Wednesday I did a short walk in Bethlehem. I had to collect the numbers for my volkssport group. I was surprised I got my butt out there because I had a class at 11. But I made it home in plenty of time.
Sadly, I did not follow thru. So much for my walk everyday before my bloodwork plan.
After weeks of no sleep I finally broke down and called the doctor. I itch. I itch to the point where I scratch it open. But you can't see a rash. During the day I am busy enough that I don't notice. At night my head hits the pillow and it takes over. It's around both ears, my hairline both arms, the backs of my shoulders and started appearing on meh butt and waist. And my vagina.
I have tried moisturizers thinking it was dry skin. I've tried hydrocortisone. Nothing worked. I even ripped apart my bedroom looking for bed bugs.
But still I didn't sleep. I tossed and turned. I got up and worked. I watched late night television. Finally when I was exhausted at 4 or 5 am, I'd fall asleep. That's not good. I walked up at 6.
I finally had enough. I could only get a video appointment April 1. I almost cancelled. How am I going to show an invisible rash on a video call? So I explained my symptoms. I showed her the scabs on my face from where I scratched things open. She asked if anyone I was close to was in the hospital recently. I said Pat, and I also told her about my D&C. Then she dropped a bomb I didn't expect: Scabies.
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Intense itching occurs in the area where the mite burrows. The urge to scratch may be especially strong at night. Holy shit.
Apparently there is a huge breakout in the Lehigh Valley ... at hospitals, nursing homes, and rehab centers. From what I read it's related to the coronavirus. When I thought about it the itching in my vagina didn't begin till about a week after my D&C. I thought it was some funky discharge related to the upcoming hysterectomy.
The doctor decided to go for the most comprehensive treatment. I have a tube of cream that I use twice. I slathered it all over before bed, and then when I got up I had to rinse it all off. Then wash my pj's and be clothes in hot water.
Before getting dressed, I have a huge tub of stuff to use that looks like moisturizer. I have to "slather" it all over my body twice a day for a week. Then repeat the process next week. Oh, and take Benadryl.
Hopefully two weeks is enough. She would like it cleared up before I return to the hospital for my surgery.
Me too. All I know is that for the first time in weeks I put my head on my pillow and went to sleep. And slept all night.
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