Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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Life's an itch and then you die
Yesterday I went to my 4th doctor's visit to another dermatologist to try to get control of this kidney disease's itching I've had for 65 days straight now. This dermatologist freaked out when I told him that the last dermatologist had recommended that I use a tanning bed. Supposedly tanning beds are UVA rays, and if I was going to be given ultra violet light treatment it was supposed to be with UVB rays.
OK, whatever. They were at least nice to me at this office, unlike the last one. At this one I found that one of the nurses who took care of me was a former students of mine who took a class from me in 2013. We had a nice chat about old times (back before my itch began. Oh, the nostalgia for those good old days now.
I'm developing a sense of humor about it. In spite of the usual bedtime bout of itching, I got a good night's sleep last night for the first time in all 65 days. I'm PTSD triggered by it less, thanks to the support of you all here. You never treated me like it was all in my head. Even if the doctors don't cure me, they never treat me like I'm crazy and it's all in my head, either. So I'm better able to marshal resources to cope with it like I am right now feeling my skin crawling but able to function with it.
Thanks for helping me have a sense of humor about something I can't control, just like my PTSD itself. Life's an itch and then you die.
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I haven't written in my diary on my computer since May because I thought that my computer was dying. I got away from writing but my computer is hanging in there. I think that I will start writing in it again. It's so therapeutic.
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Years ago, I won a mirrored armoire from my job. It's in my bedroom but I rarely stand in front of it. Yesterday, I had to have a dexascan done so I had to change into a gown. There was a full length mirror in the changing room. I'm aware that I gained 5 to 7 pounds over the last year from cheating on Keto but I didn't know what it looked like. It was a reality check.
so glad you found out about the right rays! probably something you can do at home...
maybe you can have the light on while you nap? then turn over, renap : ) i hope so, muj
Being taken seriously makes one huge giant step in the right direction. Just sleeping the first night after seeing a doctor who decides to take you as a human being with needs of help is fantastic. I'm so very happy for you. Good to know you caught the sense of humor bug from all your supporters here too.
Keep posting, please? Have a great weekend! Yey!:)
Sarah, I'm on gabapentin for my kidney disease neuropathy in my legs, and it helps that. This itching of mine's been diagnosed as "prurigo nodularis," if that helps you any with your docs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prurigo_nodularis
I'm feeling it even as I write this. Went to the movies and felt it while sitting in my seat. I go around with it all the time, 65 days now. I'm just getting to where I can concentrate mentally in spite of it. Could do without it.
Lilly, it tickles me that I cracked you up. HA!
Continued support while you scratch it out, muji. The human system is remarkably adaptable.