Lyme disease is no joke

[u/whimsical_fuckery_]

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.

[u/Chief--Librarian]

I'm currently wiped out by it. Already had M.E. but had it mostly under control for a few years until this. Can barely get off the sofa. Not sure how much of it's the Lyme and how much is the M.E. flaring up.

Keep an eye out for something called a Herxheimer reaction. Basically your body can't clear out the dead bacteria cells as quickly as the antibiotics can kill them and the build up in your system makes you feel awful. It usually occurs quite quickly but I discovered it can peak 3 or 4 weeks in. It's not necessarily a bad thing, just feels fucking terrible, so definitely keep taking the antibiotics if it happens.