The Hidden Epidemic of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood — and most misdiagnosed — illnesses of our time. Millions suffer from unexplained fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, joint pain, or hormonal imbalances, never realizing that a tiny tick bite may be the real culprit.
In this powerful episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, host Wendy Valentine sits down with Nicole Bell, author of What Lurks in the Woods and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, to uncover the truth about Lyme disease, co-infections, and chronic illness. Nicole’s story is deeply personal — her husband’s battle with a missed tick-borne diagnosis changed the course of her life and inspired her mission to revolutionize how we test for and treat these hidden infections.
💫 What You’ll Learn:
- Why Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed or overlooked
- The difference between Lyme and co-infections like Babesia and Bartonella
- How traditional testing fails — and what actually works
- Common Lyme symptoms that mimic menopause, anxiety, or chronic fatigue
- The surprising link between Lyme, mold exposure, and immune dysfunction
- How to protect yourself, test accurately, and find real healing
From Misdiagnosis to Mission
Nicole Bell’s journey began when her husband, a brilliant engineer and devoted father, started showing early signs of what doctors believed was Alzheimer’s disease. But something didn’t add up. He was healthy, active, and had no genetic predisposition. Nicole’s instinct told her there had to be another cause — and she was right.
After years of frustration, repeated doctor visits, and dead ends, she discovered that her husband had Lyme disease and co-infections like Babesia and Bartonella. Sadly, by the time they got the correct diagnosis, it was too late. That heartbreaking experience became the driving force behind her book What Lurks in the Woods and her work as CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, a company that’s transforming how we detect and understand tick-borne diseases.
Why Lyme Is So Hard to Diagnose
According to Nicole, the current standard Lyme test misses up to 77% of early-stage cases. That’s worse than a coin flip. Most tests rely on your immune system’s antibody response — which can take weeks to appear, long after the best treatment window has passed.
The result? Countless people are told their results are negative even though the infection is silently spreading. Nicole explains that Lyme bacteria are “stealth pathogens” that hide in tissues, the brain, joints, and even the eyes — making them nearly invisible to conventional tests.
Galaxy Diagnostics uses a breakthrough urine antigen test that detects Lyme much earlier and more accurately. “If you feel something’s off, don’t stop until you find answers,” Nicole says. “You have to be your own health advocate — no one knows your body better than you.”
Co-Infections: The Hidden Puzzle Pieces
Lyme rarely travels alone. Ticks can carry multiple pathogens — bacteria, parasites, and even viruses — meaning one bite can unleash several illnesses at once. Co-infections like Babesia (a parasite) and Bartonella (a bacteria linked to neurological and psychiatric symptoms) often complicate recovery and confuse doctors.
Nicole shares that Bartonella has been linked to schizophrenia, anxiety, and chronic fatigue, while Babesia can invade the brain and cause breathing issues known as air hunger. “You can treat Lyme all day long,” Nicole says, “but if you don’t know what else is on board, you’ll never get well.”
Lyme, Hormones, and Immune Health
For many women, Lyme symptoms are easily dismissed as menopause or stress. Fatigue, hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings — sound familiar? Nicole and Wendy both discuss how hormonal shifts can trigger or worsen Lyme symptoms, and how tick-borne illness can mimic perimenopause and thyroid imbalance.
It’s all connected. As Nicole puts it, “Your immune system can only handle so much before it says, ‘I’ve had enough.’” Whether it’s Lyme, mold toxicity, or chronic stress, once your immune system tips out of balance, everything else follows.
Testing, Treatment, and Hope
If you suspect Lyme or a related infection, don’t give up. Early testing and the right treatment plan can make a world of difference. Functional and integrative doctors are leading the charge with herbal remedies, immune-supportive therapies, and root-cause approaches that go beyond antibiotics.
Nicole reminds listeners that healing is possible — but accurate testing is key. “Even a 30-day delay in diagnosis doubles your chance of developing chronic symptoms,” she warns. “The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of full recovery.”
Prevention Is Power
Ticks are everywhere — not just in the woods. Nicole calls them “nature’s dirty needle” because they carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can wreak havoc on your health. Her prevention advice?
- Wear bug spray and protective clothing outdoors
- Check for ticks after walks, hikes, or gardening
- Shower immediately after outdoor activity
- Treat pets and yards regularly to reduce risk
“Prevention is key,” Nicole says. “Trust me — the alternative is no fun.”
Final Thoughts: Be Your Own Advocate
Lyme disease isn’t rare — it’s under-recognized. And awareness is the first step to change. Nicole’s work at Galaxy Diagnostics and her advocacy through the Center for Lyme Action are giving hope to families who’ve been dismissed or misdiagnosed for far too long.
Her message is clear: “If your symptoms don’t make sense and treatments aren’t working, look deeper.”
You can learn more about Nicole’s work and testing options at galaxydx.com, and read her memoir What Lurks in the Woods.
👉 Connect with Nicole and Galaxy!
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