My phototherapy light treatment journey

Over the last few months, I have been having phototherapy light treatment to ease eczema symptoms. This treatment is designed for people who have moderate to severe eczema, psoriasis and vitiligo. It involves standing inside a light box similar to a sunbed which has special light bulbs. There is also smaller phototherapy equipment available for treating hands and feet only. Further information can be found on the link below from the British Association of Dermatologists:

http://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/patient-information-leaflets/phototherapy/?showmore=1&returnlink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bad.org.uk%2Ffor-the-public%2Fpatient-information-leaflets#.XFhnWlX7TIU

I previously had this treatment in 2007 for the first time. I don’t remember much except that it did not cure the eczema 100%. What I do remember was travelling to the hospital in the mornings 3 days a week for 3 months. At that point in 2007, I was unemployed and looking for work. I was so anxious when I applied for jobs and attended interviews because if I was offered the job, I would then have to explain that I could not start work at 9 am. When I eventually started a new job, I was halfway through treatment so on the treatment days, which were Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays it was agreed for me to start work at 9.30am instead of 9 am.

So what made me go through all of this again?

To be honest, it was the last thing I wanted to do. I did not want the stress of attending hospital 3 times a week. Also I was reluctant as after all of that stress and long commitment it did not solve the problem. I still had to carry on and live with eczema.

I was offered the treatment again by the dermatology nurse in August 2018 and was very indecisive which continued into November 2018. Then I was contacted again and was asked if I was still interested. I said that I would like a 2^nd opinion from a consultant dermatologist first. When I went for the appointment, the exact words I had was ‘you should have had this treatment ages go!’ and the approach was very insensitive. I left that appointment feeling very emotional and upset.

After more pondering thoughts, discussion with family and friends and prayer I decided to give the treatment another go. I thought to myself that 2007 was 11 years ago which was too long ago to even recall anything or make a judgement. It involved the same 3 times a week for 3 months commitment; however, I had an advantage because I work at the same hospital site where I would be having the treatment. My appointment times was at 8.30 am so afterwards just walked to my office on time for 9 am. I was late on a couple of occasions, but my boss was aware of this and offered support so all was good.

The treatment started in December 2018, there was no sign of improvement until the end of January 2019. Here are some pics below:

December 2018 – before treatment started

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January 2019

February 2019

March 2019 – end of treatment

My final treatment was in March 2019. The same day of my final treatment I also had a follow up with the dermatologist. I really was not looking forward to the appointment as I automatically had in my mind that they would just tell me that the eczema is bad.  I saw the same consultant as I did in November 2018. Although not 100% she has actually happy with the results and although not cured everything was under control. She said for me to stop the light treatment and to come back for a follow up in 6 months’ time. If anything becomes worse in between then to contact the secretary and to arrange another appointment. I was absolutely amazed and surprised at the outcome!

I immediately became thankful and grateful to God and then began to share this testimony with my family and friends who also saw improvement along the way, especially on my hands, arms, neck and face.