True Life: I'm Addicted To Steroids.

Welcome To The Blog!

You've been seeking answers from every dermatologist, doctor and all over the internet, wondering what on earth this unbearable skin issue is. You know something's up and you've been suffering and silenced for far too long. This podcast is going to bring awareness to the brutal reality that is topical steroid addiction and withdrawal syndrome. It will give you practical mental and physical tips to help you along your journey and provide you the strength you need to push through each day. You'll hear from real people battling this illness, as well as experts in the field, and I'm also going to share with you what's happening as I battle and conquer TSW. You are not alone, you're not crazy and you will heal. If there's one thing I know it's that anyone going through this hell is a warrior. My name is Jennifer Powers and I welcome you to TSW: Journey to Healing.

My TSW Skin

Hey. My name is Jen and I currently am in Topical Steroid Withdrawal. This blog is dedicated to documenting the progress that my TSW skin is going through, while offering you resources, tips and messages of hope from myself and other warriors.

Whether you found this blog through your own research on the web, or you had some angel share it with you, I want to thank you for being here.

It is my every intention to provide you with peace and comfort, and give you tools and tips that may help ease this painful miserable journey that you are on. The goal is to bring awareness to TSW because the crazy reality is that no one really even knows about it!

So, who am I? My name is Jen. I'm a born and raised Philly girl and I was born with eczema. I was officially diagnosed at the age of 2, so from the age of 2 to now being the age of thirty-five, I have been on and off of topical and oral steroids to for that many years. Yikes. It's scary to see that in writing even for me. These steroids were given to me to help me "treat" my eczema, which, as we know, cannot treat eczema, rather, can help eliminate or lessen some of the symptoms. Steroids are not a cure. They do not find the root cause of an issue. And, they are so potent and can cause more damage than they can help.

Since my own TSW skin journey began a few months ago, I have become incredibly passionate about spreading the word. As of December 1st, I have been completely off of all steroids! Whether you are at day 1 of your tsw skin journey or year 1, or maybe you're a care-taker of someone going through this nightmare, I want you to know that this blog is a safe space for you, a resource to come back, something that you come to read (or listen to if checking out the podcast) to get hope and some answers. I want you to feel empowered during this hellish ordeal and want you feeling inspired to conquer this. I want you to feel a sense of calm and comfort and know that although this tsw skin journey can feel very lonely, you are NEVER alone in this.

I would love nothing more than to get to know you on a deeper level. I would encourage you to go to the ITSAN Facebook Group which is where all of us warriors share our testimonials and experiences and cry with one another and hold space for one another. I have met some incredible people there, lots of who have become guests / will be guests on my podcast show, TSW Journey to Healing. If you would like to share your story and be on the show, I'd love to have you! Just send me a message and we can set that up.

The world needs to know about this terrible condition. My mission is to not only bring awareness to individuals but also to the medical community. I had no idea I could become addicted to these drugs. No one ever told my mother when I was very young and maybe they didn't even know themselves that this was a possibility. It's now very apparent that you can and it needs to be shared to save others from this tragic outcome.

As I said, I am now four full months topical steroid free I am so happy about that. If you are struggling bad right now, just know that I feel you and I see you. We are going to heal and get through this tsw skin torture. Please subscribe here and/or to the podcast and feel free to leave comments and questions.

My heart is with you friend. When you feel those moments of despair and darkness, like a hole you cannot climb out of, just know we are in this together. This is not the end for you. Your recovery is possible and will happen. You are stronger than you even know.

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You Are So Much Stronger Than You Know,

Your Friend In This Fight,

Jen