On track with the Schedule!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers. I was discharged from the hospital late yesterday and came back to the apartment and fell into bed exhausted. We are on track for all of our appointments today and tomorrow. We will post all of

the results from these appointments tomorrow probably from the airport. We fly back to WA late tomorrow night.

So ... The two month mystery of the reoccurring blisters and rashes on my arms has been solved by the great team here at Mayo. I was seen by an amazing team of dermatologists

who asked just a few questions before making their determination of the diagnosis. For this latest outbreak of blisters that were huge, the question was, "have you been in contact with limes before the blister formed?" Yes. The day before. "Have your arms been exposed at all to sunlight?" Yes. Minimal but yes. For the other outbreaks - limes, yes but also asked about "carrots, celery, or parsley?" Are you kidding me - Yes! All three when I made a batch of bone broth for the slow cooker. "Any sunlight?" Yes. That sealed it for them with 100% confidence. I have developed Phytophotodermatitis. This is great news! It is not due to any medications, especially the seizure meds. I can eat these foods, there is just a list of susceptible foods that when contact is made with the skin and then ultraviolet light (even through a car window or through long sleeves) I am prone to develop these severe blister outbreaks. It can develop anytime in someone's life who has the susceptibility to the condition. We are so thankful for such wonderful doctors!

This morning as I was getting ready this chorus from a favorite worship song kept bouncing around in my head, "Your love never fails, never gives up, never gives up on me." Yes and Amen.

Thanks for continuing to pray and check in on us!!

Much love,

Lee and Steve

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Comments

Steve Braden:

So glad they found the answer. Praying for your appointments and a safe travel home. Continuing to pray for more answers. God is good!!!!

Jim Dickson:

So, glad to hear that one of my favorite peeps is once again on the path to recovery, although I must say that when you're cooking, you should put the egg yolks in the pan, and not on your arm. And then, you what, poured lime juice on it and smeared celery on it ?!?!?! Oh, wait, you said it was the sun that did it? How are you supposed to have marguaritas on the veranda if it's going to do that ?!? Plus I heard that Guiness was in town ( the Records people, not the beer guys ) and I'm sure they are trying to find you to confirm that you do, in fact, have the record for the most unusual maladies of anyone they have heard of. Seriously, though, ( yeah, I know, you thought I'd never get to this part ) we wish you the greatest success with your treatments so we can see you back here soon. Let us know if there is anything we can do in the meantime. Hugs, Jim and Kathy

Kurt Kroschel:

Great news! So good when these things are not shrouded in mystery. Grace and Peace to you both!

diana moore:

I was so thankful to see this this morning!!!! Hooray!!!! ♥♥♥

Liberty Ryder:

Finally an answer! Wonderful news!

Jennifer Keller:

Praise the Lord! I've been waiting all morning for an update! Will look forward to hearing about your appointments!

Bruce Ensign:

Praise God! That is incredible, in soooo many ways! We look forward to having you and Steve back home soon.

Ellen Bunch :

Glad you found some answers about the blisters. Praying for a good day today. Just keep singing....love you guys

Teresa J Brooks:

So glad you got answers about the blisters, and that it's not from your medications. Continuing to pray for your remaining appointments. Love, Teresa

Diane Oliver:

Lee, I don't usually comment but I wanted you to know that I read the posts and pray for you and Steve. I'm praying that you all find the answers you need and that God guides you all and your doctors. Diane (Duck) Oliver

Eunice Goodwin:

Thankful for answers for you on this condition and that you know how to prevent it!

Amy Moore:

Wonderful news. So glad you were able to get some answers to something & a way to control the blisters.

Sandy Temple:

So thankful for answered prayers! Praying for more answers and solutions with the appts today! Much love!

Jane Levin:

I am just praising God that you were at Mayo when this occurred again, and that they could diagnose it to something controllable and containable!!! God is good and always going before you and behind you!!

Debby Swecker:

Wow.... unbelievable! Never heard of this. Now... how to deal with it😊

Jill Shelton:

Praise the Lord! Glad you got an answer and it's not an allergy or related to meds. Praying appointments continue to go well.

Joan Bouck:

I wasn't even aware something like that existed, but I'm sure glad the doctors at the Mayo Clinic do and I am so happy that you finally have an answer to what is going on there! Do you know if those ingredients are in any medications or vitamins? Good luck with the ongoing process and see you guys soon! Joan LFD3