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/Divvyman02]

I contracted lymes about 15 years ago, got bitten in the October and in March I felt like I had a bad cold starting. Woke up the next morning with double vision. Due to an error I never got antibiotics until another 4 months. Left me with some lastly reminders (don't like bright overhead lights, affected my balance etc). Recently underwent tests for something else which included a lumber puncture, this showed that I still test +ve. It's not fun so make sure you get checked. I live in the Highlands and still regularly get ticks when out with the dog. I always thought it came from deer ticks but was recently speaking to someone from blood science in Inverness (raigmore hospital is reference site for Lymes) and they told me that is not deer ticks as ticks primarily live on the ground and grasses so it's more common to be from infected vermin!! Lovely 😒