Dress panic - update page 3

@FOD (I miss Del )

Can you wear that dress for the ceremony and pictures and then change into something darker for dancing? That way you can stop stressing so much when you're going to be moving the most, but you still get all the good pictures in your dream dress?

I suggest wearing your white dress for the ceremony and then changing into another dress for the reception. I understand how frustrating autoimmune diseases are!!!! I have three and it's NOT FUN! Although I would look into the autoimmune protocol. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better but it worked for me. My flare ups aren't as bad - usually only stress related and my psoriasis is almost completely gone! Stay strong!!!

@FOD-i was going to suggest the same as BMG. Ceremony as pictures in the white dress, and a darker dress for the reception. Don't risk your health. Your doctor is correct, the DVT is nothing to mess around with.

I agree with Jessie and BMG. White dress for ceremony and pictures and maybe even dinner, then change into something darker for dancing. You could even go something lighter and flowier for dancing so that you aren't rubbing the blisters with fabric?

I'm sorry you're living with this disease; my mother has it, I know it's a real struggle. I think @Ashley's idea is interesting. A dark colored reception dress in case you have a bad flare. Maybe take pictures before the ceremony if possible, so you're less likely to have had any sores burst.

I'm also on the "different dress for reception" train.

I'm so sorry. I will be sending you happy, healthy skin vibes from now through the wedding!

I'm so sorry. If not a darker dress for the reception then maybe a cardigan or shrug or little jacket, either in a dark color to hide any staining, and/or in a thicker fabric to hide any bandages you might need to put on after the ceremony and photos? I had a friend wear a black leather jacket later on in her reception and it looked fierce, and I love the look of a little colorful cardigan with some wedding dresses in photos of fall weddings. I'll be sending you lots of get well wishes.

Hey guys, thanks for all the well wishes. I'm reading all of it, and thinking things over. I really appreciate the advice and empathy. I'm going to have a good think after work today and decide what to do. But right now I'm leaning towards the darker reception dress idea.

@BMG - I'll answer to any name you want to call me!

@Minnie - thank you - really. It does suck, and I'm sorry you're dealing with it too. I hope your dream dress works out perfectly and makes you feel amazing.

Maybe you could try to schedule a bridal shoot in your white dress to have pictures! I also like the idea of trying to wear the white dress for the ceremony and changing for the reception. So sorry you have to work with this disease! Its great to hear how supportive your FH is through it all.

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. But I have to say, I love hearing how supportive your FH is. He's even trying to help come up with suggestions as well. That warms my heart!

I'm boarding the "wear a different reception dress" train, although I get that it isn't the most ideal situation. At least you'll still be able to wear your dress for the ceremony and pictures. But above all, I know it is easier said than done, but try not to stress over the possibility too much. I imagine all of your guests will consist of friends and family, and they're all going to support you on your big day.

Have you tried asking your dermatologist what you can do? Honestly, a professional is gonna be your best option on here.

Wow. I have to comment on this because I, too, suffer from this condition and I feel your pain. Literally. Fortunately, my breakouts tend to be on my lower half. This means they are less visible, but can make walking/sitting a nightmare. They can and have ruptured and ruined my pants, too.

I'm sure you have used the Rx washes that bleach EVERYTHING. (Ugh!) I didn't find they worked too well. When I have significant flare-ups, my derm has given me a round of minocycline. I hate taking antibiotics, but I also hate not being able to sit down like a normal person. It seems to help quite a bit, but takes a few days to kick in. Maybe you could suggest "pre-gaming" a week before the ceremony to reduce the chance of a flareup?

Oddly enough, I have found the Vitamin E body butter from Body Shop applied daily helps reduce my flare-ups. Sounds counter intuitive, but apparently it helps the dead skin slough off like it should and lets the sebum escape as it is supposed to.

As embarrassing as it is, (people will tell you not to be embarrassed, but you will be- I know) talk to your significant other and maybe you MoH or MoB. Ask them to help you keep an eye out for any mishaps. I do think carrying a shawl of some kind 'just in case' could be a life saver if you don't want to change into a reception dress. Or maybe you could add some bandages after the ceremony and wear your NEW husband's jacket. How cute would those pictures be!? All gentlemanly giving his new bride the coat off his back. :-)

And congrats to your man, too. I know it took me a loooong time to be comfortable around my fiance naked with lights on. When he can help me bandage a serious boil of mine, in an area that SHOULD be considered sexy, and offer me nothing but support, understanding and sympathy for the pain.... I knew I found a good one. I hope you have the same comfortable feeling with your SO that I do with mine, and I hope he's helped you gain confidence in yourself like mine did.

Best wishes on your wedding adventure! No matter what you decide, it will all work out in the end!

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I don't have an autoimmune disorder, but I have several very painful, chronic conditions that make me hate my own body pretty often. I know you don't feel your best right now, but it sounds like you have a great guy and at the end of the day the two of you are getting married and are going to have an amazing life together. I love the darker reception dress idea btw!

Hi y'all, I am so sorry that you are all having to deal with horrible auto-immune conditions, I can only imagine how horrible this must be. I do have an idea that MIGHT help with covering the spots. There is something we use in nursing called Opsite. It is a clear bandage, sometimes with a small area of actual gauze/bandage area, and sometimes with just clear. This sticks MUCH MUCH better than bandaids and is pretty much waterproof if put on correctly, so pretty sweat-proof too. You could either use the one with the gauze built in, or use a small flesh-colored bandaid and put a clear OpSite over the top, and this may really help you. Here is a link a couple of them and a couple of pics of what they look like:

http://www.smith-nephew.com/anz/producthome/opsiteflexigrid/

https://www.amazon.com/Opsite-Post-Op-Dressing-20-Box/dp/B000PU5W4E

ETA: Those patterns you see on the outside are not there once they are put on, just an FYI, it is so you can see to peel the protective film off.

That's rough. Sorry you have to deal with that. Have you thought about getting the dress you bought and love dyed a darker color?

Maybe a pretty shawl in purple to wear for the reception? That might be a simple fix? I have health issues making me uncomfortable a oh being in my dress as well and just know that you are beautiful and seem to be marrying a great guy!

Don't hate your body! Bodies do a bunch of weird things. Wear the dress you want! You'll figure something out.

I am a wound care nurse. Have lots of pts with the condition. Couple of things. Not sure if you smoke but if you do stop!!!! It makes it worse. Also go to your dermatologist. They can recommend topical or by mouth antibiotics to cover you. Needs to be done and taking daily with a bit of a break in between to hopefully make the flaire less active so you will be all set for your wedding. Wear clothes that is not too tight and the areas clean. Good luck.

Hi Del - I also have HS but luckily have been able to (for the most part) control flareups under my arms but as everyone else who suffers from HS you know that could change in an instant. I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I know first hand how much this sucks.

Much love.

I also have this condition but not on my arms. I would suggest a hot compress on the areas you are concerned about the week before. I think it helps soothe flare ups. What if you got a back up dress in a darker color. You can find them really inexpensively. Take it with you and if you feel bothered just change. You dont have to commit to anything. I got a second dress that is ivory w red rose print because it's less voluminous and I can take off my god awful undergarments if I cant take it anymore. It's dupoini so it looks formal. It was $48 at eshakti w/ coupons. I may not wear it, but probably will and it makes me feel better knowing I have an option.