About two weeks ago, Lee developed an unusual rash on his lower back area. He described it as itchy and somewhat "stingy". He had been very tired and just did not feel good. He had complained with a headache and said just getting out of his chair seemed to require more effort. The rash by this time was isolated to only two large pustules and a smaller red one. When I told him it looked like chicken pox, we began to search for his history of the childhood disease. Telephone calls to his siblings only revealed that he probably did have them as a child, but no clear proof.
This required an e-mail to Duke. We were told that Lee must see a dermatologist ASAP and have either cultures or biopsy done. We were able to accomplish that the following day, and the dermatologist confirmed that it did look like the chicken pox virus. A biopsy was taken, and we were advised to call Duke for a prescription for a strong acyclovir medicine to prevent further break-outs and hopefully begin to clear the three or four he now had.
Since then, Lee has continued to break-out, but with smaller lesions that are clearing quickly. He did not catch the chicken pox from anyone......this happened as a result of his very low immune system. His anti-rejection drugs have been increased over the past two months and because of this, the dormant chicken pox that he had as a child has resurfaced. Another complication of having the lowered immune system and the strong anti-rejection drugs.
As of today, the lesions are drying and he will not be contagious when they have all crusted over. He is feeling better and his energy is returning. We are still planning our beach vacation next week!
More Later..................................Brenda
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