Life's an Itch

Who knew? It turns out that not really knowing how the medication is working has been somewhat liberating. Really.

I feel like I've had a couple of "mini (don't want to get carried away) breakthroughs" lately. First, I posted on a scleroderma chat board! I know! There was a whole "where are you from?" thread and someone was from near where I'm from, which is - suffice to say - not a large urban area. I was kind of excited by that, so I took the plunge and posted. I still think I enjoy reading the posts more than anything, but I'm learning that being a part of this community is just fine.

Second - this one is significantly more substantial - I'm going back to work! I am just going to deal with things as they come up and not put too much concern on the Big Picture anymore. I've got me a life to lead, by gum, and it's time to get back in the swing of things. Plus, working will give me something large to focus on, so I'm not as bogged down thinking of such minutia as, "Am I breathing worse today than yesterday?" "Are my red spots (there's actually a name for them -telangiectasia! Try dropping that word casually into a sentence sometime....) getting worse?" All in all, not very productive...

So as far as recent progress, I haven't noticed anything substantial. Of note, my skin seems to be looking better - not as rough, but it's so itchy! The cooler, drier air may be affecting it (yes, even in Southern California we have such weather changes!) and it's starting to become unbearable. You really can't go around randomly scratching yourself, after all - people might think you're on drugs or nuts! Might be kind of fun though - I can laugh while people cut me a wide berth on the sidewalk - very helpful while Christmas shopping...

For Christmas, Matty and I (and our dog) are off to Vegas to visit my dad and stepmom. Looking forward to it, although the much drier air could drive me to such an itching frenzy that I spend the entire time in a bathtub full of oatmeal! Maybe they could wheel the TV in so I can watch "A Christmas Story"?