Welcome Back Prednisone

Well it looks like I’ve welcomed back an old friend into my life. With my cGVHD of the skin intensifying, my only option at this point was a daily dose of 50mg of prednisone. A month of this high dose should do the trick. Then comes the slow weaning process that follows. With the prednisone comes all of the preventative medications such as an anti fungal and anti viral. As well as a sleeping pill so my steroid wired brain can get some sleep. I’ll continue to take the max dose of 10mg of Ruxilitinib as well. I’m currently taking about 20 pills a days. Although this is only temporary, it still feels like quite the set back for me.

My previous experiences with prednisone were not so pleasant, so I’m hoping the drug is a bit more forgiving this time around. I apologize to my friends, family, coworkers etc in advance if I don’t quite seem like myself over the next few months. This drug has a funny way of changing your personality. I find myself getting easily irritated over minor things and I literally can’t control it. My appetite has gone through the roof. Others complain of weight gain while taking prednisone but for me it’s the opposite. Within weeks of taking the high dose I’m down 10lbs. My bruise covered legs feel so weak. I have yet to develop the dreaded “moon face” but I imagine it will come with time.

June 13th marks my 8 years post stem cell transplant! With all the skin issues lately, I’m finding it hard to be exited about this milestone. It’s time once again for yearly check ups of my heart, lungs and bone density. My skin isn’t too happy with me right now as I just spent the weekend at my Aunt’s cottage. Even with a hat, sunscreen, long sleeves and plenty of shade. The prednisone seems to be doing it’s job as far as the stiffness goes though. Hoping for a smooth tapering process!