The Power of Prednisone Prednisone is the medication I rely on when I experience autoimmune attacks. These attacks can be brutal; sometimes the pain is so severe it sends me to the hospital. Other times, the flare-ups are moderate—meaning I am in intense pain and completely immobilized, but not quite sick enough for the emergency room. When this happens, I usually start taking five or six prednisone pills a day. If I only need them for two or three days, I can stop safely, but if I take them for a week, I have to slowly wean down the dosage. Usually, within a few days, my physical symptoms ease and I begin to regain my movement. That is the incredible physical power of prednisone. However, this medication holds a second, much darker power: it severely impacts my mental health. Under its influence, I become deeply sad, depressed, and agitated, feeling as though nothing is worth it. It completely shifts my perspective, stripping away my ability to feel good about anything, and it...
Today, 6 years ago I wrote a poem which will be featured in my book. It was written in my car on napkins and was a goodbye to the life I use to know. I was full of fear and tears and needed to express myself. I was moving to Calgary Alberta in hopes of a new life and a new start. I read the poem an it emerges a lot of emotion. I remember how lost I felt, how hopeless everything was and how I felt even the police who were supposed to support and help me only disappointed. I was moving the first week of May. I was starting a new job May 6th and was terrified. My mother came to help me move. She arrived and we spent time packing and cleaning. This time of the year helps to empower me, helps to to believe in myself, and appreciate my journey. This journey I felt was the only way to escape my abuser. He was on multiple changes for abuse towards me. I had been so lost and scared that I stayed but I was also scared of the unknown. I am grateful for my journey as I...