Finding answers about my illness, has been like searching for a needle in a haystack. Now, however, it feels like I’m just rolling around in that haystack. Since my return from Switzerland, I have been plagued with horrific skin symptoms that I’ve never experienced before. It began with a nasty patch of Nummular Eczema on my left quad, right aside the scar from my muscle biopsy. Then it spread to my abdomen and a small spot on my breast. While these locations were successfully brought under control by the loving care of our close family friend, the renowned dermatologist, Dr. Vicki Cirillo, next thing I know, I’m covered in hives head to toe.

There’s not one part of my body, apart from the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet, that isn’t bumpy, itchy, and swollen. We are unsure what is causing the reaction, but it seems pretty obvious that my body is screaming to be left alone by some newly introduced allergen.

In hopes of quieting down the havoc transpiring inside and emerging out of hundreds of pores, I was sent in for an emergency infusion this morning. I am still being tormented by what Dr. Rupp calls the “itchy-scratchies”, but for now all I can do is focus on deep breathing exercises to distract myself.  Today, I was reminded of the goodness that exists as a result of these types of battles. I met a new doctor, a compassionate, down-to-earth clinician, who offered to take me on a Saturday. Dr. Martin Mulders, originally from the Netherlands, shared with me a little bit of his background, including the fact his wife and son suffered from severely disruptive chronic Lyme disease. For that reason, he has a special place in his heart for Lyme patients and goes out of his way to do all he can to ease our suffering. I am grateful, particularly today, for his devotion to this noble cause.