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Thursday 8 December 2011

Now I Know Why ........

Hi dear bloggy friends.  Yesterday, number 2 daughter asked me if I would pop into town to change something for her.  Obviously, it is easier for me to just go in on my own, rather than her coping with the two little ones, especially at this time of the year!

Anyway, the traffic on the way in was pretty horrendous (and I was in there by 9.30 a.m.) and I spent ages looking for a parking space in the Mall.  By the time I was in the queue for the tills, I suddenly thought to myself "Now I know why I buy most of my present on-line".  It really is much more civilized.

I always try to keep my posts fairly upbeat, because I think there is enough doom and gloom out there in the world at the moment, and I also know that several of my Followers are coping with illnesses that they have to live with every single day.  However, I have to confess  that I'm  feeling just a little 'down' at the moment.  Most of my 'older' Followers will know that I have problems with my skin, and that I am anaphylactic.  You will also know that, following a visit to a Kinsiologist two months ago, I completely changed my eating regime, in the real hope that this would make a difference.

Sad to say, it hasn't altered things one iota, and there has been no improvement at all.  I went to see my G.P. yesterday, and she said that, really, my problem is so deep rooted that changing the diet isn't really going to do anything for me.  It is the irritation that I am finding most difficult to cope with.  Apart from the itching, I feel as if I am on fire all the time and it hurts even when I wear the softest of fabrics.

Two weeks ago, I was given a course of tablets and I had to take four every morning.  To my absolute delight, the irritation went away, and I really felt on top form again.  BUT, two days after I stopped taking them, it all came back again :(  So the Doctor has now given me another course, but informed me that they were Steroid Tablets (I thought they were anti-biotics) and, as we all know, with anything steroid, you get other problems.  As with my extremely thin skin, from using steroid creams for 40 years or more.  Apparently, these will thin my bones! Although, to be honest, I don't really care about my bones at the moment, as long as I can get some relief!

To top it all, last evening I had another anaphylactic attack and had to use my Epi-Pen.  These seem to be occuring more and more these days.  Just to give you an idea of what happens with these attacks, I am showing you a photo, which is just part of my arm.  These marks are all over my arms - attractive - NOT!!  It's not too bad at the moment, because I can cover up, but it's really not funny in the summer months.



You can probably understand why this is starting to get to me at the moment!  Anyway, I really don't want to leave you on a downer, so here is a little Christmas poem for you.  Onwards and upwards peeps!!  I know that a lot of my Followers absolutely love their pooches and, of course, we will have little Alfred with us for Christmas, so hopefully this will make you smile a little amongst all the rush.

A Puppy's Christmas.

It's the day before Christmas, and all through the house
the puppies are squeaking an old rubber mouse.

The wreath which had merrily hung on the door,
is scattered in pieces, all over the floor.

The stockings that hung in a neat little row,
now boast a hole in each one of the toes.

The tree was subjected to bright-eyed whims,
and now, although splendid, it's missing some limbs.

I catch them and hold them,
"Be good" I insist,
They lick me, then run off
to see what they've missed.

And now as I watch them, the thought comes to me,
that theirs is the spirit that Christmas SHOULD be.

Should children and puppies yet show us the way,
and teach us the joy that should come this day?

Could they bring the message that's written above,
and tell that, most of all, Christmas is LOVE.


Free Cute Little Christmas Puppies wallpaper no88581



 







41 comments:

Shelly said...

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to have it be such a discomfort day after day. You are in my prayers, friend. I do hope they find something that will work, and soon.

Thank you for the puppy poem- that was a sweet thing to read this morning!

colenic said...

Hugs and lots of love to you...I am sorry that you are dealing with all this stuff right before the holidays...Sending out positive thoughts and love to you today and always!!

Jennifer said...

Sending warm ((Hugs)) your way. That has to be so difficult to deal with. I hope the doctors can eventually find something to improve your conditions without the nasty side affects. You are in my prayers.

The puppy poem was so sweet and the pic - absolutely adorable. Thank you for warming my heart this morning.

Blessings Always.

ps...I LOVE your new header up there! Kind of wishing we could get a little snow for Christmas here.

Shady Del Knight said...

Oh Thisisme, I wish that I could take away all of your discomfort. I would if I could. You are such a dear friend and I hate to know that you suffer from these maladies. I hope that you will continue to pursue solutions. I know how frustrating it is when the sides effects from medications are as bad or worse than the ailment they're treating. Thank you for reminding us that children and puppies are getting it right. Never grow up, never grow old. Bless you, dear friend!

Claudia Moser said...

Oh dear Diane I am so sorry you have to go through this, I honestly hoped (as you did) that the diet will bring some improvements. I honestly wish you will have some relief! Many hugs and positive vibes from my side!

orchid0324 said...

Oh, Dearest Diane.
I was just trying to close my PC and head for the bed...
What a discomfort you are experiencing!!! As I was thinking that you are feeling better now,
I am really sorry for your condition.
And admire you the way you wrote this post, my dear friend!
LOVELY puppy poem and pic♡♡♡

Sending you my deepest thoughts!!!
Love and Lots of Hugs to you from Japan, Miyako*

SkippyMom said...

WOW - I cannot even imagine This. To have one on top of the other with no fix for either? Seems like everything has side effects, and we just have to be judicious in what we choose as the lesser of two evils. I have to say tho' I am surprised some these drugs make it through testing with some of the side effects they have [my favorite is the drug that advertises "Use of this drug may cause death." Yeah, okayyyyyy. Moving along. :D

I hope that you find some relief, truly - and this isn't a downer post at all [although we do worry for you] but it helps to share, because we love you darling! I wish there was something I could do, but know that I am sending you great thoughts and prayers that something is done soon.

Hugs!!!

Katherines Corner said...

Oh my goodness I am so sorry to hear about this misery. Truly. I will send extra prayers your way ( I always send prayers your way) to relieve your discomfort. xo P.S> love the puppy Christmas

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh my Dear, your skin looks like a blood bruise, from a bump, while taking blood thinners. (Of this I know) But bruises do not itch or feel on fire. You poooor Dear.

Have you gone to every possible specialist, to see if any one can not only diagnose, but tell you how to get real relief???

It is good, for us to mention our *issues,* now and then, on our blogs. To look at your blog, one would think you had a perrrrrrrrfect life. But someone who has read you, knows you have this painful *issue* to deal with, too.

I'm not making much sense or sounding correct. Perhaps it means, that since all of us, have some sort of problems, we almost like to know, that others do too.

Now, have I totally made a mess of this comment? -sigh- I hope not. -sigh-

Wishing you relief, my Dear. And sending lots and lots of gentle hugs...

"The holly's up, the house is all bright,
The tree is ready, the candles alight:
Rejoice and be glad, all children tonight!"

~~P. Cornelius

Bethe77 said...

Thisime my body aches for you! Oh honey! May the Lord touch and ehal you in Jesus name. I am so sorry you suffer with this so.
Lovely Christmas poem you have shared with us this day! So cheery and up lifting just like you!
How sweet of you to go out for daughter and help in shopping. I know if I was in Calif. I would with my daughters as well. May you feel better and the pain ease in Jesus name.
Blessings

Manzanita said...

Thisisme. That is one snazzy holly Christmas poem. Good cheer.
Like your other bloggy friends, I am sad for you when I see the picture and hear of your pain. I'm not familiar with your illness because I rarely put a name on any disease. All disease is an accumulation of toxins in your body and we must rid ourselves of those. As you know, I'm nearly 82 and have followed natural healing all my life. I'm constantly cleansing and rebuilding. Right now, as I write, I'm on my 4th day of a water only fast and I have great energy. I also spent the past year and half on a juice therapy. Please believe me, as your friend, I'm not trying to be preachy but just suggesting there are other natural ways to heal the body. I know that "natural" is a difficult concept to understand when it's unfamiliar. Please accept my love and prayers.

Gawgus things... said...

It's such a blimming nuisance, your skin. Fingers crossed something will sort it out soon. Cute poem but can't believe Alfred has been replaced by a photo of some other dogs! Wait until I tell him... :)

LindyLouMac said...

Oh my goodness Diane, you really are being put through the mill at the moment aren't you. I am so sorry that things are not improving, but do not give up searching for solutions. Meanwhile try and stay positive, I know it is hard, but you have a loving family and friends sending you good vibes. Take Care xx

Unknown said...

Oh my! Sounds like you had a heck of a time! I'm so sorry to hear about all the pain and discomfort you are dealing with! Many thoughts and prayers coming your way! :) Thanks for the sweet read this morning!

Desiree said...

Oh, Diane! That really does look bad. What a time you're having. I know saying that I feel sorry you're going through this, isn't at all helpful, but I really do feel sorry! The pups and poem are such a lovely reminder to keep ones perspective on things, however bad they might seem. Big hug xoxoxo

Southhamsdarling said...

TO ALL MY CARING BLOGGY FRIENDS - THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR EVERY SINGLE WORD. I DO APPRECIATE ALL YOUR PRAYERS, POSITIVE VIBES, LOVE AND HUGS! I WILL KEEP SEARCHING AND I'M CERTAINLY WILLING TO TRY ANYTHING. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO POP OVER AND WISH ME WELL. BIG HUGS ;)

Anonymous said...

How difficult it must be to deal with constant discomfort! I agree with "Auntie" above that the mark on your arm looks like bruising. I am older, on "blood thinners" and will get those marks on my arms from scratching, hard rubbing or bumping into something. I consciously try to avoid those situations. When the skin is thin the blood capillaries are not protected and pressure causes them to rupture - hence bruising.
Has your GP referred you to an immunologist?
Also, anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction - are you developing new allergies?
Please forgive this intrusion (if it is) by a complete stranger.
Wishing you well,
Ann G

Anonymous said...

How difficult it must be to deal with constant discomfort! I agree with "Auntie" above that the mark on your arm looks like bruising. I am older, on "blood thinners" and will get those marks on my arms from scratching, hard rubbing or bumping into something. I consciously try to avoid those situations. When the skin is thin the blood capillaries are not protected and pressure causes them to rupture - hence bruising.
Has your GP referred you to an immunologist?
Also, anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction - are you developing new allergies?
Please forgive this intrusion (if it is) by a complete stranger.
Wishing you well,
Ann G

Southhamsdarling said...

Anonymous - Ann G - you're not intruding at all. Thank you for popping over to leave a comment. I have never been referred to an Immunologist, so that is something that I could suggest to my GP. Yes, I am developing new allergies all the time. You might know, but when you have your first anaphylactic attack, after that you can become allergic to something that you have happily eaten all your life, without any problems. That really is the problem for me. I do appreciate your comment very much. Thank you.

Just Martha said...

That looks very painful!! I am of the less problematic eczema crowd which is a pain as my hair fell out once but what you need to endure is awful. I am sure you have tried everything so maybe a nice long hug sent from far away will help a little. Nice puppy poem - I have bought one as a surprise for Christmas!! Yay!! Thinking of you

Sush said...

Hi Diane,
I know how you feel about not sharing our illnesses, particularly when we know others who are having graver problems than ours. My Mother used to say when I would tell her I felt silly complaining..."You can only deal with Your problems and Your reality." So dear friend, don't worry about sharing...we all care so very much about you and your welfare. I hope your skin calms down soon and you are able to relax and enjoy the holidays!
Fell better soon~

Southhamsdarling said...

Sush - you are right. I know people out there who are really going through it, but I think your mum was right. Thank you for your lovely, encouraging comment. Hugs.

Teresa said...

i'm sorry - so sorry - that your skin is in such dire straits. i understand the itching and the steroid use. it is sad that one thing to fix something can cause other problems.

have you tried pure emu oil? cosmetic grade emu oil is wonderful for skin problems. when i made soap, i used it all the time. it's not cheap but a little bit really goes a long way.

very cute puppy poem.

love your header and blog look. snazzy... beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Dear Diane,
I'm sorry I am late this evening! And I'm sorry to hear about your skin problems, that really must be a pain for you I totally understand that. Friends are there to support each other, right? So I am sending warm wishes and prayers to you my friend! Have a nice evening and day tomorrow! Big Hugs x

Southhamsdarling said...

Eva - lovely to see you! Yes, friends are there to support each other, and I really do appreciate your kind wishes and prayers my friend from Dublin!! Take care and keep warm. Hugs x

Teresa - I was so pleased to see that Ron was once more home again from hospital. Actually, I think you mentioned Emu Oil to me once before. I had never heard of it. I must look out for it, because anything is worth a try. Thank you for that, and I'm so glad you liked my new header and the puppy poem! Hugs.

Belle said...

I am sorry your diet didn't work. It was such a strict one and you tried so hard. This illness must be hard to live with year in and year out. I pray God will help you in a search for a cure or at least a lessening of symptoms. Blessings to you, sweet friend.

Stella said...

Constant pain and discomfort wears you out too. I pray that the Dr. will something to give your relief soon. Yes, animals add so much joy to our life. Thank you for sharing the little poem. Stella

Carol said...

Gentle hugs coming your way.

I do love the way you have decorated for Christmas. :)

carol

Chatty Crone said...

Well I won't go into my story, but I DO KNOW what living with constant pain is like and that it can change ones personality and disposition.
What floors me is that there seems to help to get better. What in the world is that called. I had dermatitis for years and found some vitamins that helped but that does not look like what I had. I just hate this for you. I am adding you on my prayer list. Been on the steroids too. Maybe we need a miracle that it goes as quick as it came...Love and hugs, sandie

Pearl said...

So much to deal with! I don't always leave a comment, but please know that I think you are courageous and upbeat so often that in my opinion it's okay to need to get it out every so often.

A big (warm) hug from (freezing cold) Minneapolis,

Pearl

Sally Wessely said...

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear about your distress. I am praying for you. Thank goodness for epi pens, but really, do they have to leave such a mark behind?

You are brave and courageous. You are human. Pain gets us down. You are dealing with an affliction that would not be easy to bear.

Blessings.

Suzanne said...

Oh, Thisisme, I am sorry. I sure hope they can get help to you soon. How irritating! I wish I knew what would help. I am so fortunate, although, my bones are thinning. But I take my health for granted. And you are so chipper...a cute and funny poem-the truth! I do love your Christmas picture and also your snow. I tried to figure out the snow, but gave up

Please take care...I admire your strength and compassion for others that you so unselfishly give.

Natasha in Oz said...

Oh Diane, I am so sorry to hear you are having all these troubles. I sure wish I reach right through the computer and give you a big hug but alas I can't...Instead I will send you a great big virtual hug and pray that you feel a little better soon.

I'm so happy to see that you are in the Christmas spirit despite your illness. What an amazing lady you are!

Take care, stay positive and keep taking those meds!

Best Christmas wishes,
Natasha.
xo

Linda O'Connell said...

Diane, so sorry to hear about your condition. We have children at school who have various reactions, and when they are taken off dairy, they have remarkable recoveries. I wish it could be that simple for you.

Southhamsdarling said...

Belle - thank you so much for your prayers my dear friend. That means a lot to me. Yes, I had high hopes of that new eating regime. I will still carry on with most of it anyway, as I've got used to it now, and, you never know, perhaps it might just take a little while longer to take effect.

Stella - thank you so much, and it really is lovely to see you here today! I'm glad you enjoyed the little puppy poem.

Dizzy - Hi Carol. Thank you so much for those gentle hugs, and I'm glad you like my new Christmassy look! Enjoy your weekend.

Chatty - thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers my friend. That means a lot. I'm wondering what vitamins you were taking. Anyway, thankfully I have your blog to keep me smiling ! Hugs.

Pearl - how lovely to see you here today. Thank you so much for popping over from a freezing Minneapolis ! It's turned much colder over here in Devon now. I don't mind though, as long as it keeps dry. It's the constant rain that I don't like! At least if it's dry and cold, it feels seasonal. Thank you so much for your kind thoughts.

Retired English Teacher - Hallo Sally. Thank you for your kind thoughts for me, and I really appreciate that. Yes, thank goodness for the Epi-pen. I don't know why it causes those nasty marks. I guess it must be doing something inside to the body :( Take care my friend.

Susan - very irritating indeed!!! I do appreciate your comment. We are blessed to have good health. I am okay, apart from this flipping problem! Thank goodness it's not on my face. That is my only consolation, because I would never go outside the door otherwise!! Have a lovely weekend over there.

Natasha - hi my friend. Always good when I see you over here. Thank you for your kind thoughts. I'm okay - I get real enjoyment from looking at the wonderful images over at your place, so keep up the good work!

Linda - yes, if only dropping dairy had worked for me. Wouldn't that have been wonderful. Still, I'll keep going with it. You never know, a miracle might happen!

Lyndylou said...

What you are going through completely sucks and you have every right to feel a little bit down in the dumps. I have had a stress rash for 3 months and it drives me crazy as I am practically clawing my skin so I have a tiny inkling of what you are going through.

Hope it gets better soon my friend. Love n hugs
Lynne XXX

Unknown said...

It took me a while to get to this post sweetie and I am also very sorry you are having to deal with this condition. I have a similar problem in that if I bump my arm a dark area appears. I sure hope the doctors get a handle on your problem soon so you can get some relief.
Hugs,
Odie

kyna... said...

I am so sorry! You are in my thoughts and prayers!! Sending {big hugs} your way!
♥♥ Kyna

Unknown said...

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that you're experiencing this Diane. Praying for relief and healing.

Southhamsdarling said...

Odie,kyna and knees and paws - thank you SO very much for your kind comments, and I really do appreciate your prayers for me. That must help - right?! Hugs.

Glenda said...

Oh, Thisisme! I'm so sorry for all of this. My hubby has Psoriatic Arthritis (a condition combining psoriasis plus arthritis) and suffers greatly from it, so I can imagine what you must be going through. Prayers being sent your way hoping that there will be some improvement soon. Blessings to you my dear friend!
Glenda