This is not easy for me to make this personal battle public.
For the last 4 years I have been battling this condition called "Granuloma Annulare". The Dr's believe it is an autoimmune disease. It is NOT contagious, doesn't hurt (unless bumped), and it rarely itches. It is not life threatening so the Dr's consider it "cosmetic", and there fore little research has been done about it, even though there is no known cure.
It is large red raised oval circles. I have it around my neck, tops of my forearms, and now my hands. They tell you it will go away in 2 years, but that isn't true. Some folks have had it for 30 years..
While I am ever so grateful it won't kill me, it has not been easy for me. I have run the gamut from anger to depression to becoming pretty much of a hermit. As much as I hate long sleeves, I have been forced to wear them year round..to cover my arms..When I do a show I can wear things around my neck to hide some of it. However I cannot hide the circles on my hands, and those look like ring worm..much to my dismay.
It isn't, I've had biopsies. People have asked if it's ring worm or burns..I know I should not care what people think..and as far as my own being goes, I don't..But it is an awful feeling to
have people look at you and back up, or make some horrible face..I have felt like I would imagine Lepers to feel.
Only my family and my closests friends know about this..
Even in my house when the kids and Grandkids come to visit,
I keep covered because I don't want to scare the little ones..
A few of my customers have noticed I'm sure when I see them at shows, that is why I'm writing about it now..And I am also hoping that getting it out in the open will help me, I have kept this in so long, I am crying as I write it out.
I have seen 4 Dermatoligists and been put on a half doz different medications that had terrible side effects, I have tried every cream, perscribed and OTC know to man along with a change in diet, and countless vitamins and minerals..nothing works.
No, I haven't given up..I am learning to just try to live with it,
and accept it..what other choice do I have?!
Candy
11 comments:
Candy - Oh my gosh. Well, that sounds awful! I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope you aren't feeling any pain with it? You hang tough, my friend. xox Pam
Thanks Pam..I'm hanging in there. It isn't painful..TG, I don't do pain well :)
Hugs!
Candy, I hope you hold your head up high not care what people think. I know it is easier said than done! I have psorisis mainly on my arms and it sucks. So I do think I know how you feel a little. But remember this if people really care about you, they care, and it won't matter to them. Although I only know you from 20+ years of your shows....I LOVE YOU and you are a sweet talented person!! I look for you always at the shows hoping to see you again. If you see someone staring just tell them what it is and put them in there place. People are cruel. Judy
Aw, Candy. Big hugs. I've had hives for years now, in varying degrees. Did a naturopath, a clairaudient, a dermatologist, acupuncturist... we cured everything but the hives and I, too, hate the way my hands look. Turns out I'm wildly allergic to nickel... which, of course, I handle in excess on a daily basis. When we meet some day we'll hold hands and be proud that we're getting through this... and admire each other's clear patches of skin. ;0)
Awww..Judy, you are so sweet :)..I love you to and am always happy to see your smile! :)
Thanks for the kind words :)
Hugs
Eleanor...Yes we will!
I get hives to, mostly on my hands..only at night and a couple times a month..The itch just about makes me crazed until the benadryl kicks in!
A jewelry maker allergic to nickel..That just sucks Eleanor!
Hugs to you to!
Hi Candy,
Omgosh, I am so sorry you have this awful rash..It really sucks!
Hopefully they will come up with something one day soon to cure it.
I have suffered from petichea that covers my lower legs and feet. It looks horrible. Sometimes I notice people staring at them, and it does make me feel a bit insecure momentarily. I'm just thankful it the rash isnt due to an underlying illness.
Take care,
Diane
Aww Candy, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I understand as my dd has eczema and has since she was 3 and people always ask her about it. These type of things are hard to deal with. Hang in there and know that there are sensitive people out there that care. I will miss seeing you girl! Keep the faith!
Diane..Thank you :)...I'm sorry that you have petichea..It's awful when people stare! Hopefully Dr's will come up with something that will cure all skin issues, as they all seem hard to cure..
Big Hugs to you my friend for all you are going through now...
Candy
Hi Sharon! Thanks for the encouraging words..and I'm sorry your daughter has to go through this with eczema, I know there are meds for that, but they have bad side effects and not everyone can take it..
I miss seeing you to! Have you moved yet?
Hugd
your comment is great i really enjoyed to read this thanks for sharing this post.
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