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Arkana Jane,

Welcome to EmpowHer, and thank you for your question!

Lyme disease is indeed spread by ticks. Do you remember if you ever had a rash around the tic bite? There is a very specific rash that accompanies the deer tic bite if it is infected with lyme disease. You can find a picture of it as well as a lot of information about symptoms and treatments at one of our EmpowHer Encyclopedia pages:

https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/lyme-disease

Here is a list of early and late lyme disease symptoms:

Early Infection

◦EM rash
◦Muscle and joint aches
◦Headache
◦Fever
◦Fatigue

Early Disseminated Infection

◦Multiple EM lesions
◦Facial paralysis ( Bell's palsy )
◦Persistent headache, stiff neck
◦Diffuse numbness, tingling, burning
◦Intermittent joint pain and swelling
◦Impaired motor coordination
◦Irregular heart rhythm
◦Muscle pain and swelling

Late Infection

◦Painful inflammation of the joints, intermittent or chronic ( arthritis )
◦Mild to moderate confusion

Less Common Symptoms of Late Lyme Disease

◦Heart abnormalities
◦Eye problems such as conjunctivitis
◦Chronic skin disorders
◦Limb weakness
◦Persistent motor coordination problems

Do these symptoms sound familiar to you?
Did your rheumatologist test you for Lyme disease?