05/15/2026
Warning… long post, but why you haven’t seen me much lately and proof my crew is amazing and why the kennel is still thriving 🥰
I haven’t really been myself since August of 2025. What started out as I thought a bug bite on my toe turned into an eczema flare up that took on a mind of its own. I have had eczema for a few years now and the topical meds always seemed to take care of the random blisters that would pop up even if I didn’t really know what was triggering stuff. This flare up handed its beer to a friend and said, “watch this!”🍺. Found a great dermatologist that helped me get on the right track with new meds that helped get the blisters under control but the flare up would not stop… for months. Went through the steps to begin taking a shot to get the flare up under control and it seemed to be working… until it didn’t.😶. We are figuring it is an auto-immune response to the shot and I have somehow gradually acquired almost all rare side effects possible on the shot over the last two months. Drs were hesitant at first as these symptoms are so rare but I typed out all the symptoms and when they started and piecing everything together everything pointed to the shot, which really stunk because it was working! This includes asthma flareups (I don’t have asthma) facial swelling, new rashes, swelling of joints and arthritis (I don’t have arthritis), jaw and tooth pain, occasional blurry vision, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy… the list goes on. (this is literally what I look like 😂). Drug is estimated to take roughly 11 weeks to fully leave the system. I am currently on week 5 from my last dose when I realized my issues were possibly stemming from the shot and started the process of trying to fix whatever it was I epically goofed up! 🤦🏻♀️. Since then I have had a couple rounds of antibiotics, three rounds of prednisone, CT scan to rule out something else causing the swelling in my face and neck (all clear except for inflammation, thanks Capt Obvious 🤪). Today I landed at Urgent Care+ (very impressive urgent care I must say) and after reviewing my history, seeing the swelling return to my joints and the new swelling in my lip and new rash on my forehead it was another steroid shot and back on prednisone for a few more weeks😭 (yes I cried, I know it is probably the best option considering but as the Dr said “I’m sorry, I know I am giving you PMS for three weeks…my new favorite office visit I must say). I am dreading this more than I can say. The prednisone does its job in curbing the inflammation, the shot is already helping as I can type this out and this morning I couldn’t move my fingers. I know it is a means to an end so I can move my hands, walk, see… but it turns me into an impatient zombie when I am on it longer than about 5 days. This tapered dose will be the longest I have been on the steroid (20 days this round) with the goal to keep the symptoms at bay so I can function enough to get the drug out of my system and stay out of the ER and hospital. So if/when you see me out and about and I am not myself just know I am not myself. 🙃 When I look a hot mess as I have been looking for the past couple months it is because I am a hot mess. 🤤. I am pre-apologizing to the world for most likely having very little patience… falling asleep basically anywhere and having the stamina of a pi**ed off 90 year old 2 pack a day smoker with a drinking problem. 😩. While we are at it, pray for my family that has to put up with me in my zombie era… and bless my kennel team that have basically taken over at the kennel while my medical team figures out how to get me through this. 🥰. Without my crew I would have had to close the kennel I am sure as I am some days physically unable to use my hands or walk or literally fall asleep mid-sentence.😴They are amazing and I am forever grateful. This all being said I do have whole new appreciation for folks that have chronic health issues and autoimmune disorders. It is a terrible feeling to be trapped in your own body. 👎🏻. I have always had empathy for folks suffering from “unseen” illness but never really understood it. This little peek at what some folks deal with permanently is terrifying. I am praying and hopeful that my battle is temporary and once the drug is out my system fully I will make a full recovery or at least be able to manage symptoms without being doped up all the time at least. In the mean time though pray for me, pray for my family’s sanity dealing with me, pray for those that are stuck with this crap long term. 🙏🏻. They are tough mothers for getting up and going each day despite their bodies literally fighting them constantly! 💪🏻 If you are fighting one of those “unseen” battles know I see you, I am praying for you and I respect you. I used to think I was tough, this has taught me a whole new level of grace and patience I didn’t know existed. 🫨 God willing it is temporary and I don’t have much permanent damage once everything is said and done, in the mean time I cannot be held accountable for my RBF zombie like state. 😒 See ya on the flip side… 5 weeks down, 6 to go!!🫶🏼
Aunt Trish
