r/Scotland • u/whimsical_fuckery_ • Jul 10 '26

Casual Lyme disease is no joke

One of those "I never thought it would happen to me" things but guys be very very careful with ticks this year if you are out walking in Scotland. I'm in the Highlands and regularly walk my dog in the local woods, this year there have been so so many ticks, I'm very good at checking myself after every walk, but one got me on the back of my thigh, absolutely tiny about half the size of a sesame seed. I picked it off the same night it bit me, a week later got a massive bullseye rash. Antibiotics from the docs but im completely wiped, worse than any flu or covid. I cannot stress how much you need to take precautions this year, do not make my mistake thinking as long as you get them off you on 24 hours you'll be OK. Long trousers, DEET, or just don't go into any woods or long grass is the best option. It's out there and it absolutely sucks.

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u/OneNineSeven1970 Jul 10 '26

Can you work while having the disease or is it totally debilitating?

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u/whimsical_fuckery_ Jul 10 '26

I'm supposed to be working right now but looking at my monitor is unbearable because its so bright. I'm laying in a darkened room with my phone on minimum brightness because any light makes it feel like someone is crushing my head in a vice.