“The Bachelor” alum Kelley Flanagan shares how her life has changed since being diagnosed with Lyme disease.
When did you first start noticing signs and symptoms?
I’ve had health struggles dating back to when I was 9 or 10 years old. For years, I sought answers at the Mayo Clinic, undergoing countless tests, yet no consistent diagnosis could be found. Even several renowned doctors ultimately turned me away, saying they didn’t know what was wrong.
It was around fourth grade that I first noticed my body reacting differently compared to my five siblings. After eating dinner, I often felt unwell, and my energy levels were noticeably low. I always had a sense that my health wasn’t typical — I was constantly cautious with my decisions, aware that I wasn’t living the way most people did.
Some days, my energy was so depleted that I couldn’t even get out of bed. On others, my brain fog was so severe that forming coherent sentences felt impossible. These symptoms became a persistent challenge, shaping how I navigated life from a very young age.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced since being diagnosed?
The biggest challenges I’ve faced post-diagnosis have been adjusting to the recommended anti-inflammatory diet and navigating the realities of today’s food system. Eating out at restaurants has become nearly impossible, as it’s difficult to ensure the food aligns with dietary restrictions. The modern food industry is riddled with loopholes that allow for genetic modification and the inclusion of harmful additives, which often exacerbate inflammation and hinder the healing process for individuals with Lyme disease. Instead of supporting health, much of our food system now works against it, leaving those with chronic illnesses like Lyme at a disadvantage.
Another significant challenge has been the lack of widespread medical knowledge about Lyme disease. Many doctors are not adequately educated about Lyme, its co-infections, and the complexities of chronic cases. Patients often face misdiagnoses, delays in treatment, or dismissive attitudes because Lyme is not universally understood in the medical community. This leaves many of us navigating our own research and relying on specialists or functional medicine practitioners to find answers.
Additionally, many Lyme patients deal with debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and chronic pain, which make even daily tasks feel insurmountable. Emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, and isolation are also common, as the physical symptoms can significantly disrupt work, relationships, and social life. Post-diagnosis, it’s not just about managing the disease but also about finding ways to cope with its ripple effects on every aspect of life.
Has your diagnosis impacted your personal or professional life, and if so, how?
Lyme disease has significantly impacted both my professional and personal life in ways that go far beyond the physical symptoms. My body is far more sensitive than the average person’s, requiring me to avoid a host of things that most 32-year-olds wouldn’t think twice about. Whether it’s certain foods, environments, or even physical activities, I’m constantly having to assess what’s safe for me and what could exacerbate my symptoms.
One of the most challenging aspects has been dealing with persistent fatigue and lack of energy, which can make even routine tasks feel insurmountable. Motivation is often hard to muster when brain fog clouds your thoughts and your body feels drained. Professionally, this has meant scaling back on work or restructuring my career to allow for more flexibility and rest. Personally, it has meant missing out on social events or time with loved ones because my body simply doesn’t have the energy.
Living with Lyme disease often feels like taking on a second full-time job. A significant amount of time and energy is spent researching the disease, managing symptoms, and navigating treatments. You become your own advocate, learning about dietary restrictions, supplements, and therapies while keeping up with the latest medical findings — because the medical community often doesn’t provide the answers you need.
For many in the Lyme community, the impacts are similar but can vary in intensity. Some people face financial strain from costly treatments that aren’t always covered by insurance. Others struggle with isolation, as friends and family may not fully understand the invisible nature of the disease. Relationships can be tested as partners or loved ones navigate the unpredictability of symptoms alongside the patient. On a broader scale, Lyme disease forces individuals to rethink their priorities, often reshaping their entire lives around health and healing.
While it’s a constant challenge, it has also taught me resilience and the importance of self-advocacy. It’s a journey of learning to live differently while striving to regain a sense of normalcy in both professional and personal spheres.
Do you think the general public has a good understanding of Lyme disease, or is there a stigma that those diagnosed with Lyme disease face?
Unfortunately, the general public does not have a strong understanding of Lyme disease, and there is often significant stigma surrounding those diagnosed with it. Many doctors are taught in medical school that chronic Lyme disease doesn’t exist, which creates a ripple effect of disbelief and dismissal. As a result, when public attention is brought to this topic, it’s easy for people to cast judgment or claim that those suffering are delusional.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of extensive research and accessible information on the disease. This gap leaves many patients feeling isolated and forced to seek answers elsewhere. Personally, I turned to my social media community to connect with others who have experienced Lyme disease, as the support and knowledge I needed weren’t readily available from doctors or medical publications.
Adding to the struggle, online criticism can be relentless. It’s heartbreaking when “keyboard warriors” contradict your diagnosis, claim you’re imagining your symptoms, or insist that Lyme disease doesn’t exist because that’s what some health authorities state. This stigma can leave patients feeling invalidated, frustrated, and even more isolated in their journey to seek help and healing.
For the Lyme community, this lack of understanding means constantly advocating for themselves, educating others, and pushing back against misinformation. While there has been progress in raising awareness, much work remains to break the stigma and ensure patients receive the validation, care, and support they desperately need.
What motivated you to speak so openly about your diagnosis?
What motivated me to speak openly about my Lyme diagnosis is the hope of educating others and helping those who feel isolated and judged by this disease. If I can make even one person with Lyme feel less alone or help someone recognize the signs and seek the right care, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose.
A major turning point for me was witnessing my brother Tom’s experience. Just a couple of years ago, his health suddenly deteriorated almost overnight. His knee muscles began to waste away, and he was on the verge of losing his ability to walk. Despite being perceived as healthy, his body was failing him. He went to several highly regarded doctors across the United States, and the diagnoses were alarming: one said multiple sclerosis (MS), another suggested Graves’ disease, and a third suspected rheumatoid arthritis. Some even advised removing his thyroid and starting lifelong medications. At just 34 years old, Tom’s metabolic age was testing at 65, and his future looked bleak.
After visiting eight doctors without answers, the ninth finally diagnosed him with Lyme disease. The only reason this doctor recognized it was because he had experienced Lyme himself. Armed with this diagnosis, Tom took control of his health.
He began researching and following a holistic approach, teaming up with Lyme specialists. Within a year, his thyroid levels returned to normal, his metabolic age dropped to 28, and he reclaimed his life.
This experience showed me how critical it is to share our stories.
Lyme disease is often misunderstood, and the journey to diagnosis and recovery can feel impossible without the right information and support. By speaking openly, I hope to break the stigma, provide resources, and let others know they’re not alone in their fight.
If you could share one piece of advice for those recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, what would it be?
If I could share one piece of advice for those recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, it would be this: stay positive and trust in your body’s ability to heal. Your mindset plays a crucial role in your recovery, and while it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, dwelling on negativity can take a toll on your body. Focus on empowering yourself through education and action.
Explore holistic approaches to healing; prioritize a clean, anti-inflammatory diet; and be patient with the process. Lyme disease can feel isolating, but know this: you are heard, seen, and understood. With time, effort, and knowledge, living a normal life is absolutely possible.
The Lyme community is incredibly strong and supportive — don’t hesitate to connect with others. There’s so much to learn from shared experiences. Right now, treating Lyme often involves trial and error, so listen to your body, be open to different avenues with treatments, and discover what works best for you. Most importantly, don’t lose hope — healing is a journey, and you’re not alone.
