Hey all,

A few weeks ago, my daughter contracted The Fifth Disease at school and ended up passing it on to me. I had never heard of the fifth until she and I got sick from it - it's a childhood disease that creates a rash from face to toe, can sometimes itch and prior to the rash showing up, cold like symptoms usually surface. The rash can come and go for weeks.

However, when adults catch the disease, the symptoms are quite different and much more severe. I basically had the flu for a week as opposed to cold symptoms and had extremely painful joint aches in my wrists, fingers, ankles and knees. I was exhausted. It finally passed and I thought it was over, minus the lingering exhaustion. Until this week when the rash showed up and the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet itch all day and all night long. It is torturous. Other parts of my body itch too, but not nearly as badly as my feet and hands. I just want to cry. I sit around and scratch the soles of my feet with a pumice stone to get some relief but soon, I am going to rub the skin completely raw.

Now I'm experiencing anxiety and more depression than before because I just feel like crap. I'm really exhausted too but can't figure out if it's from the depression or from the illness. I'm scared because in adults, the fifth disease can last for weeks to months or up to a year.

How have any of you handled illnesses while dealing with your PTSD? Did you up any of your meds? I just don't know what to do. I feel myself heading in a downward spiral because of this. I beat myself up for being sick and feeling like crap all day because I accomplish nothing. But I can't make myself not be sick. I'm just so frustrated! Any advice, please!!??

Best,
Rachel

I have a friend that had this too. She was pretty sick/joint aches/tired for about a week. She also had the rash. Have you tried oatmeal soaks? They have this stuff you can buy and add to your tub, it's oatmeal based and it is supposed to help with itching....

I think your symptoms are up, because you feel like crap. At least that was me last week when I was so sick.

Hope you feel better soon.

Hugs

Hi She Cat,

Thanks! I have done the oatmeal baths (Aveeno), but they haven't helped.

I'm more worried about my depression.

Did you call your doctor and ask if there should be an increase in medication or if it should stay the same?

Tammy

Tammy,

Not yet, I was wondering if I should or if I'm just being a baby about it. Is it normal for someone with PTSD to have their meds upped (by their doctor) when they are ill because the illness is making the symptoms of PTSD worse?

I would just wait it out for a few more days if you can. I think just being sick and feeling like shit is making your symptoms worse. if you start to feel better physically and your symptoms are still bad then I would call. It would be hard to wean back down again if he up'ed them......JMO!!!!

I know, oh too well. I've had Fibromyalgia for 12 years, 4 years bedridden, fighting SSD, fighting a lawsuit, being sexual harassed at work, my family turned their back on me years and years ago.
The physical part can definately increase the anxiety. Of course, you feel entirely helpless, triggering the original trauma.

The only way I've survived all these years is through meditation. I could only lie in bed when I wasn't struggling at work, so during meditation I imagine Jesus (you can pick whoever, even a flower), and I try to feel his loving light all over my body. I build my faith that he will help me, and he has. The Fibro is much better today, although I still get flare-ups from stress, mostly disrespectful bosses and jerk boyfriends who are selfish.
I'm astounded at the cruelty of some people. Blaming our illness on us. But The Creator will never do that. We are like Job, beset by horrors that others will never comprehend. But if you hang in there and imagine the love of the universe around you, for you, interceeding for you, and if you can manage to reaffirm your belief in a loving God during these times. I think it will help.

We are there for you. I so understand how hard it is. Take care.