Episode 564: From Vision Loss to Voice: Marina Morgan’s Lyme Disease Journey
In this powerful episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen sit down with Marina Morgan, a professional singer, songwriter, real estate agent, and Lyme disease survivor from New York and New Jersey.
Marina shares the deeply personal story of how a vibrant, high-energy young woman who loved running, fitness, and music suddenly found her life turned upside down by Lyme disease in her early twenties. What began as stomach issues quickly progressed into neurological symptoms, extreme fatigue, balance problems, and ultimately sudden vision loss in one eye — a terrifying turning point that led to her eventual diagnosis.
After seeing multiple doctors and facing potential misdiagnoses such as multiple sclerosis and scleroderma, Marina was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease through a Western Blot test by Dr. Pollack. Her treatment included 18 months of IV antibiotics through a PICC line, followed by another year of treatment after a later flare-up.
Today, Marina continues to navigate chronic Lyme symptoms while building a career in music, real estate, and fitness, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and determination even on difficult days.
Her story is a powerful reminder that Lyme disease can affect anyone — even young, healthy, active people — and that persistence, positivity, and support are essential in the healing journey.
About Marina Morgan
Marina Morgan is a professional singer and songwriter who has appeared on the Today Show, was named Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month, and has been featured on iHeartRadio and in multiple publications as an emerging artist.
In addition to her music career, Marina works as a real estate agent serving New York and New Jersey and as a gym manager, continuing to stay connected to the world of fitness despite the physical challenges created by Lyme disease.
Marina has also used her music to express the realities of chronic illness. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional and physical struggle many Lyme patients face when their bodies no longer cooperate with the life they once lived.
Watch Marina’s Lyme-inspired music video “Paralyzed”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JT2lJDwd6I
Follow Marina on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/themarinamorgan
Key Topics Discussed in This Episode
Life Before Lyme Disease
Before getting sick, Marina lived an extremely active lifestyle. She ran miles every day simply for enjoyment, maintained multiple jobs, and had a vibrant social life. Fitness and movement were central to her identity, and she describes having seemingly endless energy.
Lyme disease dramatically altered that reality.
Early Symptoms and Sudden Vision Loss
Marina’s illness began subtly with stomach issues and fatigue, but symptoms soon escalated. She began experiencing:
- Severe fatigue
- Weakness in her legs
- Balance and coordination issues
- Neurological symptoms
- Brain fog
- Loss of vision in one eye
The sudden vision loss was the turning point that signaled something much more serious was happening.
Misdiagnosis and the Search for Answers
Before receiving a Lyme diagnosis, doctors suspected conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and scleroderma. Marina visited several doctors and specialists before finally receiving the correct diagnosis.
Her father, who had previously experienced Lyme disease himself, recognized the possibility and helped advocate for Lyme testing.
She was ultimately diagnosed at age 23 through a Western Blot blood test by Dr. Pollack.
Intensive Lyme Treatment
Following her diagnosis, Marina underwent 18 months of intravenous antibiotic treatment through a PICC line, one of the more aggressive approaches used for severe Lyme disease.
Years later, after experiencing a flare-up, she required another year of treatment.
Today she is not undergoing active Lyme treatment but continues supportive wellness practices including:
- Infrared sauna
- Yoga
- Probiotics
Living with Chronic Lyme
Marina estimates she has recovered to about 60% of her pre-Lyme health.
The most persistent symptom she continues to battle is extreme fatigue, which can make even simple daily activities exhausting. She describes the unpredictability of chronic Lyme — how a good day can be followed by days or weeks of exhaustion.
Despite these challenges, Marina continues to work, maintain relationships, and pursue her passions.
Music as a Voice for Lyme Patients
Marina has channeled her experience with chronic illness into her music. Her song “Paralyzed” captures the emotional reality of Lyme disease — the feeling of being trapped in a body that no longer functions the way it once did.
The song resonates deeply with Lyme patients and others living with invisible illness.
Watch the video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JT2lJDwd6I
Advice for People Fighting Lyme Disease
Marina encourages patients not to give up during the darkest moments of illness. Lyme disease can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, but maintaining hope and continuing to pursue healing strategies can make a meaningful difference.
She stresses the importance of:
- Listening to your body
- Giving yourself grace
- Staying mentally resilient
- Continuing to search for solutions
Key Takeaways
- Lyme disease can affect young, healthy, highly active people
- Neurological symptoms like vision loss can occur with Lyme disease
- Misdiagnosis is common in complex Lyme cases
- Long-term IV antibiotic treatment is sometimes required
- Chronic symptoms can persist even after treatment
- Mental resilience plays a major role in managing chronic illness
Connect with Marina Morgan
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themarinamorgan
Watch her Lyme-inspired song “Paralyzed”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JT2lJDwd6I