For the last several days I've been dealing with a poison ivy rash. Unfortunately, I am not the typical rash-y person. Most people get small rashes in the area of contact after they've been in physical contact with poison ivy. Me, I can get it blowing in the wind...literally! That's how I got it this time. Last Wednesday night the girls and I went for our 4-mile walk around the local wildflower parks. There is a creek in these parks and the creek is surrounded by poison ivy. We didn't get anywhere near there creek but there was a slight wind that night and the ivy oils/resin was stirred up. That was enough to bring blisters by Thursday morning, cauliflower rashes by Friday morning, and swollen face to the point of affecting breathing and sight.
I am now on the 'cure' - the cure is almost as miserable as the rash. I am on a multi-week treatment that shuts down my immune system and gives me alternating side effects such as anxiety, cold/hot flashes, tingling skin, hyperness, extreme exhaustion, etc. The one good thing I can say is that I can actually see (eyelids are still swollen but no longer fully swollen) and my throat no longer feels restricted.
The next few months are going to have to be one of caution, with no immune system while on the treatment, and then taking time to rebuild it, I have to be careful to not get sick or injured. It will odd to have to walk such a cautious road - I've never had to be concerned about germs or injuries because we are a healthy family and have the immune system to fight off the common ailments and heal well when we get scraped or cut.
I've felt frustrated that not only the rash, but the treatment, has sidelined me to a temporary pathetic lump - but as my husband reminded me a couple of nights ago, I had absolutely no control over this and God has His purpose for this circumstance. What I DO have control over is my mental attitude while going through this and dealing with all the side effects and related issues...so, for the next several days at least I'll be sitting like a veal, watching Adam-12, Dragnet, and Hawaii 5-0 reruns, waiting for even a portion of my normal life to return.
I hope y'all have really good days while I'm gone!
I am now on the 'cure' - the cure is almost as miserable as the rash. I am on a multi-week treatment that shuts down my immune system and gives me alternating side effects such as anxiety, cold/hot flashes, tingling skin, hyperness, extreme exhaustion, etc. The one good thing I can say is that I can actually see (eyelids are still swollen but no longer fully swollen) and my throat no longer feels restricted.
The next few months are going to have to be one of caution, with no immune system while on the treatment, and then taking time to rebuild it, I have to be careful to not get sick or injured. It will odd to have to walk such a cautious road - I've never had to be concerned about germs or injuries because we are a healthy family and have the immune system to fight off the common ailments and heal well when we get scraped or cut.
I've felt frustrated that not only the rash, but the treatment, has sidelined me to a temporary pathetic lump - but as my husband reminded me a couple of nights ago, I had absolutely no control over this and God has His purpose for this circumstance. What I DO have control over is my mental attitude while going through this and dealing with all the side effects and related issues...so, for the next several days at least I'll be sitting like a veal, watching Adam-12, Dragnet, and Hawaii 5-0 reruns, waiting for even a portion of my normal life to return.
I hope y'all have really good days while I'm gone!
6 comments:
Oh Revee, that is awful. I am sorry you are so miserable. I hope it gets better soon!!!
My heart goes out to you; I cannot imagine the situation you describe. I thought it was bad when my child had to get shots and another instance w my dau I sat beside her on her bed and literally talked her through her misery. This was nothing compared to what u r going through. I will pray - especially for a quiet calm spirit as u get through the days ahead. Sorry I am not close by to offer in person help.
Oh my sweet, sweet friend. I am so sorry to hear that you are having a rough start to summer fun. I hope you can sit back and let the girls take care of you and the household chores. That is what you have trained them for. I am sure they will do a fantastic job. Thanks for posting for us....that way your blog friends can keep you in their thoughts and prayers. Love, Debbi
Ahh Revee, I'm so sorry. What a terrible time you're having but I hope you're feeling a bit better every day. How long will you be on this medication?
Take care of yourself my friend.
Hugs,
Sandra
What is the treatment? Steroids? Goodness! Sounds like you need to carry an Epi Pen with you. You could have died Revee! The thing is when you have one allery the chances are you will develop others. If you have not been given a rx for an epi pen, I think you need to really talk to your dr. about getting one! I hope you feel better soon.
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