Say WHAT?!!!

At this point, some of my family is aware of our newest trial in life. Right before Halloween, I caught a BAD cold. It persisted for about a month or longer, and I developed a rash on my face and body. I've seen several doctors here in Reno, have gotten numerous blood tests done and a biopsy. I went to the dermatologist yesterday to get my stitch removed (from the biopsy), and I knew something was wrong when I arrived. All the nurses were whispering my name and pulling up charts. And when they took me back to the exam room, the nurse told me that the doctor wanted to see me in person to discuss the lab results. I've watched "many-a-episode" of ER and Grey's anatomy, and I've learned that when a doctor wants to see you in person, that is NEVER good.

That is how I learned that I may have a rare skin disease called Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris. Say WHAT? THat was exactly MY response. It's called PRP for short. It's very rare... not much research has been done on it. So we still don't know a lot about how it's caused, its symptoms and there doesn't seem to be a cure for it. It is a chronic, long-lasting skin disorder that basically makes you look like "grumpy smurf" -- red all over. It can last for up to 3 years (on the good side) to up to 20 years (yuck!) Even though it's not life threatening, I am not happy about it and spent most of yesterday bawling my eyes out as I looked at countless pictures of PRP patients. Not a good idea!

Today I feel much better. It is amazing what a good cry can do! I'm anxious to learn more about this and see specialists who can confirm my diagnosis or disagree completely with it. I'm hoping for the latter. Anyway, to all my friends and family, it is NOT contagious. And please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.