I love Christmas, and spending time with my amazing family, who are so supportive and understanding, but this TSW journey is so exhausting that stepping out the comfort zone of quiet living and self-care at home fills me with dread. Every time. And even afterwards, when I have had a lovely time, enjoyed myself and taken part in whatever event I've dragged myself to, it takes me … [Read more...]
If my skin could talk…
What would it say? I imagine that my skin hates me but I think it has a much gentler voice. Ruth, it's OK. It really is all going to be OK. I don't hate you. And I'm not trying to hurt you. … [Read more...]
How I got hooked on drugs
And my continuing fight with addiction I’m an addict. There. I’ve said it. I’ve been addicted pretty much all my life. My parents got me my first hit and it was amazing. I couldn’t believe the high. Suddenly my skin was smooth, no eczema and I could enjoy life again. But over the years (probably 40+ years), it got to the point where I was so hooked I couldn’t go a week … [Read more...]
I have freed my skin!
OK I've got a long way to go until my skin is free from eczema and through this topical steroid and Protopic withdrawal journey... but I just realised something. I am free. Completely free of topical steroids and Protopic. I gave up both in February this year, cold turkey and I am not looking back. I know I will never, ever use either topical steroids or … [Read more...]
My Top 20 TSW survival tips
I'm now nearly six months into my journey with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) so I thought I'd share the top 20 things that have helped me to get through this difficult time. They've all been gleaned partly from my personal experience but also from friends on social media who are also going through this or those who have succeeded in cutting out topical steroids successfully. … [Read more...]