Follow up dermatologist appointment

I mentioned it earlier, but haven't summarized my latest Dr. visit (June 25th).

I had Jim come with me because I was afraid Obediah would yell at me again for not staying out of the sun, or not getting better, or because the rhumatologist didn't agree with him. Not sure if it was because Jim was there or not, but Obediah was actually nice this time.

He had the rhumatologist results: all clear. Nothing abnormal. Perfectly fine.

He saw that the rash was getting better, but not at the speed he was comfortable with. He wanted to move me to a new drug (Methotrexate). But the side effects sounded like they would harm my organs faster than this disease could. I am waiting to talk to the rhumatologist before I make that decision.

As stated in my earlier post, Obediah did change my topical ointment, which is clearing up my hands nicely, and he gave me an serum for my scalp to curb the itching there. That itching stops all together, which has been WONDERFUL.

In other news, my PCP heard back from the pathologists in Arizona. They agreed immediately with Obediah's diagnosis. No need for further testing. It is confirmed that I have a "classic case" of dermatomyositis - though I don't have the "myositis" part...yet...

Need to keep my physical activity up and keep sticking to my diet to help ensure that doesn't happen.

Keep Calm
Keri On

Tea adventure: Rooibos

Since I seem to be leaning toward spicy teas, I have been sampling rooibos teas. As per the site, rooibos teas have more antioxidants than black tea though it goes through the same fermentation/oxidation process. And the site lists all of the minerals that the tea provides.

Green rooibos is supposed to be even more healthy because it doesn't go through the processes, but I haven't tried it yet.

There seem to be flavored rooibos teas as well (gingerbread in my cupboard for one).

So far, the rooibos teas I have had all benefit from double bagging and long steeping times, but they don't get bitter like green teas. So far, rooibos teas are topping my list.

My hair is falling out today

I feel like I am losing it by the handfuls today. Though, there have been times in my past where this happens sporadically - hypothyroid and curly hair in general falls out more than most. There are still no big gaping holes where hair used to be. But there was a ton of hair in the sink this morning.

That is scary as hell. It always makes me feel like I'm losing this battle.

The rash is about the same as it has been. The dermatologist put me on a new ointment that is doing very well on the bumps on my hands. The rest of the rash is still migrating around my body. This week, it is prevalent on my forearms, when a week or so ago, it was worst on my shoulders and back.

The dermatologist also gave me a serum for my scalp to ease the itching there. This has been a godsend, but I think it is impacting my hair loss. There is a ton of alcohol in it, so I think it is drying out my scalp? Maybe?

I am going though sunblock like crazy.

The Dr. also pointed me to the Mayo Clinic to read up more on my disease: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dermatomyositis/DS00335. Good information. Nothing really new. I think the fact that it isn't anything new or earth-shattering there has made me feel a bit better.

Everyone is being very supportive. I know they don't know what to say in order to help. I feel bad that I look for so much strength from others when they are already giving me everything they have.

Just keep swimming.
Breathe
stretch
walk
ride
BREATHE