Oh, Nigel..poor you. I really hope you start to feel better soon.

I was on the same steroids as you when I was 19. They prescribed them for Choroiditis brought on by Toxicara Canis...(infection from dog poo, basically) I was on a high does for over a year, gradually whittling down to nothing, very, very slowly but surely.

Side-effects? Well, I was one of the few people they'd ever known who actually lost weight on them, went down to 8st, felt wonderful!   However, about a year after I'd come off them my circulatin went crazy and I was soooooo cold. I'd go to bed fully dressed with eiderdowns, hot water bottles and extra blankets, but was still covered in chilblains on my hands and feet, but this was eventually resolved with medication. I've been absolutely fine ever since, and I'm 56 now.

I had to carry a card around with me 24/7 stating I was taking steroids and my doctors kept a careful eye on me.

Ask your doctor if you can be reffered to someone about the depression, as you shouldn't have to put up with that, and heck, they should be monitoring you, supporting and helping you when you're taking steroids....

I know it's hard when you're feeling so down, but I think you're going to have to fight hard on this one, because you should be surrounded by folks who are taking an interest in your health, not just left to get on with this on your own.

Is there anyone you can take into the doctor's appointment with you, to support you and help you get that extra attention you so need at the moment?


I really hope you get some help very soon. Make an appointment with your GP TODAY if you can. Don't leave it for weeks down the road...

Love and hugs
Lizzie x