Charley’s T. S. W. Journey

We all may be walking beside each other, but our stories are never the same.

Name: Charley

Age: 23

Work: Teacher, not lost my job but had a lot of days off

Date of Withdrawal:

November 30th 2022

What type(s) of steroids did you use? 

Oral and topical. Predisone, hydrocortisone, eumovate, beclomethasone

Are you on any other medication?

Nope

Do you have a supportive doctor?

No

What is/was your favorite comfort product?

Hydromol ointment, sudocrem and multivitamins

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to endure during your withdrawal?

The weeping!!

What is one thing you are grateful for during the withdrawal process?

My supportive partner

How did you discover you had TSW?

Suffered with atopic dermatitis all my life, had a bad flare in 2020 which led me to be hospitalised. Was fine until Oct 2021 when my eczema flared again and GP prescribed steroid after steroid and now I’m suffering the consequences.

What were the first tell tale symptoms you experienced?

Weeping and red sleeves.

What is one memory during the withdrawal that you will never forget?

Waking up every morning with flakes all over the bed, it was like a white shadow of where I’d slept.

How is your TSW journey going?

Slowly getting there! I’m not as itchy and very hopeful about the future.

If you had a call to action for the medical community, what would it be?

More research needs to be done on TSW and a better support system for warriors.

What was a pastime you use to help during TSW?

Cross stitch and gaming

What is something you wish to share with the community?

We will heal, our bodies are amazing, and they’ll help us.

What is a quote you live by?

Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.

What resources help during TSW?

  • Dr Heba’s video allowed me to do further research

What is your instagram handle?

@cdwxox

Thank you, Charley.

We love you. We see you. We are you.

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