looking like a vampire,,
ailsarobby
Member Posts: 63
This time last year I had a lovely tan and a glowing complection....UUmmmmppphhhhh.....this year my skin looks transparant and I have veins bulging out everywere,, especially on the back of my hands and feet....my face looks pallow and under my eyes are almost black ...Don't know whats looking back at me in the mornings when I look in the mirror...anyone else feel their looks have gone to pot ??
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Comments
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Hello, I'm sorry you feel so down and are finding it hard to come to terms with the way you look now. I'm sure the picture you'r painting of your looks is much worse that the reality of how you look, if you see what I mean. Even if you are looking bad at the moment, hopefully this time next year, you'll be beautiful again.
Its an saying, I know, but beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. I have a scar about 1/2 inch wide and 7 to 8 inches long down my tummy, my husband calls it my survival mark, as I was very ill when I had that op.
Make-up is a good way of perking up your looks. If you can only find the strength to bother to put it on, it can make a big, big difference, thats how I get by. I know on days that I just haven't done it for one reason or another I have people comming up to me and asking what the matter with me is! Have you tried make-up? I find for me, it gives me confidence and I really do feel better!
Hope you soon feel better, love Sue xxx
PS I agree, go to the doctor and get checked over.0 -
Hi Ailsa
You do sound as though you are feeling like poo at the mo
To be honest I feel as though I look like shift Fairly often, but sometimes thinks it's more a reflection of how I feel in general.
I think a haircut/nail treatment is a good idea to perk you up a bit - having sai that Cham may be right - what if yo are a bit low on iron or something??
Sue's also right - my husbad says i look beautiful - I KNOW it's coz his eyesight is fading
If you can afford it get out and spoil yourself a bit.
love
Toni xx0 -
Im back to see GP on wed morning....I have been anemic in the past but my last bloods done was ok....dont think its the meds Im only on tramadol , cocodamol..only just diagnosed...see rheumy 7th sep....Im most probably just totally run down...when my hands are bad which is most days ...or should I say most hours of the day...lol..my veins stick out really bad like they are going to burst..same on my feet..I was just curious if other RA ers...had this problem....Ive been up from 7ish this morning and only just beging to use my hands now..its soooooo bloody frustrating....hope your having better day ....Ailsa xx0
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I know what you mean. Skin the texture of porridge, what looks like blueberries dotted about its surface are actually bruises, everything heading south at an ALARMING rate, two massive scars, (one on my belly, one on my left knee), swollen knees and ankles, toes like sausages but - BUT - I am still me inside. The sex-goddess of former years is still there. Lurking. Ready to explode at a moment's notice. Yeah, right!
Try to get a little sun every day - difficult in this country I know, but essential for vitamin D supplies, which hair, skin and nails need. Treat yourself to the odd beauty process now and again, a facial, get your eyebrows done, when you have the energy pamper yourself from head to toe with a shave of the necessary bits and top-to-toe moisturising. I managed that this a.m. and the porridge isn't looking too bad now! Dove fake tan and others of that ilk also help. Veins etc are harder - the Madonna look (her forearms! Yikes!) is not that attractive. I don't know how to help with those, apart from wear longer sleeves/long skirts whatever, floaty things are good coverage. I resemble a galleon in full sail nowadays, but I can still have a giggle about things - women who laugh are sexy. It's true. DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0 -
THANKS GUYS ...knew I could count on you's for great advice....Ive always worn make-up..feel naked without it lol...and as for any beauty treatment thats a no go at the moment..due to financial reasons from earning 4/500 quid aweek i'm now getting £45.23 stat sick pay..been in contact with social they said they will make it up to a reasonable rate....My oh is working overtime just to cover the mortgage n bills....so any nice things are out of the question at the mo.......but I do keep smiling most days and keep telling myself things can only get better......Ive always had a great sense of humour and it takes alot to get me down....but saying that Im having **** day today pains head 2 toe so taking a few tramadol and off back to my bed.....the oh can sort the tea out later....wishing you all a painfree day....hugs Ailsa x x0
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These things come and go - I'm sorry about the financial situation, I didn't know that bit. You sound as tho you get great support from OH and that's a good thing. I am the reverse of you - I must start wearing make up, foul stuff tho it is I do look a tidge better with a bit of slap! Rest well, try to get some sleep, and the rough stuff will pass. It always does. DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0
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hey babycham....ive got olive skin...and had hysterectomy 2 yrs ago so no monthlys.....I do look young for my age and I put that down to drinking plenty of water always have done ...I do get dry skin still and take vitamins and extra doses of kelp I have underactive thyroid...Im not eating aswell I as used to..mainly cause I just cant be bloody arsed...but have lost 8lb this month...bonus...lol...I think in all honesty Im still comming to terms with RA and it happened so rappidly think me n my body have gone inti shock overload..sure all will be well when i have seen rheumy and get some of the medication I need.....I worked 5/6 12hr nites for 3 yrs before this so my sleep pattern as not changed much...so I cant blame lack of sleep...my body is used to it....plus I aint getting any younger...4 kids..4 grandkiddies...2 dogs.....things bound to take there toll eventually even without the RA.. :roll: :roll: :roll: and like most people I was ignorant to RA before thought it was a oldies problem ooouuuuu how wrong I was....but thanks to the support of you guys learning new stuff all the time.....Ailsa x x x0
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Yep I feel my looks have gone to pot, and the figure too.
I try to avoid sunbathing anyway cos of the cancer scare but the lack of sleep and exersise doesnt help.
ElizabethNever be bullied into silence.
Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no ones definition of your life
Define yourself........
Harvey Fierstein0 -
Hi Ailsa, Yes my hands and feet can come up like that when I'm having flares. They do go back down though so thats good.
I think that when you have been for your appt and you start to get the treatment you need things will improve for you.
You will be run down, that is to be expected. Pain and worry does nothing for our complexion
Have you tried putting your hands in Hot/cold water in the morning?
You could try some of the anti-inflam gels. Just to get you by until you go for your appointment.
Lv, Ix0 -
Hi Ailsa
Sorry to hear you are feeling tat right now. Hope you feel a wee bit better.
I am very white too. On my legs I sometimes apply leg make up and actually put it on my arms too if I am venturing out. The stuff I use is a spray can called Sally Hensen (I think) and it costs £9.95 in Boots. I just spray a bit in my hand and gently rub all over. As money is an issue for you at the moment drop hints to people that you would like handy beauty stuff like that for birthdays, christmas etc.
I don't know your situation with benefits however if you haven't already look in DLA (disability living allowance), you will find details on direct gov website.
You sound like a positive person and remember you are allowed little negative blips now and then to get the frustrations out of your system.
Keep smiling Carol0 -
No WAY are you plain Cham
You is beeeaaautiful
So there.
Hoep Ailsa feeling a bit better today??
Love
Toni xx0 -
ailsarobby wrote:Im back to see GP on wed morning....I have been anemic in the past but my last bloods done was ok....dont think its the meds Im only on tramadol , cocodamol..only just diagnosed...see rheumy 7th sep....Im most probably just totally run down...when my hands are bad which is most days ...or should I say most hours of the day...lol..my veins stick out really bad like they are going to burst..same on my feet..I was just curious if other RA ers...had this problem....Ive been up from 7ish this morning and only just beging to use my hands now..its soooooo bloody frustrating....hope your having better day ....Ailsa xx
Hello Ailsa
My heart goes out to you :!:
Like you, my hands and for that matter my feet ,have always been the biggest thorns in my RA flesh. Lol. The veins in my hands only started sticking out this week; I really felt they were going to burst. Fortunately, I happened to be at GP when my veins decided to perform. I saw the Locom who told me that the cause was a result of bad circulation due to RA.
For the last 20 years, the first thing I do every morning (even on the really bad days) is soak my hands in the wash basin. I fill the basin with water, as hot as I can take it, then I add one tablespoon of industrial Epsom Salts (available from your local pharmacy; you might have to order it) then I dip my hands, fingers outstretched, in and out of the water until the water becomes lukewarm. By this time I am able to move my fingers. Give it a try, you neverknow :!: Don't worry if you can't get the ES, just use the water.
Have you seen the OT about exercise for your hands and moulded splints that you can wear at night :?: I have one for each hand;wear right one night then left the next. Sometimes I wear them both even during the daytime when I'm resting , I find them so comforting. The exercises have helped too; can move hands much better than before :!:
Everyone gave best advice and DD summed it all up nicely :!:
Take good care of yourself and try and rest as much as possible....keep the thoughts POSITIVE :!:
Pure wishes & love
Whitey XX0 -
I have my moments. Hi ailsa, I do hope you are feeling a little brighter today, with or without slap. DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0
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Hi everyone...just a quick note to say thanks for ur advice..tha day after posting this I had a good sort out of my cosmetics,,,had shower did my hair and put tan on,,,took me a couple of hours but got there in the end,,and yes I felt better,,,did not go out antwhere and fell asleep on the settee a hour later...what a waste!!!!but I sure did look good ha ha ha ha ha :P :P0
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Not a waste - it proved you can do it, and it proved it helped. Remember that! DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0
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Just come in late to this thread Ailsa but know how you feel! Love love Cham's idea of "beauty hints and tips". Cham, maybe you could start a beauty salon on "chit chat" where we could go to be pampered when we need cheering up? Just a thought.
Like most of us I guess when I feel unwell, getting up and dressed is about the limit, never mind trying to blow dry hair, do make-up etc. I have been feeling really "dowdy" lately but decided to paint my nails the other week (don't do normally as don't like drawing attention to my hands) but it made the world of difference to how I felt. And a friend of mine, who always looks lovely, but who bites her nails to the quick, noticed my painted nails and said how nice they looked. Went around with a smile on my face for the rest of the day. And I finally managed to get my hair cut yesterday - so now more Moomin, less old English Sheepdog Little things can make a big difference.
So, Cham, how about that salon?
Love Tilly x0
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