Scratching, a diagnosis?

[dancerjodi]

I saw an NP at my PCP's office this morning. She and an Osteopath that she asked to come in the room think this rash I have is Stasis Dermatitis - swelling (in this case in my legs/ankles) has led to seepage of protein from my blood into my skin, and I'm having a hypersensitive reaction to it). You can google if you want the nitty gritty - I did that and was going to share a link, but all of them have some pretty nasty pictures there and I don't think you want to see it.

Since I'm not having any dangerous side effects and the itching while annoying is bearable, I'll continue with the prescription steroid ointment 3x a day (she said that they don't like to give the oral steroids unless it is a bit of an emergency). This rash has popped up mostly all over my body save for my belly and back, so I'm one greasy Italian chick for the time being (why did this have to be an ointment and not a cream?)! And I am to take antihistamines to also help - cetirizine for the day and benadryl at night. I can take baths/soaks/compresses with anti-itch stuff. My OB yesterday suggested http://www.bayercare.com/Domeboro_faqs.cfm. The stuff is expensive ($16 for 12 packs of powder - you mix 1-3 packs of powder into a pint of water)! I didn't want to take a $16 bath (nevermind 12 packs of the stuff being so diluted in a whole bathtub of water), so I threw 4 packs into a big bowl with 2 pints of water, soaked some hand towels through (just enough fluid to do that) and wrapped them around my legs and ankles (the worst spots) last night for a half hour. It seemed to help a bit.

I have a consult scheduled with a Dermatologist for Tuesday morning, though I was told I could cancel it if I have a miraculous recovery before then. The NP and DO today didn't think there was infection, but they want the Derm to confirm (and also confirm the diagnosis). As far as whether this is an allergic reaction or just a sensitivity they said who knows. Really, who cares? The treatment is the same. I mentioned that my OB suggested I get an allergy test post delivery, but the NP said that unless I wanted to go through the shots and such, since this seems to be such a rare reaction in me, it may not be worth the effort (I tend to agree).

I have an appointment with my acupuncturist on Wednesday night after work which also cannot hurt. I think I may see her until my delivery (she can also help me get that going too according to her months ago - post the 38 week mark).

I have to try and cut salt and keep my feet above my heart as much as I can now. And drink water water water! It can only help me! If I can get the swelling down it will make a world of good.

My biggest fear is that I'll be unable to move around and get into various birth positions adequately when I'm in labor, since right now I can't even walk very well when it requires bending at the knee (walking flat is fine, stairs or bending is just impossible - not painful, but my calves are just so big, they hit my thigh and I just can't bend past that point).

A few weeks left - I can do this!

Comments

[blondeamazon.livejournal.com]

I use the Domboro to dry up poison ivy. I use one packet in about half - tree quarters cup of cold water and a gauze pad to apply. Sounds like your overage is more extensive so this is likely not the proportions you need. Also, I reused it a couple times because of the cost, despite the directions saying not to, to no ill effect. Good luck and it is almost over!

[dawntreader]

oh wow... you poor thing!! i hope you get some relief AND FAST.