Keep in mind, I am talking about legal, prescribed steroids that can, indeed be helpful. They are for the most part, a short term fix, although I know they can also be long term use for people who may have chronic illnesses. Doses can range from very small to mega-doses that can interfere with life in general due to their side effects.
For now, I am struggling with a fairly low dose steroid to combat the effects of my massive reaction to a steroid shot that was injected in my shoulder for a torn rotator cuff. However, the powers that be are now thinking it wasn't the steroid itself, but the binder in the shot. Now how the HECK am I supposed to know what to avoid? All they can say is: Don't EVER get a steroid shot again (pills seem okay). Alrighty then.
Steroids have a peculiar reaction all on their own. You have heard of course about 'roid rage. This seems to occur amongst abusers of anabolic steroids, such as those crazy body builders:
or as the Medical dictionary says:
An acute psychotic response—uncontrolled outbursts of anger, frustration or combativeness—of unknown pathogenesis seen in those who abuse anabolic steroids, typically in body builders;
I am not talking about those types, but the little sweet innocuous pills that are given for everything from inflammation to neuro diseases i.e. Bell's Palsy, to other auto-immune disorders to hives to cancer to well a whole slew of things. However, they have some drawbacks. They can make you a little teary to out and out angry and emotional;
So here is my Dos and Don'ts of Steroid use:
Do expect some emotional situations. You may cry at a Hallmark commercial.
Do NOT decide to sell your house and live off the grid. This feeling will pass.
Do expect to get hungry. Steroids can skew your blood sugar and make you think you are starving.
Do NOT round up cattle and eat them raw. Avoid the zoo, even elephants will look tasty.
Do tell yourself "I'm not really hungry, it is a mean low down dirty trick."
Avoid going to the Cheesecake Factory and ordering 3 cheesecakes to go "just in case".
Do not interact with maniacs, such as sales clerks or people that smoke. You may want to slap them for not waiting on you immediately and you might be tempted to take the cigarette out of the smoker's hand and shove it up their nostrils.
Do not engage police officers in shouting matches whilst on steroids. You may find yourself on the wrong side of the jail door, and it only swings in, I am told.
Again, I repeat: You are not really hungry. Drop the chocolate chip bag and move away. Slowly.
Don't attempt to purchase anything that can be used as a weapon, such as a baseball bat, a machete, or anything related to a kitchen utensil. Trust me, when you are in a steroid state, you will figure out how to use them for something other than their original intended use.
Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT watch anything sad on TV, you will spend the night crying. Things such as a Disney After School Special. Sesame Street. The Evening News. The Morning Shows. Kathy Lee and Hoda. What Not to Wear. This will only add to your emotional response.
Get and Give hugs and kisses, but only to people you know (and the mailman and gas station attendant do not count. They will not like this, even if you explain you are a little emotional.)
Remember, you are tapering down and you will get better. Sort of. I am personally still having the reaction but it is gearing down. The hot spots are less occurring and less prominent.
| This is NOT me, but its how I feel. lol |
Now, I must close. DH is taking me to The Cheesecake Factory because I was screaming it's name. Loudly.
Wow... wow... that is all I can say, my friend. This is like a nightmare that won't go away, but just keeps adding more plots to it. At least you still have your great sense of humor through it all... You are in my prayers as always.
ReplyDeleteLove,
grannie