There’s one thing about the 60mg steroids I’m taking every day. One of the positive side-effects in common with many other people is that they actually make me feel pretty good. Some people get depressed on them, but for me it’s the opposite. My mind also seems clearer than usual too which some people have described as like having a “brain fog” lifting. Because steroids reduce inflammation, maybe I’m getting more blood supply to my brain? Or maybe it’s the exercise too that’s helping? Whatever, I DO feel good, but having been on 30mg steroids in April, I know there’s a crash when I stop taking them. That’s okay. Long experience as a depressive tells me that If you know what it is, you can deal with it.
Honestly I read some of this back and I sound like the most awful mopey person and nothing could be farther from the truth. I’m usually very upbeat and laid back about most things, even the bad stuff like this.
So anyway, up all night, watched it get lighter and lighter and decided to go for my early morning walk. Got dressed and walked into the kitchen and I could hear the rain hammering on the utility roof which is tough polycarbonate plastic. Damn. If it was a drizzle, no problem but this was really going for it.
Change of plan then. I knew I needed to get a few bits and pieces in and I was going to do it late to mid-morning as I intended to get my blood tests done early again today. Half a pint job. Oh okay, just a few phials. I know I’ll nip down to Asda, it’s 24 hours and it’s 6.00am should be quiet. I took my first tablet of the day and went to Asda. There was just me and the staff there. I took my time, bought some healthy fruit (bananas, apples, melon), a cucumber, tomatoes, baked beans, wholemeal bread (which I freeze), frozen cod fillets, healthy chips and ice cream.
Then, being a bloke I took a look at the phones and electronics, and grabbed some printer paper and folders, and then… Bargain! Dimmable LED light bulbs reduced from £4 each to only £1, so I bought eight, leaving about 4 on the shelf. Result!
Went home, had some porridge and the rest of my tablets and then made the mistake of relaxing for a bit. I suddenly realised it was quarter to nine and I wasn’t on my way to the hospital for my tests. Another “damn!” escaped my lips and I got there at 9:10 with about 30 people in front of me. Oh well, I knew it didn’t take long and sure enough about 20 minutes or so later I was sitting in a chair being drained by a very nice and friendly nurse. Next week I’ll make sure I get there at 8:50 while it’s still quiet.
So no walk today, other than a stroll around Asda a few times and back and forward across the hospital car park, but yeah today was good. Those steroids as scary as they are still have me on a high.
