These are some photos when I was diagnosed with RP. You can see the changes that Prednisone did on me. The last photo shows a before and after to really see the difference. 

This is me, before getting the cartilage piercing. This is the person I would stare at in the mirror. This is the person I was use too that would smile back at me. This is the person that would wake up in the mornings with energy and no pain. This is the old me, who I really miss. This is the person that I used to be. This is the part of me that faded the day I was diagnosed with RP. 

As I mentioned on my last blog post, December 28, 2021, was when my PCP put in an ENT Referral. Let me tell you, the process was a painful one. When I first called the ENT office, it had selections, press a number for new patients (do not recall which number it was), and I did press it, which prompted me to leave a message with my information and a representative will contact me within 48 hrs. I left my information but out of desperation due to the pain and swelling of the left ear, also led me to contact other ENT offices for any immediate openings. While in the process of calling several ENT offices, I learned that NOT all ENT specialists specialized in ear piercing cartilage infections. Which was a bummer. I put an end to my desperation since I was getting nowhere. I waited to hear back from the ENT office I was originally referred too but nada. So, the next day, I called again, but being in so much pain I decided to select the option for established patients and was able to speak with someone. I explained my situation, my pain and the swelling of my ear and told the receptionist I needed an appointment ASAP. Which thankfully, she understood and helped me out. By, January 7th, 2022, I was able to finally see ENT. 

May of 2021, the special month where mothers all over the world, celebrate.....Mother's Day!!!!! I wanted to do something spontaneous something fun, so I made a decision to get my left ear pierced. Specifically, the helix and tragus. I called the piercing shop nearby and scheduled an apt. I went to my piercing appointment May 6, 2021, and I was very excited. The end result was........PERFECT. I was happy with the outcome. But little did I know, months from now, May 6, would be the day I would regret the most within my entire life. That decision was the day that led to the start of my journey with RP. :-(