I've discussed in detail what crashing after finishing a course of steroids feels like, in a previous article, which you can link to by clicking on "crashing". As illustrated by the picture, for me the crash is compared to falling down an elevator shaff, waiting to hit bottom. but what are my most bothersome side effects from the crash?
Can I pick just 5 to highlight as good examples of what to expect?
Of course I can.
After some thought here are the top 5 problems you can prepare yourself for, in no particular order of harshness:
- Irritability We might as well called it down-right crankiness. I tell myself it is better to isolate myself in my misery, than it is to risk hurting the one I love because I'm in such a bad mood and so overly sensitive to sounds, smells and noises. I like to listen to my MP-3 player, which has ear buds that do double service as ear plugs. I can make myself chill out and listen to music that I love, which has a relaxing effect on me. Of course as soon as I have finished listening to the music, the irritability returns, but it is nice to have something that provides a small break from it, none the less.
- Weak and lethargic Not only are you tired from not having the steroids, you could care less as well. It is a strange emotional place to be. I compare it to an angry limbo. Even when you must perform a task, you are just doing it to get it out of your way so you can go back to laying down and doing nothing. This is not the time to ask me for a favor. I can manage sympathy or empathy if something bad happens, but only in short doeses and for short periods of time.
- Sleeping More This is a no-brainer. Of course your body needs to sleep to catch up on all the sleep you loss being totally wired for the length of your infusion. I'm relieved when I finally begin to sleep. In my mind the end of the crash is in sight. I am amazed at the times I fall asleep. Seems when I lay down with the intent on sleeping, nothing happens, but when I think I'm just going to lay down to rest, before I know it, I'm asleep. I just try to roll with it, remembering sleep is sleep. Let it happen - whenever, as long as it is happening.
- Dehydration Its a constant theme running through the life of the infusion and the crash. If your lips are dry or chapped, as well as your skin, you are TOO thirsty, get something to drink, preferably water. If your tongue is sticking to the roof of your mouth, you are dehydrated, get thee to a water dispenser. Dehydration will make you even more tired than you already are. Don't let it rob you of more of your power than is alredy being robbed by the crash.
- Depression/irrational thoughts My last pick runs together in a very strange way. The dark feelings of dread and sadness can hit and then hang around for what seems forever. I do think it is one of the last side effects to leave my system. I have to mentally prepare myself to endure what will come by running through a list of affirmations, such as:' this is just temporary' 'things aren't that bad' 'I'll handle what comes with my health as it comes' 'there is a reason I'm feeling so down - the steroids!'
Now the best thing about the CRASH is that it ends! Then you wait to see how your body has responded to the steroid infusion and hopefully you will discover marked areas of improvement.
My latest 3- day infusion has given me back the strength in my legs. With each passing week, I feel more like my old self and I have started back doing household chores that were too difficult just a couple of months ago.
You know how to tell when you are better? One sure way is when your mate tells you he or her thinks the bad times are over. Specifically, my husband told me he was glad I was feeling better and glad that my leg isn't burning as much.
With his words I tell myself, 'Ahhh, I made it through, its official!'
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