Baby Bear’s ongoing eczema is proof I don’t have it all figured out, even with all the tools, resources, and knowledge at my disposal. You might be amazed to know everything I’ve done to prevent or heal this condition, and yet all of those “right” things I know to do aren’t enough. So what next?
My pediatrician shrugs her shoulders. “We see eczema all the time now,” she says. “Here’s a script for steroid cream.” She said that at three months old when we first noticed a problem, and she’s still saying it today at six months old. Yet we’ve made huge progress in those three months through non-pharmaceutical means. Steroids are not the only option. Not yet. As Baby Bear becomes ever more dexterous, however, it’s obvious how uncomfortable he is, even with the much-reduced eczema. Poor baby! If he scratches that much now, I can only imagine how much he was suffering three months ago.
I’m tempted to despair. Some people would consider the lengths I’ve gone to already, “extreme.” I’m certainly working hard, and oh yeah, I’m a first-time mom and I’m tired. Can you tell it’s easy to whine?
Temptation to despair 2 days ago
If I’m willing to do a little work on myself, however, I can see this as a huge opportunity.
This is where it gets good, friends. After I get over the frustration of once again having to invest time, energy, and money in a health problem (gah!), and after I let go of all the things I think God and the universe owe me (c’mon already, God!), and after I eat some humble pie and give up my illusions that I should being all-knowing and all-powerful and able to fix all problems, and after I use some tools to kick my paralysis (“Why even try? I’ve already failed.”) . . . THEN it gets good. I get to explore. And trust. Ask questions. And practice gratitude. Try something new. And endure. Try another new thing. And another. Breathe. I learn all kinds of things about the body, healing tools, our environment, relationships and human functioning, and myself.
This stage of exploration can be daunting for anyone, especially so if you’re a first-timer. I’m fortunate (???) to have a lot of practice with it by now, so I’d like to use this series on eczema to share both what I’m learning and how I learn it. I often hear things like, “Alison, where on earth do you find this stuff?! How did you know to try that?” If you’ve ever wanted to know more about how I do it and what it’s like, stay tuned.
And by all means, please share your own thoughts. I’d love to get your comments!
Where and how do YOU find new information, resources, and practitioners for health? Do you have experience with eczema? What works for you?
Next installment: What We’ve Already Tried