13 Months down in a few days time

One year has now passed with my fight against topical corticosteroids withdrawal.

Just coming out of a big flare actually. Entering a smaller one just now. Was super dry a couple of days ago as that's me also four weeks into moisturizer withdrawal. Only doing MW in certain areas. Doing MW everywhere apart from my face, neck and hands as these parts remain the angriest areas so must keep them moisturized during the day.

Yesterday I bought some coconut oil. Going to try out only on my troublesome spots instead of the petroleum jelly. Been using petroleum jelly since month three. Looking forward to seeing if I get some results with the swap. Not been having as much Epsom salt baths and showers as I've done previously. Trying to see if my body will start producing its own oils by skipping baths and showers. My skin interestingly, goes through different cycles during any given day.

Firstly when I get up in the morning my skin is a little dry. I then get ready for work only applying the PJ to my face, neck and hands. The pain is no longer present like it was in the earlier days so I can move freely thankfully without shoving pain killers down my neck. By midday my skin is more flexible. Early evening it continues to remain comfortable. Nighttime my skin begins to get dryer. I then start scratching and have a couple of flares during bedtime. Still got the old insomnia. The insomnia isn't as bothering as it has been. Maybe I'm wide awake until about three am. Then manage to get four or five hours of sleep if I'm working. Days off I can sleep longer and well into the afternoon if I've got no plans or nothing to do that day.

You'll be interested to know I still haven't opted for the imunnos yet. In previous posts I said I was considering take Cyclosporin. Think I'm just gonna solider on through without them now. Feeling confident that I can get to the end with just good, old perseverance.

Even more good news is that I've been more social by getting out and about and hanging with friends. Went on a night on the town the other week there. Had a good time with a few tasty beverages on hand. Even managed to get a game of footie with some old mates in there too. Although sadly, I'm still not ready to play football weekly nor am I ready to hit the gym. Missing my physical activities big time. Just have to be patient and get on with it I suppose.

Nice timing with the good weather approaching to our grey skied, ladled lands. Looking forward to the warm sun and lying out the back with the nice rays hitting my body and getting a cheeky tan.

Not got much really else to say here folks. As I always say; time and comfort are the allies. Slowly but surely I'm getting there as will you too. Maybe there's light at the tunnel for myself after all?.

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know how far you're into with withdrawal and how you're getting on.

Hope all is well at your end.

Thanks again.

Gary