'I have Lyme disease like Justin Timberlake – make sure you spot 7 symptoms'
Following the end of his recent Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Justin Timberlake took to social media to reflect and shared the shocking news to fans that he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Posting on his Instagram, the 44 year old former N'Sync star told his followers: "As I'm reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what's going on with me. Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don't say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes.
"If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has – then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically," he explained, revealing he could now understand why he'd been suffering with nerve pains during his performances.
Lyme disease is a condition that can be spread through tick bites in the UK, though it's important to note not every tick carries the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease and not every bite from an infected tick will lead to human infection.
The UK Health Security Agency reports approximately 1,500 laboratory-confirmed Lyme disease cases annually in England and Wales, whilst an estimated additional 1,000 to 2,000 individuals receive diagnoses each year through clinical evaluation rather than laboratory testing.
A TikTok user, known as 'yourlymebestie', who has also been diagnosed with Lyme disease, took to the social media platform to share seven symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis that people should look out for.
"Early Lyme Disease symptoms (that I overlooked)," she captioned the video, before diving into her list.
1. Tingling or numb hands and arms
Her first symptom was a sensation of numbness or tingling in her hands and forearms. She demonstrated this by opening and closing her hands on camera, followed by a shrug of her shoulders.
The NHS states muscle and joint pain can be a symptom of Lyme disease, along with nerve issues such as pain or numbness in various parts of your body.
However, it's crucial to remember these symptoms could be caused by a variety of factors, and don't necessarily mean you have Lyme disease.
2. Increased food sensitivity and indigestion
Next, she is seen munching on a granola bar before patting her stomach to indicate discomfort. She then revealed that increased food sensitivity and indigestion could be another sign of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can sometimes lead to heightened food sensitivities, possibly due to gut health problems and inflammation triggered by the infection. Some people with Lyme disease may find their existing allergies or sensitivities worsen, while others may develop new ones.
Signs of food intolerances can encompass stomach troubles, skin breakouts, and tiredness.
3. Headaches and mental cloudiness
You could also be suffering from more ongoing headaches or mental cloudiness, as Lyme disease might progress into the nervous system or meninges if left untreated.
The NHS states that Lyme disease can trigger headaches and mental cloudiness, especially when it advances to affect the nervous system or meninges (the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord). A severe headache, combined with neck stiffness and light sensitivity, are warning signs of meningitis, which can develop as a complication of Lyme disease.
Should you notice these signs following a tick bite, the NHS advises seeking urgent medical care.
4. Dissociation and communication struggles
"Feeling dissociated and difficulty conversing," she noted for her fourth sign, while demonstrating herself becoming detached and finding it hard to think of what to say during conversation.
This is also a sign that can occur with Lyme disease impacting the nervous system, as it can potentially result in neurological effects such as memory difficulties, concentration problems, and even paralysis, without treatment.
These effects, alongside others like headache, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity, can develop from swelling of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
5. High temperature
Next up, she urged you to stay cautious if you start to experience a fever, whether it's a low-grade one or a higher one.
According to the NHS, a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery is one of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease, along with other general flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, muscle and joint pains, and tiredness and loss of energy.
If you know you've been bitten by a tick and you start getting these symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical help in order to start treatment and prevent long-term damage to your body.
6. Fatigue
She then went on to warn people to get checked out if they start to feel more fatigued than normal.
Lyme disease can trigger exhaustion, even after treatment. While the majority of patients make a complete recovery from Lyme disease using antibiotics, some suffer from ongoing or returning symptoms including tiredness, aches, and depletion of energy, the NHS states.
This persistent exhaustion is frequently likened to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
7. Sudden weight loss
For the final symptom on her list, she wrote: "Sudden, unexplained weight loss."
While most people might feel pleased to discover they've shed a few pounds without any effort, it typically signals that something is amiss within your body.
Although this could indicate numerous different conditions, it's also a warning sign you may have contracted Lyme disease, especially during the initial phases of infection when your body is battling the bacteria.
This can result from various factors, including your immune system's reaction to infection, alterations in metabolism, and possible reduction in appetite. Experiencing any of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have Lyme disease.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, the NHS strongly advises you to get in touch with your GP.
However, if you're aware you've been bitten by a tick and start showing symptoms, it's recommended to request an urgent GP appointment or seek advice via 111.
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