ABC Wednesday - Rash and Reflections

As some of my regular readers will remember, I've been ravaged since late summer with a rash that has rendered regions of my body unattractive. I won't repulse you with any photos of it but rather will simply tell the story.

The rash seemed random in that it started with large red areas under one arm, one inner knee, and one hip. It's red, round, and raised in some areas, but remarkably not itchy. I never felt run-down or rotten, health-wise, so didn't go to the doctor about it at first. But when smaller red spots started appearing and it began to spread around one side, I rallied myself and reached out to my doctor to reveal the repellent sight to him. I was relying on him to rectify the riddle of the rash. He was very receptive and his first attack to remedy my problem was to have me relinquish some meds I'd been taking for years. Didn't work. He next reasoned I should try a regimen of prednisone. You might recall my P is for Prednisone post. Well, the rash did begin to fade but never disappeared. As I have eased off on the dosage, it appears to be coming back a bit.

So today I saw my GP again and he has rewarded me with a name for this revolting rash. After ruling out various ailments, I'm relieved to say that it's a viral thing called Pityriasis Rosea, a common and non-contagious skin condition. Apparently, it usually affects adolescents and young adults and is extremely rare to affect anyone over the age of 60. Now aren't I the lucky one! It's also supposed to run its course in two to four weeks and it's usually completely gone in six to fourteen weeks. Occasionally, it can last for many many months. Again, aren't I the lucky random recipient!

So, the doctor's recommendation is to let it run its course and eventually, the redness will reduce and recede. I'm resigned now to wait for my body to right itself. I still have a rocky road ahead with my back surgery looming in January, but I just have to reconcile myself to remain patient over the next several months. The result, hopefully, will be a healthier and more robust body that will carry me through to a ripe old age. I'm going to be shopping for a new tennis racket next summer.

On now to something totally unrelated. I love photographs of reflections so will share with you a few of my favourite shots. Much better to leave off with beautiful images. Be sure to click on them to see them full size.

Top left is the Deas Slough last fall. The rest were taken within the last week. Top right is the Bathgate marina on the Sunshine Coast at the Skookumchuck Narrows.

Bottom left is also at Bathgate marina and bottom right is Canoe Pass, a float home area on the south arm of the Fraser River just outside my village of Ladner.