Lyme month day 31–That’s a wrap.

Well, here we are again. The last day of another Lyme awareness month. 

I can’t say I killed this one. There were quite a few days that I struggled to post, and a few of those days that I ended up not even posting. But that’s okay. I gave you a very real month and that’s what I promised. Part of spreading awareness is showing that this journey is hard. If I always made it look easy, hopeful, and sunshiney, then I wouldn’t be doing my job very well. I need to show you the hard parts too. The dark parts. And the scary parts. To make you realize that this is not something you want for yourself or the people you love. To make you realize that it really does matter—that the push for more understanding, education, and awareness really is so very important. 

So thank you. Thank you, as always, for being along for the ride this month. Thank you for helping to spread awareness, even if that’s just by becoming more informed yourself. Even if you read my posts and think I’m crazy, you know more than you did before you read them, so I count that as a win. ;) 

And, as you go forward this year remember these important things: 

1. Buy a tick key. DO NOT use essential oils, alcohol or Vaseline to remove a tick. If you do not have a tick key, use tweezers and pinch it as close to the skin as you can and pull up. You can send the tick in to the UMass zoology department to have it tested for Lyme and other tickborne diseases. The website with information on how to send it is: www.tickreport.com 
2. If you have a tick bite and do not develop a bullseye rash, it does not mean you do not have Lyme. Symptoms are going to be your guide, not the rash. If you are concerned, get it checked out. As I’ve said before, it is better safe than sick for the rest of your life. 
3. Do not panic about Lyme, but also do not assume you do not need to worry. Do not assume that you are invincible. It happened to me, it could happen to you. Do not let it stop you from living your life, do not stop going outside, but take the proper precautions when you do to try and protect yourself and the people you care about. Every bit helps. 
4. If someone you love has Lyme, be there for them. Ask them how they need you. And let them still be there for you, as well. Tell them things. Include them in things as they are able. Don’t stop inviting them. Don’t give up on them. Their body is doing that already—don’t do it too. 
5. If you have Lyme questions, ask me! This month is over but I’m not going anywhere. You are not alone if you’re on this Lyme journey in any way. I know it can be intimidating, especially at the beginning. But you never have to face any of it alone. If I can’t answer your question, I will find someone who can. I have people in my life in all different stages of their journeys—someone is sure to have your answer. Or, if you want to look up info yourself, use www.ilads.org. That is the best, most accurate, trusted information on Lyme and other tickborne illness. That’s where you’ll find your best answers. 

And thanks again—I appreciate you. I truly do.