Note: For those of you who are not fond of rashes, then this isn’t the post for you. I photographed my poison ivy progress because I knew what a great human interest piece this would be. I just now realized that I might be the only human interested. So, consider yourself warned!
We figured out that I got the poison ivy from Terry’s clothes! He had torn down some vines growing around a tree that the kids played around, but he washed thoroughly after coming inside. He knows I’m really sensitive. *Flashback* Sometime in July, 2000. We just moved back to Hot Springs. We move into a house that was infested with fleas. We had them everywhere, and we had all wood floors! It was terrible. I had played in the yard with Lauren, and noticed an itchy spot down by my sock line. I’m assuming it’s a flea bite. Till it spreads. Then I think “Infected flea bite!” Then it forms blisters and I realize “Poison Ivy!” It lasted for three long weeks, but was only on a small portion of my leg.
Okay, back to present day. This time around, it was no small portion of my anatomy. I awoke Thursday morning to itching on my left arm. It quickly spread. My left forearm, and my right hand. Then my upper right arm. Then my neck and finally, my forehead. (sorry, no photos of the head. I’ve got some pride.)
My left arm began swelling to the point I could barely move my hand. The swelling crept down into my fingers. It began to blister, and then ooze. I looked like I’d been in a terrible fire. The itching was bad, but the pain was worse. We had decided on Saturday to go to the doctor on Monday. We don’t have insurance yet, so a doctor’s visit would be some bit cheaper. By Sunday morning, I looked worse. Terry ordered me to take Benadryl and stay away from people! That afternoon, he insisted that I go to the ER and get help. It was looking really bad, and feeling awful.
At the ER, they gave me the “mother of all shots” according to Terry. His eyes bugged out when he saw the needle. I didn’t look. And moments after, I couldn’t look, because I couldn’t move. The pain from that shot was excruciating for an hour afterwards. (Thank you, Lord, for Ibuprofen!!)
The prednizone shot worked great. By seven o’clock Sunday night, the swelling was down by half. I’m also taking prednizone pills which have helped reduce the rash rapidly. I’m hoping I’ll look almost normal (no comments please!)by the time I see my fam in NC. I’d hate to frighten my nephews!
Anyway, without further ado, here are the photos chronicling my adventure. Interestingly, as the rash heals, it seems to look worse. It’s brighter, but not as swollen. All a sign of healing, I hope!

(Sorry this is kinda blurry!)
July 14th…four days into the nightmare, and one day after seeking treatment.
July 15th…five days…and counting.

Today. See. It’s got a nice color, don’t ya think? I mean, really, I give it a ten for color tone.