A Favourite Thing
The Fretful Truth
As Jill Murphy knows, we all face different challenges that can put marks, which only humans can feel and record where the cognitive processes can recall the experiences.
We have the right to be able to recall the process, yes the memory of how challenges were faced seemed so impossible, and yet were face with bravery, hard work, fretful and determination, this is what happened Jill and to our oldest child.
The following true life experience below is one of favourite thing.When Courtney, our oldest child came into our care, little did I know about his skin complaint and his other medical conditions.
His skin complaint: ECZEMA. Or ATOPIC DERMATITIS.So what is eczema?
It is an allergic reaction and is the most common type of rash. In addition, many doctors believe this is caused by the immune system. Eczema is not contagious.He had very dry skin, also suffered asthma and certain allergies. At that time we did not notice, what triggered his eczema that breaks out at the back of his knees. It became red and inflamed the more he scratched the more his skin became blistered. The itch became so intense that he felt obligated to scratch until his skin bubbled and he would run on hard surfaces to get relief.
It really looked sore, raw, ugly, and red. (In those days, there was not a lot of information available Courtney’s case was unusual, for we learnt later, he had two blood conditions, which affected his general health, as well as asthma.)Various tests were done to determine why he was not making progress. Courtney had just two good days in the month that he was well, the rest he was so ill, his time been spent going to and staying in hospital, doing various tests.
By the time we got results from our doctor, we also received a medical report from the adoption society. The adoption society felt that Courtney was living on borrowed time and it will hurt us to adopt him. We decline and told them we wanted to go ahead with his adoption.We were given a list of ‘do nots’ list that we had to carry with us everywhere. It meant he was restricted on certain drugs, injections, creams or any products that contained the ‘forbidden chemical reaction’ that triggered further complications to his blood supply.
Doctors at that time were not familiar with his type of blood conditions 27 years ago. He had two, which made matters worse. I decided to look for a natural way to ease his eczema and his conditions, but my main aim was to ease his eczema, which was causing such misery to him and us.
I found in my research, that the body does not retain adequate moisture of the skin. It can become dry and very troublesome. What normally happens is that skin by right is elastic and pliable. Nature intends water (about 10-20%) which is controlled to pass through the layers of the skin to ensure that it is hydrated. If this falls below the skin is then unprotected and becomes more vulnerable to water, irritants, and detergents.Eczema cannot be cured, but it is known to improve, as they get older. Usually by the time, the child is 24-45 it may go away.
What did I do to help him?I cooked everything, baked my own bread, putting only natural ingredients, made my own butter, tried to do most thing in the natural way. I did not make my own homemade wine; friends did this (I also had some!) this helped him with his general health conditions.
I used pure soap, cotton clothes, avoided wool clothing; this really irritated him and made his scratch even further. During the winter months, it was harder, trying to keep the body cooler as well as not feeling the cold was quite difficult, but I managed.
Because of his dry sore skin, I used only petroleum jelly .and calamine lotion. I avoided milk, fish eggs, dust mites, moulds and perfumed powder.We did not have Pets, or smoked, or allowed anyone to smoke in our home, I also avoided smoky atmosphere, kerosene and paraffin heaters. (As we had in those days.)
Kept nails short and gave him warm bath, but not use bubble bath.
Radox was the only solution I could use at that time. It had to be just a small sprinkle or none
Looking back, it was hard work, using my nursing skills as well as research and help from various sources, he was not fortunate to have many help as in those days there were not very much help available at that time. As I mentioned before little was known about his blood conditions.
Besides our most important goal at that time was to getting to know him and fulfil our roles as a ‘new parent’ and to help ease his soreness. We also had to accept that he will be taken away from us in death.I am pleased now, that he does not suffer as much as he did when he was younger. When I looked back, he was the one Doctors said did not have a hope for the future. They gave him months to live, Courtney was a fighter, each time we almost thought this was going to be the last time we would see him. We were so grieved, but happy when he pulled through those rough waters.
It was a very trying time, for him for us and those involved, and although this opinion is based on how we coped with his eczema, the real reality of it was, we never ever vision that today at 28 years old, he still around, he still has to battle with his health problems including eczema. The difference now is that help is available. There are many consistent treatments that can protect the skin from irritants, there are specialists that will test to identify allergies that identify triggers. Everywhere there are help that can only enhance his life, and life of others, for which I am grateful.
Now you see why I admire Jill for her determination to live, as so with Courtney.
I have copied and pasted the words below from another OP.
"Jill Murphy asked me to write about one of my favourite things to help her celebrate her fourth anniversary of cancer-free living and to remind ourselves of all the nice things in the world. It uses more muscles to make a frown than a smile you know. If you'd like to join in, whether you've only just joined ciao, or you've been here ages, you're more than welcome. Just write about one of YOUR favourite things, make your title "A Favourite Thing:[your choice]" and include this paragraph at the foot of your opinion. And post before Friday, PLEASE IGNORE THE RATINGS BELOW.
04.07.2003 00:07
There is new brill product on the market which contains Eczema. I cannot for the life of me remember what it is called, but search for it on the internet and you will find it. :) Good luck
17.06.2003 17:40
My boyfriend suffers with Eczema - recently we discovered that hemp oil helps - you can buy tablets at Holland and Barrett. Jo x
28.02.2003 19:38
Awesome op. I can't even think of words to say...but thank you :)