He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV)
On Tuesday, I went to the dermatologist to start allergy testing on my skin. For over a year now, I have been plagued with reoccurring hives that seem to have no rhyme or reason to their appearance. Confined mostly to my arms and legs, Benadryl Cream and the occasional Benadryl pill got me through, but the lumps and bumps and the terrible itching were still annoying. Then, this spring, they started on my face. Outbreaks of hives appeared and try as I might, I could not tie them to any particular cause. Perhaps sunscreen, perhaps a cleaning agent that sprayed back in my face, perhaps a change in laundry soap or shampoo. Finally, the dermatologist suggested allergy testing which consists of three large patches containing 29 different chemicals plastered on my back. They were attached on Tuesday which required no showering for 48 hours. I made it through with sponge baths and a trip to the hairdresser for a shampoo. I cannot take any antihistamines during the testing which lasts a week, but really did not feel like I needed any until today when the patches were removed. I do not know if the reaction to the chemicals is so intense or if it was caused by the tearing off of the adhesive holding the patch on, but that was the signal for my back to start crawling. I hope I can make it until Monday when the doctor will do another check of my back and reveal what chemicals are causing my problems. At that time, I will have to make a choice to either avoid any contact with those chemicals or if they are unavoidable, learn to lessen their impact on my skin. I’ve been thinking a lot about irritants these days. Besides skin tests, there are other things annoying me right now. Take for example all those political ads we are inundated with right now. Really, does it matter that someone running for Supervisor of Elections is also pro gun control? What does the NRA have to do with making sure elections are held legally unless we need the precincts guarded? And why in the world would a Republican county commissioner in office for 23 years be compared to President Obama? I know it will do no good, but I felt I had to do something in my own way so have been putting postage on the ads and returning them to sender with notes saying that they should be ashamed of themselves. There are a lot of things that annoy me, but the question is what I will do about them? Some things I cannot fix, but others, I can at least make an effort. Ignore or fight? Most times, I chose to fight. But, when I can’t fight, I must trust that the battle is the Lord’s.
Skin transplants. That's what we need. I love the photo of you in your body suit and hat in the water but not so much that you still are so sun sensitive. And now, dealing with these hives. I'm sorry. Nice post on Downtown Redevelopment- beautiful glass! Isn't it about time for a long weekend on the mountain? Baby bear has been around routinely- he's VERY cute!