Steroids

Tuesday 10th September 2013

I'm given my first dose of prednisolone 40mg (I've only ever known anyone be on 30mgs before) I'm also prescribed calcium d3 to combat the risk of osteoporosis that comes with taking steroids. I'm told to have bloods retaken at my surgery on 13th then to attend hepatology clinic next Monday 16th for biopsy results. My sister comes to collect me (M is working) and we go for coffee whilst waiting for the script to be done. I hope the consultant's gamble is right and his suspicion of auto immune hepatitis is correct, but will have to wait till next week to find out. Home soon after lunch, back where I belong. Still obviously very yellow and lethargic ++. Strict instructions to rest when I get home, and already have a slight appetite. Weight now down to 9stone.Spend the evening hearing all about the graduation I missed and looking at photos taken by Mum, M and my sister. Wish I had been there. Unable to sleep, keep singing songs in my head but my body is knackered.

Wednesday 11th September

My sister has to leave this morning. It has been great knowing she was here to support everyone, run errands, cook tea and just love me. Will miss her. Phone and texts from everyone do not stop, I'm genuinely surprised how much everyone cares. Even my bosses have been on the phone to M to tell me not to worry about my job and to just concentrate on getting well................if only concentration was all that were needed. Bed again after lunch, feel so bloody useless. Not able to settle at night, mind racing though body wrecked.

Thursday 12th September

Small but noticeable reduction in level of jaundice. Steroids are definitely calming things down (except my brain!) Urine less dark (has been like ale for weeks) eyes slightly less yellow and skin a little improved. At teatime I receive a call from my lovely gp. She tells me to stop my duloxetine immediately and also my Mebeverine. I have been on these drugs for at least 6 years to manage anxiety and depression. She says there are clear contradictions with liver problems and I should stop them. I had already asked the consultant about the duloxetine before leaving hospital and he had reassured me it was ok. However, I know and trust my gp, I'm off sick anyway, how bad can sudden withdrawal be??