going crazy

~*Plushroom*~

salduck wrote: »

Hi guys,
i am sat here in tears and dont know what to do. I phoned my doctor yesterday and today and i cant get in to see them until Tuesday. Over the past month my exzema has got to the point where i cant sleep i am literally scratching until i have blood pouring down my legs and arms in my sleep so am now too scared to go to sleep.
I have a variety of creams and am on antibiotics. i wear cotton gloves to bed but manage to pull them off in my sleep.
I dont know what to do as I really really need help. have seen the doctor last week and 2 weeks prior to that and they have changed my creams.
Any advise to stop the itching before i do some real damage.
TIA
Sal

I have had this happen in the past - you need to go back to the doctor and make them do something - tell them every single little thing like that you are scared to go to sleep, which should prompt a referal to someone to give you more specialised help. In the meantime file your nails down as short as you can without causing damage and this will sound barmy but buy some driving gloves - well actually any gloves that have a clasp on them - it's a lot more difficult to get out of them than regular gloves. This will stop you doing too much damage to your legs whilst itching.

Also try having oatmeal baths, they aren't pleasant and make the tub an absolute mess but it does quell the itching for a while.

Finally try patting the itchy areas, firm patting motions actually do help. It doesn't last and you have to do it a lot, but it stops you damaging the skin further. I know what it's like to not be able to control your hands (and more importantly your nails) but if you can get into the habit of patting it is better.

floss2

salduck wrote: »

...... have seen the doctor last week and 2 weeks prior to that and they have changed my creams

Could that be the answer?

I second everyone who has said you need to persevere - personally I would go and stand in front of the receptionist until she lets you see a Dr (sorry to any GP's receptionists!) or ring every couple of hours to see if they have had any cancellations.

Or do you have a consultant whom you see at your hospital? Maybe a call to their secretary for an emergency appointment would be possible?

salduck

Ok a little update for the end of the day!
I Moved back to myhome town about the same time it flared up again. i have suffered all my life but not badly. Until now!
I started playing netball at the same time as it flared up!
No change in anything the last doctor last tuesday thought it might be allergy to shampoo have eliminated this by not using it and its getting worse.
Today has not been too bad but i am very annoyed with el doctor! I called them at 8,9,10,11 and 12 and then gave up!
I will call again at 8am tomorrow and demand to see someone.
They will be refering me for specialist!
As for the stress- none, zero zilch!! the only stress i have at the moment is my skin which could be a vicious circle - worrying -flare up- scratch-worry etc!!
Really tho i have no stress at all !!
Thanks for all the helpful comments I have found by taking the heat out of it i reduce my need to scratch but it is night time when asleep that i am damageing.
Thanks again for all your support- people who have not dealt with it really really dont understand how itchy it is!
Will report back when i know more!
X

Bronnie

Salduck, just remembered something else that might help.

You could go to see your local pharmacist and ask if there is a suitable over-the-counter antihistamine that will help ease the itching. Some are drowsy-making . More info here

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/skin_hair/eczema_antihistamines_003764.htm

Obviously, you should have a responsible adult in the house if you are taking them and there are the ususal warnings re driving etc. However, if you are off at the weekend and get really desperate, they might help you through a night or two until you see the doctor. Getting overtired, upset and stressed about the itching won't help matters at all.

Thinking about you. Hope you get a decent night's rest.
Bron
x

salduck

Morning guys,
Still no luck! Not much sleep managed to see doctor this morning who tried to tell me the creams i was on should be working and that was that!! I argued to see the dermatologist cant believe she told me the cost was very high to the practice to refer me!!!!!!!!!!
So i have to attend again on tuesdya and have been refered to dermo clinic which she thinks is next thursday. Also done full bloods to check not immune system or blood count problems!
Thanks Bronnie i will go to the pharmicist later and request
Cheers everyone
x

poorly_scammo

Have to tried Vitamin E cream?

Aloe vera gel is also very good.

McKneff

What about oilatum, its supposed to be very good.

But in all honesty i think anything cool would be best.

Savvy_Sue

National Eczema Society - not a magic wand, alas, but very helpful.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I'd change Doctors as soon as you get the referral next week.

BTW, have you checked your new place for mosquitos or bedbugs? The itching from mossies drives me to distraction and I have heard that BBs have a similar effect. You have moved home at the time this kicked off, which to me suggests it is a possibility.

I saw a clip of a programme the other day which showed that a strip of sticky tape down the sides of the bed was the easiest way to catch BBs.

MsM_2

God, it is my 3-rd attempt to post, I won’t be beaten. I’ve been reading on this site for a few years, and your situation made me register, since I’m dealing with my husband eczema for the past 6-7 weeks, and your OP touched me so much.:o

So salduck:

To cool down when it heats up, try Aloe Vera Gel ( Holland& Barrats – or any health shop) all over the areas where you feel hot, and then fan it down with a paper, you going to feel really cold but it helps immensely.

When awake make it a battle of the minds not to scratch, reach for a rich cream and rub it on the spot where is itching. I know it sounds impossible, but is the only way my husband could break the cycle, since he got open bleeding wounds from so much scratching…

The GP prescribed him diazepam ( at my OH suggestion) he agreed that the most important thing is to be able to relax and get some sleep. He still wakes up but it takes the edge away and is much more bearable.

Not all GP’s are sympathetic towards eczema , so demand to see another one !...there are enough creams out there, is just finding one that suits you atm.

He used betnovate on and off in the past and it’s not working anymore, so now eumovate seems to work a treat. What’s that “ I already gave you creams” ?!...They obviously don’t work !.:mad:..argh..I get so angry sometimes with these GP’s….sorry.

Best of luck, my thoughts are with you.:kisses3: