A woman living with a rare and debilitating condition that leaves her feeling like ants are burrowing under her skin has spoken about her desperate search for relief. Tracy Morgan, 49, from Bridgend, has been dealing with brachioradial pruritus (BRP) for the past 20 years. This condition is caused by damage to the spine, affecting nerve sensations in the arms and leading to intense itching. Tracy described the sensation as akin to thousands of ants or mites burrowing under her skin, leaving her in constant discomfort.
It took Tracy eight long years to receive a diagnosis for this condition, which is not contagious and has no known cure. The itching is so severe that Tracy can only wear vest tops as any contact with clothing exacerbates the discomfort. Despite trying various creams and ointments, including Deep Heat and ibuprofen gels, Tracy has found little long-term relief. The constant itching affects her daily life, making it challenging to sleep, socialise, or even concentrate.
Tracy shared that the collapsing of parts of her vertebrae onto the brachial nerve in her neck area is the root cause of her condition. This relentless itching has made her often housebound, unable to cover the top half of her body with anything but vest tops. She attempted to find respite in cool showers, but even that relief is short-lived. Tracy mentioned that the condition has significantly impacted her quality of life, leaving her frustrated and desperate for any form of relief.
Despite struggling to find help due to the condition’s rarity, Tracy remains hopeful that a new medication intended for epilepsy might offer some relief. Turning to online support groups, she has connected with others facing similar challenges with BRP. Tracy shared her story in the hopes of finding answers and support from others who may have insights into managing this condition.
Tracy’s perseverance and strength in coping with BRP serve as a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by individuals dealing with chronic and lesser-known conditions. Her resilience in seeking solutions and sharing her story highlights the importance of raising awareness and support for those living with such challenges. Tracy’s journey underscores the need for further research and understanding of conditions like BRP to improve the quality of life for individuals grappling with similar afflictions.