Another medical mystery

[Maisie]

Hi Maisie thanks for your input and I appreciate it. I have been in full menopause for about 3 plus years now. I am so sorry you are dealing with hair loss and skin issues. It really sucks having these issues especially as a woman. Have you done blood work and had an evaluation to see why you are losing hair? I hope you are on the mend and sending you good thoughts and hugs.

Thank you! I’m taking HRT and I’m not being nasty anymore lol! I just assumed my hair loss is down to the menopause so I’ve not really looked into any tests.

 

[Missy]

Aww, thanks Missy! I'm in an area with several well-known FM doctors -- I'm dreading the $$$ part since most of them don't take insurance. But I'm desperate! Fortunately, my husband is very supportive and understands why it's necessary.

I know what you mean about healthful eating and being unsure of how much it really helps. I've been avoiding dairy, grains, and added sugar for 7 months now. My meals consist of greens, lots of healthy fats, and animal/seafood proteins. I've been drinking a ton of beef bone broth. I've tried eating sauerkraut and other fermented veggies, but I just don't like the taste. (I do enjoy kombucha though.) I've also been supplementing with vitamin D, fish oil, glutathione, and a gut health powder. With all this I haven't seen much of a difference so I'm hoping a FM doc can drill down and do some detailed testing to prescribe an eating plan/supplementation that's more specific to my needs. I really want to find out if there are specific inflammatory foods I should avoid, like eggs, coffee, nuts, or nightshades. (which would make me so sad!!)

I'll keep you posted on what I learn....so true that it's super helpful to share our experiences and to be together in this. In the meantime, hang in there and know that you are not alone!

Thank you Kristy. Yes I have cut out dairy (for the most part since 2006 though in the summer I cheat with occasional ice cream I haven't had any since the summer months) and am vegan right now. I do enjoy coffee and yes nightshades and would be sad to give that up. I eat almonds and cashews and pistachios so hope I can continue with those. Everything I love seems questionable. Except the love of my dh lol. Hope you don't have to give up the foods you love either.

All the best to you. Yes please let's keep each other posted and maybe we can find relief sooner vs later. Fingers crossed!

 

[Missy]

It might help you to know, Missy, that while Atkins was considered high protein, keto is moderate protein. It is not as important as fat. You fat can come from many sources, not just meat. If you can eat dairy, it can come from grass fed butter or cheese. Dairy does cause inflammation in some people so you would have to watch for that. Avocados are good sources of fat but can be a little carby. It takes a bit to wrap your head around eating fat, that was probably the biggest hurdle for me initially. I eat a total of less than 10oz total protein per day and some of that comes from eggs which I like.

Dietdoctor.com is a good resource, Maria Emerrich-The Ketogenic cleanse, all would be good research information. Dr. Eric Westman, also has a book called the New Atkins which is very detailed as well.
I haven't given up eating vegetables at all. I just stay away from the higher carb veggies. I eat a ton of broccoli and asparagus and salads. Macadamia nuts are good sources of protein and fat as will.

Thank you luv2sparkle for the additional info. I am going to research Keto today and really appreciate your sharing of info. I definitely don't get enough fat in my diet as I don't even like salad dressing. The only fat I get is from nuts (and I hope I can continue eating those) and the onions my dh grills for me with olive oil so yeah I might fall short in that department.

Thanks for that link. And yay for being able to eat veggies! That makes me happy lol. So glad it is working out so well for you!

 

[Missy]

@missy I think I remember now you saying you were allergic to steroid creams.. sorry about that. If you trust your physician that is really the most important thing, and I so agree with you about dermatology, they really know so little.

For my rosacea I use a sodium sulfacedtimide cleanser twice a day and after drying my face I apply clindamycin gel, it works well for me, if I go at all (once) off schedule in the summer my nose looks like WC Fields and I have red bumps everywhere on my lower face, I'm sure you get it.

I have to admit I have been prescibed oracea and soolantra but I never used them under my insurance plans they were tooo high, but the above works for me so it's okay.

I will keep watching for your updates. So sorry Missy.. for like the 4th time Happy New year also.

xoxoxo

Aww thanks Kate and I am so pleased you have found what keeps your rosacea under control. Topicals alone didn't help me and I am glad you found a good combo for you. Yes without my Oracea my face becomes a bumpy red mess and honestly I would pay whatever I needed to for that med. I worry about the day I cannot take it anymore because I might be on record for taking Oracea the longest amount of time. It has only been studied for 12 months of continuous use I believe and well my latest blood tests might show a kidney issue so fingers crossed it isn't a problem.

I'm not allergic to steroid creams but the rebound effect destroys me and can be dangerous for some of us so yes please be careful if you ever need to apply topical steroids. I know in some cases one must but if there are any alternatives that would be preferable. Exercise caution with steroids for sure. They are potent and can really help initially but in the long term can do much more damage than never using them at all.

Happy New Year to you too!

 

[Missy]

Missy-

You look very pale skinned in all your photos and always are covered up if you are outside, I know you’ve said before that you avoid the sun!

Could you be Vitamin D deficient? It is well known that people in northern climates often are and it can cause a lot of skin issues.

Just my 2p........

Hi there Snowdrop thanks for weighing in and yes that is a good thought. I am pale and do avoid sun exposure without sunblock on but I also have been taking Vitamin D3 supplements since the mid 2000s and my blood levels of D just tested were 78 I believe so in a good range. I was a big believer in D before it became popular because of all the research I did when I developed full blown rosacea. I appreciate you chiming in and helping me brainstorm. Thank you!

 

[Missy]

Hi from Australia. My hubby has skin issues and gave up on prescription style ointments (steroids) as they can’t be used long term. He’s tried lots of things, the only cream that seems to help reduce the redness and itchiness (it becomes a viscous cycle if you’re scratching and opening up the skin causing secondary infection - boy, don’t we know about this!) is based on Manuka honey, which has been found to have many interesting healing properties with the benefit of being natural. Creams you can get in the US is Bioactive Skincare - Organic Manuka Honey cream or YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Soothing cream. It’s not expensive and wouldn’t hurt to try. It hasn’t cured him as such, but stops it being really bad.

Thank you Bron357! Sorry your dh has skin issues and so glad he no longer applies steroids. I made my dh stop applying them as well to his eczemous reactions and he uses a honey cream I got him. I cannot apply that to my face but I did try applying Manuka honey directly and perhaps I gave up to fast this time and you have convinced me to try this again. I have checked out your recommendations and some of the other ingredients (i.e. olive oil for one and other oils) cause my skin to react badly but I will try the direct manuka on my eyebrow. Thanks so much for the helpful info.

 

[Missy]

Thank you! I’m taking HRT and I’m not being nasty anymore lol! I just assumed my hair loss is down to the menopause so I’ve not really looked into any tests.

I am so happy the HRT is helping you Maisie! And I find it hard to believe you could be nasty but your nasty is probably the nicest nasty ever LOL. Hope your hair loss stops soon and maybe just ask your doctor about it at your next visit? Sending you lots of good thoughts and best wishes.

 

[Maisie]

I am so happy the HRT is helping you Maisie! And I find it hard to believe you could be nasty but your nasty is probably the nicest nasty ever LOL. Hope your hair loss stops soon and maybe just ask your doctor about it at your next visit? Sending you lots of good thoughts and best wishes.

Ahh if you asked my husband he would say my nasty is nasty lol! I would become super irritated then dissolve into tears. I recently suggested I might try coming off the HRT, you should have seen his face!

 

[House Cat]

Thank you for your replies Tekate and House Cat.



I can’t apply topical steroids. In 2014 I developed a severe Perioral dermatitis outbreak from applying the tiniest bit of topical steroid for another skin inflammation. . And the rebound effect with steroids can be extreme for some (me) individuals.

I’m sorry you have rosacea. I know firsthand how that sucks. Oracea (40 mg doxy) is my savior there. Have you tried it? And Soolantra can be a helpful topical for rosacea.

As for a new derm I hear you. A few years ago i went to several different dermatologists only to come back to the realization my current derm is the best of the lot. Dermatology is a challenging field. So many diseases with no cure and difficult diagnoses. I think he’s one of the best and very smart. It’s not his fault I’m a challenging case lol. But i am not against trying another if I can find someone worthwhile. I will add every visit to him is exorbitant because he accepts no insurance and my health insurance gives us almost nothing back. But that is a pale distant concern when I’m suffering. Thanks Kate. (((Hugs))). Hope you find relief from your rosacea. I use Oracea and Soolantra too. They both seem to really help. There are savings cards if you’re interested in trying them if you haven’t already.





I have several I know of and yes it’s quite possible this is one too. As for Castor oil I’m not sure. I think I tried that in 2014 and my skin reacted badly to all the oils I tried. Even the supposed non comedogenic oils. I broke out all over. But I’ll look into this and see if I tried it before.

I also tried making an oatmeal mask for relief on my eyebrow but it made it worse. Same with manuka honey. And I’m hyper reactive to coconut oil.

Thanks so much House Cat. (((Hugs))).

You probably already know that with autoimmune, it’s all about keeping inflammation to a minimum. Is it possible that this is a manifestation of any of the ones you have? When you begin to show signs of inflammation or flares, do you have a diet protocol you follow such as the AIP or the Wahls Protocol? Are there meds that you take to stop the flare? When certain autoimmune diseases get triggered, their first symptoms sometimes have nothing to do with their actual site of illness. For instance, my son has Crohn’s which is an AI that primarily attacks that digestive system. Before he has any digestive symptoms, he could have joint pain, fatigue, and a skin rash due to the fact that his immune system has gone haywire and is on the attack.

All something you might want to think about. If this makes sense to you, you may want to take this up with your specialist.

 

[yennyfire]

I have no suggestions that haven't already been made, but just wanted to send gentle hugs to you and good vibes to your Dr. so that he can figure this out asap. You are quite the trooper Missy and I'm glad to see that your sense of humor is still intact!

 

[Missy]

You probably already know that with autoimmune, it’s all about keeping inflammation to a minimum. Is it possible that this is a manifestation of any of the ones you have? When you begin to show signs of inflammation or flares, do you have a diet protocol you follow such as the AIP or the Wahls Protocol? Are there meds that you take to stop the flare? When certain autoimmune diseases get triggered, their first symptoms sometimes have nothing to do with their actual site of illness. For instance, my son has Crohn’s which is an AI that primarily attacks that digestive system. Before he has any digestive symptoms, he could have joint pain, fatigue, and a skin rash due to the fact that his immune system has gone haywire and is on the attack.

All something you might want to think about. If this makes sense to you, you may want to take this up with your specialist.

Yes, thanks so much House Cat. I appreciate your thoughts and I don't really know much about this at all. Will do some reading and talk about this with my dermatologist next week and see what his thoughts are.

 

[Missy]

I have no suggestions that haven't already been made, but just wanted to send gentle hugs to you and good vibes to your Dr. so that he can figure this out asap. You are quite the trooper Missy and I'm glad to see that your sense of humor is still intact!

Aww thanks so much Yennyfire. You are a sweetheart and I appreciate your support and hugs! And yes I cannot let it affect my sense of humor. It's the only healthy thing I might have left soon. LOL. Hope all is well with you and your wonderful family and that you had a marvelous trip!

 

[Snowdrop13]

Hi there Snowdrop thanks for weighing in and yes that is a good thought. I am pale and do avoid sun exposure without sunblock on but I also have been taking Vitamin D3 supplements since the mid 2000s and my blood levels of D just tested were 78 I believe so in a good range. I was a big believer in D before it became popular because of all the research I did when I developed full blown rosacea. I appreciate you chiming in and helping me brainstorm. Thank you!

No problem, I hope you find an easy solution to your issues!

 

[Missy]

No problem, I hope you find an easy solution to your issues!

Thank you Snowdrop13 !

 

[Missy]

Monnie @monarch64 lol autocorrect changed my original word. It was CATTITUDE not certitude. Silly autocorrect.

 

[monarch64]

Haha, I had to go back and reread to find the autocorrected word! That's funny--cats have both certitude AND cattitude.

 

[Bron357]

Thanks mrs-b. My glucose was 83 a few weeks ago but David didn't do the A1C at that visit unfortunately and I forgot to ask him as I wanted that finding. If memory serves me correctly I am usually high normal with my A1C and it is definitely worth seeing what I am at this juncture. And yes I will ask for a more thorough thyroid eval because I have a feeling he just did a basic thyroid test though I could be wrong. Seeing him next week and will make sure I get these done. Thank you.

ETA: OK just went into my records and checked. All he did was a "TSH HIGH SENSITIVITY" blood test and the finding was 2.43 mIU/L. No clue what else is needed so off to research that. One would think my derm would know to get a full thyroid panel but that one finding doesn't seem complete right?

Definitely get a full Thyriod panel done. I was treated for Graves Disease (hyperactive) in my 20s which of its own accord “settled” just before I was to have surgery. Then when pregnant, my antibodies attacked my thyroid and I ended up “hypo” - so I take synthetic thyroid everyday. That said, both menopause and thyroid issues can cause hair loss. Unfortunately as a woman your hair does thin as you age, for some more than others. And as for HRT, just be aware of the researched long term side effects. Not recommended for more than 2 years.

 

[KaeKae]

Missy,
I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Wishing you the best success in finding a treatment that works well.

 

[Missy]

Thank you so much @Bron357 and @KaeKae.

@monarch64 hahaha yes that is true. Both certitude and cattitude. Cats rock don't they.

 

[ihy138]

I had a similar issue last year! My derm diagnosed me with sebhorreic dermatitis, basically a form of eczema. My eye brows were falling out! The skin was red, irritated, and very flaky. Meanwhile I was going through a divorce and felt absolutely hideous. I shudder to think about that time. Anyway, my derm prescribed me pimecrolimus, which is in the same family as the drug you were prescribed. It was only moderately helpful. The thing that absolutely saved me was treating with an antifungal/antidandruff shampoo. Basically the dermatits is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on your skin. Kill the yeast, the inflammation gets better. I use nizoral about twice per week on my eyebrows just as someone would on their scalp. If you have the same thing, this might be helpful!

Diet can be important also - cutting out sugars was majorly helpful to me. I also began using apple cider vinegar for gut health and I noticed a difference. One thing I will caution you is about using castor oil. I used it on my brows because I heard it was good for growth and strengthening. Big mistake! I eventually learned that the yeast actually feeds on oils and castor oil caused the yeast overgrowth to begin with. Hope you find something that works for you! I also have rosacea and a ton of skin problems, so I feel your pain.

 

[KristyDarling]

...to add to ihy138's post, I too was told by my doc that various bumpy/itchy skin conditions can be due to yeast overgrowths that feed on skin oils. I had a yeast called malassezia (sp?) overgrowth on my face for MANY years -- tiny little flesh-colored, itchy bumps that were *always* there -- and they didn't budge until I started using tea tree oil cleanser, a natural antifungal. The bumps completely disappeared within days...I couldn't believe it! I looked like a completely different person! I've been using the tea tree cleanser now for almost 2 years and the bumps have not returned. My derm doc acknowledged that tea tree oil (in addition to nizoral and Selsun Blue shampoo) can be very effective for some people, though it can also be irritating if you have extra-sensitive skin.

 

[Missy]

I had a similar issue last year! My derm diagnosed me with sebhorreic dermatitis, basically a form of eczema. My eye brows were falling out! The skin was red, irritated, and very flaky. Meanwhile I was going through a divorce and felt absolutely hideous. I shudder to think about that time. Anyway, my derm prescribed me pimecrolimus, which is in the same family as the drug you were prescribed. It was only moderately helpful. The thing that absolutely saved me was treating with an antifungal/antidandruff shampoo. Basically the dermatits is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on your skin. Kill the yeast, the inflammation gets better. I use nizoral about twice per week on my eyebrows just as someone would on their scalp. If you have the same thing, this might be helpful!

Diet can be important also - cutting out sugars was majorly helpful to me. I also began using apple cider vinegar for gut health and I noticed a difference. One thing I will caution you is about using castor oil. I used it on my brows because I heard it was good for growth and strengthening. Big mistake! I eventually learned that the yeast actually feeds on oils and castor oil caused the yeast overgrowth to begin with. Hope you find something that works for you! I also have rosacea and a ton of skin problems, so I feel your pain.

...to add to ihy138's post, I too was told by my doc that various bumpy/itchy skin conditions can be due to yeast overgrowths that feed on skin oils. I had a yeast called malassezia (sp?) overgrowth on my face for MANY years -- tiny little flesh-colored, itchy bumps that were *always* there -- and they didn't budge until I started using tea tree oil cleanser, a natural antifungal. The bumps completely disappeared within days...I couldn't believe it! I looked like a completely different person! I've been using the tea tree cleanser now for almost 2 years and the bumps have not returned. My derm doc acknowledged that tea tree oil (in addition to nizoral and Selsun Blue shampoo) can be very effective for some people, though it can also be irritating if you have extra-sensitive skin.

Thank you ihy138 and KristyDarling.

@ihy138 , yes I have sebhorreic dermatitis too and once the autumn comes my scalp is a mess. No matter what I do. I did think perhaps the eyebrow issue could be Seb Derm though it doesn't look like it does on my scalp. That is no flaking or peeling. Just red and swollen skin under what eyebrow hair is left on the left brow. Seeing the derm next week and plan on asking him about that possibility. I want a diagnosis so perhaps I can find the proper treatment though we all know that even with the correct diagnosis many of these conditions have no great treatment. It is a start at least.

And I am adding Apple Cider Vinegar to my salads now along with olive oil. I had been eating them without dressing but now I am working on adding fat to my diet and seeing if that helps at all.

And thank you so much about the Castor Oil info. Yes now I remember that the Malassezia yeast feed on oils and that could be a big part of the reason I don't do well with oils.

Thanks so much for sharing and I am sorry you went through all that and the stress of the divorce and so relieved for you that you found the right treatment that is keeping it all under control and that everything is better in all areas.

@KristyDarling, so glad for you finding a good treatment for your Malassezia issue and you're right about Tea Tree oil. Could you please share what tea tree oil cleanser you are using?

Tea tree oil does cause an angry skin reaction on my face (though I shampoo with Giovanni tea tree oil shampoo and that seems OK and all the mainstream shampoos cause my hair to be horribly dried out etc so I prefer the Giovanni brand as it doesn't have harmful that I know of ingredients) even when diluted but a few weeks ago I ordered a number of products from an Etsy vendor who came highly recommended and one of those products contained tree tea oil. I started applying the tea tree oil cream to my left eyebrow the other day but it aggravated it. Sometimes I am not sure when to persevere or to stop. Last night because that eyebrow skin was so irritated I didn't apply anything. I will re-evaluate this morning.

Thank you so much.

FYI here is the Etsy vendor in case anyone reading is interested. Keep in mind I just received her products a few days ago (she is very popular and has a backlog of orders) and cannot make any evaluations as of yet but I can say she is very kind and I am impressed with the presentation of the order.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHomeApothecary

 

[KristyDarling]

@KristyDarling, so glad for you finding a good treatment for your Malassezia issue and you're right about Tea Tree oil. Could you please share what tea tree oil cleanser you are using?

Tea tree oil does cause an angry skin reaction on my face (though I shampoo with Giovanni tea tree oil shampoo and that seems OK and all the mainstream shampoos cause my hair to be horribly dried out etc so I prefer the Giovanni brand as it doesn't have harmful that I know of ingredients) even when diluted but a few weeks ago I ordered a number of products from an Etsy vendor who came highly recommended and one of those products contained tree tea oil. I started applying the tea tree oil cream to my left eyebrow the other day but it aggravated it. Sometimes I am not sure when to persevere or to stop. Last night because that eyebrow skin was so irritated I didn't apply anything. I will re-evaluate this morning.

I'm going to check out that Etsy tea tree oil vendor!! Thanks for sharing her info.

Believe it or not, the tea tree oil cleanser that I use on my face is actually a body wash: http://www.theratreeskincare.com/soap/. My skin used to go berserk if I put anything stronger than Cetaphil on it (I used to have horrible inflamed reactions to *literally* every drugstore facial cleanser you can think of), so I couldn't believe it when I tried the Theratree wash on my face and I didn't react at all. I'm baffled as to why. However, it's definitely not a gentle wash: It makes my skin so clean that it practically squeaks and it feels kind of tight afterwards, but I always moisturize thoroughly after cleansing. If you're reacting to a tea tree cream, though, I would probably recommend extreme caution if you decide to try this product. Good luck and keep us posted!!

 

[tsavvy]

I've had similar eyebrow issues off and on over the years - I have plaque psoriasis (and psoriatic arthritis), rosacea, and seb. dermatitis, so an array of issues that can lead to unhappy skin. I've found that my brows and areas around my eyes respond well to a light application of Metrolotion for a week or so - I only swab it directly on irritated areas and do not apply to my entire face. I never use it for the full length of time recommended and this approach has worked well. Also, use of retinol/retinoids and a lot of other "age-reversing" serums and lotions anywhere on my face results in inflamed eyebrow follicles and scaling of my eyebrows and the inside area of the bridge of my nose and sometimes irritation along my scalp line even if the serum/lotion is not applied anywhere in the vicinity of my eyes/scalp. Good luck getting your brow back!

 

[Missy]

I'm going to check out that Etsy tea tree oil vendor!! Thanks for sharing her info.

Believe it or not, the tea tree oil cleanser that I use on my face is actually a body wash: http://www.theratreeskincare.com/soap/. My skin used to go berserk if I put anything stronger than Cetaphil on it (I used to have horrible inflamed reactions to *literally* every drugstore facial cleanser you can think of), so I couldn't believe it when I tried the Theratree wash on my face and I didn't react at all. I'm baffled as to why. However, it's definitely not a gentle wash: It makes my skin so clean that it practically squeaks and it feels kind of tight afterwards, but I always moisturize thoroughly after cleansing. If you're reacting to a tea tree cream, though, I would probably recommend extreme caution if you decide to try this product. Good luck and keep us posted!!

Thanks KristyDarling and let's keep each other posted. I feel optimistic we will get a handle on this. (((Hugs))).

I've had similar eyebrow issues off and on over the years - I have plaque psoriasis (and psoriatic arthritis), rosacea, and seb. dermatitis, so an array of issues that can lead to unhappy skin. I've found that my brows and areas around my eyes respond well to a light application of Metrolotion for a week or so - I only swab it directly on irritated areas and do not apply to my entire face. I never use it for the full length of time recommended and this approach has worked well. Also, use of retinol/retinoids and a lot of other "age-reversing" serums and lotions anywhere on my face results in inflamed eyebrow follicles and scaling of my eyebrows and the inside area of the bridge of my nose and sometimes irritation along my scalp line even if the serum/lotion is not applied anywhere in the vicinity of my eyes/scalp. Good luck getting your brow back!

Hi tsavvy thank you for sharing and I am sorry you are dealing with similar issues. Arghhh and only those of us struggling to figure this out really get what we are going through. I am going to ask my derm about Metrolotion. He put me on it back in the mid 2000s for my rosacea but I don't remember how I reacted. I just know only Oracea helped my rosacea.

And I stay away from anti aging treatments no worries. I know they are too harsh for our sensitive skin but appreciate your warning. Yeah those aren't going near me in any way shape or form. Aging as gracefully as I can naturally. Thank you so much for chiming in-I really appreciate it and I am sending healing vibes and good thoughts your way for happy healthy skin and a happy healthy 2018.

And please continue to share here and check in...we skin and bling sisters need to stick together. (((Hugs))).

 

[House Cat]

Missy,

The bottom line is that you need a proper diagnosis. (We are all contradicting on another over here.) If the dermatologist that you are seeing can’t give you a proper diagnosis, I really encourage you to find a “best in the business” dermatologist.

It’s my opinion that the act of trying all of these different remedies could be worsening your condition by increasing the inflammation. If it were me, I would be requesting a same day or next day appointment and I would be in the doctor’s office until this were resolved.

You are suffering too much.

 

[CJ2008]

Good morning missy.

I am so sorry it took me this long to visit this thread and let you know I'm thinking of you.

I feel overwhelmed just by reading the skin and other issues you need to deal with. All I deal with for the most part is super dry skin (so dry that it almost hurts at times) and that alone drives me crazy sometimes.

You've gotten a lot of advice, most of it it seems you knew or were familiar with, but some things here and there seem to be things you had not considered or done fully before, so I hope in all these nuggets of experience and wisdom there is something that can help you.

((((hugs)))) and hugs to the furbabies

 

[Missy]

Missy,

The bottom line is that you need a proper diagnosis. (We are all contradicting on another over here.) If the dermatologist that you are seeing can’t give you a proper diagnosis, I really encourage you to find a “best in the business” dermatologist.

It’s my opinion that the act of trying all of these different remedies could be worsening your condition by increasing the inflammation. If it were me, I would be requesting a same day or next day appointment and I would be in the doctor’s office until this were resolved.

You are suffering too much.

House Cat I know you're right and as always I appreciate your thoughts and advice very much. The reason I came here in the first place is because my dermatologist isn't yet sure what I have (it took 3 years to get my progressive pigmented purpuric disease diagnosis which I finally received this summer). I can tell you in no uncertain terms that I am under the care of a top dermatologist. I cannot place fault on him as dermatology is a field full of mysteries and only with time and trial and error are many diagnoses. So it isn't a reflection of him but more the nature of the conditions/diseases that have to do with skin if that makes sense.

I wish there was an easy diagnosis and treatment but I know I have to go through this to find the right answer and even then there probably isn't a cure but if there is a treatment that will work for me and help control it I would be so grateful. I have long stopped looking for cures and just searching for relief for some of my medical conditions.

Sometimes coming here helps so much because I am not unique and I know there are others who are dealing with similar conditions and often their experience can help me in my search and vice versa. That is why I don't mind putting myself out there so to speak. To help myself and to help others as well. So it is worth it to me and I appreciate all the advice here. The collective wisdom of PS is impressive and way better than just me (or my derm even). So thank you all. From the bottom of my heart I thank you.

Good morning missy.

I am so sorry it took me this long to visit this thread and let you know I'm thinking of you.

I feel overwhelmed just by reading the skin and other issues you need to deal with. All I deal with for the most part is super dry skin (so dry that it almost hurts at times) and that alone drives me crazy sometimes.

You've gotten a lot of advice, most of it it seems you knew or were familiar with, but some things here and there seem to be things you had not considered or done fully before, so I hope in all these nuggets of experience and wisdom there is something that can help you.

((((hugs)))) and hugs to the furbabies

Aww CJ no apologies are necessary. You are such a dear to me and I cannot adequately express how much it means to me. And I have gotten amazing advice here and I am processing it all and when I see David Tuesday maybe he/we will be closer to finding an answer that helps me find relief. It is always a team effort with these conditions because little I have is straightforward. Sometimes I feel I am an enigma wrapped in a conundrum wrapped in a mystery wrapped in a riddle. You get the picture lol. Big (((HUGS))) to you too. And your sweet furbabies.

 

[CJ2008]

Aww CJ no apologies are necessary. You are such a dear to me and I cannot adequately express how much it means to me. And I have gotten amazing advice here and I am processing it all and when I see David Tuesday maybe he/we will be closer to finding an answer that helps me find relief. It is always a team effort with these conditions because little I have is straightforward. Sometimes I feel I am an enigma wrapped in a conundrum wrapped in a mystery wrapped in a riddle. You get the picture lol. Big (((HUGS))) to you too. And your sweet furbabies.

I totally understand missy. It's processing it all and presenting it to your Dr. so that he can see if there are any "doors" worth pursuing. And / or looking into some on your own. I totally get it. Especially when you have several things going on at once. It may all be under one HUGE umbrella of something or it may not. Like I said I hope that in all these experiences something holds the key to unlock an avenue that will bring relief.

You express it all the time with your actions to me as well.

Hugs.