Hi Laura,
I have been diagnosed with Erythema Nodosum, and have been under treatment for about 7 years now. My E/N was diagnosed by a very good dermatologist here in Maine by biopsy. I have seen a total of about 30 different doctors, including Lahey Clinic in Boston, and the Maine Dermatological Society of Maine. My diagnosis is Idiopathic E/N. I have been treated with several meds, including, but not limited to Iodine drops, Thalidomide, Prednisone, and topical steroids. I am now on 10 mg of Prednisone. I have been on that dosage for 6 years now, and the medication is not treating my body very nicely with weakened joints that ache, bad bruising on my arms and legs, weight gain, and a host of other problems that go with the steroid use. One of the best things for the E/N is the application of a topical steroid, Lydex cream. If I get a flare up of the E/N, a couple of applications will knock it back down. Prior to this, I had to up the dosage of Prednisone to 40 to 50 mgs a day, and then slowly bring myself back down to the 10 dosage. I know what you are going through, and while it may appear that there is nothing you can do about it, yes, you can live with it. Keep up your faith, and check with a dermatologist if you haven't done so yet. You have my support and you are in my prayers.
GARY
Some of these, by the way, are as wide as tennis balls.