Yesterday’s appointment at Dermatology

[Barbara17]

Hello.

The photo is in response to KrazyKat’s post on craft hobbies. I knit these teddies for a friend’s son’s wedding earlier this year.

I had an appointment with the dermatologist yesterday and it went surprisingly well. I saw a new consultant who really did seem to know about SCLE. She listened to me and didn’t dismiss anything I said as rubbish. I told her about my theory of the uv light at the dentist triggering my flare and she agreed this could have happened. (She read Chandreet’s email so thank you for that) She is also wondering if, after four years on hydroxychloroquine, it could be losing its effectiveness but the alternative would be a stronger drug so she wants to wait for another six months by which time she hopes my skin will have cleared. Even I can now see my skin is healing but it does take SO long. Fingers crossed as I think the next step would be methotrexate. She suggested I now have six monthly eye checks and has noted that the GP is now monitoring my low wbc. Although she is not worried about that as it’s stable at around 2. She also thinks I should definitely have the flu jab which I had been in two minds about. Was going to say ‘swithering’ but thought my English friends would struggle with that!

So for once I left the hospital feeling cautiously optimistic. Only fly in the ointment (literally) is that there is no Pharmacy in my Dermatology department so I had to hand a prescription in to my own GP where the receptionist told me I will have to wait five days for a hospital prescription! It’s for lotion for my itchy scalp which I could really do with so I’m not happy about that. But all in all a positive experience this time.

[PMRpro]

English or non-English? My family used swithering in the Midlands 50+ years ago.

They are rather cute!!!

[stiff19]

They are lovely and have given me an idea for a wedding gift 🙏👍

[Krazykat26]

Hi Barbara

Aww those teddy's r sooo cute..my daughter got married earlier this year n the colour theme was white n duck egg blue..so your teddies give me a lovely warm glow 🤗

Good news about your dermy n it sounds like u have a good quality doc there!! We have quite a bit in common..as in I have SCLE too..my dermy is excellent..n nothing that I say is dismissed!!

Unfortunately I'm never totally clear from rashes..they appear randomly all over my bod..sometimes manageable n sometimes not..but thankfully not above my neck so that's something!!

I had my flu jab today..n I discovered that there's a problem this year with supplies for the under 65's..so if you're gonna go for it if suggest sooner rather than later..this is in the UK though..not sure where in the world u r? Xx

[Barbara17 in reply to Krazykat26]

I’m in Scotland and ‘of a certain age’ so I’ll get the flu jab on account of being ancient!

This is the first time I’ve had a rash on my face so I’m hoping it was the uv light at the dentist and it’s a one off.

Looking forward to seeing more of your art work - we all need cheering up.

[Spotty-ewe]

The teddies are absolutely gorgeous!

So good to hear you had a good experience with the dermatologist. Last time I saw one in the local hospital he’d been dragged back from retirement and his heart wasn’t really in it! Would you mind telling me what yours prescribed for the itchy scalp? Mine was itchy recently but the steroids have calmed the whole rash down now, but if it starts back once the steroids are finished (another week to go) the lotion will be very useful. I hope it all calms down for you very soon Barbara, once you get the lotion that is!

Take care. Best wishes, Spotty

[hopegalore20 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Hi Spotty-ewe,

Re Itchy Scalp Treatment. I have Dermatomyositis and my scalp is really itchy, hot and painful. I use Elocon Steroid Scalp Lotion to help reduce the aforementioned symptoms.

I could not live without this lotion.

Hope all is well with you 😄

x

[Spotty-ewe in reply to hopegalore20]

Thanks so much for that Hope. I hope I won’t need it but I’ve noted it in case I do so I can let my doctor know. 👍🏻Thanks again 🤗 Spotty

[Barbara17 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Hi Spotty. Just in from yoga and dr has left message to say prescription is ready for collection so will let you know what is is this afternoon. Can’t believe all this attention from nhs!

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Barbara17]

Just back from my Body Balance class - so we’ve both been active today! It will be interesting to see if what you have been prescribed is the same as what Hopegalore uses. Enjoy the attention from NHS while it lasts! 😉Looking forward to hearing from you later. Spotty

[Barbara17 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Hello again. Prescription was ready and waiting for me! It’s Dermovate Scalp Application. Same strength as the ointment but in a lotion. I used it four years ago when things were really bad so fingers crossed it works quickly this time.

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Barbara17]

Now that’s service for you!👏🏻 I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it works quickly for you this time and relieves the horrible itch!

Thanks for letting me know what you’ve been prescribed Barbara.

Best wishes, Spotty.

[hopegalore20 in reply to Barbara17]

Hello Barbara17,

Re Prescription for Itchy Scalp. Noted you have been issued with Dermavate Lotion. I have only been issued with this in ointment form for face & body.

I wish you a future without an itchy scalp.

Love 💙 the Wedding Couple Teddy Bears, so cute 😃 x

[Barbara17 in reply to hopegalore20]

Will let you know how it goes.

[panda2]

Awe Barbara, these are so cute!!

And your positive update from Dermatology is very uplifting. I hope you're still living off the good energy we get from being listened to.

Keep on knitting!

Panda x