I’m Being Tested

The rash that started on my chest now covers all of my abdomen, half of my arms, and is creeping up my face to my lips.  It doesn’t respond to anything, in fact most topical treatments just aggravate it.  It’s phenomenally itchy but I get a few hours a days relief with Camomile lotion and Xepin anti-itch cream, too much of either makes it worse.  That’s not all though, I’m struggling to sleep so I’m exhausted all the time and suffering from pain in my shoulder, knee and ankles.

It’s at times like this that I feel like I’m being tested, this is week 4 of daily torment.  I’m gradually taking control of my urge to itch, but it’s a slow process and many times over the last few days I’ve succumbed, worst is when I wake up in the middle of the night with sore scratches all over.

Distraction is still the best option and fortunately I’m on ‘holiday’ in Scarborough, so I have lots of great long distance walks available, but walking is it’s own trial when every step jolts my shoulder and leg.  Reading and TV don’t work as the itch distracts me from paying attention to them, not the other way around. As I said a few days ago it’s wearing me down! What can I do? feel sorry for myself or feel grateful that I’m in a lovely place with Debbie, Anna and Thom, walking and enjoying the sunshine and about to camp out for a reading break in my favourite cafe!  Grateful wins every time especially grateful that I don’t have to survive a trial like this

The photo today is of Scarborough tiered gardens, I ate breakfast at the top of these today.  A little earlier I watched 30 people surfing and dogs chasing sticks on the beach, great vicarious fun!