Steroid withdrawal June 1, 2006
Posted by spacemom in : Fun with Crohn's Disease , trackbackI am now watching the man I love go through the worst thing I have seen on him.
Steroid withdrawal.
This is pure hell on him. You see, Crohn’s patients are often given steroids to control the immune system. The patient has a part of the hormonal system in his body shut off. While this will allow the colon to heal, it also messes with the rest of the body.
He has been on mega doses of steroids since November. In January, he was down to half of the original dose, but suffering from some of the nastier side-effects.
We are weaning him from the drug, but the withdrawal symptoms are horrific. Starting at 4pm, daily, he has crippling abdominal pain. At night, he is breaking out in sweats and shaking. Hair loss, hair growth, pain in his legs. Mood swings. Anger and depression come from out of nowhere. He is good at not taking it out on the girls or I, but I see it.
The hope is that he is off the drug in August. I can’t wait. It is agony to watch him in so much pain. I hate Crohn’s. It is an evil disease and I can only hope that my girls are not pre-disposed to it.
Comments»
Oh Nance! I’m so sorry Dr. Jay is having to go through this. Much love and healing vibes to you!