My arm.
My Neck...
My Knee......
My Leg....
My thigh and Biopsy site #1Omitted the worst pics...how do you take a picture of your own back?
Who I have gone to:
Primary Care/urgent care/allergist/2 dermatologists/chiropractor/Homeopathic Nurse/Foot Zoner/natureopathic/weight loss doc
What I have done:
I have had 2 biopsies/held viles of toxins in my hands/chased away yeast/soaked in hot tubs to draw out the toxins/put drops under my tongue to help my skin, my adrenal glands/my fungus/my toxins/tried every kind of steroid cream there is on every part of my body/stopped dying my hair because of the sores in my head/soaked in apple cider vinegar/lavender/tea tree oil/drank water that smelled like chlorine and sprayed it on my skin/read self healing books/hung up positive notes to myself like/my skin is healing/I am loved/today is a good day.
What I have taken:
Anti-histamines to help me sleep so I won't scratch/the above mentioned remedies/pro bio tics/vitamins/calcium/and I am now on my 4th round of Prednisone. [Yes I have the "moon face" now and have gained about 15 pounds from the constant use of prednisone. ] I tell you it is EVIL. It makes me feel hateful and mean, but how do I give it up when it is my only relief.
Lowest Point:
I had my hair dyed and the back of my head wept for two days and my hair matted to my head. On the third day I woke up and my forehead was swollen like a [as Dr. Williams described it]......a Klingon from "Star Trek". Then the swelling went down my face and after another round of Prednisone and an Anti Biotic my lymph nodes went down and the swelling went away but then my head scabbed over and felt like a football helmet. For two weeks I brushed scabs out of my hair.
Highest point:
The day I found that there was an evil pill called
Prednisone that could give me some relief.
That is just sick isn't it?
My real Highest point was when I found out that my kids had fasted for me.
Wow, now that was a highpoint!
What I have learned:
"Dermatitis" is the word a "Dermatologist" uses to describe any rash they really don't know what it is. Results of biopsy # 1? Dermatitis.
Results of Biopsy # 2? Hives. No kidding.. I am allergic to something and yes, I have changed my detergent and my fabric softener, soap, and even my water.
Every one knows someone who had a rash for a long time and spent a lot of money trying to find out what it was and get rid of it .......and they never find out what it is. I am now a member of that club.
There are many people who suffer from rashes for long periods of time and then the rash just goes away......the same way it came.....just one day......I am waiting for that day.
I have found out who I am and how much I can take. Is this punishment for being a rotten teenager to my mother who had a rash her whole life, and to whom I gave very little sympathy? Am I learning empathy, and tolerance, and patience, sympathy? What should I do with this knowledge that I am such an expert on? I am just praying for the day it goes away. I am finding there are people a lot worse off than me and I am saddened that I sound so bitter. I guess I have just had it. And I can feel that the people around me have too and I don't blame them. I wish I was one of those people who kept every thing inside and pretended that life was good when they are really suffering. By the way, the worse thing you can say to a person with an itchy rash is "DON'T SCRATCH". That is just insulting.....
I do want you to know that I have felt the love of a lot of family and friends as they have tried to lift me up when I was so low. All giving me remedies to try, encouragement, prayers, books, all the while feeling helpless to help me. Thank you so much for your prayers and just being there and listening.
So thanks for all the love and support....
I am waiting for the day that the RASH is just a memory.....
maybe tomorrow will be the day.
Pray for that will you?
Bet you are glad this post is over.
THE END
4 comments:
Colleen, that is terrible!! I am so sorry, what a thing to deal with, especially when you can't get any answers!! I'm sorry you have to take prednisone, I know that it has crappy side effects, like weight gain, I guess you have to take the bad with the good huh? I'm thinking of you! good luck and happy holidays!
Colleen - that rash really is soooo bad! I can relate to your post in so many ways. It really is hard when you feel like you have tried everything and still don't have any answers. Itching really is a horrible feeling. I can't imagine itching non-stop. While I don't have any advice skin related, there's a few things I've learned in dealing with my dizzy head. 1) Don't give up - keep going until you find some answers - even if it means going to some fancy specialist far away - at least you can say you tried and if nothing comes of it, it's one thing you can check off your list and move to the next. 2) Challenge your body in other ways - you may not be able to control your symptoms right now - but find something for you that restores your faith in the amazing human body and 3)if prednisone helps you - don't beat yourself up over taking it - do what you need to until you find a more permanent soloution. 4) Read the forums - but don't obsess - sometimes they can just bring you down and feel like you'll never get better. 5) It's okay to complain - sometimes you just have to get things off your chest - a little sympathy never hurts. I love you lots and will send prayers your way. I really hope you will find a solution soon! Hang in there! Love, marcy
Oh and by the way, even with your rash you still have great legs - especially for someone who "wasn't born yesterday" :)
Oh my gosh Colleen! I'm so sorry you are going through this. I couldn't imagine how it would feel. I'm praying for you and hope it goes away real soon! Have a Merry Christmas!
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