It hasn’t been easy, but I’m making strides in accepting my appearance
I've had a breakthrough after years of worrying about how I look due to EB
I’m currently working on accepting my physical imperfections. At this point in my life, motherhood and epidermolysis bullosa (EB) have been the greatest contributors to insecurities about my appearance.
With motherhood, my body has transformed into various shapes and sizes, while EB has left me with scarring and nail dystrophy. From time to time, I catch myself daydreaming about getting a surgical “mommy makeover.” If there was a surgical intervention for nail loss, I’d probably want that, too! But plastic surgery is expensive and risky, so I’m pursuing acceptance instead.
My husband and I recently took the kids on a family vacation to a local ski resort that has a wonderful indoor waterpark. As I packed my bags, I kept going back and forth in my mind about which supplies I should bring to do my nails.
Usually, when I plan to wear sandals, hit the beach, or go to a waterpark, I’ll apply false toenails with the plastic glue that comes with nail kits. I’ll also sometimes turn my bathroom into a nail salon and apply acrylic nails. This second option really ticks off my family, because the stench of nail monomer infiltrates the entire house.
As I dug through my drawers of nail supplies trying to decide what to pack for the trip, I thought that maybe it was time to try something new. I didn’t have any desire or energy to embark on a lengthy pedicure or commit any of my vacation time to the required daily upkeep. I thought it might be a good opportunity to just exist exactly how I am.
To settle this internal struggle, I sought advice from my husband, Travis, who wholeheartedly assured me that I didn’t need to do my nails. He promised me that no one would care, and people probably wouldn’t even notice. Keep in mind that he’s been telling me this for 16 years. I guess I just wasn’t ready to accept it until now.
I almost packed my nail supplies as a security blanket. I thought that if I changed my mind, I’d have everything I needed with me. I’m happy to share that I didn’t pack the supplies. And apart from a bit of hesitation, particularly when I had to wear a swimsuit in public, I spent little time during the trip worrying about my appearance.
I’m so thankful for my husband, my children, and the fun that we had on the mountain and in the waterpark. I hope this experience of going on vacation with less luggage — and less emotional baggage — will be the first of many to come. I can’t wait to plan the next family vacation!
Note: Epidermolysis Bullosa News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Epidermolysis Bullosa News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to epidermolysis bullosa.
Karla Werre
Congratulations on your mental transformation and that it could ease your burden! The disease itself is enough! And your beauty is enough for a husband of 16 years and your children. Besides beauty is more than skin-deep anyways!
Celebrate YOU!