Yasemin (9): With Mickey Mouse on the Christmas tree

Christiane Fux studied journalism and psychology in Hamburg. The experienced medical editor has been writing magazine articles, news and factual texts on all conceivable health topics since 2001. In addition to her work for, Christiane Fux is also active in prose. Her first crime novel was published in 2012, and she also writes, designs and publishes her own crime plays.

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Yasemin is a Christmas fan - if only it weren't for the bad rash! Finding help in the middle of the second wave of pandemics is tricky with its history. Fortunately, a doctor turns up like a Christmas miracle.

Yasemin loves the candy-colored universe of Walt Disney. It goes without saying that Christmas with its glittering decorations will be at the top of your calendar. But this year the anticipation is clouded - not only by the pandemic: A massive rash has been tormenting you for the whole of Advent, as red as Rudolf's reindeer nose.

Overstimulated immune system

It all started after the immunotherapy that Yasemin received for her rare disease. The so-called Proteus syndrome causes tumors to grow in your body. Now your immune system is overexcited, the antihistamines that were able to tame it are no longer enough.

The problem: "Normal dermatologists don't dare to approach me," says Yasemin. “They only listen to Proteus and immunotherapy and wave them down.” She could introduce herself to a skin consultation, such as the one normally offered by the Heidelberg University Hospital. But it is currently closed due to Corona.

No help in the hotspot Heidelberg

Heidelberg, where Yasemin got her immunotherapy, is currently an absolute corona hotspot. In the media, the senior medical director of the university clinic, Ingo Autenrieth, no longer rules out the need for triage.

Triage means doctors have to decide who is going to get life-saving treatment and who is not - a terrible choice. This has probably not been the case in Germany since the Second World War.

“They told me I can come if I can't breathe,” says Yasemin. Then having to drive another 50 kilometers is not a great prospect either: “Could be a little too late,” says the 30-year-old laconically.

No therapy schedule for rare diseases

Almost all people with rare diseases have the problem that no doctor comprehensively coordinates their experimental treatment. There is no therapy schedule for them.

After all: A resident general practitioner takes on a Christmas miracle-like heart and takes on the complicated special case. “She now calls regularly to see if I'm still alive,” says Yasemin and laughs.

First of all, they want to take a high dose of the antihistamine. Palpitations appear to Yasin better than the swelling on the face and the itchy rash.

Advent wreath for Cinderella

Otherwise you only have to distract yourself. For example, by making an Advent wreath.

It consists of many small leaves, which in turn consist of tiny green pearls that she has threaded on wire and bent into shape. And all of this with just five fingers on two hands!

She sat on it for 15 days, now it is worthy of a Cinderella. The Christmas tree has also been adorned sparkling in the corner for weeks - how could it be otherwise - with all sorts of characters from the Disney cosmos.

She brings the plastic tree out of the cellar every year: "I know, plastic is not that great, but it makes me sad when a tree has to die every year for the decoration."

Joko the calendar robber

The gifts for your two "babies" are already ready underneath: Mickey Mouse bags made of velvet, embroidered with the names of the two Chihuahuas, Joko and Chicka. In it surprises for the mini four-legged friends. “Joko always unwrapped his presents beforehand. That's why we bought the bags, ”says Yasemin and laughs.

He has also partially looted your husband's advent calendar. Fortunately, it contains nuts instead of chocolate - it can be fatal for dogs. What is in the bag will not be revealed until Christmas Eve.

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