4th Day

This is the 4th day without Dermovate... Feeling lousy... the skin on my forehead feels tight, stretchy and oozing.. Usually, when one part of the body is itchy, the rest of the body doesnt feel that bad.. At the moment, the forehead part is giving me problems. I have to dab at it every few minutes with a tissue paper, otherwise it will drip to my eyebrow... huhuhu..  I need to upload the photo now, just to share with you how bad the situation is:

                                                left side + neck area

                                        the left side of the face.. see how angry the skin looks?

                                                      this is the right side of the face

Actually the whole face is affected.. but only the forehead area is oozing...  notice the cracked at the forehead? This is the part where it oozes...

I told my husband that I need to go to see Dr Ranjit tomorrow, I cant wait any longer .. Saturday is 4days to go and I dont think I can stand that long.. Is has disrupted my sleep.. waking up a few times just to scratch the intolerable itch on my face....it burning, blotchy, flaking and oozing.. the feeling is just HELL!!  In the morning, I called up the clinic but they said the appointment is fully booked for this week. Only walk in is acceptable.. Well, you know what 'walk-in' means.. it means you have to wait for at least 3 hours to see the doctor!  huhuhuhu  :(  but never mind... for my sanity sake, I don't mind waiting..

I just don't know what else to do... I'm certain that the skin is infected.. otherwise it wouldn't be this bad. Need to get antibiotics... then for maintenance, i think Moogoo products would help to a certain extends.. emollient, emollient and emollient does not work at this point in time.. I am sorry, I have to break my own promise again.. the spirits is willing but the body is weak... that's me..  :(    I seriously think people who ask you not to take the steroids jabs has never ever experience the suffering of the eczema sufferers . If they do, they wouldn't say or looks down on you for not being patient enough to let your own cortisol to work its way... blah blah blah... its easier said than done, I always say... I get this bad flare up maybe once a year.. so getting the jabs once a year is not that bad in my opinion.. anyway the dermo should know better, dont they??  And as I said earlier,, the pain I have to endure for the eczema is 100 times more than the knee pain... i can sleep with my aching knees.. but i surely will not be able to sleep scratching my body all night long.. and sleep is sooooo very important to me... otherwise I will be a bit ting tong and cant concentrate and focus the next day... I've already figured out that I will probably need to do a total knee replacement surgery by the time I am 55.. the knees are already f***ed up anyways, so no worries... the rest of the side effects can be tackled hopefully easier than the surgery.. I hope so.. :)

This is in no way promoting the steroids jab, but it you really really need it, then just take it.. If the pain is so intolerable and making you depressed (like me, I have to take lorazepam (anti anxiety) tabs).. then take it..   but if you can tolerate the pain, then wait la for your cortisol to work its way into your system.. you just have to be patient and sabar..  I guessed its much easier if the patient is a baby or children.. then their immune system can be worked up and they have less toxin in the body.. But for sufferers like me who have been suffering all my life... its not easy, in fact its almost unworkable.. But the idea of having and living steroids free is very exciting...I am not cancelling it total... if i find the right substance of cure, I will surely want to be free from steroids. Therefore, the search is forever still on.... as God has already said that:  for every sickness, illness or diseases he has given to you, there will be a cure, insyaallah...unless its death!

3rd Day without the Steroids Cream

Today is the 3rd day of my life without the steroids cream.. I'm starting to feel the stress caused by the itch.. I'm seriously thinking of going to the dermo this Saturday... the forehead area is badly affected.. its really red and inflamed with cracked skin... I applied the Moogoo Irritable Skin Balm (ISB) and the Scalp Cream a few times already.. but the itch is still there..  I dabbed my sensitive skin toner to my forehead to soothe the inflammation a bit, then i applied Dermafal Placenta Serum Complex to the area.. hmmm feel a bit comfortable now.. just need to get it moisturised every few minutes. Otherwise i feel my facial skin so tight and stretched... huhuhu... I really hate this!  :(

The other part of the body is still the same.. no improvements... no point of loading the pics here coz not much is happening.. I took the photos just now to compare from yesterdays pics, but there is nothing different.. Its just scratch, scratch and scratch.. I could feel my fingers getting numb from all this scratching...  The antihistamines isnt working well too.. or maybe my body is getting so immune to all those tablets?? I dont even feel sleepy anymore from taking the promethazine, piriton or loratadine, zyrtec, ketotifen, .. Whatever it is, there is not much can be done here... take the antihistamines, applied the ISB, MSM, Udder cream... if its so inflamed and feels hot, I just dab some cold water to the affected area before applying the creams..

Sometimes I feel that God is punishing me for all the sins that I have done in the past... we Muslims believe that if god is testing you with all these challenges in life, especially if you are suffering from illness, it will actually help to clear your sins..
I know this is just self pity... this is just a small challenge that God has given me... if I compare with other people who suffers from more serious illnesses of diseases... than I'm somehow glad that it doesnt happens to me.. I am glad that I only suffer from eczema, asthma and osteoarthritis.. my suffering is minute compared to those who suffers from debilitating illnesses like cancer, stroke or whatever.. I pray everyday that God pardons my sins.. and give me good health.. not just for me, but for my family too... if I suffer, they, especially my hubby, will suffer too... pls have pity on him allah... he's such a nice guy..

See you tomorrow guys.. everyday is a day of hope...

2nd day without the steroids cream

Today is the second day that i didnt apply any steroids cream on my skin.. just plain Moogoo ISB, MSM and Udder Cream applied all over my body. We went to the cinema to watch "Transylvania".. and only came back at around 10am.. I scratched a little bit today... but once I am back at home, changed to my nighty, the itch came back..ishhhh...  Tried very hard not to scratch myself... and applied the scalp cream to my hairline and forehead.. It stopped the itch for 15mins.. then it came back.. applied some more...  the itch monster is coming alright... quickly i washed my face with water to cool down the affected area.... and after wiping it clean, i applied the scalp cream again.. hmmmm.. now its tolerable... the itch stopped...

I applied to my whole body lightly... avoiding to scrub in order not to aggravate the itch... took 2 tabs of promithazine.. Tried not to think so much about the itch... hence the updating of the block...  hehehhe...

anyway, i going to upload photos of the arms with the eczema patches... I am just going to record it everyday, and see how its doing... without the steroids cream, just on Moogoo....

                                                             The right arm

There's some open sores... i wonder whether i should see the dermatologist to request for some short course antibiotics?? Usually Dr Ting, when he sees this kind of open sores, he will definately prescribed a 5 day course of antibiotics... I wonder if Dr Ranjit thinks the same... well... I'll wait until Friday.. if its getting worst, I'll make an appointment to see Dr Ranjit this Saturday...

                                                           The left arm

                                                                 The left arm


And oh yes.. I've decided to take the Adaxil only once aday, instead of twice a day... we'll see wether this will reduce the itch..

Current Wellbeing

Hi all..

Its been quite a while since I post an update... Has been busy with my online shop and also, my skin conditions has improved quite markedly...until recently... huhuhuhu,,,

My skin has flared up since 2 weeks ago... it started with a few scratches, then next morning i noticed my arms and legs were bleeding from the noctural itch.. since then, it became worst.. just a little scratch, it will bleed till about 30secs.. takes a physical and emotional toll because it can be painful and physically unattractive, causing skin redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, and scaling. I'm trying to figure out what could have caused it... hmm... my diet was still the same... my meds is also the same.. Haaa.... could it be that I've been taking Adaxil      ( glucosamine + chondroitin) powder (for my knee osteoarthritis) since 2 weeks ago??  i checked the Adaxil box... yes.. no wonder.. it contain shellfish (glucosamine) and extract of sharks (chondroitin).. huhuhuh....   How la... :(    My family and i are planning to go to Singapore to the Universal Studio in November... and i need  good knees to enjoy my time there as I need to walk alot.. that's why i started taking the Adaxil...  hmmm... dilema, dilema... if i take the Adaxil, I can probably have happy knees, but at the same time my skin condition will be worst.. If I dont take Adaxil, knees will hurt like crazy when walking, but my skin will be happy... waaaahhhh!!!    Need to get my priority straight...  hmmmm..

Even when i am typing now.. i will stop intermittently to scratch my arms and legs... and its bleeding also...  I've been also taking my anti histamines tablets :  atarax, piriton, loratadine, promethazine, ketotifen., zyrtec.. even jabbing myself with promethazine injections when they became really troublesome...you name it.. I have tried everything, but I'm still scraching like crazy.. I've finished my Egyptian Magic Cream as I've been applying it every 30mins or so.. I try not to visit the good doctor just yet.. If i see him, sure he will give me the steroid jabs again.. and this year my new resolution is to try and lessen the steroid jabs... I want to try to go au naturel... hehehhe.... not very sure whether i can succeed doing that.. but i promise myself that i will try..!  :)

Yesterday I was informed  by Farah about the NAAE meeting at the MidValley Exhibition Hall.. Moogoo is having a booth for 2 days and also they will give a Scalp Cream for free when you purchased any item or any amount.. So I said to myself.. since my Egyptian Magic Cream has finished, ..why not? lets try this time.. who know's.. with the right cream and the correct routine, probably it (the skin) will be less angry and inflamed... and probably a permanent solution.. who knows??..

So, armed with my Finance Director (who else but Mr Hubby!), we went to the MidValley.. and after being persuaded by the sales team, I managed to grab Moogoo's 'Starter Pack for Itchy & Sensitive Skin' (special price after less RM15 = RM174). and a free Scalp Cream 250ml (worth RN89)!! Yeay!!

Let me tell you what it contains:   1.  Irritable Skin Balm (ISB), Milky Wash, MSM Soothing Cream and Udder Cream. then Scalp Cream is the bonus,  You're supposed to wash your body (the affected area) with the Milky Wash, then apply the ISB first on the inflamed area, then the MSM Soothing Cream, and lastly for more soft, supple and moisturised skin, apply Udder Cream.  

Here's the photo:

           From Left:   ISB, Milky Wash, Udder Cream & MSM Cream or Soothing Cream

                                                This is the Scalp Cream... marvelous!!

Right after i reached home, i changed into my kaftans and immediately reached for the ISB first...and applied to the reddish mark on my arms.. (its became itchy just after I ate yong tau foo for lunch today)..  and the scalp cream i applied on my forehead and hairline areas... hmmm nice cool feeling..no stinging feeling.. so far so good... it immediately soothe the inflammation!  I am impressed!...but i dont know for how long it will help coz this is a natural product and it doesnt have any steroid in it.. surely the effect dont last long.. I was right, i have to reapply ever 15minutes or so to keep the itch away.... but the key is is"persistent"... yes.. that one i have to change... must motivate myself to be more 'persistent'!! hahhaha..  

Let me tell you what I've been up too since my last post... I've been very interested in anti ageing.. So, I bought myself some Vitamin C injections, some skin whitening injections, and placenta injections for anti ageing... I figured all this might help to a certain extent with my skin conditions.. And yes... I am proud to report  that the treatment with all the vitamins injections does help in conserving the moisture of the skin and also making making them less sensitive and fragile.. I can see a marked difference in the quality of my skin texture,.. they are more robust, less wrinkle, less drying and helps me with my antibody also... for the last 3 months I'm using the injections, I've never been sick more than a day or 2.. and even that it wasn't as severe like the previous years...

Before trying Moogoo.. I've been using this wonderful cream from Australia called "Emu Oil Cream".. Not bad really... It doesnt stings your skins and it moisturizes very well too.. and cheap too @ RM25 for 250 gm. It is being sold in Metro shopping complex.. check the big ones.. MidValley, and maybe Parkson. .  here's the picture:

ok... that's it for now... I'll see and wait for the next 2 weeks without the sterioud cream, and just the natural goodness of Moogoo... hope it works on this hardcore steroid user.. hehehehe... stay tune!

p/s  sorry for any typing error... already sleepy... now 4.06 in the morning... zzzzz... good nitey nite!!

Assalamualaikum... its been a long time since i wrote in this Blog.. hmmm maybe i just forgot about having this blog.. or just plain lazy to give updates.. Since then, a lot of things has happened... iwan is getting married in 2 months time, ikram has a new baby, my house is in a mess again... blah blah blah... boring little things.. hope your life is much more "happening" than mine... sigh...

Moogoo Arrived!!!

2 days ago, 14th July, the products finally arrived at my hubby's office.. (I gave them my hubby's office address coz I'm hardly downstairs at home... so most poslaju things got to be sent back to his office.. hehheh)... well, here it was !! wow.. the packaging is so nice... has that expensive and quality look.... hope this product is as what they say on the box... :) They sent me 3 products: the first product is "Eczema & Psoriasis Balm" (but on the box its written" Irritated Skin Balm"), the second is "Udder Cream" and third one is "MSM Soothing Cream"... Cant wait to put them on!! Quickly I opened the box carefully trying not to tear the boxes... heheh... coz it so nice... and squeezed little dollops of the cream on to my palm... hmmmm it smelt really nice and delicious.. like a dessert, something like creamy caramel.... and the first thing I noticed besides the nice smelling cream is that it didnt sting at all!!! its soothing and sliiightly cooling... Ohhh! Thank you so much Triniare!

Let me introduce to you MooGoo, a natural skin care for sensitive skin, psoriasis, eczema and infants.. made in Australia/

What is MooGoo?

MooGoo started when they made a moisturizing cream for humans based on the udder cream used in dairy farms. This dairy version of the udder cream was designed to heal the skin on cow's udders and keep them in good condition for milking. It became legendary of its skin healing properties with humans too, especialy for eczema and psoriasis. However, the orginal dairy version was greasy. No problem for cows, but not so comfortable for humans.

Their first cream was a non greasy version of this Udder Cream specially made for humans. Since then MooGoo has expandeed to make other products that help the skin and scalp without the gimmicks or cheap ingredients. Every product was originally made of for their own use or for friends, so they put in the full concentration of ingredients that they know will be good for their skin.

Ok let me read out the ingredients and directions for use as stated on the packaging.:

Udder Cream: "Directions for use: Wash udder and teat parts thoroughly before each milking to avoid contamination of milk. Apply udder cream to the udder after each milking, massaging in the skin. For teat cracks, apply suficient quantity to fill crack and sorrounding area. As an aid in softening swollen udders during calving, apply liberally twice daily with gentle massage. May be used for dry ar cafedskin and as an aid in keeping skin soft and supple."

"Ingredients: Purified water, sweet almond oil, olive oil, rice bran oil, emulsifying wax, milk protein, allantoin (comfrey root active), aloe vera, vitamin E, phenoxyethanol, piroctone olamine, guarsilk. Free of mineral oil and fragrance."

At first reading, I was a bit surprised and puzzled... are they (the manufacturers) talking about cows or humans? and udders?? that's the cows teats right?? heheehe... what funny descriptions!! but I guess it must meant for dry and broken "human" skin.. anybody in their right mind wouldnt be purchasing a cream for the cows uddders... heck, I dont even know anybody who keeps cows.. hahaha...!!

For the second product, is the MooGoo Irritated Skin Balm. The box reads "Balm for soothing red, dry, itchy skin". But at the tube is written: Eczema and Psoriasis Balm. Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and wound healing balm. Direction for use: apply cream topicallt as required to keep skin moist and healthy. If symptoms persist, consult your health care practitioner. As with all natural products, patch test first to check for allergies. Moogoo believes products should show all ingredients, not only 'Active' ingredients".

Active ingredients:

20mg/g Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice,

Eqv 5mg/g Matricaria Recutita flower extract

Eqv 5mg/g Centella Asiatica herb tincture

0.5mg/g Sage Oil Dalmation

Excepients ingredients: Water - purified, almond oil, cetostearyl alcohol and polysorbate 60, Olive oil, squalane, allantoin, dl-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E).

Preserved using Penoxyethanol and piroctone olamine.

Fragrance Free. Mineral Oil Free. Ph balanced.

At the side of the box is written "MooGoo products originated from a cream used in dairy farms to repair the skin of the cow's udders. This cream was full of natural skin healing inredients, and No Gimmicks. All MooGoo products are made this way".

One the other side of the box is written: "The only animals we use for testing, is our own bodies. Friends usually test it next. If they like it and ask for more, we keep it. This is how all of our products have been developed".

The third and the last product is "MooGoo MSM Soothing Cream". At the back of the container is written: "Skin Nutrition Information. Uses: This soothing moisturiser is intended to calm irritated skin and help return it to a healthy condition. MSM is a natural organosulphur suitable for children and adults and is used for its inflammation reducing properties".

"Direction for use: Apply first to damp skin after washing, then as required. Natural products should be patch tested for allergies before use. "

"Ingredients: purfied water, sweet almond oil, olive oil, emusifying wax, MSM (organic sulphur) allantoin (comfrey root active), aloe vera, vitamin E, apple cider vinegar, glyceryle caprylate, p Anisic acid (basil extract), piroctone olamin, guarsilk, honey.

MSM has proved to be a great skin softener and soothing compound for irritated skin. It is also used in anti-ageing preparations.

Fragrance Free. pH Balanced. Mineral Oil (paraffin oil) Free. "

Besides the above 3 products, they also have the Scalp Cream (for the scalp, hairline, ears, eyes and nose areas), Full Cream and Skin Milk Moisturisers, Anti-Ageing Face Cream, Milk Shampoo and Cream Conditioner (for itchy, flakey or sore scalps), Milk Wash (wash with a glucose based cleanser as gentle as water), Milk Cleansing Bars (goats milk and buttermilk cleansig bars..), Oil Cleansing Method (ideal for those with pimples or for removing makeup) and lastly, Edible Lip Balms.

If you wish to have more info on MooGoo products. please visit their website: http://www.moogoo.com.au/.

I shall try to document my trial usage of the above 3 products as often as I can... and as honest and unbiased as I can be yeah...

Update so far...

It has been a couple of months now since my last post.. so very sorry... I was busy with my online business at the moment.. hehhe... well, I kept thinking... since I love so much to shop online, why dont I just try to sell something online, for a change?? well, my thinking cap got working ... and now, I've got an online store... on FB that is... heheheh... not yet on a proper website... oh... or maybe on blogspot yah??? yes, yes... I might just do that in the next couple of days...

Well, anyway, last week, after months of absence, suddenly I got an email from Triniaire... they wanted me to try their latest product called "Moogoo"... yeah, I know, it sounds weird... but really, its a product made of cows milk I think and its from Australia... so, I replied their email and said I was realy interested to try the trial products...

Eagerly waiting for the products to arrive at my doorstep..... :)

Its a New Yea! 2010!!

Salam and greetings everybody! it's been a while since I wrote in here... was quite moody... and lazy to use the pc.. and with the warm weather now.. it's such a daunting task to overcome.. well, here I am now... hopefully I'll be writing again as often as I can...

One good thing that has happened so far, is, my skin is not that bad now... and... new surprises.... on 29th December 2009, I had a sleeve gastrectomy done! stayed 11/2 weeks at the hospital and was discharged on the second week. It was hell the first few months! I couldn't keep my food and drinks.. even taking a bubur (or soup) would had me vomit! I felt tired all the time.. and all the time I was thinking about food! what did they say about not feeling hungry when they cut out that part of your stomach? Its pure rubbish! I wonder how could I go on like this? huhuhuhu... but one thing for sure.. It wasnt regret that I felt.. I know this is for my own health... better take care of it now, before its too late...

Olivenol 1st Quiz

Olivenol Trinaire had a quiz on last week, offering 2 boxes of Olivenol capsules as the prize.. Immediately after receiving their message on my email, I quickly did a search on googles and had them drafted nicely in Words... I was very optimistic and felt confident that my answers were the ones they're looking for! heheheheh... and today, Olivenol Trinaire had announced that the winner is..... ME! yay yay!!!! :victory dance:

so.... if you're wondering what the aswers were.... let me put it down for you....

The answer to olivenol livin' quiz:

1. the active molecule in olivenol livin' begins is olive polyphenols, which includes hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein and other secoiridoids.

2. the source of olivenol livin' is from olive juice extracted from 100% organic olive harvested from a certified organic ranch in California. It is processed within 24-48hrs at a nearby manufacturing facility.

3. the active ingredients in 'olive leave extract' is phytochemical oleuropein; a bitter monoterpene glycoside of the class known as secoiridoids and is also one of the major components found in the polyphenolic portion of olive oil .

4. Olivenol Livin’ is clinically better than “olive leaf extract” because

Unlike olive leaf extracts, Olivenol Livin’ is NOT made from dehydrated or freeze-dried leaves, reconstituted powders or artificially boosted Oleuropein powders. With "olive leave extract", the biophenolic fraction of the olive oil is only 2% of the total phenolic contents of the olive oil with the remaining 98% being lost in olive mill waste. They also make product claims based on very limited scientific evidence. Whereas, Olivenol Livin’ is derived from the pulp of its own certified organic olives. Company founder Dr. Crea has developed a unique proprietary process to recover the olive water that was once lost in processing, to produce an aqueous olive extract with a high percentage of 99% of powerful anti-oxidant hydroxytyrosol, believed to be one of the most powerful antioxidants. One of the key points of difference in Olivenol is the extensive range of clinical trials the product has undergone. Olivenol Livin’ was subjected to numerous human clinical trials to verify and prove the efficacy, quality and safety of Olivenol and have shown evidence of a major increase in antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Renowned research and educational institutions around the world have conducted scientific studies to verify the efficacy of Olivenol (for list of clinical studies done on Olivenol, pls go to: http://www.10binternational.com/content/ view/71/1/). Olivenol Livin' has since been awarded five US patents protection and it is also the ONLY product in the market that is certified with US FDA GRAS safety standards. This safety benchmark is only given to supplements that are considered as "safe as food".

Olivenol Livin’ is the world’s first multi-action olive biophenols-based supplement that contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-ageing and anti-UV damage properties. Due to the high ORAC ( Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity ) value in Olivenol Livin’ (which no other “olive leaf extract” company has ever got), the antioxidant compounds display great scavenging activity against cell-damaging free radicals to promote total body wellness. Because it has high bioavailability; its minute molecular size allows it to be quickly absorbed, distributed and metabolized in the body. Thus, Olivenol Livin' releasing many health benefits may effectively assists in speeding up cell renewal, helps to strengthen immunity, improves memory, decreases mental fatigue and helps in neuro-degenerative diseases. Furthermore, Olivenol has also been proven to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Best of all, Olivenol Livin’ may alleviate problems associated in skin ageing, wound healing and burns. It’s no surprise to know that Olivenol Livin’ has been proven clinically to help people with inflammatory related chronic disorders, and has helped many patients with arthritis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis such as eczema, and other skin related diseases, where main line medical treatment has failed to help.

From my personal experience in using Olivenol Livin’ Begins for my eczema problems, I too experience many positive results such as less itch and less rash. The skin condition has much improved; such that it is not very dry anymore and the serious skin peeling on my forehead has lessen dramatically. For this, I am sure that Olivenol Livin’ will be able to help so many other people in this type of predicament. So, based on the facts presented above, Olivenol Livin’ IS clinically better than olive leaf extract.

Olivenol... yes, my dear olivenol.... hmmm... yes, I'm still taking them.. but I've reduced to once a day now.. hmmmm is that the reason why I'm having more scratching episode now, because i've reduced the dosage? or maybe I should be taking 1ml twice a day?? damn...! no wonder! guess what... I just realised about this while typing this entry! hahaha.... really getting old now... well...

Ikram's Wedding!!

Hi all...! wow! what a long rest I had after Ikram's wedding... and I have to apologise y'all for not updating my blog for 1 month.. I dont know why... just feeling lazy I think.. photos? yes, there's a lot, and I tried to upload them to here, but I just dont know how... apparently I have to copy them to flicker or picasa first.. is it true?? ok.. that will take me sometime to figure out how to go about doing this, ya... anyway, they're in my facebook.. and you can have a look in there... p/s oops!! I found out the way to upload the pics... but... alamak.. the connection is just too slow la today... so, I'll tomorrow... tungggguuuuu!!!

Well, I was really relieved that the burden of carrying the responsibity of handling and organising a wedding event has been lifted from my shoulder! everything went smoothly, and some even said that the wedding was like Siti Nurhaliza's grand wedding!! yay!! thank god! and you know what?? I think I'm gonna be a granny in 8 months' time!! ahakss!!! I'm planning to tell my grandchildren not to call me nenek or tuk or opah.... instead I'm gonna teach them to call me Wan Mummy! and my hubby, Wan Daddy.... hahahahha.... !!

The 17th day of Eidul Fitri

Today is the 17th day of the Eidul Fitri and I'm feeling very good.. today is also the last drop of Olivenol from the first bottle that I'm taking has finished. yeay!! so far so good... skin is so smooth on my face.. the scabs and rashes has cleared! and scratching much, much, much less now... when I do scratch my legs, I try to just use my palms and not with my nails... the scars are healing well and I dont want to make a mess of it again! :)

Besides thinking about the health of my skin, my time is also taken by the preparation of my sons wedding, this Sunday.. we've still got a lot to do... the boiling of 100 eggs for the bunga pahar, packing of the goody bags, finalisation of the guest lists (this is the most tricky one! heheh) , make sure the caterer we got is a genuine one and not a conman... making the house looks great for close relative to visit.... and make sure that the event hall is even ready for the wedding plamin! I hope everything will turn out fine... pls pray for me ya..!! and I hope I could paste some wedding pics here later... just to make this blog more colorful!! heheheh

2nd Day of Hari Raya

Today my family and I went to visit my elder brother in Seremban. Had late lunch over they and went back to Shah Alam at 5pm. After leaving my grandmother, daughter and maid at home, we went to my brother in laws house in Rawang.. Came back at 11.30pm after a visit at Giant to buy titbits and drinks for our trip to Penang tomorrow.. As soon as I came home, I quickly packed our bags and was busy packing until 3am... My hubby said I better not go to sleep tonite coz we're gonna start the journey early tomorow morning (I am a late sleeper and very late waker.. hahahah... difficult to go to sleep and difficult to get up in the morning! :D ) looks like I'm gonna have to sleep in the car during the loooong journey tomorrow...

Anyway, I felt good today because I didnt miss my Olivenol dose... hehehe... what to do... old people like that la... important daily medicines also can sometime forgot to take... :)

Well... I wont be updating my blog during the 5 days holiday in Penang.. Insyallah, I will be jotting the blog again next Saturday.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Datang Lagi!!

Today is the first day of the Eidil Fitri.. Since morning I've been busy at the kitchen. Even though my maid is quite helpful, but those instructions I gave her last nite was too much for her to consume... I asked her to blend two types of conconctions, but instead she combined the two into one!! I was quite mad at her, but since I was expecting some guests to visit any moment, so I just let it go and in end the end, it was quite a success..

Since I was busy the whole day, I forgot to take the medications that I'm supposed to take.. most importantly the Olivenol liquid... I wouldn't want miss my dose and having to risk the chance of curing my eczema so... right after the crowds was dispersed, I quickly went up to my room to take today's first dose... aiyai yai yai... as soon as was in the aircond room, skin I started to feel the tightness and itchness... was trying very hard not to scratch, and instead I tapped and slapped my legs (at the blisters) hoping to numb the itch, but... lo and behold! I noticed that the blisters and small wounds are healing and they're getting smaller... !! At least something is working right here... :)

Six Ways To Treat Eczema Naturally

Oh yes, I found this article from Dr Weils website... Nothing new I noticed.. But for you guys who are not aware about this, here's the excerpt:

"If you suffer from red, scaly, dry patches of skin that are extremely itchy, you may have eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an allergy-related skin condition common in young adults, children and infants. Simple measures can often help to minimize symptoms and provide relief. Instead of turning to the topical steroids often prescribed for eczema, which I believe suppress the problem and may worsen it over time, try the six suggestions below and see if they work for you.

1. Eliminate cows' milk and all cows' milk products from your diet, as well as foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (often found in snack foods and baked goods) and trans-fatty acids (margarine, vegetable shortening).

2. Take 500 milligrams of black currant oil or evening primrose oil twice a day (half that dose for children younger than 12). These are sources of gamma-linolenic aid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid that promotes healthy growth of skin, hair and nails. You should begin to notice positive changes in six to eight weeks.

3. Apply aloe vera gel (from a fresh plant or buy lotions or moisturizers containing aloe) or calendula cream to the affected areas of your arm.

4. Experiment with lotions and salves containing chaparral (Larrea divaricata), a desert plant used topically in Mexican folk medicine for skin conditions.

5. Bathe or shower as quickly as possible, and use a non-perfumed moisturizing soap. Apply a thick moisturizing cream immediately after patting yourself dry - don't rub your skin when you towel dry your body.

6. Practice visualization and hypnotherapy. They can have a significant positive impact on allergy-related skin conditions. And try to relax - stress can make the condition worse. Explore relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga".

Personal comments: I've tried all the above suggestions (except for no. 3 & 4), but it doestn' work on me :(

Saturday... 8th day

As I've planned yesterday, I went to the dermatologist this afternoon. One look at the blisters he said I really needed the injections... steroid ones, what else... what can I say? This is one of the worst flare ups that I've experienced.. I tried to hold or avoid the steroids (injections) for 2 years, but as they say... the 'spirit is willing but the body is weak'... I wish I could say, "no thanks doc, I want my body to be free from steroids", but this time I can't. I'm really suffering here.. I just needed the pain to go away!

As previously experienced, the positive effect can only be seen and felt in a weeks time.. So, meanwhile, I'll just take the antibiotics, and, not forgetting, my 2ml twice daily Olivenol Livin liquid. I just hope that my orthopaedics docs wont scold me for taking the injections!!

As soon as I got back from the clinic, I was really busy preparing for the raya festivals tomorrow. Tomorrow I gonna prepare Nasi Beriani, Ayam Beriani, Dalca etc... But tonite, I have to get ready the rendangs and the peanut sauce for the ketupat... busy! busy!!

The Seventh Day

The battle to be free from the pain is not in sight right now... I think its too inflamed, it must have got infected already.. I cant sit still or bend my body without feeling the pulling and burning pain from the skin on my butt and hips area.. To ease the pain, I took tramadol, which helped a bit. At night I took another capsule of tramadol so that I can at least turn and twist in my bed without getting 'burned'.. The pain has won and the itch is lagging behind somewhere... waiting for the pain to go... and then, the itch will strike back!! so... I need to see the Dermatologist tomorrow, I have to. Just to make my life easier and comfortable. Otherwise I am just not myself, I cant smile properly, I can sit and walk properly... My smile is somewhat twitching... in pain... I'll request for a short antibiotic course and some ointments... hopefull this will cover while I'm on hari raya holidays...

Thursday... the 6th day.

The skin around my back from the neck, arm, lower back, but... are full with rashes and blisters.. Its even painful to sit and walk... it'll stretched to the max and create cracks that give out little blood and the pain.. oh yes, the pain... The peeling of the scalling too is a nuisancce... making my bed a mess! I cant even let my hubby touch my body coz its so sensitive, and inflammed.. I am taking the painkiller Tramadol to numb the burning shooting pain for a while... Not much difference from yesterday,,,

The Fifth Day

Today is just like another day.. Right after I woke up, I could feel my skin warming up and getting itchy... Tried my best not to touch it but somehow the itch wins, and as usual, I feel very guilty and regretted as I had to endure the burning pain after the scratch.. I closed my eyes and tried very hard not to scream... oh god, pls help me.. pls release from this pain...!

At sahur, I take my olivenol dose and I only slept after 6am (I am also a chronic insomniac). My grandmother calls me "owl" because I sleep thru the day, and awake at night. Sometimes, at night, I do feel like I can sleep earlier, but the itch just would'nt allow it.

I woke up at 4pm and did nothing else but watched tv. During the breaking of fast, I again take my 2ml dose of Olivenol.. There wasn't any difference to the condition of the skin on my body, in fact the skin on my back feels quite tight like it was realy, really dry, and this caused pain too.. the blisters on my legs are still the same.. no changes.. still itch intensely, still bleeds and still oozes...

But the positive side I notice today is that the skin on my face has improved! the peeling and scalling has reduced and it wasn't oozing anymore. When I applied my makeup too, the skin peeling on the forehead was not noticeable.. yeah...! I feel so happy and a little bit motivated by this development, and treated myself to a shopping spree at Mydin as a reward! hehehhe....

The Forth Day....

Today, at sahur, I took a dose of 2ml of the liquid. I mixed it with my milo but I can still recognise the bitter sour taste on my tongue. It is still very itchy.. cant control my fingers from touching the blisters or peeling the scales... it felt sooo heavenly good to scratched and scratched. Even better than an orgasm, sometimes! hahahah.... I only stopped scratching when it bleeds of when I starts to feel the stinging pain. The skin feels like burning and warm to the touch... my body will be so warm and the itch usually will spread to the other parts of the body... then I would regret and hated myself for scrathing again and again.. and when it itches again, I will repeat what I did earlier.... oh! such a vicious cyle! such a bad habit, I know! well... who could blame me? I've had this since I was 2 years old! However, today I noticed something.... despite having the itch, the blisters didnt turn black or have thick scales on it anymore.. It looks like the wounds are healing... oh! oh! this could be it.... Or am I hoping to soon??