I apologize in advance for this rambling mess, but I wanted to get this out before I have to go back to bed.

I am writing this entry to let the few of you who come by here know that I might not be on the computer too much in the next few weeks. I might end up having to stay in bed quite a bit more than normal. I have developed a pretty bad rash and my spinal cord doctors do not have a clue as to what is causing it. They have referred me to dermatology, but I just received word today that dermatology won't see me until July 14. Typical!

The rash initially started on my left hip, but it has migrated to both hips and is now pretty well developed on my buttocks, which really poses a significant problem. This rash is also spreading up my back on the sides of my chest and on the portion of my arms and hands which sit on my armrests. Parts of the rash are blistering and it is these blisters which could cause the biggest threat to me right now. Around 11 years ago I had a superficial scrape on my back turned into an infected wound which took four months to heal. I don't want that to occur, especially on my butt or back, so I am being extra cautious and doing everything that doctors have told me, including planning to go back in if the rash gets significantly worse. Should this rash worse and much more and my doctors are still unable to get me in to see dermatology I will be going into the ER. At least there I can force a doctor to call the dermatologist on call. I know this because one of my former roommates was a dermatology resident here and taught me that little trick.

I am thankful I have a wonderful mattress which does promote skin healing if you to use only a sheet over the mattress. I usually like to use sheepskins on top of the sheet in order to prevent any type of friction, but I have been informed by people, who are a lot more knowledgeable in skin care, that it is more beneficial to lie directly on the sheet and allow the air therapy of the mattress to work wonders on your skin. I am so lucky I was able to find this mattress on clearance for just $150. Brand-new this mattress is anywhere between $1500 and $2000. So, I am definitely going to be spending more time in bed. And if I end up completely bedbound, I'll have my brother bring my computer into the bedroom so I can read blogs, books, and news stories to keep up with everything.

FYI, we have tried to figure out what is causing this, but haven't had much success. Of course the typical things like new laundry powder, medication, foods, and other sundries are all not compatible with what is going on. My medication and foods have not changed. If it was laundry powder I wouldn't have spots on the portion of my arms in touch my armrests, not to mention the palms of my hands. One of the doctors thinks it is bacterial, which for me seems a more likely. Oh, I forgot to mention that dermatology has determined that the wounds on my chest were caused by an inflamed hair follicle. Yeah right! I won't gross you out by showing you guys the pictures, but there's no way. I personally believe that some chemical was dropped on me during the facial and wouldn't have posed a problem if it was wiped off right away, but I did notice it and therefore a sore developed.

If I don't have to be bedbound I'll let you know shortly.

Later,

Billy