Hey,

don't worry about your doctor's office being p'd off. It's your right to see the doctor. Don't let them get to you, sometimes the secretaries are having a bad day.

You said you are on prednisone for the rashes. Are you taking plaquenil?? It's the only drug that keeps my rash at bay. Also the prednisone can make you more susceptable to bruising. When I am on a course of pred I always end up with strange bruises. As for the blistery rash you should have it checked. Prednisone also makes you prone to infection so make sure that doesn't happen.

Hope this helps,

keep smiling,
jenn

Been doing some online research...Do the purple spots and bruises sound like vasculitis? Has anyone had this or know anything about it? Thanks!!

Hey! I get something that sounds *exactly* like what you are talking about and have been told that it is vasculitis. Is yours? Maybe, I would certainly call the dermatologist and let them see it now! It is so hard to get a diagnosis from a description!
Tell your dermatologist's office staff that this is new, it is still vivid and the doctor needs to see it!

Let us know how it goes!
Ladybrannon

It has been quiet around here...

I went to the dermatologist on tuesday. I did have the vasculitis thing, but it seems to have gone away now. I have quit taking prednisone (it was making me have bad mood swings...Doesn't work well with the hubby and two little ones) and started plaquenil. I guess it is normal that I will have monthly blood checks, biannual eye exams, and ana testing every six months. Hopefully, they'll leave me a little blood to keep! He also prescribed another skin cream. I suppose that physically going to the derm's office monthly might be good so I can let the nurse see any changes or problems regularly.

Since I have quit taking the prednisone and I understand that plaquenil takes a while to start working, will I be likely to continue (or have an increase of) developing new rashes and sores? I haven't stopped getting sores since this thing started. My hands, legs, upper arms, and back are getting a nice collection of scars. I have three sores on my face now. An earlier one has healed and, of course, left a scar. I also have some spots in places that are not sun exposed. Is that normal?

I hope everyone is doing well. This has been a good support...Especially being able to ask questions without feeling intimidated. Thank you all!