Writing on Prednisone
Five weeks ago, I was walking near my house, dropping my sunglasses and picking them up. Usually, this would not have been a big deal, but my arm brushed against poison oak. I had been exposed before and surely this melody would be over soon. Yeah, no. The rash spread like wildfire, and I needed to take Prednisone. This drug is an immune system suppressor, and it halted the spread. The wonders of modern medical science.
I had never taken this drug before and was surprised by the many incredible side effects. Overall, I felt great, slept well, and had more energy. My body had no usual aches, and my mind had a marvelous outlook. What was going on?
This positive “feeling” was not a feeling. Because my body no longer fought immune battles, it had energy to spare. “I’m free to do what I want and act as I should. Thanks, and have a great day!” My (influenced) opinion at the time was that everybody should be on this drug. Side note: Prednisone affects everybody differently, and I am probably the bonkers 1% who got this type of reaction. Most people gain weight and get insomnia, acne, headaches, or depression.
When I stopped taking the drug, all my negative body issues returned with gusto, and my attitude returned to normal. Bummer.
Well… Should I start taking drugs to feel good? In Junior High and High School, drugs were everywhere. I watched many kids smoke pot before class and shoot up in the parking lot after school. At the time (and now), I had no interest in that poison because I saw how it ruined lives. Also, I never want anything or anybody to have control over my life.
Yet… In my senior year of High School, I had my wisdom teeth pulled. I clearly remember the fantastic anesthetic experience. I felt giddy, pain-free, and there were no consequences. I consider this experience one of my life’s top five moments. It allowed me to understand why people abuse drugs.
While I was on Prednisone, I wrote a lot. Afterward, I found my work lofty, liberal (politically), and uplifting. Those words reminded me of the Lego Movie song (now stuck in my mind), “Everything is awesome.”
Unfortunately, I had to do significant editing to match the tone and flow of my existing work. Does this mean that my tone is normally depressing? Adults in the real world must go to work, pay taxes, and deal with other adults. This experience is rarely happy. “Life is pain. Anyone telling you different is selling something.” -The Dread Pirate Roberts. So, our reality is depressing.
Yet, as a kid, life had no consequences, and I played all day. Being on Prednisone reminded me of my young feelings. So… My body switches off some parts, and I have a wonderful experience. Is that how I am supposed to be? Was I a better person? Is being liberal the correct path? Did it really happen?
Besides raising a daughter, I suppose that experience will remain my one last grasp at youth. Plus, my rash is gone. My conclusion is that many positives came out of taking Prednisone. It was an unexpected “high point.”

You’re the best -Bill
July 17 2019 Updated June 29, 2024
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