Hello. My doc told me this is all in my head and so that’s why I’m here. I really don’t like being told that. He’s assured me I’m in good health. But I’m not. Let me prove it to you that it’s not in my head.
I go on a daily walk through the wooded trails over on the south side of the city.
A little over six months ago, I developed a skin rash one day. The rash comes and goes and so I make an appointment with my PCP, that’s Doctor Gerry Phillips, who just tells me it’s a minor allergic reaction to the trees and flowers bloomin’ at the time.
He tells me to take Benadryl as needed. I love Gerry, but I know it’s more than that. I know it’s a serious skin disease. See? It’s been six months and I still have a rash on both arms.
Since the doctors won’t help, I’ve had to spend a lot of time researching it myself. I could bring in what I’ve found, if you want. I’ve even missed some family parties and taken time off work.
My sister Maria wasn’t too happy I missed her Marcella’s quinceanera last week. I love my niece, but I also don’t want to give it to anyone else, you know?
To make sure it’s not spread any further, I examine my whole body at least 20 or more times a day.
Sometimes I make same-day appointments with my doctor--thank goodness Gerry, Dr. Phillips, offers those--when it looks like it’s spreading. I really like and trust Gerry. He’s the only doctor I really can trust.
I’m afraid of causing further reactions, so nope, I haven’t gotten the yearly flu vaccine.
You know, this rash could be something life-threatening like Steven-Johnson Syndrome, a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, or leprosy.
This is definitely controlling my life. My sleep is restless, I toss and turn all night. I wake up and my muscles are tense. I feel tired more than usual. I'm pretty preoccupied with my health. Could this result in multi-organ failure? It’s difficult to concentrate. I feel nervous and tense all the time.
As a child, I suffered from serious asthma and respiratory problems.
My father left us when I was 14. My parents...they’d always had a pretty tumultuous relationship. I remember mama and papa screaming and yelling a lot. At times they would get into physical fights. Yeah, it scared me pretty bad.
But that doesn’t matter now. So doc, what can you do for me about this rash?