Stress and Rashes

Intellectually knowing that stress is a health problem waiting to happen and finding ways to constructively reduce stress effectively are two completely different things. Since Annie came into our home, I've definitely gotten more exercise, so that's a positive move in terms of reducing stress. Except when she eats furniture.

"Me, eat furniture?? Only because you made me wear
that shirt!"

I had to move to taking Diflucan. Nystatin didn't work and then Amphotericin didn't help my stomach woes either. For the most part I stick to a very low carbohydrate diet of mostly vegetables and plant based fats (nuts, olives, etc.), but every now and again I go wild and have some fruit.

This morning I freaked out a little when I looked in the mirror. I took a warm shower, got dressed, dried my hair, and looked in the mirror and I had a bright red rash across the bridge of my nose, spreading across my cheeks. It got substantially less noticeable a couple hours after the shower. My face feels a little tight across my face and it kind of feels like I've got a bit of a sunburn. I can barely see it now - it just looks like I got a little bit of sun on my nose and cheeks. If I move my glasses and touch my face at all, that seems to aggravate things, so I'm trying to leave it alone and hoping it was just a figment of my imagination. I have a more noticeable rash across the tops of my shoulders/back that's a faint pink with textured, raised skin. I hate to admit it, but for the first time I may have a malar rash.

I've been a bit tired the past couple days. I think it's because it's right before my period and things tend to get more stirred up then. Before then I felt like I was doing a little better. Some arthritis when a low or high pressure comes through, but alright overall. Now I feel a little worried and overwhelmed. This weekend I'm hosting a tasting party for my baked goods so people can rate them. I'm super excited for it. I'm also worried that I'll work myself into more of a flare. I've asked my boss for a couple days off next week. Work has been slower than usual, so it was a good time to ask and I can catch up on sleep.

My nephew has been spending a lot of time over at our house. He has a lot of allergies, and I'm always so happy to see him carrying around goodies. He loves my cookies and goes around the house like a little hamster with his cheeks stuffed full. Some day I'd love to have a bakery, but for now I'm happy figuring out "graham" crackers, cookies, and biscuits he can snack on during his preschool snacks and lunch.


I love having him around and listening to him run around the house with Lance yelling "Choo chooo!!!" when the pretend to be trains. Last night it was a little too much and I ended up half asleep on the couch while Lance held his hands and had him bounce up and down off the big yoga ball in the room. It would be amazing to have that much energy all the time!

Someone really liked his brand new toy truck!