I want to make sure that this comes off as real and raw and as honest as it can be.
Earlier this morning, a newly acquired friend on Facebook reached out to me. Her best friend was recently diagnosed with a similar condition and is concerned about her behavior regarding the steroids.
Before surgery on 12/26/16 I was prescribed with a steroid called Dexamethasone 4mg.
(This drug is designed to reduce the swelling in the brain and was absolutely necessary in order to prepare me for brain surgery). I want to emphasize the size of this medication as its severity is extremely large and can have severe side effects.
I took 1 tablet by mouth every 6 hours for the first 3 days (4 a day)
Days 4-6 I took 1 tablet by mouth every 8 hours. (Reminder) this drug is designed to be tapered off as you discontinue it.
Days 7-9 I took 1 tablet a day
On day 10 I had brain surgery (January 5, 2017)
As I recall, I was discharged on January 7th, or the 8th. (Real and honest).
I then began taking a steroid called Methlyprednisolone 4mg Dose pack.
Post Surgery:
Day 1 I took 6 tablets every 4 hours
Day 2 I took 5 tablets every 4.8 hours
Day 3 I took 4 tablets every 6 hours
Day 4 I took 3 tablets every 8 hours
Day 5 I took 2 tablets every 12 hours
Final Day I took 1 tablet for 24 hours
MY SIDE EFFECTS:
Appetite
Immediately I had an insatiable appetite. I tried my best to eat healthy. However, I found myself up at 4 in the morning making 6-8 eggs with tomatoes, avocados, lots of cheese, and whatever else was in the fridge. After a brief nap, I would become hungry again. Eating at least one peanut butter and jelly or a turkey sandwich. By the time dinner rolled around, I wanted more and more. Long story short, I ate all the time. I gained 20 pounds in a month. You will be HUNGRY!
Irritability
Although I like to think of my self as a calm, well thought out individual, I began to feel extremely agitated. I recall yelling at the Keurig machine, the TV (commercials are louder than the actual show) my family, and anyone who would come into contact with me. My senses were heightened; the smells, hearing, feeling and overall emotions were at an EXTREME HIGH.
A lot of people don't understand what your brain is going through. Most don't know what to say and how to react. If you're a patient I highly suggest you turn your phone off, ask a parent or a close friend to handle all of your phone calls and apologize in advance to any stranger or friend you come into contact with. I was rude, swore, and I remember when people would call to check in on me I would either yell at them, cry, or ramble about useless topics. If you have social media, make an announcement that you're doing as well as can be expected and you need time to heal. Word travels quickly, if you're uncomfortable doing this, have someone close to you do it for you. STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
The best thing you can do to help someone with these symptoms is deal with it and don't take anything personal. Its not the patients fault, its the human brain reacting from a severe seizure, surgery, drugs, and natural human emotions. We all have brains, essentially they all are the same.
Acne
Within a week of taking the Dexamethasone, my body began to form acne and rash. Its a very common allergic reaction and I wouldn't be surprised if the next patient experiences the same symptoms. My rash occured around my chest, my stomach, and back. My acne continued to stay until 3 months after my last round of steroids. Invest in a back scratcher and some Aloe Vera.
Acne
Within a week of taking the Dexamethasone, my body began to form acne and rash. Its a very common allergic reaction and I wouldn't be surprised if the next patient experiences the same symptoms. My rash occured around my chest, my stomach, and back. My acne continued to stay until 3 months after my last round of steroids. Invest in a back scratcher and some Aloe Vera.
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