I was newly retired from the United States Army and planning for some family time after a simple outpatient surgical procedure in October 2015. The procedure went well. But, within 24-hours small itchy blisters slowly began to appear on my chest, back, as well as in my mouth.
My doctor prescribed a topical steroid for what she thought was a fungal infection. I also saw my dentist who encouraged me to brush my teeth more, use mouthwash, and to see the dental hygienist.
However, by late November, the small blisters blossomed into silver dollar size hives covering my scalp, neck, chest, back, upper and lower arms, thighs, legs, and my mouth was a mess. By this time I had seen 15 doctors, and I was misdiagnosed with everything from shingles, celiac disease, Lyme disease, chickenpox, acne, to various skin related allergies. I was given routine referrals.
By late December 2015, I had been hospitalized twice due to infection, dehydration, and an alarming collection of symptoms that included severely blistered skin over 60% of my body, and I couldn’t eat due to a severely blistered mouth. I itched horribly, my skin oozed blood constantly, my hair was falling out, and I was exhausted. My husband was now carrying me up and down the stairs of our home and buying Boost for me to keep weight on.
After weeks of extensive exams, blood work, and skin biopsies I was finally diagnosed with Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) in February of 2016. Bullous Pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune skin blistering condition that has no cure. Some of the current therapies used to treat BP include the following: corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), anti-inflammatory agents, and Rituximab.
My arms and legs were wrapped in sterile dressings after topical steroids (Clobetasol) and Vaseline was applied. Additionally, oral steroids (Prednisolone), Doxycycline, Niacidimine, Vitamin D, Benadryl, Phosomax, probiotics, Triamcinolog (steroid dental paste), and magic mouthwash were all prescribed. It was painful going through months of wound care, bandage changes, and specialty appointments. I would spend the next six months regaining my strength so that I could walk, climb the stairs, eat normally, and do basic household chores. The International Pemphigus/Pemphigoid Foundation (IPPF) was an outstanding resource of information and support. We learned that we were not alone, and this knowledge was an incredible source of strength to us.
Today, I am doing better. I’m active in family activities at home, church, and I’ve returned to work. I also volunteer with the International Pemphigus/Pemphigoid Foundation (IPPF) as a volunteer Peer Health Coach and Mid-Atlantic Support Group leader supporting Pemphigus/Pemphigoid patients and their families.
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy is proud to make a difference in the communities we serve, one patient at a time.
Our clinicians and support staff offer a tailored approach to every therapeutic category, improving quality of life for patients and producing positive outcomes along the healthcare continuum.
Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.
By giving us your contact information and signing up to receive this content, you'll also be receiving marketing materials by email. You can unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy. Our mailing list is private and will never be sold or shared with a third party. Review our Privacy Policy here.
