A couple of weeks ago I got bit by an unidentified insect. Three times on the inner crease of my left arm. I have no idea who the culprit was or when it happened. I do know that it got infected, with a large red bullseye around two of the bites. Almost a week after I noticed the bites, it was itchy, red, and hot.
When a friend of mine saw it, she said, “That looks like a tick bite! You really should see a doctor.”
Well, no one wants a tick bite. Especially if that tick bite might lead to Lyme disease. So off to the doctor I went. After the usual waiting to get in, getting my vitals checked, etc. etc. the doctor had no idea what it was. Probably a spider bite (seems most likely, really), but what if it was a tick? People have been known to get bitten without even realizing it. Although I’ve heard from several reliable sources that a tick bite stings, and you know you’ve been bitten.
At any rate, she decided to “play it safe” and treat it like a tick bite. The NP drew two vials of blood for testing (that I’m still waiting to hear the results of) and prescribed an antibiotic. Not your ordinary every day, run of the mill antibiotic. No. The heavy duty, kill all the bacteria, prevent malaria, twice a day for 21 days kind of antibiotic.
Everyone who knows me knows I don’t believe in taking too many medications. In fact, I take none – only a few daily vitamins. The last time I took an antibiotic was well over ten years ago, but who wants Lyme disease?
Not me.
So I’ve been taking them. I’m continually reminded why I don’t like medication. It makes me loopy. And tired. Very tired. Even little everyday activities like taking a shower is exhausting. (But I hear Lyme disease makes you tired, so, again, best prevent that I suppose.)
Tiredness is debilitating.
It’s also insidious, sneaking into every aspect of your life and slowly taking over. When something takes too much energy, you don’t want to do it, so you don’t. Now it will be more work to do that thing later along with all the other things that need to be done. Just the thought is so overwhelmingly exhausting. Or you do force yourself to do it, then you’re so wiped out you have to recuperate.
Suddenly, everyday activities that I used to do automatically are now monumental. I find myself carefully weighing the anticipated energy outlay. What’s easier: cereal or toast, TV or reading, shower or no shower? It feels like procrastination, but it isn’t. It’s depletion.
I think tiredness is the disease of our times. Even before the antibiotics I wasn’t a high energy person. I wonder who really can be in our fast-paced, overscheduled Western society where more is more is more? It’s frenetic.
It’s unsustainable.
It’s why we “need” coffee and sleeping pills. It’s why what we really need is to slow down. It’s why we need Sabbath. To rest is counter-culture, a radical departure from the constant pressures to produce, to always be and do more.
I’m tired. I have no more words. Only this: Oh the blessing of sweet sweet Sabbath.
Oh, to live counter culture! It is easy for me living outside of American culture but the pull is inside and it is intense. And yes, I’ve learned to live tired. But that is not sustainable. Thanks for these words.
Prayers you will be well soon and NO LYMES PLEASE!
Yes, it is often much easier outside the USA! But, you’re right, the pull is inside. It gets in deep and doesn’t let go. Thank you for your prayers. I do think it was just a spider bite, but better safe than sorry I suppose 🙂
Wow, I’m glad your doctor is being cautious and hopefully the medicine will be finished soon, so that you can get back to yourself. Not all ticks carry lyme disease and there are other tick born illnesses too, so it’s definitely good to be cautious. But I will say that I had a few connect this summer and didn’t feel either one, just happened to look down and see the one, and scratched the other one off my head thinking it was a patch of psoriasis! That one had me super worried that I’d lost the head, but as they hadn’t identified any ticks with the disease in my side of the state yet for the season I decided not to worry about it and trust the Lord! Praying that you have a bit more energy today!
Yes, it’s good to be preventative. It’s true that not all ticks of Lyme disease – that’s partly why I feel these strong antibiotics aren’t necessary. But I have to have faith and trust that it will all be okay. If nothing else, it makes me more grateful for good health. I’m not a high energy person at best, but I am grateful for the energy I do have. This has made me realize that it could always be worse!
I’m glad you didn’t have a negative reaction with your tick encounters. My cousin has been bit twice by a tick and didn’t get sick, so it’s true – no need for mass panic yet! Lol
I hope the story ends well and that you regain your strength.Living slow and deliberately is at times a blessing.
Thank you! I started taking a probiotic, and that’s helping a lot. I just need to be realistic about what my body can do during this time. 🙂
Please let us know how you are doing/ Love you Jana
Thanks, Jana! I’m still waiting to here from the doctor.
Hi Tracy, I think I know how you feel. I’ve been on antibiotics for over a week now for a rash around my mouth. Besides that I have 3 creams to use also. It is gone already but still lurking inside. I have to take the pills for 6 weeks. The not so great part is that they make me nauseous. Have to take with food but no dairy or calcium an hour before and after.
I’m enjoying your blog. You’ve had many wonderful life experiences.
Antibiotics are the worst! These are making me nauseous too. I’m taking a probiotic and yogurt. These are twice a day for 21 days. My system isn’t happy at all. Hang in there with yours!!
Thank you for the encouragement about my writing! 🙂 xoxox