com.
Anxiety and Lyme Disease
July 12, 2021
Tick-borne illnesses can not only exacerbate underlying anxiety, but also cause it. I have always been an anxious person. My mother says that as a child, I looked carefully around any new environment,...
The Value of Independence for the Chronically Ill
July 2, 2021
"I needed help with everything: cooking, cleaning, even washing my hair. As medical bills mounted, my savings quickly dwindled, and along with it, my precious independence." When my friend’s son was a...
Dear Lyme Warrior...Help!
June 28, 2021
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com.
Gastrointestinal Issues with Lyme Disease
June 21, 2021
Lyme disease patients can develop gastrointestinal issues from the prolonged use of antibiotics and the infection itself. When patients consider taking long-term antibiotics for persistent Lyme diseas...
The Danger of “Waiting and Seeing” With Lyme Disease
June 14, 2021
When someone finds an engorged tick, their doctor may tell them to “wait and see” if they develop a rash or other symptoms. This approach is downright dangerous. Here’s why. Though ticks are a year-ro...
What Improves Lyme Disease Cognitive Symptoms?
June 2, 2021
Here are some tips to help improve cognitive function for those suffering from Lyme disease. When Lyme disease bacteria ( spirochetes) cross the blood-brain barrier, they can cause myriad neurological...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! Pulsing Antibiotics, Rashes, and Insomnia
May 26, 2021
Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com. Is it helpful to pulse a...
Did You Pull a Tick Off of You? Here’s Why You Should Keep It
May 20, 2021
Ticks can carry multiple disease, including Lyme disease and other co-infections, which is why you should save the tick and send it out for testing. Recently, a friend texted me a photo of a tick she ...
The Lyme Disease Diet
May 12, 2021
Tips for what to eat when you have Lyme disease Many patients write to me asking about what is commonly known as “The Lyme Diet.” Since I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I stick to a low-sugar, gl...
5 Reasons Why You Should Care About Lyme Disease
May 4, 2021
"The fact is, everyone should care about Lyme disease. Here are five reasons why." May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Some people may think, “Oh, I already know about Lyme disease. You only have it ...
Lyme Disease and Inflammation
April 26, 2021
We patients must remember that Lyme is an inflammatory disease. Flare-ups often involve increased inflammation.
Tips for Time Management When Living with Chronic Illness
April 16, 2021
by Jennifer Crystal Time management is not easy for the chronically ill, but these tips have helped me to make my life not just manageable, but also enjoyable. During my acute phase of Lyme disease, b...
The Impatient Patient
April 12, 2021
by Jennifer Crystal When would I get better? Why was I not seeing improvement every day? Recently a friend’s toddler son asked her for a snack. Holding his baby sister, my friend told her son he’d nee...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! Anti-Inflammatory Diets and GLA's Peer to Peer Mentorship Program
April 6, 2021
by Jennifer Crystal Every few months, Jennifer Crystal devotes a column to answering your questions. Do you have a question for Jennifer? If so, email her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com. Why ...
Excessive Thirst and Lyme Disease
March 29, 2021
Did you know that Lyme disease can result in excessive thirst? Read about a woman's Lyme journey, how she persevered after doctors had brushed her off, and what she did to combat the thirst. One of my...
Saving Spoons: Not Just of Energy, But of Time
March 22, 2021
Those with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses may struggle to complete daily tasks and activities due to a lack of energy. The “Spoon Theory” has become well-known in the chronic illness worl...
Beating the Winter Blues
March 8, 2021
By Jennifer Crystal In the best of times, late winter can drag for people. Cabin fever and a longing for sunshine and warmth make us feel like we’re in the movie Groundhog Day, repeating the same scen...
Long Haul COVID-19 Brings Attention to Persistent Lyme
March 1, 2021
by Jennifer Crystal This past January, the New York Times published an article entitled “ What if You Never Get Better From Covid-19?”. Many Lyme patients sent it to me in frustration. “This is just l...
Dear Lyme Warrior...Help! Rheumatoid Arthritis, the CD-57 Test, and the Use of Sleep Medication
January 4, 2021
by Jennifer Crystal
The Holidays: Ways to Participate When You Can’t Be There in Person
December 21, 2020
by Jennifer Crystal As the holidays near and COVID-19 numbers spike, people are scrambling to figure out plans. Should they travel? Can they see family? If not, will the holidays still be the holidays...
Lyme and Memory Loss
December 7, 2020
What causes memory loss specifically? And what does it feel like to experience it?
Dear Lyme Warrior...Help! Lyme Disease Remission and Alzheimers
November 23, 2020
by Jennifer Crystal
Wondering What to Say to a Lyme Patient? Try These Conversation Starters
November 15, 2020
by Jennifer Crystal
The Relationship Between Candida and Lyme Disease
November 9, 2020
Strategies and treatments for Lyme patients to avoid Candida overgrowth
What Avril Lavigne's Virtual #FightLyme Concert Taught Me
October 30, 2020
by Jennifer Crystal In lieu of an in-person gala, GLA presents successful virtual fundraising concert, #FightLyme with Avril Lavigne and friends.
My Lyme Disease Is In Remission. How Do I Keep It That Way?
October 20, 2020
You're in remission from Lyme disease? That's great news! Click to discover key practices to help you stay healthy and avoid potential relapse.
Intravenous Antibiotics for Lyme: Pros, Cons, and the Lived Experience
September 3, 2020
Has your doctor recommended you get a PICC line to treat your Lyme disease? Here are the pros and cons of IV antibiotics for Lyme. When diagnosed right away, many cases of Lyme disease can be treated ...
Dear Lyme Warrior…Help! Tick Bites, Being Bedridden, and Migraine Treatments
August 27, 2020
by Jennifer Crystal