Finally got to see a dermatologist
 

Well, actually, not a consultant dermatologist but a GP who specialises in skin conditions.

Been waiting to get to see her for months. She only does two days a week and has had some time off to deal with family stuff. Made three appointments, two of which were cancelled by the surgery and one by me.

I seem to have been on an antibiotic merry-go-round for the longest time. Averaging between 5 and 10 courses a year for the last two years. The past year in particular I seem to have been bouncing from infection to infection, with each course of antibiotics almost clearing it then the infection gradually creeping back up again after I finish the course, until it explodes across 70-80% of my skin surface and I am back at the docs for more antibiotics.

Turns out, there's also a viral infection involved. Herpatic eczema. That then compromoses my skin and I go down with a bacterial eczema infection which clears up with the anti-biotics...leaving the viral infection untouched, which then means I reinfect with bacterially infected eczema and need antibiotics again.

Trouble is that viral infections of the skin are usually very localised. A cold sore for instance. Full on infection over large areas is very rare, except in people with eczema, where it is more common. Most GPs won't come across this and won't think to look for it, or recognise it.

This makes sense to me. She's explained the difference between the two, what to look for and when to seek antibiotics or antivirals.

Suddenly I feel like I may actually be able to get control of this. Fucking hope so, because frankly it's been seriously impacting my ability to live a 'normal' life for quite some time now.

Anyways. There we go. Feeling better and hopefully the anti-virals I've been prescribed will get this sorted.

Thats wonderful, Dana, I hope the anti-virals do the trick, and you finally get some breathing space.

I hope the anti-virals come through. Feels good to have some hope doesn't it?

Sure does. *smiles* ta guys :)

Wishing you the best in this, Dana! :thumbsup:

I like this doctor. Glad you are getting some sound advice now and have a plan of attack.

If you need help smearing something all over your body, let me know.;)

Excellent! I hope this does the trick for you.

Bloody hell, what a difference a single visit can make. Think of all the money wasted on half-assed treatment all this time. No to mention what it's put you through in terms of wasted time and actual distress.

Isn't it always the way, that once you get to see the right person it turns out you're not alone in this and there is something that can be done?!

So glad you've caught a break honey, and everything crossed that this will be a big help going forwards.

YAY

Happy for you. Hope all works out well with the new meds.

Good good, glad you've seen someone sensible!

That's fantastic, Dana! Let us know how it goes.

Good for you Dana. I hope it works out for you.

Now if only a dermatologist (I mean daylight robber) could fix my psoriasis!

It's possible that I've misunderstood Dana's story, but this is the sort of thing I worry about nationalized health care. Even under an HMO, as I am, I would not have to wait more than a week or so to get in to see a dermatologist. And it would be a real dermatologist, not a GP specializing.