Around the World of Skin Insanity in Eighty Days...

I've reached 80 days now. Ten days shy of Club 90 or the three month milestone... 

I'm in full body withdrawal mode at present. My face strangely, has been the calmest part (having been the worst part) of my biggest organ for the past few days. The rest of my body mainly my neck, arms and legs are an evil shade of red with the added bonus of open wounds and flaky, dry skin.

Since I entered the "60's" stage of my withdrawal I have been pretty much bed ridden (if not at work). Energy levels were very low during this time. My body was aching and stiff while flaring up to three times per day. I listened to the body and just kept things on the down low during this phase of the withdrawal.

I live in epsom salt baths. Sometimes up to two per day, they're the bees knees, really can't champion them enough - highly recommend them if you too are going through this awfulness. If the itch gets to intense I'll jump in a smokin' hot shower to take care of it.

My skin has been going through a constant cycle of: dry - flake - flare - scratch - ooze - repeat. Going to bed I play the guessing game of what awaits my sight in the morning.

On that note, below are some images from Day 61 onwards.

PLEASE NOTE: The images below are... blah, blah. You know the drill by now;)

Day 63

Day 64

Day 64

Day 64

Day 64

Day 64

Day 69

Day 73

Day 73

Day 73

Day 73

Day 73

Day 74

Day 74

Day 74

Day 74

Day 78

Day 78

Day 78

Day 80 - Bit red but massive improvements!

So there you have it. 80 days down x to go!. Some people heal within 6 month from topical steroid withdrawal. I'm not gonna be naive though. My target is 9 months to one year. That being said, we're all going down a road with no map or directions to the final destination. The final destination being normal, healthy skin. What ever it takes. I keep trucking on. WE keep trucking on.


Thanks again for stopping by.

Happy healing! - enjoy the long weekend.

Gary

61 days in... the dryness has me

Two months and one day have now passed since steroids last touched my skin...


The dryness is spreading...


My face remains the worst area affected. My body is slowly getting more dryer as each new day begins. My morning routine consists of an epsom salt bath. For now, I only put some shea butter on my face and neck otherwise, I wouldn't be able to move/function, you know what I mean don't you?.

I've been refraining to moisturize the rest of my body (apart from my face) for the last few days hence the dryness. Wanting the body to remember how to moisturize by its self... the way its suppose too, right?. We shall see how it goes. For now the mood is low, not going to lie to you. However, I solider on.



Below are images from DAY 59,60 & 61.

DAY 59 - Friday after coming home from work

DAY 60 - woke up to this in the morning

DAY 61 - Woke up to this

Rumor has it DAY 90 is a possible shining light. Fingers crossed!.



Healing hugs to you all,


Gary

Never, Ever Give Up...

OK, so this isn't exactly on topic with what we're all fighting every day. But... I guess the message and inspiration to take from this video is THE POWER OF MENTAL STRENGTH AND HUMAN PERSEVERANCE.

WARNING: The music is a bit cheddar cheesy but the video is cool.



Topical steroid withdrawal can put you in some dark places at times, quite literally it is a living hell. It's not just a physical battle you're in, but a mental one too. The pain can be unbearable at times. The countless hours of scratching, the constant flares and shedding of the skin. Nothing can quite prepare you for this. You just have to... accept it. Grit your teeth and bear with it.

Think of it as a game, a challenge. At the end of the road of this challenge, guaranteed, will make you a much stronger person. You'll appreciate the little things more. Be more humble about life. 

So whatever day, month or year you're entering. Just remember one day soon, you'll wake up one morning and be free from this.

WE WILL WIN THIS WAR. NEVER, EVER GIVE UP.

Happy healing hugs to you,


Gary


One more thing...

Just to take the edge off my dramatic post - Hope this makes you smile;)