How long did you use topical steroids for?
I used topical steroids cumulatively for WELL over ten years. This is only a rough estimate, and I am sure it is much longer than that, but it’s the only figure I can be totally sure of. I used a course of oral steroids in my teens then mostly milder steroid creams like Eumovate and hydrocortisone twice a day throughout most of my ‘addiction’. I also used Betnovate and other stronger steroid creams but that was in the earlier stages of my dependency.
How long did it take for you to 'heal'?
I don't think I can ever bring myself to use the word ‘heal’ but I will say that my skin suddenly changed for the better after twenty-six/twenty-seven months of withdrawal and since then, I’ve only experienced mild rashes and two isolated flares on my hands which lasted a matter of days and not months like during withdrawal.
Were you able to work while going through TSW?
No, not at all. I tried working for the first three weeks of withdrawal but after that, it was actually my mum who stopped me from going and said she would support me. I was pretty much housebound for over two years.
Why do you think you got better when you did?
As time goes on, the more I think that you get better when you're meant to and my withdrawal had simply run its course. I have said many times that I think a healthy diet is important BUT I believe you get better regardless. I also think that things like steroid usage, age, climate etc. play a part … but could someone just research this already and give us some peace of mind.
Do you think there is a link between periods and flaring?
Honestly for me, there hasn’t appeared to be any link. One day I might start to see a pattern forming, but the rashes I get tend to be sporadic.
Did you experience oozing?
Oh my goodness yes. I oozed from my face, neck, chest, arms, back, left ankle and hands. Luckily, it only lasted on the whole for the first three months with more isolated oozing on my hands and left ankle later on. It's a draining part of the process (quite literally) and when it stopped, the relief was immense.
Did you suffer with insomnia?
I didn't sleep much for the first year of withdrawal and during the first six months especially, I barely got more than two hours in one go. This is extremely tough to deal with as you spend your days exhausted and desperate to sleep but can't when you have the chance to.
Did you suffer with anxiety while going through TSW?
Absolutely.
Do you suffer from asthma?
No.
Have you ever taken oral steroids?
Yes. I took one course of what I believe was Prednisone in my teens and part of me thinks that was when I developed TSA.
Did you sweat excessively through withdrawal?
I certainly did – more like I was a human waterfall. It was in the second year of withdrawal when the sweating started and out of all the symptoms, this was something I found extremely hard to deal with. Without moving much at all, there were times where I would be covered in sweat. I would wake up drenched in it, and if I got excited in any way – even just talking to a friend on the phone – I would sweat profusely. A lot of people say it's a sign that the body is healing and now, looking back, I would tend to agree. My sweating is completely back to normal now and has been since I recovered over two years ago.
Now that you are better do you still get itchy?
Not really. On the very rare occasions that I ever do get itchy, it’s just a mild irritation that I can ignore and definitely not that bone-deep itch you experience while going through withdrawal – more like a feather gently tickling my skin.
What do you eat?
I eat a balanced diet which includes gluten and dairy, amongst other things, and regularly indulge. I have what I want but choose to eat well most of the time.
So that is all for now but like I said above, if you have any other questions I haven't covered, do let me know!
And another thing that you might need reminding of today: you WILL get better!
Hugs
Cara xxx
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