I've made it this far without cutting. The latest scars are starting to fade now, but not enough that they haven't been cause for a lot of embarrassment when getting blood tests done (earlier today and Dec 23rd) - it was just so awful to have to reveal my self injury to an unsuspecting stranger each time. The only people I'd be at all comfortable with seeing my arm are my doctor and my therapist. I hate that I did this to myself, and am impatient for it to heal so it isn't so noticeable - at least that's what I'm hoping for.

I'm now trying to use positive coping skills, and trying to reach out when I need to so that I don't feel the need to do it again. So far so good. The thing helping me the most right now is my therapist's use of hypnosis with me, as it really relaxes and calms me down. I'm finding Aloe Vera gel useful in the treatment of the cuts/scars, and I'm contemplating getting a tattoo to disguise a couple of the larger cuts that are going to leave pretty obvious permanent scars. (Damage limitation!)