I have been experiencing a growing annoyance. Shortly before I was discharged from CNS, I started getting blisters on the inside of my left elbow. I assumed this was from rubbing my elbow on the armrest of my wheelchair, so I started wearing elbow pads. This solution worked for a few days, then I started getting blisters on the outside of that elbow. The hypothesis was that it was rubbing when I was moving my left arm and lifting it back up to access my side pouch. Started wearing pads all the time. After a few days, I started getting blisters on my right leg, left leg, and right arm. All in uncovered areas. No detergent, soap, or med changes. Had an ENT appointment, and he suggested bullous pemphigoid, a rare autoimmune problem with no clear cause and treatment only for the symptoms. Went to my doc’s PA. I stumped her and then stumped him. On Monday, I went to my dermatologist, who independently suggested bullous pemphigoid or one of several other autoimmune problems, with maybe allergy as a distant next choice. She sampled for culture and took a couple of 1/4″ holes out of my left elbow, which had the freshest blisters.

Currently, I am applying clobetasol, a level 7 corticosteroid, approximately 250-600 times stronger than cortisone. The leg has stopped oozing and hurts less than before, so that is a win. The elbow is now at pain level four (of ten) and gets much worse when I roll in bed, so that is not so great.

Yesterday, I brought up this map. This is the closest together we have been since August. Yesterday, Rachel was discharged! Rachel, Jacob, his girlfriend Ainsley, and I are all in the same house. We are preparing for our Thanksgiving stuff. Having aged prime rib, stuffing, green bean casserole, strawberry pie, and probably other stuff I am forgetting.

Met Ainsley yesterday, and she is great. It is so nice to see how engaged Jacob is in interacting with her.