Episode 526: Kristina Bauer on Pediatric and Maternal Lyme Disease - Misdiagnosis, Remission, and Reform

In this powerful, long-form interview, Kristina Bauer returns to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast to share her in-depth story of surviving decades of misdiagnosed Lyme disease — from childhood illness and misdiagnoses to motherhood, advocacy, and remission.

Diagnosed at age 40 after 32 years of medical dismissal, Kristina discusses her experience with congenital Lyme disease in her four children, postpartum Lyme flares, and her commitment to raising awareness through the Texas Lyme Alliance, Center for Lyme Action, and International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Ambassadorship.

Her testimony covers essential ground: pediatric Lyme, maternal Lyme, psychiatric symptoms like Lyme rage, postpartum depression misdiagnosis, sexual transmission, and the need for insurance and diagnostic reform.

This episode is a masterclass in Lyme disease education and empowerment, especially for women, mothers, and families navigating complex Lyme journeys.

Key Topics Discussed

• Early Lyme Exposure: Tick bites at age 8 in Illinois and decades of misdiagnosis (juvenile arthritis, Crohn's, ulcers)
• Chronic Symptoms: Sinus infections, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), fibromyalgia, neurological and psychiatric symptoms
• Postpartum Lyme Flares: Crushing fatigue, misdiagnosed postpartum depression, and suicidal ideation risk
• Congenital Lyme Disease: How all four of her children were born with Lyme and are now in remission
• Mental Health Awareness: Lyme rage, mood swings, panic attacks, and the importance of therapy
• Tick-Borne Disease Advocacy: Legislative work in Texas, ILADS, educating OB-GYNs, and pushing for proper diagnostic protocols
• Medical System Failures: Inadequate Lyme testing, gaslighting, high insurance costs for chronic illness
• Lyme & Pregnancy Research Study: An open call for pregnant individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease during their current pregnancy, OR with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) in the past 5 years. Learn More / Apply

Kristina's Healing Protocols

• IV and Oral Antibiotics (33 pills/day for 4 years)
• Ozone Sauna Therapy
• Dual Infrared Sauna
• IV Glutathione and Vitamin C
• Autologous Stem Cell Therapy

Advocacy Calls to Action

• Get tested with qualified Lyme-literate doctors (LLMDs)
• Pre-conception testing for both partners
• Consider cord blood testing for newborns (e.g., IGeneX)
• Push back against “one-dose doxycycline” treatment myths
• Advocate for maternal and congenital Lyme research funding
• Check out Kristina's Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching

Memorable Quotes

• “Infection turned into action is the mindset I pass forward.”
• “A mom with Lyme can’t be left alone with crushing fatigue and a newborn — it’s not just postpartum, it’s pathology.”
• “Doxy is not a one-stop shop. One tick bite can carry 19 pathogens with 100 strains.”