The Stories Behind Being Misdiagnosed: Lyme Disease, Loss, and Resilience
Being Misdiagnosed: Lyme Disease, Chronic Illness, and the Search for Answers with Terri McCormick, David Butler and Kurt Borowowski
In this moving episode of Bioenergetics Beat, host Miriam Cloutier welcomes Terri McCormick, author of Being Misdiagnosed, along with Lyme disease advocates David Butler and Kurt Borowowski.
Together, they share powerful personal stories of chronic illness, medical misdiagnosis, and the resilience required to keep searching for answers when symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood.
Episode Highlights
The Story Behind Being Misdiagnosed
After years of watching her children struggle with undiagnosed Lyme disease, Terri McCormick became an advocate for patients facing complex chronic illnesses. Her book combines personal stories and scientific research to highlight how Lyme disease is frequently overlooked or mistaken for other serious conditions.
David Butler’s Lyme Disease Journey
David shares his decades-long battle with symptoms that were repeatedly misdiagnosed as mental health disorders, autoimmune conditions, Parkinsonian syndrome, and even ALS before receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis. Today, he dedicates his time to supporting others through education, advocacy, and community outreach.
Kurt Borowowski’s Path to Recovery
Kurt discusses years of declining health, neurological symptoms, and life-changing challenges before a Lyme-literate practitioner finally identified Lyme disease and co-infections as the root cause. His story is a testament to perseverance, healing, and helping others find hope.
Lyme Disease: The Great Imitator
The conversation explores why Lyme disease is known as “The Great Imitator.” Symptoms can resemble conditions such as: ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Anxiety and depression, Autoimmune disorders and Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Because symptoms vary significantly from person to person, many patients spend years searching for answers.
The Emotional Impact of Chronic Illness
The guests discuss the realities of living with chronic illness, including: medical gaslighting, mental health challenges, isolation and loss of identity, family and relationship struggles and the importance of support and community
Their stories offer validation for anyone who has ever felt dismissed, unheard, or alone in their health journey.
Finding Hope Through Community
A recurring message throughout the episode is the importance of seeking support, utilizing available resources, and connecting with others who understand the challenges of chronic illness and Lyme disease. As David emphasizes, healing often begins when patients stop facing their struggles alone.
Connect with Terri McCormick
Author, Advocate, and Lyme Disease Educator
Book: Being Misdiagnosed
Available through Amazon and at:
