I was put on Cymbalta (duloxetine) 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I developed a rash after week 1, but it was slow and minor. A week from then (last week) it had begun to spread and intensify. I went to see the school’s clinic (pretty much useless on a regular basis) but I was hoping for any help I could get.
The nurse practitioner was in. She saw me, told me to stop my medication and try antihistamines. Fast forward to today- Ive been doing a 5×2 regimen of OTC products; loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine. 3 of those are 1 per 24 hours. I’ve been taking 2 of each every morning (more doses of the diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine when I feel like it since they’re every 4-6 hours. So that’s 10 minimum pills (and capsules) a day for the past week. This rash just keeps getting worse!
I thought the other night it was getting better- all day I was without noticeable itch; I also spent the entire day almost with M. Maybe it was a really nice distraction. Either way, the rash, which began on my calves, is not progressing up my back and has hit the bra line. My arms are starting to show signs of early rashing.
I’ve been trying to study but this itch is becoming increasingly unbearable! I have this generic tube of bengay (methyl salicylate and menthol) and thought about it earlier. Looked up some information and came across only 2 small lines about people using it for a rash. Each said to avoid it because it will only irritate it and make it worse. I gave up earlier, but as of 20 minutes ago, I could literally not stop scratching. I reached for my tube of bengay and starting coating myself.
Here I sit. slightly warm and cooling tingly, but not itchy. I have never hated my own body so much in my life, but I’m ready to get a new one. M said he’s look into my medrol pack for me because he wanted to (really, that’s super nice) but also wanted to make plans for the weekend. I’m really enjoying his company, but it’d be nice if I weren’t on the verge of skinning myself.
Hm…I’m actually starting to feel the itch tingling again…slightly. Maybe I didn’t coat that area, but it might be fighting back. I need to get things done. But here’s to Bengay. The only thing I have in this house that has made any significance.
…must. stop. scratching.
We’ve only been chatting the weekend and actually went out yesterday. There’s that non-stop chatter between us. If we’re counting, I spent about 19 hours with him yesterday (into today). We went out for a late lunch in which the bartender took his card over my money (unbelievable). Walked a little and sat on Kelly Drive for a bit, just talking about everything and watching geese. Then I really had to pee and his place was a lot closer than mine so we went there.
