A few years ago, at one of the geocaching mega events, I purchased a tick key. I figured it was a good investment, in case one of those little buggers hooked into me.
Thankfully, I never really needed it. So somewhere along the line, I have lost where I put it. I thought I knew where it was, but I guess not.
Then when it’s needed…
See, on Saturday, I went on a little cache excursion. We hit two spots – a nice walking trail near a lake, and then some trails in a more heavily wooded area.
Somewhere along the line, apparently a tick found me likable.

Expensive tick twister!
Sunday morning, as I was getting ready to shower, I felt something on my hip. I looked down and … son of a bitch.
You guessed it.
I couldn’t find that tick key. It wasn’t awful big, either. Tweezers were attempted and only part of the little bugger came off. So, I decided it was best I head to the ER. See, part of this is because it’s the first one I know I’ve ever had on me. Well, the first one that actually latched on. Second, being a diabetic, I thought it might be best to go – at least this time.
In the end, they removed as much as they could (turns out the CDC tells them not to dig it out as the body will take care of it – though the ER did an excellent job and you can’t really see anything in there), cleaned it up, told me what I needed to do from this point forward, and then gave me a one-shot antibiotic.
They also gave me a tick removal tool.
Now, I have pretty good insurance where I work. In fact, it’s rare for me to have to pay for too many things. But an ER visit is $50.
That’s one expensive tick removal tool!
Consider this post a bit of a PSA. This summer has the possibility of being worse when it comes to ticks, the ER people told me. The mild winter likely makes it that way. They said they’ve seen plenty more people than usual for this time of year already.
Yikes.
I know it’s not going to keep me away from geocaching or being out in the woods. I like it too much. But I think I will be much more diligent about checking myself over for these little pests whenever I’ve been out in the woods. I’m going to keep a good look on the spot where this one bit me to watch for any bad things (hopefully, it will be fine), but there’s no need in taking a chance when it can be watched.
If you go out in the woods and such, do yourself the favor and check yourself when done. Could make for all the difference in the world!
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