Michelle “Misha” Simmer, RN was my nurse for several months of UV light therapy last year June to November. I had an ongoing total body rash and itching that started earlier in the year that defied diagnosis and control. My dermatologist decided to try this option to control the rash. I went three times a week for the therapy. Misha explained the process in great detail to make me feel extra comfortable during the sessions. In addition, she adjusted the therapy times so I could continue with my senior exercise class on the same days a half hour drive away. She updated my progress regularly explaining carefully what was happening and when it was necessary to be checked by the doctor and working out when I could see her. This included keeping track of my medicines and which ones might cause effects by the UV light and carefully adjusting the times of exposure to keep sunburn to a minimum.

She also was concerned about how the rash and therapy were affecting my life in general. She was aware that my wife was having memory problems and then mild cognitive impairment and that this put added stress on me. She had been through similar family circumstances and freely shared them with me for ideas of things I might do. This was a great help and she became a friend like family during the sessions. We also shared a love of caring for the environment which helped pass time during some of the sessions. She helped with scheduling so that I could be away for several short trips.

The therapy was a success and over time relieved much of my symptoms but not entirely. She and the doctor thought trying a new medicine might also help. I was started on Dupixent along with the light therapy in September. It started working almost immediately and my rash subsided. The light therapy was discontinued in November. I am very grateful to Misha for being an extremely dedicated nurse during my therapy and for taking the extra steps to look after my overall well-being.