Update to shingles and stressful rheumy appointment

[Mstiles]

Thanks to everyone for your support and replies to my freaked out post!

I think what I have are insect bites, maybe a spider? I’ve seen some in the house lately. Whatever it is, it’s getting better. No more spots have appeared and itching has gotten better. Treating them with alcohol, antibiotic cream, and cortisone cream. Didn’t see the doctor since they are improving.

As far as the rheumy, she did refill my prednisone, so I gues I’m OK for refills, for 3 months until the next appointment and I am going to try and find a more sympathetic doctor and make an appointment to check him or her out.

I’m just too anxious, worry too much, the pred hast really amped up the anxiety. Did not realize that even before all this I was an anxious soul.

Thanks for listening everyone.

[Hidden]

Hi Mstiles, Sorry to hear you are stressed and anxious! I sent this to Pipalina, maybe it can help you too:

I have a technique I use when I'm really stressed and anxious... it's called "7/11." I love it because my Mom died on July 11th, and I believe she sent to me via the therapist, who introduced me to it.

You breath in for 7 slow seconds, i.e. 1001, 1002, 1003...

Hold for a few seconds

And breath out for 11 slow seconds i.e. 1001, 1002, 1003...

Try to think of nothing else, except the breath...

Try to keep your mind as focused on the breath as possible

It's not revolutionary, but it really does after a minute or so help to calm you.

Good luck. xxx.

[Mstiles in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Melissa. What a beautiful gift from your mom.

[Hidden in reply to Mstiles]

....and now a gift to you! I hope it helps. : )

[Jackoh]

Good that you don't appear to have shingles Mstiles. I think sometimes the pred can make us feel more anxious or can exasapate ( spelling?) an already anxious time. I think if you can just tell yourself too that it's not just you, could be the medication, and this time will pass, it can stop you feeling over anxious.

[Mstiles in reply to Jackoh]

Yes it has definately upped my already anxious self-talk—a seeming disaster around every corner. If I can manage to take a pause before going down the rabbit hole of terrible outcomes, it helps.

[bunnymom]

Pred has upped my anxiety too sometimes. I agree with Melissa about the breathing. I use to teach it to kids at school as it is a real brain smoother.