Monday, May 11, 2009

I'm not laughing anymore

I am really cheesed off now. It has gone beyond funny. Having endured six months of discoid dermatitis which necessitated an emergency visit to Singapore as I looked worse than the Elephant Man, I now have a new skin inflammation to register. Two nights ago I woke up with a major swelling on my left elbow and a really uncomfortable pain. My friendly Khmer doctor has diagnosed cellulitis, usually caused by bacteria entering the lower layer of skin and having dermatitis means I am prone to getting it. This skin problem is common amongst the elderly and as I'm fifty later this year, that must include me. In rare cases, it can become what the media term 'flesh-eating disease' so I'm religiously applying the solution the doctor has prescribed as well as antibiotics. My legs and hands are still carrying the legacy of the original skin inflammation (discoid dermatitis usually affects adults in middle age) and as it can be triggered by heat, wind, dust, sweat, insects and so on, living in Cambodia is a sure way for it to recur. Hallelujah, not.

I'm off to Kep by the seaside tomorrow as a friend is getting married in her home town of Kompong Trach, and Kep has the nearest decent guesthouse. Just going for the ceremony and party, then will stay 1 night in Kep and return to Phnom Penh early Wednesday morning. Should be a good one as the weddings I've been to in the provinces before are a lot less formal and usually more fun. I'd better take my dancing shoes (and a sling for my arm).

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6 Comments:

Blogger xVanna said...

May you get better soon, Andy! And have a nice trip to Kep!

May 11, 2009 10:52 PM  
Blogger Andy Brouwer said...

Thanks Vanna. I would just about give anything (within reason) to get rid of these health problems. They are a constant nightmare to be honest, but there's no quick fix so I'll just have to get on with it. I didn't mention that they itch, constantly, and it takes all my will to not scratch (though I fail regularly).
At least the wedding will take my mind off it.
Andy

May 11, 2009 10:58 PM  
Blogger Michael said...

Hey Andy, sorry to hear and I hope this one is nipped in the bud. Not at all to sound like your (or somebody's) mom but I def recommend anything that helps build up the immune system, namely disciplines like tai chi (been a godsend for me healthwise; there must be a morning class somewhere in town), yoga, etc. All the 'old' peeps (present company excluded of course... ;) i've seen that look good and manage to stay consistently healthy pursue similar disciplines. Good luck & hang tight.

May 12, 2009 1:43 AM  
Blogger Janet Brown said...

So very sorry this has come to plague you so soon after your first bout--in the interests of keeping you writing and editing, please allow me to suggest Kwan Loong oil--works like a thousand charms on mosquito bites and other itching disabilities...

May 12, 2009 4:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear Andy, hoping you getting well soon. Try to take a break or a holiday. Just one of those days.

Tim Pek

May 13, 2009 7:29 PM  
Blogger Andy Brouwer said...

Thanks you for your kind thoughts and suggestions.
Andy

May 14, 2009 10:31 AM  

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