Progress in pictures - March 2014 to April 2015

My progress so far from March 14' to April 15'. Nearly 14 month into my withdrawal from corticosteroids.

Please scroll down below to view the images of my progression.

I warn you now that some of my pictures are quite graphic, like horror movie graphic!. 

You've been warned...

March 2014

April 2014

May 2014

June 2014

July 2014

August 2014

September 2014

October 2014

November 2014

December 2014

April 2015 - Today 23.04.15

Feeling much more like my pre TSW self again as in internally. Although my skin is still going through the motions. Maybe being completely healed is not that far away for me now, fingers crossed!.


Cheers,

Gary 

13.5 Months and a bit completed now

Red, raw but happy...

Recently I told you that I'd switched to coco-nut oil instead of good, old reliable petroleum jelly for applying to my face & neck. Well, I got a bad reaction almost instantly when I put the CO on my face so I reverted back to the PJ only applying in the mornings and if my face got a bit dry during the day. Bear in mind that I'm still continuing with the moisturizer withdrawal everywhere else.

My face and the back of my neck have been given me some serious jip of late. I think the PJ is the culprit. So from today I'm refraining from using the PJ. Someone from the Facebook support group suggested hemp oil. Luckily, I found a bottle that I purchased a couple of months back in my drawer.

So I applied the HO (no instant reaction) after my Epsom salt bath, went and sat outside in the glorious, lovely, warm sunshine that we thankfully have been getting recently here in Scotland. Came back inside the house after about an hour then went for a nap. Woke up to a big red face, ha ha but at least it wasn't dry & flaky or sore and weepy.

So for now it's hemp oil only to be applied to my face/neck. MW will continue for the rest of my body. I plan to go completely product free on my entire body once my body's natural oils return. 

In the meantime I made a short video to capture my mood at the time :)

Strength and healing thoughts to all!

Gary

13 Months down in a few days time

One year has now passed with my fight against topical corticosteroids withdrawal.

Just coming out of a big flare actually. Entering a smaller one just now. Was super dry a couple of days ago as that's me also four weeks into moisturizer withdrawal. Only doing MW in certain areas. Doing MW everywhere apart from my face, neck and hands as these parts remain the angriest areas so must keep them moisturized during the day.

Yesterday I bought some coconut oil. Going to try out only on my troublesome spots instead of the petroleum jelly. Been using petroleum jelly since month three. Looking forward to seeing if I get some results with the swap. Not been having as much Epsom salt baths and showers as I've done previously. Trying to see if my body will start producing its own oils by skipping baths and showers. My skin interestingly, goes through different cycles during any given day.

Firstly when I get up in the morning my skin is a little dry. I then get ready for work only applying the PJ to my face, neck and hands. The pain is no longer present like it was in the earlier days so I can move freely thankfully without shoving pain killers down my neck. By midday my skin is more flexible. Early evening it continues to remain comfortable. Nighttime my skin begins to get dryer. I then start scratching and have a couple of flares during bedtime. Still got the old insomnia. The insomnia isn't as bothering as it has been. Maybe I'm wide awake until about three am. Then manage to get four or five hours of sleep if I'm working. Days off I can sleep longer and well into the afternoon if I've got no plans or nothing to do that day.

You'll be interested to know I still haven't opted for the imunnos yet. In previous posts I said I was considering take Cyclosporin. Think I'm just gonna solider on through without them now. Feeling confident that I can get to the end with just good, old perseverance.

Even more good news is that I've been more social by getting out and about and hanging with friends. Went on a night on the town the other week there. Had a good time with a few tasty beverages on hand. Even managed to get a game of footie with some old mates in there too. Although sadly, I'm still not ready to play football weekly nor am I ready to hit the gym. Missing my physical activities big time. Just have to be patient and get on with it I suppose.

Nice timing with the good weather approaching to our grey skied, ladled lands. Looking forward to the warm sun and lying out the back with the nice rays hitting my body and getting a cheeky tan.

Not got much really else to say here folks. As I always say; time and comfort are the allies. Slowly but surely I'm getting there as will you too. Maybe there's light at the tunnel for myself after all?.

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know how far you're into with withdrawal and how you're getting on.

Hope all is well at your end.

Thanks again.

Gary

Day 362

Just a quick update here today folks.

Not started the immunosuppressant, Cyclosporine yet that I talked about in a recent post. By chance we were getting a new bathroom fitted which meant I couldn't rely on my beloved Epsom salt baths for relieve.

This helped me out tons as I think I may have been stripping the body's natural oils due to frequent bathing. Showering was all I could do because of this. The lack of bathing has had a positive effect on my skin. The angry, redness has receded. So much so that recently I've stopped applying Vaseline all over. The only parts where I apply the Vaseline are my face, neck and hands for comfort and relieve.

Still flaring daily and suffering from insomnia. Some days I don't even shower or bathe. Gonna give my skin and body more time as I'd like to avoid taking Cyclosporine for obvious reasons, side effects being my main concern.

Will update the blog on Tuesday with picts when I enter my one year anniversary into withdrawal!.

Cheers for stopping by.

See you soon.

Gary

Approaching 11 month at top speed

Yip folks eleven month is just around the corner for myself; 3.02.15 to be exact. Not much to report back I'm afraid. I've just been going through the withdrawal cycles while getting as much recovery time as possible. Took two weeks off from work in the middle of January there to help with the healing. The winter/cold weather has been a tad harsh on the old skin.

Keep on debating if I'm a slow burner or just haven't peaked yet. Mini flares continue EVERY day. Face, neck, hands and legs are the most common areas of discomfort. The awful night sweats have dissipated at the moment thankfully. Still have insomnia although taking Atarax every now and again helps (don't wanna build up a tolerance you see) energy levels fluctuate also.

Went to the Dermatologist recently to acquire about the possibility of starting Cyclosporine the immunosuppressant. Now I know the side effects are pretty hard core but it's getting to the point that I have no quality of life. If I'm not working I tend to remain in the house climbing the walls, ha ha. Sometimes I visit friends but my energy dictates that.

After doing a ton of research about Cyclosporine I feel the positives out do the negatives. I've read about people getting there lives back on track while taking the drug which is obviously very appealing. Even though the symptoms are still present there not as severe as the regular withdrawal phase. I miss getting a proper good nights sleep. I miss playing sports and hitting the gym. I miss going out and having fun with my friends. I feel like I'm in a stagnant period with no end in sight. My plan would be to start the meds and remain on them until the better weather returns.

Hell they might not even work as not everyone responds to them. I just feel it's worth a shot to try them out and get a break from the horrors that withdrawal offers. Will keep you posted as always anyway.

Below are some images of my troublesome hands.

Take care TSW friends. Speak to you soon.

Gary

Onwards I go...

Just sharing an update that I posted on the Facebook support group from earlier today.

"Just shy of ten month into withdrawal.

For the past week or so I've been feeling tremendous!. Not one for gloating but it's been about six month since I've felt this great and wanted to gloat a wee bit so please forgive me 

Ok, ok my skin is still nowhere near healed. Still going through all the symptoms like flaring, dryness, flaking, redness, etc. However, internally I'm feeling normal again. Perhaps my adrenals have levelled out?. Cause let me tell you it wasn't fun living life like a 90 year old man. I had no energy, suffered terrible insomnia (getting up to six hours sleep a night now), mood was at an all time low as I'm sure most of you can relate too.

Without a word of a lie TSW has been the toughest challenge that I've faced in all my 31 years on this planet.

Who knows what's in store for me further down the line. It really is a cliche but what I have learned is that with withdrawal you really do have to take it one day at a time.

Special shout out to everyone in the group. Without you and your updates, strength and encouragement I would be a lost soul struggling alone with this hell.

So a BIG thank you to everyone who has been there for me. You all have a special place in my heart".

Hugs of the healing variety,

Gary

Awesome and very articulate video

Hi friends,

Just sharing this awesome and very articulate video about topical steroids. The video includes the history of TS & a detailed withdrawal fight from the fellow sufferer who made the video. He goes into great detail with all things related to what we're all attempting and currently going through.

In the mean time I will update my own progress shortly. As always, thanks for stopping by.

Hope all is well at your end.

Gary