I've been taking methotrexate now for 12 weeks in the hope that it will help to heal my eczema and allow me to stop using steroids, which have stopped working for my skin, but that's another subject altogether. I've touched on TSW or topical steroid withdrawal here before but watch out for much more in the coming months. Methotrexate is not a drug to take lightly. It is … [Read more...]
This is not eczema…
This is Topical Steroid Withdrawal!I've been wanting to write about my topical steroid withdrawal journey for some time because it's fascinating and it is improving... slowly. One step forwards, two steps back, that kind of improving. So sometimes it's infuriating but it's something I have to go through. I am now about 11-12 weeks into TSW and let's just say it's been … [Read more...]
The anaphylaxis in the room
It's a bit like the elephant in the room. Sometimes I don't like to mention it. It consumes my life in so many ways that I often want to just keep this shame to myself. That sounds dramatic, I am not ashamed of who I am, but sometimes, especially in company, when I'm feeling anxious I don't want to share this thing about me... which is stupid and unhelpful. After a recent … [Read more...]
The many masks of eczema
Having lived with eczema for most of my life, I'm familiar with many masks that have visited me over the years. It's a particularly shaming condition, in a world where your appearance, perfection and looking good seem to be the aspiration of most and we compare ourselves to our peers and to the relentless polished images we see on social media. I pretend I don't care and … [Read more...]
Surviving the work Christmas party with life threatening allergies
Going to your work Christmas party when you're just too scared to eat out EVER again is daunting. The temptation to cancel was immense. That would have been by far the easier option. But it would have meant missing out on the social aspect, the fun, the dancing and spending time with my work colleagues. It's important for work dynamics to also spend time outside work getting … [Read more...]