OrthoCarolina Provides Life-Changing Care to Young Woman Battling Late-Stage Lyme Disease

After 18 joint replacement and reconstruction surgeries, Meghan Bradshaw finds relief and renewed mobility through comprehensive orthopedic care

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With its commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care, OrthoCarolina continues to transform patient lives through world-class orthopedic treatment and musculoskeletal expertise. A powerful testament to this care is the story of 29-year-old Meghan Bradshaw, whose late-stage Lyme disease left her in need of over a dozen joint replacement and reconstruction surgeries.

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The complexities of Bradshaw's case demanded the expertise of multiple specialists within OrthoCarolina, including a bilateral hip replacement by Dr. John Masonis, bilateral shoulder replacements by Dr. Shadley Schiffern, and multiple hand surgeries by Dr. Glenn Gaston, as well as dedicated support from Physician Assistant Jeff Dabkowski and a consistent clinical team.

Beyond surgical intervention, OrthoCarolina also worked to connect Bradshaw with a Lyme disease specialist to help navigate her diagnosis, which had gone untreated for years. Through OrthoCarolina's holistic approach, which emphasizes the entire patient experience, Bradshaw was able to manage long-term IV antibiotic therapy at home while continuing her orthopedic rehabilitation.

"Meghan's case of Lyme arthropathy was one of the most advanced that I've encountered," said Dr. Glenn Gaston, a hand specialist at OrthoCarolina. "She showed extraordinary resilience throughout her entire journey. Our goal wasn't just to restore joint function, but it was also to help give her life back."

Bradshaw's health struggles began in 2015 shortly after graduating from college. In 2017, she was misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, seeking treatment through immunosuppressants and chemotherapy. While the treatment masked the symptoms temporarily, it failed to address the underlying cause, thus worsening her condition. By 2019, specialists at the Cleveland Clinic identified the real issue: late-stage Lyme disease, paired with Babesia and Bartonella co-infections. Due to the lack of proper diagnosis and treatment, extensive Lyme-induced joint deterioration had already occurred.

"By that time, I had already lost so much function," Bradshaw said. "I needed surgeries every few months just to stay mobile."

Between 2017 and 2022, she underwent 11 joint replacements, including bilateral hip and shoulder surgeries and multiple hand reconstructions. OrthoCarolina also facilitated a consultation with a Lyme disease specialist and supported her long-term IV antibiotic therapy from home, coordinated with her family.

"After all of these surgeries, my joints feel amazing," Bradshaw added. "OrthoCarolina gave me my future back."

Now known as the "Bionic Woman" for her record number of surgeries at such a young age, Bradshaw has become a national advocate for Lyme disease awareness. She has shared her story through media outlets including Today, Business Insider, and numerous health-focused podcasts, and has met with more than 100 members of Congress to champion the needs of those living with tick-borne illnesses.

Bradshaw's case highlights not only the life-altering consequences of untreated tick-borne illness but also the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive orthopedic care. Lyme disease, primarily transmitted by black-legged ticks, can cause serious complications if not detected early, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular issues, and in rare cases, rapid joint deterioration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly half a million Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year. Early symptoms often include fever, fatigue, and a distinctive "bull's-eye" rash, but misdiagnosis is common, particularly in areas where Lyme disease is less prevalent.

"Tick bites can seem harmless, but the long-term effects can be devastating," Bradshaw said. "If sharing my experience helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, it's worth it."

For more information about OrthoCarolina's services, visit www.orthocarolina.com. To learn more about Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses, visit www.cdc.gov/lyme.

About OrthoCarolina
Since 1922, OrthoCarolina has been a distinguished and reputable physician-owned and physician-led orthopedic practice that prioritizes delivering exceptional patient-centered care and pioneering solutions. An industry leader in orthopedic treatment, research, and education, they provide world-class musculoskeletal care across the Carolinas with 40+ locations and seven Orthopedic Urgent Care Centers. OrthoCarolina consistently pushes the boundaries of medical advancements and actively contributes to the training of new specialists, while working to enhance accessibility to unparalleled orthopedic care. Learn more at orthocarolina.com.

SOURCE OrthoCarolina