*sigh*
Okay. So I'm fat.
Not only was I already a greedy person but on top of that, the medication I take makes me devour food like I've been starving for weeks. Sadly, the fat goes to my face and neck which makes me look like the Michelin man from the chest up!!
Ohhhh, and not only am I fat with a face as big as a moon pie, I have the weirdest mood swings!!
I was looking at television (not sure what the show was) but I was laughing and tripping and the next thing I knew, I got seriously depressed. I mean, it came out of no where. You would've thought I just got news my dog had died!!!! (I don't have a dog by the way...)
Anyways, so what is prednisone? Prednisone is a corticosteroid and is used to treat inflammation and help suppress the immune system.
(corticosteroid: (also known as glucocorticoids, cortisone or steroids) are synthetic (man-made) prescription drugs designed to work like the body’s naturally occurring hormones produced by the adrenal glands, in particular cortisol. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers that regulate most of the body’s functions. Cortisol helps regulate blood pressure and the immune system and it is the body’s most potent anti-inflammatory hormone. Corticosteroids prescribed for autoimmune diseases are different from the anabolic steroids that weightlifters and other athletes sometimes take to increase strength.)
*source: Lupus Foundation of America website
And that's all great and dandy but check out these side effects of taking the drug:
Common Side Effects of Corticosteriods:
- Weight gain
- Thinning of hair and skin
- Bruising
- Stomach discomfort
- Mood swings
- Increased risk of developing diabetes
- Increased risk of infection
- Increased risk of cataracts
- Joint damage
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
So can you imagine someone having to experience each of these symptoms and try to fit into society living as a normal human being?!! It's tough!!! On top of that, us lupies don't have many medical treatment options to choose from so we usually work with what we have and try to press on day by day. If you know someone that has lupus, encourage them to keep on going! Pray for and with them and acknowledge their struggle by being a great support system! :)
*smells food*
Okay, I've gotta go!
