Justin Bieber reveals he has Lyme disease, Avril Lavigne offers support
January 9, 2020 – Justin Bieber has taken to social media, once again dropping another bombshell. Justin took to his Instagram account today revealing he was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease.
“While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like s***, on meth etc. they failed to realize I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my, skin, brain function, energy, and overall health,” Bieber
Meanwhile, compatriot pop star Avril Lavigne, who also fought her own battle against Lyme Disease, posted sympathetic words for Bieber on Instagram. Her post also featured a series of images explaining facts about the disease and how to recognise it.
Avril Lavigne’s lengthy and detailed post reads: “Today @JustinBiebershared that he has Lyme disease. There are too many people that have this debilitating disease! People I love and care about and many friends and fans I have crossed paths with.
“To everyone affected by Lyme, I want to tell you that there is HOPE. Because Lyme is a daily struggle, for the better part of two years, I was really sick and fighting for my life. Writing #HeadAboveWater helped me get through the worst of it, but the bad days still come and go. At the time, putting together my album saved my life.”
Lavigne continues with her heartfelt post, saying: “I needed to tell my story and to be able to share my experiences with others, Lyme Disease in in all 50 states in the U.S. and in EVERY country in the world, except Antarctica.
“It is a global pandemic but NOT a global priority. I never want others to suffer the way that I did, and because of that it is now my mission to raise awareness and funds that will hep eradicate the life-altering disease. Portions of proceeds from every show on the rest of the #HeadAboveWater tour and merch sales will continue to go directly to Lyme Disease. I will continue to fight and to support!”
Both Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber grew up in Ontario where you need only go for a hike in the woods to discover that the the tick population of which some are the Lyme Disease carrying Deer Ticks is flourishing.
Here are more details about the disease.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms of Lyme disease can be different from person to person.
Early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease usually start 3 to 30 days after you have been bitten by an infected blacklegged tick. Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms soon after being bitten, while a small number may have more serious symptoms, sometimes weeks after the bite.
Early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease may include:
- Rash, sometimes shaped like a bull’s eye (Erythema migrans (EM rash))
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, more severe symptoms may occur and can last from months to years. Severe symptoms may include:
- Severe headaches
- Additional EM skin rashes
- Facial paralysis (i.e. Bell’s palsy)
- Intermittent muscle, joint, tendon and bone aches
- Heart disorders (heart palpitations, abnormal heartbeat), known as Lyme carditis
- Neurological disorders (dizziness, mental confusion or inability to think clearly, and memory loss, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, nerve pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and less commonly in other joints such as the ankle, elbow and wrists.
In rare cases, Lyme disease can lead to death usually because of complications involving infection of the heart.
Post-treatment symptoms for Lyme disease
You may experience symptoms that last months to years after treatment. This is a condition known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).
Symptoms of PTLDS can include:
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Muscle and joint pain
- Mental confusion or inability to think clearly, with subtle cognitive changes
What do you do if you become ill with Lyme disease?
Consult your health care provider right away if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick or if you visited a known at risk area for Lyme disease. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of a successful treatment.
If you saved the tick that bit you, bring it to your medical appointment. Tell your doctor:
- how long you estimate that the tick was attached to you
- where you were when you were bitten by the tick
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