Jokes aside I’m begging and pleading with you to be tick aware, even if you’re “not in a place they live”. Their territory is growing with the shifting ecosystems and Lyme disease sucks, and doctors will spend time gaslighting you rather than giving you the fucking antibiotics. I’ve seen Lone Star Ticks in Illinois (southern, but still), and it’ll only get worse with vector borne diseases.

Just generally be aware of checking oneself if you’re in grass for extended periods of time (even turf). Prevention isn’t difficult, but awareness is

[–] Crucible@hexbear.net 21 points 6 days ago (1 children)

The shifting ecosystems point is really important, I live far enough north that I had never seen a tick in nature before last year and then I got bitten by two in one season

[–] UmmmCheckPlease@hexbear.net 14 points 6 days ago (2 children)

Yeah the first dr. I saw didn’t believe that my symptoms were from Lyme, also didn’t give me the blood panel and just prescribed steroids (foolish move for combatting an autoimmune condition). Fortunately I could get a second opinion, and a blood panel (believe it or not - positive for Lyme!), and antibiotics before it progressed too far. I don’t have any chronic effects - but the acute symptoms of one’s muscles locking up was not fun! I know other people who didn’t catch it and it ends up being a severe long term condition similar to lupus

[–] UmmmCheckPlease@hexbear.net 12 points 6 days ago

Oops I’m wrong. Lyme triggers an autoimmune response and potentially symptoms which are similar to lupus - but it’s an infectious disease, and lupus is an autoimmune disease. very-smart

[–] Leon_Grotsky@hexbear.net 7 points 6 days ago

I had the same expirience, PCP said it wasn't lyme, they sent me to a neurologist who said it wasn't, then I footed the bill for an infectious disease specialist who was like "WTF you should have started antibiotics two weeks ago"

[–] 9to5@hexbear.net 12 points 6 days ago (1 children)

My prevention is simply never leaving the house

[–] UmmmCheckPlease@hexbear.net 10 points 6 days ago

Avid indoorsfolk stay winning

[–] Leon_Grotsky@hexbear.net 11 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

I've been dealing with tick-borne chronic illness for the past 20 years, shit sucks.

[–] infuziSporg@hexbear.net 10 points 6 days ago

Also, if you're going through the woods or through high grass, tuck your pant legs into your socks, and your shirt into your pants. Ticks do not climb downward and this trick will funnel them to your neck, where you will more easily feel them.

[–] kristina@hexbear.net 9 points 6 days ago

Killed Leslie Feinberg too, Lyme disease is wild.

[–] Cysioland@lemmygrad.ml 9 points 6 days ago

yeah, my dog got absolutely wrecked by anaplasmosis, he made it but at what cost