UNACCEPTABLE: Another Day Lost to Lyme Disease

by Amelia Johnson

"Amelia's journey is one of perseverance and bravery. In UNACCEPTABLE, she shares her personal story as a means of support for anyone on a healing journey of their own." -Amie Valpone, author of Eating Clean: The 21-Day Plan to Detox, Fight Inflammation, and Reset Your Body

"A captivating, relatable, heart-breaking story that reminds us all of how strong we can be." -Amy B. Scher, author of This Is How I Save My Life: Searching the World for a Cure

"A courageous journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of misdiagnosis. This book is a powerful reminder to trust our inner voice—a must-read!" -Trena Laine Olfert, author of Dear Aaron

A MEDICAL MEMOIR THAT READS LIKE A MYSTERY

Perfectly healthy…until she isn't. Amelia Johnson questions everything when she finds herself inexplicably and devastatingly ill. From electrocutions to explosions and dislocations, her symptoms are as terrifying as they are unexplained. Doctors are confounded. Hypotheses are proven wrong. One by one, practitioners give up, leaving Amelia to solve the enigma on her own—bedridden, bearing insufferable pain, misdiagnosed and misunderstood.

Forced to embark on this solitary quest for answers, Amelia is swept into a world she never knew existed. A world where a disease and its dangerous treatments are mired in controversy. Who can she trust? How did this happen? And what can she do before it’s too late? As her body continues to unravel, so does her identity. She loses herself a bit more every day. In order to have a future, Amelia will need to dig deep into her past.

Spanning two countries and thirty-one years, UNACCEPTABLE is gritty and raw. It is a story of discovery and the sheer fortitude it takes to endure a life-altering illness. And maybe even one day, rise above.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

About the author

Amelia Johnson is both a creative and a creator: an interior designer, an artist, a writer, and a woodworker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology, and a diploma in interior design. Born and raised in Canada, she now lives in the United States with her husband and is the happiest when hiking in the forest.

Reviews

[Janet Smolinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written, I do not have Lyme, and this book held my interest from the first page. With the turn of every page you find yourself both rooting for the author and curiously needing to find out the outcome. A true medical mystery that will offer hope to anyone suffering illness while teaching us all that perseverance pays off in the end. Never give up hope, relief will come.

[Karin Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Unacceptable: Another day lost to Lyme disease" is a deeply moving narrative that follows the protagonist's tumultuous journey through chronic illness. The story vividly portrays the painful sacrifices made and the struggle to be heard, as the protagonist faces new symptoms often met with dismissive reassurances from doctors and loved ones. Despite these challenges, she demonstrates remarkable bravery and clings to hope for a brighter tomorrow. This compelling tale leaves readers eager for a sequel to continue Amelia's journey through life's hardships.

[Carrie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Had me finding clues at every turn!

[Jodi Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The raw and emotional impact of seeing someone so young and full of life suffer so suddenly is truly gut-wrenching and resonates throughout Amelia's narrative. Her experience illustrates not only the hidden struggles that people face, but also the crucial message of perseverance and recognizing the blessings that remain, even in the darkest moments.

While Amelia Johnson may not have explicitly delved into her husband's pain throughout “Unacceptable”, his constant presence and the changes in their relationship powerfully illustrate the ripple effect of chronic illness on loved ones. The impact goes beyond the person who is ill, touching family members and partners who must adapt, cope with loss, and find new ways to support and connect. From a medical professional's standpoint, it's particularly upsetting that she endured so much despite having access to highly regarded healthcare systems—underscoring the limitations within even the best care and the vital importance of self-advocacy.

This memoir is not just a tale of personal endurance, but a call to all readers: never give up, trust your voice, and recognize that hope can exist even when answers are hard to find. Johnson's journey will stay with you long after you finish reading.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. Amelia had one of the worst cases of a constellation of tickborne illnesses ever. I normally don’t like books that go back-and-forth from past to present, but she pulls it off glowingly. She has two of the most painful symptoms ever, including facial and chest electrocutions. Her friends are not all that supportive, but her husband is steadfast and his devotion to her is moving. I only took off a star because I only give five stars to books that I will read over and over. However, it was - as the saying goes but true in this case - unable to be put down. Amelia is inspirational and what the reader learns can be applied to all sorts of deep problems and challenges we encounter in life.

[Denice Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing, intense true story, heartbreaking to the core, yet inspiring throughout. A MUST READ! UNACCEPTABLE is a brilliantly written account of how Amelia's once full life became a life consumed with pain and doctors, essentially turning into someone she no longer recognized. We follow Amelia from the very beginning, the incident that started her journey for answers. With the love and support of family, she forges ahead and discovers what exactly her body is at war with. The answer will shock you! I enthusiastically recommend UNACCEPTABLE to anyone seeking a story of hope, and resilience through unimaginable adversity.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia’s bravery in sharing her story is a profound gift to countless individuals—both diagnosed and undiagnosed—who are searching for understanding, strength, and hope.

Her words shine a light into the often-overlooked realities of living with Lyme disease, offering validation to those who feel unseen and unheard.

Through her vulnerability and resilience, Amelia not only educates but also empowers, reminding us that healing is not just physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.

[Cory Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to others who are suffering from Lyme disease or chronic illness and for the loved ones supporting them that want to better understand. I really liked how Amelia moved seamlessly between her present struggles with illness and a glimpse into her childhood, teen and young adult years leading up to the crippling onslaught of mysterious symptoms and eventual diagnosis. I believe this book will help so many people; and for those that are suffering and feel lost to know they are not alone - A+

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Johnson's unflinching honesty in UNACCEPTABLE hit me like a freight train. Her journey from sudden, terrifying symptoms (those "electrocutions" and "explosions" descriptions gave me chills) to navigating the frustrating world of Lyme controversy is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This book validated so many feelings I've had in my own health struggles-it's gritty, real, and ultimately hopeful. A beacon for Lyme warriors everywhere. Highly recommend!

[K. Gawlikowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that stays with you long after the final page. Amelia Johnson writes with an unfiltered voice that invites readers into moments of vulnerability, struggle, and reflection, balanced by an underlying sense of resilience. The narrative is thoughtful and fearless, offering connection rather than sentimentality. Those who have faced this illness, directly or indirectly, will find reassurance in her perspective and come away feeling less alone and more grounded.

[Anonymous · Rating 5 out of 5]

From perfectly healthy to unraveling in terrifying ways, Amelia's story in UNACCEPTABLE is gripping from page one. The emotional depth, the frustration with misdiagnoses, and her sheer perseverance make this a standout. It's raw, honest, and full of hope for healing journeys. A powerful reminder to trust your inner voice. Absolutely deserving of all the stars!

[Karla Kell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and deeply affecting book. Amelia Johnson pulls you straight into her world; raw, honest, and at times painful, but always with a thread of hope running through it. Her clarity, depth, and courage shine on every page. Anyone touched by this devastating illness will find not only understanding in her story, but also a sense of optimism and strength.

[Courtney Tobon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, intimate, and unflinchingly honest,
UNACCEPTABLE captures the relentless reality of living with a misunderstood chronic illness and the emotional toll it takes. Amelia Johnson's voice is brave and deeply human, making this a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand what patients endure.

[Wes W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is brilliantly written. Descriptive and eye-opening. It is somehow both heartbreaking and entertaining. A compelling read. A powerful narrative, that keeps you captivated from start to finish. A must read!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching, yet beautifully written book. Highly recommend to anyone who is ill themselves, or living with someone ill. Hats off to this lady for her incredible strength and perseverance. What an atrocious disease, especially for someone so young!

[Bonnie Ferguson-scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was well written and hopefully can help others that are suffering from debilitating chronic illness. It is quite unbelievable what someone can go through and not being taken seriously. People definitely have to be very persistent to get help and need the support of others.

[Carly Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable story of strength and courage. Must read for everyone, but especially those navigating challenging health issues. Amelia shows us all that we are worth fighting for. Her resilience to keep going in her search for answers is amazing.

[Scott Tompkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! 5 Stars to the author! Such a difficult illness to go through and for the diagnosis to take so long to figure out. Kudos also to the husband for supporting the author through this journey.

[Jacob Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind. Blown. I read a lot, but never review. But this book took me directly into the author’s world — full of fear, frustration, pain, resilience, and profound self-reflection. This isn’t just a book about a disease; it’s about how an illness can slowly erode one’s sense of identity and stability.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put it down. Unacceptable: Another Day Lost to Lyme Disease by Amelia Johnson is a raw and honest portrayal of living with chronic illness. Clear, validating, and deeply human—this book makes the invisible cost of Lyme disease impossible to ignore

[Jill Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written account of one woman's real-life haunting, harrowing journey. The woven narratives are brilliantly done; with clues to the mystery all throughout. This book was fast-paced and unputdownable. In my opinion, a total must-read.

[Shane Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. A must-read!!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa - a totally captivating and completely heartbreaking story. Highly recommend to anyone dealing with mystery illness and misdiagnosis (chronic or other).

[Robert Baillargeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and raw. This author’s writing places you right there, with her, on this journey.

[Anne Maier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and worth reading. A call to action.

[Blake Bursey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!!

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful story of hope and resilience.

[Martin Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional. Raw. Real. Gives great insight into the honest reality of what some patients face.

[Steven Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner! Somehow both educational and captivating.

[Anna Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put this book down. I cried with Amelia, I smiled with Amelia and I felt I understood her. Loved this book.