In 2009 I was diagnosed with Sweets Disease by my GP through a punch biopsy. My GP had not treated a case of Sweets and referred me to a dermatologist. As I had to wait for a specialist appontment, in the meantime I googled it. What I found was not a great deal but the overall impression I got after reading all I could find was that Sweets was a rather simple condition that was easily cleared with a course of steroids such as Prednisone.
The day of my specialist visit I was very excited thinking, I will come home with medication and that will be the end of this dreaded condition that was driving me insane with itchiness and making me feel very ill.
I did come home with medication that cured my symptoms in a couple of days, but the important word here is "symptoms". Cureing Sweets Disease was going to be a longer process.
It is still, as of writing this, a process I continue today. My specialist explained that Sweets disease can be associated with some cancers. That I would need to start a medication called Dapsone, but that tests must be done to elimate cancers before the Dapsone is given as Dapsone is an immunosuppresant. I came home with a list of procedures to schedule to be performed and to return to my specialist when all tests were completed.
WHAT? I never read anything about different medications and essential tests, or that it would take a long time to get rid of this thing! So I am hoping to educate myself through you all out there who have had experience with Sweets Disease and provide a place where sufferers can come and find out the reality of living with the illness, the many different outcomes Sweets may have, or just to talk.
I was found to be clear of cancer, a great relief. I will tell my story in greater detail in future posts, but for now, I will be looking foward to hearing from you.
