Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 I have a rash down the right side of my torso about the size of an A4 peice of paper. I went to my oncologist about it as all such matters need to be reported within 12 months of radiotherapy (which was for squamous cell carcinoma). He said it was nothing, and probably just stress related and to see a GP for a topical cream. I saw my GP today and he said the same thing. Stress related. Has anyone else had any physical side effects from stress?! It shouldn't be too hard to believe but I am just shocked this monstrousity is from stress!
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8308/myuglyrash4zr.jpg I realise it could be mistaken for a shadow, but it's not! It is my hideous rash. Yes, it is that large *cries*
littlekitty Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 I got eczema and I also stopped my periods for several months of high stress!
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 Several months!! Have they linked eczema too stress? Do you still have it? I was concerned this might have been eczema, but I was assured it isn't.
littlekitty Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Yeah it was about 4 months I went without a period. I had to get tested etc. just to make sure. They have indeed linked eczema to stress. Mine tends to be purely stress induced. It comes up on my arms. This was at time when my father had died, my bf had dumped me, I was buying my first house, and was moved to a position at work I hated....! It all happened at the same time and I was barely functioning to say the least!
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 Sounds familiar :/ As they say... when it rains it pours.
littlekitty Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Sounds familiar :/ As they say... when it rains it pours. Ain't that the truth...! Still, like a wise women said recently... we're never given more than we can handle.
Outcast Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Stress can do awful things to you - worse than just rashes. Some people think it causes or exacerbates a very large proportion of all illnesses. Still, if it doesn't go away soon or you have any other symptoms, go see a dermatologist.
blind_otter Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Stress can do awful things to you - worse than just rashes. Some people think it causes or exacerbates a very large proportion of all illnesses. Still, if it doesn't go away soon or you have any other symptoms, go see a dermatologist. Yes ma'am. After I was raped the second time, my digestive tract completely stopped working. My stomach muscles were either completely still, or moved erratically, for 3 years I lived on ensure and liquid nutrition. I've seen in happen over and over again. All sorts of bizarre, unexplainable, uncomfortable illnesses and rashes come from being stressed out. It's the mind/body alarm system. "CHILL OUT, or we (your body's systems) will MAKE you chill out."
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 Blind Otter! I thought I had it rough... twice!? I also read somewhere your ex tried to kill your friend You seem so sweet and happy. You are always helpful, and give well thought out and caring answers to peoples life questions. It is women like you that make me realise that all of the bull sh*t I am going through will make me a better person in the end. *hugs* So did they put that down to stress? The digestive tract? I can't even imagine it I am so glad you are better now.
blind_otter Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Yeah me too. I am of the opinion that you face challenges and have two choices - build yourself up or bringyourself down. So look at it, if that's possible, as a unique learning opportunity. While it's nice to not have to go through hard times, you get an opportunity to make yourself better that you would otherwise never have had, and you get to test yourself in ways that you wouldn't have.... I'm just saying!
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 *shakes head in absolution* you said it girl
RecordProducer Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 I've noticed a certain pattern with allergies, rashes, and other stuff that happen due to stress: when you don't express your sadness and anger completely, stress start to eat your body. You need to let it all out, talk about it, cry...not to get rid of the rash, but of the stressful state. My husband recently got some allergy on his back. It was of the size of an apple and looked the same as what I got on my arms from keeping a depilatory cream a few minutes longer. But mine hurt and his didn't. Anyway, it disappeared after a few days.
sugarplum Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 You bet stress can affect you physically. It can show itself as a rash, hives, intestinal trouble, sleep problems, physical pain, etc. Have you had your general doctor look at it - not just the oncologist?
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 I've noticed a certain pattern with allergies, rashes, and other stuff that happen due to stress: when you don't express your sadness and anger completely, stress start to eat your body. You need to let it all out, talk about it, cry...not to get rid of the rash, but of the stressful state. This could be it. I have been told that one day soon when things begin to silence it will all just hit me, and I will break down and cry. My lecturer was telling me about the time she broke her back, found out her husband had cancer, lost her job, and her father all in a two month period. She said it was like her mind and body stayed strong just long enough to get through the situations at hand... 2 months later she said she woke up crying and didn't leave her bed for a week. I keep waiting for this moment of surrender to take over me, my dad is coming back from where ever he is (he is a traveller) to pick me up and take me to NZ (so I am hoping it doesn't happen on my holidays). What if it never happens?! What if I never really accept everything I have been through.... is it okay to bottle things up? Maybe this itchy rash is the answer to that question ....
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 You bet stress can affect you physically. It can show itself as a rash, hives, intestinal trouble, sleep problems, physical pain, etc. Have you had your general doctor look at it - not just the oncologist? Yeah, I saw my GP today. He gave me a cream and said it was stress related.
RecordProducer Posted June 24, 2006 Posted June 24, 2006 What if I never really accept everything I have been through.... is it okay to bottle things up? Maybe this itchy rash is the answer to that question ....With time you'll get over the pain. Plus your life will change, you'll have new problems and joys. My mom went through some huge s*** totally healthy and then - boom, she got all kinds of health issues once things were settled.
The slayer Posted June 25, 2006 Posted June 25, 2006 As far as I understand most non western theories of health and medicine would strongly agree that stress or emotional issues we find difficult to deal with will manifest themselves physically, commonly as some kind of skin condition. It's my view that your mind and your body have a great relationship. Sometimes when you can't cope with something emotionally your body will deal with it for you, or perhaos if you are refusing to step back from high stress situations force you to! Don't worry honey I'd say it's not suprising this has happened given all you've gone through. Especially if you fear you may have been trying to cope by bottling it all up. Maybe your body is also helping you to appreciate and embrace your own beauty!!!! Incidently if you do feel that this may be, a physical manifestation, related to your current situation. Alternative medicine would probably advise you against applying any kind of cream designed to just make it go away, as this would be interpreted as just repressing the emotion again. The big difference between conventional and non-conventional approaches to your rash is whether you chose to treat the symptom or the cause. Which ever way you chose to deal with it I'm sure it's nothing to worry about (if it was your oncologist would have picked it up) and I'm sure it will get better soon x
Bullgator Posted June 25, 2006 Posted June 25, 2006 Hey, Pink. Google "neurodermatitis". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bullgator's advice has not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat any illness.
pricillia Posted June 25, 2006 Posted June 25, 2006 I have not read the whole post, but I have gotten a rash due to stress just recently, I have had alot of changes in my life that were out of my control and I got a rash on my arms and my torso, I thought it would never go away, it did however. Has anyone ever read Women's Bodies/Women's Minds? there is a relation between the two.
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 26, 2006 Author Posted June 26, 2006 BULLGATOR! That has to be it?! Jesus, two professionals couldn't even tell me that! I have stopped scratching and it is going away. Thank you so much! *hugs you* The Slayer- You raise very good points. I just feel like right now, this rash is contributing to my stress. I have chosen to ignore everything right now, as I don't want to be a mess for my NZ climbing trip considering it is imperative to stay focused. Pricillia- I haven't read it, but after reading all of these posts I am convinced that stress related illnesses are more common that I had ever imagined.
littlekitty Posted June 26, 2006 Posted June 26, 2006 My mom went through some huge s*** totally healthy and then - boom, she got all kinds of health issues once things were settled. That's so true...! Many times in times of real stress, I've remained healthy and fine through it all, only to have the effects go *BAM* the minute it all appears resolved and I relax. Although that often seems more related to my immune systems than anything... like at the end of the stessful period my immune system will drop so low I catch anything going....!
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 26, 2006 Author Posted June 26, 2006 Yes. That is exactly what is happening to me! Now that it's all over...
littlekitty Posted June 26, 2006 Posted June 26, 2006 Yes. That is exactly what is happening to me! Now that it's all over... If you aren't against herbal suppliments, then try echinacea. It's known to help boost the immune system and can help it recover in times like this! I found it to be a great use. It's easily available these days as it's quite popular. Hope you're doing ok PA!
Author Pink Amulet Posted June 26, 2006 Author Posted June 26, 2006 Thank you little kitty. I am doing much better now. Things have finally slowed down. The rash seems to be getting a little better. I have also just started 'dating' a sexy cop I would love to sleep with him soon but this damn hideous rash!!!!!!!!! *waits patiently* haha
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