My Story
Hello! I’m so happy you’re here. I’m Lauren, the author behind Silent Suffering, and the one who runs the Healing Lyme With Lauren podcast. Whether reading what I write or listening to my podcast, my desire is that you would feel more like a friend than an outsider looking in. I know how lonely chronic illness is, and if I can make you feel heard or any less alone, then it’s all worth it to me.
A bit of my story: When I was nine years old, after developing severe arthritis among other health issues, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I was treated with antibiotics, which eventually helped me function again but still had multiple immune-induced problems in my teen years. I lived in Michigan until I was twelve, and then my family and I moved to Tennessee. As a teenager, I was a fully functioning athlete. I was extremely dedicated to track & field and planned to run in college, but I had a back injury my senior year and was told I could never run competitively again. I then went on to do mission & volunteer work in Panama & Mexico. It was during my time there that I began experiencing debilitating pain - which was the first of many symptoms I developed.
From 2012-2015, I was dismissed by the medical field and was told I was depressed and would have to eventually learn how to live with the pain. I decided to move to Canada in 2015 for Lyme treatment & better support and lived there for almost a year then moved to Seattle to continue treatment with another naturopath who specialized in Lyme. My healing journey has not been linear - there have been many ups and downs. At my worst, in 2020, I was using a wheelchair. I have pursued many different treatments with various specialists in Germany, Tennessee, Georgia, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. Throughout this healing of not only my body, but also my heart, mind, & soul, God has been so good. He has been so faithful.
Most of my 20s were spent bedridden, alone, and confused. There’s a lot of grief from those years that I’m still processing through. But at the same time, those years were such defining years. They taught me invaluable lessons that I will never forget.
All the diagnoses, labels… they were all just a sign that there was something deeper going on & that we needed to get to the root of the problem. Much of what was happening was my body/brain was in chronic fight-or-flight, my body did not feel safe, my nervous system and limbic system were completely out of whack, I had grown up with toxic relationships, I was somewhat of a workaholic, and I based some of my worth off of my achievements. Doing more was my badge of honor.
Nowadays, I lead a much slower life. It’s much more fulfilling, peaceful, & abundant. 🙂 I’m slowly learning how to thrive - in my health, relationally, & financially. I am so grateful I’ve been given a second chance at life.
Some of the symptoms I've experienced due to Lyme, co-infections, mold illness, and parasites include but are not limited to: peripheral neuropathy, unbearable neck and back pain, muscle/nerve pain, brain inflammation, loss of energy and consistent mobility, jaw pain, tremors, sharp nerve pain all over my head and body, heart palpitations, organ pain, weakness and numbness in various parts of my body, cognitive dysfunction, arthritis, losing control of things in my hands, heat intolerability, memory loss, insomnia, chest pain, irregular breathing, ruptured ovarian cysts, endometriosis, panic attacks, fits of rage (lyme rage is a real thing), depression, anxiety, no appetite, nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, my heart rate skyrocketing when going from lying down to sitting or standing, slowed motor skills, lyme carditis, muscle spasms, tinnitus, mood swings, paresthesia, feeling like my body is on fire after 30 seconds of exercise, endless body aches/feeling like you have the flu, and vertigo/dizziness to name a few. Most of these symptoms went on for the last 8-11 years.
Though I still deal with different symptoms every day, I am seeing massive improvements in my health and experiencing a lot more life these days than I used to be able to. I believe that we as humans are truly wired for healing! In my book, Silent Suffering, I share all the healing modalities that have been most helpful to me as well as all the treatments that didn't work for me. I am continually finding that going back to the basics - like getting your circadian rhythm in order, morning sunlight, grounding, eating a diet that works with your blood type, drinking the right filtered water, light walking if possible (and resting whenever you need to), and prioritizing sleep (though very challenging and sometimes out of your control when you have Lyme due to pain or other issues) - are all free forms of treatment that we can use every day.
This healing of my heart, body, mind, and soul is a windy path. There is no set map to follow - no guaranteed medication or protocol that ensures healing from all of this. What I’ve found is that it all comes in layers - physically, emotionally, mentally, & spiritually.
I love getting to link arms with so many of you on your own healing paths. However I can help - whether that be through my podcast, book, coaching, future audio course, or the tools I share that have helped me along the way, I’m so thankful to be on this journey with you.
I am slowly getting back into working as my brain and body allow. As writing is my passion, I do some book editing + cover designing for other authors. After dealing with an awful book cover designer, I made it my mission to give other authors a different experience. I am also a Lyme coach (if that’s a thing?) For editing or coaching inquiries, you can email me at lauren@lauren-murphree.com.
I am continuing holistic treatment while I am writing my second book. I enjoy creating a sense of community for others, being outdoors, and making a positive difference in people's lives. I currently live outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
My next book, I Have Lyme: Now What? is expected to be released in 2025.
