Writing on Prednisone
Five weeks ago, my arm brushed against poison oak as I picked up my sunglasses. The rash spread and I needed to take the drug Prednisone. This is an immune system suppressor, and it calmed down the symptoms enough to halt the spread. The wonders of modern medical science.
During this time, the drug provided many wonderful side effects. Overall, I felt great, slept well, I had more energy, my body didn’t have its usual aches and my mind had a marvelous outlook on life.
What’s more amazing is that this “feeling” wasn’t a feeling. As my body no longer fought its immune battles, it had energy to spare. “I’m free to do what I want and act the way I should. Thanks and have a great day!” My honest opinion at the time is that everybody should take this drug. Side note. Prednisone affects everybody differently and I am the 1% who got this type of reaction. Most people gain weight, get insomnia, acne, headaches, and depression.
When I stopped taking the drug, all my negative body issues returned with gusto and my attitude returned to normal. So unfortunate. Recently, I wondered if during a negative life experience, I should take the drug. Something to think about.
What about taking real drugs to feel good? In Junior High and High School, drugs were all around me. Kids smoked pot before class and shot up after school. I didn’t want to have anything to do with this poison because I could see what it did. I still don’t have the desire to experiment because I don’t like the idea that something could control my life.
In my senior year of High School, I had my wisdom teeth pulled. I clearly remember the amazing anesthetic experience. I felt giddy, pain-free and there were no consequences. I consider this experience to be in the top five moments of my life. For those who choose this path, I appreciate the pull to get high and I understand why people continue their destructive life choices.
I wrote quite a lot during my week on Prednisone. I have since reviewed this writing and I would describe it as lofty and uplifting. It reminded me of the (now stuck in my mind) Lego Movie song, “Everything is awesome. Everything is cool as long as you follow the rules.” Unfortunately, all that writing needed editing in order to maintain style. However, I did like reading my positive thoughts and I can see my overall writing tone is a little depressing.
Stories targeted towards adults naturally have depressing elements. Adults have to go to work, pay taxes and deal with other adults. Children’s stories have the creative freedom to embrace young minds. Their plots are free from adult responsibilities and consequences. Prednisone reminded me of that young feeling and the positive outlook. On occasion, I still see the fun-filled world through my daughter’s eyes. I imagine all children have a positive outlook towards their future.
My memory of that week remains clear. Was it real? I suppose that besides raising a daughter, that experience will remain my one last grasp at youth. Plus, my rash is gone. A lot of positives came out of Prednisone; an unexpected “high point” in my life.
You’re the best -Bill
July 17 2019
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