Three Weeks Later

As you can see, there’s been a very noticeable improvement. The combination of the prednisone and a weekly (vs. biweekly) dose of Duplixent has definitely turned the tides.

My upper body looks even better, and while there are a few small blisters still forming overnight (usually on sites that are already healing) it’s nothing like the dozens of new ones that I used to wake up to every morning.

When I saw my dermatologist last week, she said it may take up to six months of Duplixent to totally knock this out. Okay, other than the cost, I’m fine with that. My only concern is what happens when I’m weaned from the prednisone. We agreed that I may need to stay on a much-reduced dose for the duration when this round of treatment wraps up. That’s one of those wait-and-see things.

Being on a high dose of prednisone for an extended period is not without its own set of side effects, the most recent being fluid retention in my lower legs. I could barely get my shoes on yesterday, but before I flew into a panic (my thoughts went to very dark, cardiac-related places even though my heart is in great shape), I thought I’d google “prednisone and fluid retention” and sure enough—to my profound relief—the swelling ankles and calves is a definite side effect. I spoke to my nurse friend and she advised to up my water intake significantly. Also—since I’m now officially an old man—I got several pairs of compression socks which have really helped. (It’s not like I’m going to be one of those guys who wears them with shorts.) It’s only been one day on both those therapies, so again, we’ll see how it goes, but so far, so good.

And did I mention the fungal outbreak on my palms and soles? Another side effect. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Lamisil is my friend these days.

The wheels on the bus go round and...oops.

4 comments