Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of becoming diagnosed with Lyme disease. Design: A qualitative, phenomenological study was done to investigate the meaning of becoming diagnosed with Lyme disease not yet seen in the literature. Sample: A purposive sample of 10 participants diagnosed with Lyme disease were interviewed and tape-recorded. Data saturation guided the size of the sample. Measurements: The interviews were transcribed verbatim. Key words or phrases were extracted and clustered into themes. Analyzed data were confirmed with the participants for trustworthiness and reliability. Results: Eight themes emerged from the interviews. Participants expressed feelings of frustration and anger during the long process of becoming diagnosed. They endured multiple diagnostic tests and were seen by many physicians. Feelings of stress and depression became all consuming. Participants voiced worry over finances. They expressed the need to become their own advocate and were relieved when a diagnosis was finally made. Despite these feelings, the informants voiced a sense of hopefulness for their future. Conclusion: A deep understanding of the lived experience of becoming diagnosed with Lyme disease allows for nursing strategies to enhance coping, provide more effective patient care and improve outcomes.