Necessary Mutilation

Weight: 230.5 lbs.

On Saturday I woke up with what seemed to be a boil or large pimple growing on my left temple. About a year ago I had a similar condition in the same spot, and my doctor diagnosed me with probable staph and prescribed an oral and topical antibiotic. My lymph node then, and now, was also painfully swollen.

Well today I brought my oozing, weeping face sore to the work nurse, who diagnosed it as likely to be shingles, especially given its location, the fact that it is a recurrence of an identical episode last year, and due to its looks and bumpy, oozy makeup.

God it itches! And is gross! Unfortunately, she said that there is likely little that I can do to treat it, especially as it is 72 hours past when I first noticed the eruption, and because shingles is viral and tends to have to run its course before dissipating anyway.

So, now, on top of balding and baggy, I am oozy and splotchy. Perhaps I will post a picture of me at peak loveliness tomorrow! It should make anyone else who is feeling sorry for how they look, feel that much better about themselves!

The only “good” news about this, is that it may explain why I felt such achiness and malaise while on our recent trip. Jane, the nurse, said that as this is a systemic infection, it is often proceeded by things like bone and joint aches and a general feeling of yuckiness. This certainly sounds like me the last week or so – so at least I am heartened that I’m not (necessarily) suffering from other conditions that may account for this, like a resurgence of arthritis, as I originally suspected.

The problem is, however, that shingles is opportunistic, and usually strikes when someone’s immune system is low due to stress, exhaustion, sickness or other factors.

Although this probably can be simply explained by our overly hectic lifestyle of late, and my general obsessive compulsiveness that makes it hard for me to rest until everything is “done”, I do worry a little that I may be vitamin or mineral deficient or that my “diet” is a causative factor.

Besides this, I do notice that I am feeling more balanced that I was when I first was weaning off my meds (especially Paxil). If it is possible to use this word when describing me, I feel almost “normal” now.

And weight and diet wise, I am back to moderation and am therefore losing once again. Even with last night’s buffet at the casino, I skipped all desserts, and ate until satisfied on shrimp, baked chicken, and some tomato and then chicken noodle (minus the noodles) soup. Perhaps what I was most guilty of was mixing these liquids with my meal, but I don’t know how else I could have tried their tasty soups without doing this.

As to the gambling and social aspect of things, we had a nice time with my co-worker Louise and her husband, Ron, and came home with $169 to the good. Poor Louise lost her shirt however, reminding me of me on so many other occasions. Tom and I were very good resisting the temptation to play in our winnings, and instead satisfied ourselves watching her and cheering her on. Ron,who doesn’t gamble, was content to watch the game and have a beer at the bar.

So, for tonight, I truly hope to do virtually nothing, and use my disintegrating face as an excuse for some overdue R & R, and the opportunity to eat a quiet and healthy dinner at home, for a change!