Woo Hoo!

… on two counts!

First off yesterday I went swimming voluntarily for the first time in about 6 years! This is because finally my skin is sorted so I don’t have a large proportion of my skin going all red and blotchy the second it goes in water! (to join the plain annoying staring….). I did 24 lengths in the end (the plan was for 20 but I ended up doing them far quicker than I expected, did another 4 and by the last one was really slowing down so called it a day…. ) and it felt so good to be back swimming (I’m a bit of a water baby at heart, so it’s the exercise of choice) … and not having the thought of how bad my skin will look when I get out! It felt really liberating and made me smiley even if to others it may seem nothing to get excited about! The plan is to try to do this each week, in the hope that I end up a bit healthier and loose some of the tummy …

Then sort of following on from yesterday and the main player in why I can happily go swimming again … this morning I was discharged from my UVB treatment! 25 visits to the cabinet later and all bar a couple of small bits on my knees that should be OK with creams and I’m clear (just the discolouration to fade, it looks a bit like the end of a bruise)… It took 7 years, 2 consultant referrals & a few doctor visits to twig it was really bad and that creams alone don’t work and that UVB is fab for me! Now I’ve done 1 course and it worked well I should get back in more easily when it next flares up, I’m hoping for a good few months of decent skin ... So now the crossing of fingers and avoidance of dodgy sore throats (as that’s the really bad flare up source!) starts. The side effects weren’t too bad, I had about 3 lobster moments (like when you burn in the sun, but its delayed by a few hours) and have a very good tan (the main side effect, although I have really bad panda eyes & cricketer nose due to the goggles & sunblock used!) for 2.5 months of visiting the hospital 3 times a week (and lucked out on getting early appointments so not too bad to fit around work).

… so the future is looking good for the moment … watch out vest tops & sundresses!