Tuesday 8 July 2008

Steroid Effects

I try not to mention my condition too much on this blog - I suffer from Crohn's Disease - but I thought the difference between these two photographs (taken just a few months apart) was quite striking.

The first picture was taken in December 2007 during a period in my life I'll never forget, what I now call my 'pre-diagnosis stage'. I thought I had cancer. I'd gone from 12st 8lbs down to 10st 3lbs.

The second picture was taken in March 08, after diagnosis, about four weeks into my first course of steroid treatment - very high dose (eight tablets per day.) A side effect of these steroids is "Moonface Syndrome" I'm showing signs here - but can you see the relief on my face? I didn't have cancer. My weight at this stage had crept back up to about 11st 6lbs (I'm now a respectable 12st 5lbs!!)

10 comments:

mrsnesbitt said...

Two for Tuesday Gary? The relief is evident...the smile gives it away!
You are one of those people who always manages a smile...what a gem!
Take care.

Unknown said...

Good Morning from Mississippi, USA. I hope this message find all is well. Have a great week. Keep up the great work here! Keep up the fight!

J Leigh said...

I've suffered from moon face, and am also a crohn's sufferer. I went from 122lbs to 109lbs. You are not alone, keep up the fight and keep up the smile :)
Prednisone is a drug I love to hate.

CherryPie said...

I be that was a relief for you. Nice smile :-)

Unknown said...

Glad to see you looking so much happier Gary. Positive thinking thats the way forward. Kev

Rune Eide said...

I am on 7,5 mg of Prednisolon, just to that I avoid that problem, but at the start of the treatment most of us get some degree of "moon face" too. Not to mention all the other side effects.

Good luck!

Texas Travelers said...

Good news.
Continued good health,
Troy

nonizamboni said...

Wonderful news and you wear a [slight] moonface very, very nicely. Hooray for you and your better health!
Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Very nice smile! Optimism is the best cure for every disease, don't you think so? Waiting for your happier pictures! Best regards!

Liz Hinds said...

WE always fear the worst! Good news that it wasn't cancer but still an unfortunate condition to have to live with.