Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Changes are coming!

I've recently took a look at my blog and realized it is in need of some sprucing up!  Not exactly sure when I will get to this but hopefully soon!  Like I have said before I am changing my focus to another blog - one I will be keeping current on once we move and start working on our 68 acre homestead. My skin is no longer in need of constant care nor do I really focus on it anymore.  I still have issues on my hands but that goes with working as a nurse.  I did have a recent flare but I'll  get to that soon! I will be keeping this blog up for those that follow behind.  But I want to make it easy for those just starting out with TSW or those looking for answers.  I have not followed many going through TSW in quite some time except for a few FB groups I follow.  I find it harder and harder to see other's suffering.  It breaks my heart.  I also get very anxious when I see pictures now of those deep into suffering.  I am sure there is some element of PTSD here.  I completely understand why people leave the support groups when they are healed - it is so difficult to go back into the world of such pain and despair.  I will continue to be here however it will be in short doses.  I will of course continue to answer questions and emails.

Life is really good.  Just got back from Virginia Beach and had a fabulous time.  My skin loved the sun and the ocean!  I bought season passes to Six Flags for us and we went the other day to make sure we got the free parking for the season.  It was 85 degrees and sunny!  I had a few areas on my neck that were irritated from the sweating, but that was it.  We had a great time except for the roller coaster experience!  That was not a bright idea on my part to take my kids on when they have never been on one!  My 12 year old was screaming and crying to get off.  I felt so bad for her!  However she got over it quickly and all 3 kids declared no more rollercoasters for now.  The water park was not open but looks like so much fun!  Can't wait!

As for my recent flare....I ended up trying a raw milk diet.  I have read so many good things on it and have wanted to try it for quite some time.  But dairy has bothered my skin during TSW.  Well my skin was super clear the last month and I felt ready to try it.  Big mistake!  Within 3 days I was flared all over my face, chest, arms, and stomach.  It was very painful and I was very red and swollen.  I went back to my MSM powder and a few other supplements.  Within 24 hours of the MSM powder and stopping the milk and all dairy my pain was 50% better.  It's been about 2 weeks since my experiment and I am nearly back to being clear - no more redness or swelling at all.  Just some left over scabbing and itching.  Hoping to be all clear again soon!

For those that do not believe diet is a factor - all I can say is that for some of us, it is a huge factor!  I encourage anyone in TSW to at least give a dairy and gluten free diet a 30 day fair chance.  It takes a while for the body to clear the proteins from the dairy.

So stay tuned for my big change.  I will be posting an all inclusive way to deal with topical steroid addiction.  Hopefully it will be helpful to those dealing with this dreaded condition!