Hi Folks,

I don't post here anymore but thought I would share with you how
I am getting along after 9tx done with the Darm protocol.

I know that there have been some conflicting reports about
Dr. Darm's effectiveness which only emphasize the fact that we
are all so unique with our symptoms and with what is effecitve
as far as treating them. This is frustrating because it only
makes things that much more difficult to treat and/or make
sense of.

Andrew, I was surprised to read about your lack of success with
Darm because we seem to have similiar symptoms. I'm really
sorry you have not gotten along better.

I used to suffer from severe flushing, especially neurological
with some P and P's caused by the inflammed and hot skin. I
had done IPL in the past with some of the best doctors in the
country that did not have much effect. I had gotten to the point
where I was cosmetic intolertant and this time last year I was
absolutely miserable and making up excuses left and right to get
out of attendiing holiday parties. I was disgusted with my skin,
myself and not very positive about what the future had in store for
me.

I started seeing Darm in April of 2005 and betwen then and
October had a total of 9 Genesis/IPL/N-Light tx, some
condensed over a week, and some spread out.

For me, the Genesis is what really tipped the scales as it has
been the only laser that has been able to go deep enough to get
at the hard flushing vessels. The superficial ones took longer to
clear but this changed once I started doing treatments without
applying the numbing cream before the Genesis so they could
be targeted better. Even though the cream causes a flush, I think
it blanched some vessesl in my case so I've decided I'm better
with out it by inducing my own flushed The pain is not bad at all,
especially if 2 extra strenght tylenol are taken prior (do not take
aspirin!).

Where am I today? Not cured by any means but much, much
better. I still flush, especially after using the computer but it is
much less and goes away quicker. The pain is significanly
reduced as well and my skin tone is down to a normal looking,
pinkish level. I always think it is worse than it is but when I see
pictures standing next to others, my skin really looks good. The
texture is much improved as well although the oilyness has not
not subsided as much as I would have hoped. Better though to
the point where my seb derm has improved, although, I think this
was helped along quite well due to a one month course of oral
Sporanox.

i'm going out all the time now, I even go for short walks in the
morning without sunscreen, something I have not done in years
and which I hope will help build up my skin defense. The real
test will be when I finally go skiing after a 4 year absence!

I'm not trying to hype Dr. Darm, I'm only saying that my
experiance has been nothing but positive. His staff is very
professional and knowledgeable and they truly take an interest
in helping rosacea patients.

I like to live hard and therefore see going back every quarter for
maintenance but that is my choice as I live in fear that my "secret
monster" will come back to reel its ugly head so I will do and pay
just about anything to keep it at bay. That's just me though as 20
years of dealing with this disease has caused me to go a little
batty and I think it's fair to say I've lost a perspective!

Good luck to all.

Tricia