Physician Responded
(Edited for details) Hi, I [36F, 140 lbs, 5'5", active] returned from a trip to Costa Rica (had flu-like symptoms there for a few days) and 72 hours after returning I developed a rash (had a headache at the same time?) which doctors initially thought was extreme reaction to poison ivy. This is six days later, with spreading dark maroon outbreak areas. First two days were 8/10 pain level, then mostly high levels of itching and discomfort. Went to three derm consults, they decided maybe it is an extreme contact dermatitis from something in CR. Am on 40mg prednisone and topical triamcinolone, along with antibiotics. about 50% of the rash area is raised and blistering. Some scabbing. Other 50% is just deep discoloration
I posted the other day and people said it looked like poison ivy, and now my derm isn't sure but is keeping the dosages the same. Any ideas other than poison ivy? And my goodness... any way to prevent longterm discoloration or scarring? Any ideas how long this will last or any secret OTC itch remedies? Anything I should avoid to try to stop the itching? Losing my grip on reality
Physician Responded
Hello,
In serious crisis. Since late 2023. I went to bed after a day at work (late shift). I could not sleep - all night.
Since then, I haven’t been to sleep. My brain is constantly in a state of serious overdrive/ hyper vigilance. I am constantly wired, my head is so live, my eyes are so aroused & sensitive to light/ pain.
The last 6 months has honestly been torture. I am in such a low low place, I have no energy. My cognitive function is seriously seriously declined, its like I have lost my personality & everything I was.
I never feel tired, or sleepy. I used to feel so so good all the time, I would sleep well. Very well, now I literally cannot sleep at all. Sleepiness; I used to get sleepy, feel sleepy, nod off, but I just do not feel tired EVER. Its crazy. Its like I have been given 10 redbulls every 5 mins, I do not drink coffee or energy drinks.
I am unable to work, loosing my career which I had worked so hard for.
I am in so much pain from this sleep deprivation. I will do ANYTHING to get better please help me, I literally feel as if I am going to die.
I am struggling to walk, throwing up, collapsing due to being so knackered. Normal daily tasks I am finding so hard. Getting out of bed after having no sleep continuously is the worst thing ever. I still get into bed a night but I am led there so so awake but so so knackered.
I am 30 years old, male in the UK with no history of MH issues.
I have been to the GP so many times - they have given me all the sleeping tablets, some antidepressants & now quitapine (25mg) I am not depressed, I literally cant fall asleep & that is what is debilitating me.
People say I must have had ‘some sleep’ but I am literally awake all the time, everyday its so relentless & soul destroying. I truly wouldn’t wish this on the worst person in the world.
I beg for some kind of release. I just don’t know anymore.