tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post4780369880931402320..comments2024-02-04T07:26:05.237-05:00Comments on Polka Dot Overload | Sewing, knitting & embroidery projects by Mikhaela Reid: Knitting TherapyMikhaela Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02817367214920267825noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-57299963688852172892013-07-11T22:14:00.589-04:002013-07-11T22:14:00.589-04:00Thank you Meagan! Your advice is all excellent... ...Thank you Meagan! Your advice is all excellent... we ended up doing a great hospital program with my little girl in Denver and the BIGGEST thing was long daily baths followed by a huge slathering of Vanicream. It has made a SERIOUS difference!!!Mikhaela Reidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02817367214920267825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-44219265336665250912013-07-11T13:05:25.010-04:002013-07-11T13:05:25.010-04:00Hi!
It turns out this is a pretty long comment, b...Hi! <br />It turns out this is a pretty long comment, but I hope you will have a chance to read through and that it helps. <br /><br />I have been reading through the backlog of your blog for the past few days and I am hooked! It's fantastic. Anyway, I know you posted this a long time ago and I'll admit I haven't read through the comments on this thread or through any of your newer posts (aside from the past couple of days), so I don't know if you have found a resolution, but I had severe chronic eczema as a child. <br /><br />SEVERE. Chronic. Eczema. I know what it's like to be her. Honestly it made my childhood a little bit difficult because we could not find anything that truly took care of it, and because I was hyper aware of my very visible rashes, I felt ostracized when kids asked if they would catch it if they touched me.<br /><br />I don't say that to scare you, although I think it may be important that you know that those things may happen to your daughter. I say it because I feel like I can offer up at least a couple things that somewhat improved my situation so that the itching was, at least, livable.<br /><br />Essentially: bathing. I know you bathe her, and I know your doctors have given you techniques for bathing her. I just wanted to offer what helped for me. Some things you may want to try: oatmeal baths, bathing with dollar store foamy Gillette shaving cream instead of any kind of soap, using lukewarm water and keeping the duration to "less than pruny".<br /><br />Also, I have gotten in the habit of lotioning everywhere immediately after getting out of the bath/shower every time. This helps a lot with keeping the rashes happier. I am an adult now but my eczema never went away, although it did get better.<br /><br />A side note here is that you should definitely be using free and clear or "sensitive" laundry detergent. (I am sure this is not new to you, but it made a huge difference for me.) No perfumes or scents!<br /><br />One last note you may find interesting - I had surgery when I was 15 and I was required to have no eczema anywhere near the points of interest (essentially my entire torso) or my surgery could not happen. At the time I still had some pretty serious rashes. I took a 30 minute lukewarm bath every night, and a few times a week in the morning as well, washed with the shaving cream and slathered on the lotion. Within 6 weeks of diligent following of this schedule, I had no rashes.<br /><br />I hope her eczema improves and that you can once again get back to sewing and knitting!Meaganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15869878526813185698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-65860678883341862862013-01-10T04:42:11.257-05:002013-01-10T04:42:11.257-05:00I have just added you to my reader as I lost you f...I have just added you to my reader as I lost you for a while. The timing is incredible as we are in the middle of the sleepless nights with a toddler with severe eczema who scratches so much he can't sleep. It is exhausting! We have just started a new regime of Steriods which seems to be working -hoorah! <br /><br />The crazy thing is that when we visited NY from Melbourne Australia in June, both my son's and my skin conditions cleared up! Maybe the reverse would work for you - fancy a trip downunder? Seriously, I have some small idea of your pain and I hope you find something soon that works for your daughter. "Sleep is over-rated...what I would do for a weeks worth!".clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05482813923620902830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-70714141442528780132012-12-09T02:23:19.845-05:002012-12-09T02:23:19.845-05:00Wow. I hope everything settles down real soon! And...Wow. I hope everything settles down real soon! And Z has gotten so big since I last saw a photo. A real little girl, no more baby!<br /><br />Probably assvice, but I have mild eczema on my hands and feet and so far, Cerave helps a lot. It's overpriced drugstore lotion, but you can find it online for less. A friend of mine who has eczema on her face uses it there with a topical steroid. Eucerin and all the stuff that other people swear by didn't help me at all.<br /><br />You should also check that she isn't allergic to any part of the new regimen. I was very sick with an autoimmune condition in 2007, and got sicker and sicker for 6 months, with higher and higher doses and various formulations of the main treatment option, before the doctor realized that I was allergic to that drug. I got better after I stopped taking it.<br /><br />I hope that you and she feel better very soon! The holiday photo is awesome.Abacaxi Mamaohttp://abacaximamao.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-41809936396590340662012-12-08T22:45:29.656-05:002012-12-08T22:45:29.656-05:00I'm sorry, I realized that I gave advice anywa...I'm sorry, I realized that I gave advice anyway! I've turned into my mom!! Ack!!saronoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-39237263835946512772012-12-08T11:16:41.455-05:002012-12-08T11:16:41.455-05:00Oh, poor baby!!! Poor Mama!! I'm so sorry! Tha...Oh, poor baby!!! Poor Mama!! I'm so sorry! That is so stressful. When things aren't right with your kid, they're just not right ... ever. I hope that things improve, you find a regimen that works, and Ms. Z grows out of some of her issues! I'm thinking about y'all. In the meantime, if you don't have a lot of energy to blog, don't worry about it! Real life is more important. We'll be here whenever you're ready. (Creepy) hugs (from someone you've never met). - InderInder-ifichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09724667602427496583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-23938448892097387142012-12-06T21:50:51.391-05:002012-12-06T21:50:51.391-05:00Oh, god, I'm so sorry things have been so roug...Oh, god, I'm so sorry things have been so rough! You remind me how lucky I am to have kids without life-threatening conditions. And I totally get the "helpful advice" fatigue. /sigh. <br /><br />I really hope that you do find *something* that works, for everything. I love the idea of knitting as meditation. <br /><br />My youngest reacts REALLY badly to mosquito bites, and in every birthday picture for several years, she looks like she has chicken pox. So I get the triumph of the holiday photos. :) you all look awesome. Tanit-Isishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15824217102632813598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-85385144739555456852012-12-06T05:30:39.535-05:002012-12-06T05:30:39.535-05:00M: I don't normally post but I just wanted to ...M: I don't normally post but I just wanted to send you positive thoughts and the hope that Z continues to improve and that your knitting therapy helps x I do not have a blog and am grateful to all those who write such interesting things for me to read, so although you are much missed, Your life must come first and we can and will wait for your blogging to return, knowing that you take the trouble out of an already busy life before any health issues x hugs Jennihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02805695100481532789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-1877711120302506562012-12-05T21:04:06.599-05:002012-12-05T21:04:06.599-05:00I just wanted to add on to the well-wishers. We lu...I just wanted to add on to the well-wishers. We lurkers enjoy your blog and are wishing you well. I always hate it when people give random advice but my good friend's little girl had eczema and she grew out of it. My friend used pure shea butter and a humidifier and that seemed to help. I'm sure you've tried most of these but thought I'd throw it out there anyway. :)saronoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-54639174421904220132012-12-05T16:28:56.181-05:002012-12-05T16:28:56.181-05:00Oh, poor little girl! I'm glad for a reprieve...Oh, poor little girl! I'm glad for a reprieve, and that you could get a beautiful family photo. I'm sorry for your daughter's suffering and the harsh judgements of strangers ♥<br /><br />I deal with health problems and knitting is a huge help. When you're working so hard to just survive it's very rewarding to have something tangible to show for the day or week. Knitting has kept me sane.Summerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14800522660951414782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-25508067374442773302012-12-05T15:44:35.652-05:002012-12-05T15:44:35.652-05:00There's a UK blogger who also has a daughter w...There's a UK blogger who also has a daughter with severe allergies, asthma, eczema. I don't know her personally, or else I'd introduce you, but you might ask how they got it under control. Her name is Mandy (daughter Bella) - blogs at http://treefalldesign.typepad.com/tree_fall/<br /><br />Life can get extra-horrible when little kids are unhealthy and the parents start to fall apart from the physical stress of taking care of the kids, and you still have to work and make dinner and clean the home... Not to mention the constant worry. I have no advice, only sympathy, because I'm there, too. Some days, I think it has to get better because it just can't possibly get worse... Don't give up! Junehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02807743649365159492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-15868223937052332172012-12-05T09:44:00.931-05:002012-12-05T09:44:00.931-05:00Oh, man, I'm so sorry to read about how diffic...Oh, man, I'm so sorry to read about how difficult things have been for you guys lately. I can't imagine how endlessly frustrating this must be for you. You're in my thoughts. I hope you're able to carve out some time to do things that are relaxing and meditative (and I hope you all will start to sleep better SOON). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-17173074279815335682012-12-05T02:50:51.464-05:002012-12-05T02:50:51.464-05:00I'm sorry things have been so difficult for yo...I'm sorry things have been so difficult for you and your family. I hope they get better soon. The knitting as therapy thing makes so much sense. Catherine Dazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14286784668307559391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-2196246313339556282012-12-04T16:26:19.400-05:002012-12-04T16:26:19.400-05:00Oh, hugs Mikhaela. I'm sorry you've been ...Oh, hugs Mikhaela. I'm sorry you've been struggling so much. I would gladly sit with you and listen to your frustration. There's no easy answers for any of that (even in CO where I highly suspect it's a status symbol to be a celiac), but I hope that you find some hope through the process of all of this. And I hope you and Z start feeling better. <br /><br />I have a friend who took an extended holiday in South America several years ago, and one of the most beautiful things she remembers was being in a slum and seeing someone's apartment whose outside wall had been partially obliterated and was open to the elements. She says that even in that utter lack, that person had taken the time to paint the inside of the apartment a vivid green; somehow in the pain of existence, making something beautiful was somehow humanizing and made things just a little better. I hope your knitting does that for you--your knitting IS beautiful. I have no doubt that you'll figure this all out; for now, when you're in the middle of it, I'll pray for your peace and that you can sleep.Elizabeth Made Thishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16611395530073290874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-63900814178062310192012-12-03T22:41:12.191-05:002012-12-03T22:41:12.191-05:00I JUST posted about how crafting & wearing my ...I JUST posted about how crafting & wearing my me-makes has kept me from being more depressed! I really sympathize.<br /><br />I have a dozen food allergies & intolerances, so I know how difficult things can be. I also have dermographism (really dry skin that leads to my cells dumping a load of histamine into my blood stream & me getting red & itchy). Years ago a dermatologist told me to use baby shampoo because it doesn't dry out the skin as much. Not sure how well it worked, but it's worth a try. Also, I recently started using raw African black soap. It's made from different oils & is supposed to be good for eczema & other skin conditions. It's too soon to say if it helps, but it could be worth a shot. The reviews I read online rave about the stuff. No particular brand. <br /><br />Just a thought, could she also be allergic to something in the treatments? My brother in law had shingles on his forehead & the rash lasted for months. Turns out the medication had some new chemical he's allergic to & was making everything worse. <br /><br />Best of luck! Hopefully things get better soon. I hate how when it rains it pours. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-70618601484048378512012-12-03T21:29:40.501-05:002012-12-03T21:29:40.501-05:00M: I can feel your stress in this post. So, so sor...M: I can feel your stress in this post. So, so sorry. This must be outrageously frightening and tiring and demoralizing. But I am confident things will improve. Maybe not quickly, maybe not all at once - but you are obviously going through one of those very challenging phases (understatement) that tests on every front: money and work and sickness and child health worries.<br /><br />I have little experience of severe eczema - my sister had it fairly seriously on legs and arms (she's the one with serious allergies I've mentioned before). I had it too, but not badly. Both of us outgrew it.<br /><br />What I have had tons of experience of is the endless sickness that pervades when you have a young child in daycare. Man, I was as sick as a dog for the better part of 3 years - and I was often sick for a good six years. M would get sick for 2 days and I'd have it for 10 days and then the cycle would start all over again. Being constantly under the weather was exhausting. I was miserable, depressed (I'm a terrible sick person) and very anxious. Now, add to that your concern for little Z and it's a wonder you are knitting at all (and, btw, GOOD for you!), much less reading and writing and sewing. Seriously, crafts are the luxury of the woman who doesn't work full time with a baby.<br /><br />I couldn't have started to craft until my daughter was 8 or 9 - I just didn't have the mental head space.<br /><br />Giving you good vibes here. I know it's going to be alright eventually. And then you'll look back, amazed at your fortitude, and wonder how you ever got through :-)K.Linehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350615302797686048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-39052954359404087792012-12-03T19:05:29.388-05:002012-12-03T19:05:29.388-05:00I knew when you mentioned eczema that it would be ...I knew when you mentioned eczema that it would be food allergies. I'm glad that you have some progress on that. But, hey, you're still in my feed reader!marysewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04482564881192516660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-6496154544896901212012-12-03T17:13:33.118-05:002012-12-03T17:13:33.118-05:00So sad to read about your little girl's and yo...So sad to read about your little girl's and your troubles! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I hope knitting and creating continue bringing you comfort and solace. Hang in there!Cation Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00785063344305810736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-897164844995163822012-12-03T16:57:22.201-05:002012-12-03T16:57:22.201-05:00what a lovely holiday family picture!! best wishes...what a lovely holiday family picture!! best wishes to you and yours.LLBBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03632600937650570999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-71650836324523726152012-12-03T16:45:59.496-05:002012-12-03T16:45:59.496-05:00Aww, poor girl! I hope things continue to get bet...Aww, poor girl! I hope things continue to get better. Best wishes to you and your family. Interesting to read about the apple cider vinegar compress. My husband has issues with severe eczema on his hands and feet (or maybe psoriasis, the doc can't tell us for sure). He was getting some relief from steroid shots every three months but they have now quit working. We're looking at trying some natural remedies.liza janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916364137307894200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-54615595070104096132012-12-03T15:33:21.592-05:002012-12-03T15:33:21.592-05:00Oh please do NOT apologize! We do indeed use dilut...Oh please do NOT apologize! We do indeed use dilute bleach baths a few times per week. We've gotten mixed results—they seemed to be miraculous the first few times (especially on the infected areas on her arms and legs) but she still itches and scratches quite a bit. <br /><br />The new regimen on her face that seems to be working so well is based on a similar principle—we do two compresses of dilute apple cider vinegar on her face (for five minutes on all affected areas, which is everywhere except her nose and forehead)... then apply steroid cream and Vanicream. She's also on antibiotics for a short course.Mikhaela Reidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02817367214920267825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-76852322744977676982012-12-03T13:19:10.791-05:002012-12-03T13:19:10.791-05:00Oh Mikhaela! How stressful and exhausting for you ...Oh Mikhaela! How stressful and exhausting for you and your family! <br /><br />Very different, but last year around this time I had to make some difficult decisions related to my own allergies. Having a creative outlet definitely provided solace for me. I hope that even a few rows a day can help you tap into that same well of calm and strength. <br /><br />Cliohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-87627576137727359612012-12-03T13:14:56.443-05:002012-12-03T13:14:56.443-05:00Oh, what a hard time to be going through. I"...Oh, what a hard time to be going through. I"m so sorry. Also, I'm going to be one of those annoying people offering advice, but have you looked into hazelwood necklaces? Some families have success with them, including my sister for her daughter.<br /><br />I really hope things start looking up. Best of luck.Kristahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06964580963048511157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-41238998343405945892012-12-03T13:14:03.219-05:002012-12-03T13:14:03.219-05:00I am so sorry to read that you and your family hav...I am so sorry to read that you and your family have such a stressful time. My little sister had eczema issues when she was little, and my husband does now. It's so difficult to deal with even as an adult. You are doing an amazing job, and I am sure you help your daughter, even if it might feel if nothing helps. My grad school roommate had eczema and severe allergies (peanut, nuts etc.) throughout her life, and she grew up to be a successful woman able to live with the difficulties, and I am sure your daughter will too. Although I hope she'll "grow out of it" even if that is much more easily said than done. Good luck with everything and I hope you will keep knitting and sewing (and blogging). <br /><br />MonaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863792023187803515.post-88659776750852900822012-12-03T12:54:17.822-05:002012-12-03T12:54:17.822-05:00(((HUGS))) I'm glad to see so many of us comme...(((HUGS))) I'm glad to see so many of us commenting! We'll still be here when you are ready for us. I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with your wee one. I know I find it so frustrating when people assume they know the answers to my problems, even though I recognize that it is generally well meaning, it's still distressing. Struggling with a child who has special needs, no wonder what they are, is a road that each parent walks in their own way. I know you and Masheka will find the right road to walk for your family. Good luck.KID, MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16317731987862366557noreply@blogger.com