Just wanted to document all the happenings over the past few months before my memory begins to fail me, and I gradually forget details of what transpired. I would divide my experience thus far, into quarters - similar to how they report financial data for most publicly listed companies. My journey started on the 2nd Nov 2021, so the first quarter spans Nov 21 - Jan 22.

Quarter 1 (Nov 21, Dec 21, Jan 22):                                                                                        My symptoms started immediately upon cessation of the creams. Affected mainly my face and some parts of body. It was a truly unpleasant experience, as I once again had to experience what sick skin feels like, It has been after all many years since I last battled with this condition. It was ground zero, and I was back to the past. The flare lasted about 10 days ++ (My first major flare). I healed up pretty nicely, in time to return back to school, for the final 2 weeks of the year, before the academic year ended. I remembered returning to school as though the first flare did not happen. December was alright, but towards the end of the month, my symptoms were clearly worsening and before long, I was already in my second major flare. January 2022 was the worst period of this withdrawal thus far, period. The intensity and duration of the flare superseded the previous one. I was flaring throughout my body and face. It was tough, and I was once again thrown into the pits of despair. It really wasn't easy, even on hindsight. I braved through it, and by the end of January, the worst was over. Quarter 1 was definitely not an easy quarter. It is like being thrown into a freezing pool, after years of soaking in the warm cozy jacuzzi. On hindsight, it was the toughest to date, and hopefully will remain the toughest quarter moving forward.

Quarter 2 (Feb 22, Mar 21, Apr 22):                                                                                     I continued to heal in the first half of February, and by the second half of February, I would say that my skin has, once again, healed up pretty nicely. The distinct periods of flare and respite that was characteristic of my first withdrawal about a decade ago - hitherto - fitted the pattern I was experiencing. I felt reassured. Skin started deteriorating in March and April. But on hindsight, those months would constitute relatively "good" months. Quarter 2 was significantly better than the previous quarter. Rightfully so, given the nadir that Q1 was. As of today, Q2 remains the best quarter to date. Hopefully that would change soon.

Quarter 3 (May 22, Jun 22, Jul 22):                                                                                       Why was it only on hindsight that I found March and April to be relatively good months? Well, because May, June and July were much worst. That 3 month period felt like a slow roast in the oven. I wasn't experiencing the acute intensity of the first 2 flares - which were comparatively short-lived by the way - instead, it was the constant, never ending agony of being slowly roasted. For 3 months, I never had a respite lasting for more than a week. I had a short break in early May, early June, early July, each lasting less than 7 days. It was like a bear market rally, short-lived and non-substantial. It invariably brought me hope. Hope that the flare is finally over, and a respite is here. Unfortunately, that wasn't to be. Outside of these short breaks, skin continued to deteriorate and maintained in a bad state. Worst affect areas were armpits, shoulders, abdomen, arm flexures and even torso and chest. It was another tough quarter. Towards the end of July, things went further downhill. But thankfully, it lasted around a week, and early august, things picked up, and my skin did heal up pretty nicely for a while before dipping a little. 

Quarter 4 (Aug 22, Sept 22, Oct 22):                                                                            August has been characterized by episodes of dips and healing, each lasting around a week or so. I am currently going through a dip as I type this out. Hopeful that this dip won't last too long, and wont be too bad. May I get better in time for the 2 gatherings I will be having in September. I am unsure how Q4 will pan out. But I truly hope to document positive things. Fingers crossed.

Few more days to the 10th month mark. Will I get to a comfortable and stable place by the 16month? I really hope so.