Dear Prednisone,
We’ve known each other for years so I feel you will take this well. You have been there when I needed you and right now I really need you, but we can’t stay together forever. Let me explain. When I have been at my worst—that feeling that the flu will never go away. When my brain says to get up and move but my knees, my ankles, and my arms say no way. When I have that ache-all-over feeling and nothing seems to help. When my guilt seeps in making me think I’ve lost worth to others because I have to miss a day of work or cancel plans with friends. When this happens I have had no other choice but to turn to you, Prednisone. You have gotten me through the days like this. You have helped me have the strength to do simple tasks like get up out of bed and turn on the faucet to take a shower or lift up the laundry basket. You have helped take away my pain from inflammation so that I can go to work, go to the store, and come home to make my family dinner. I used to think we’d be together forever but now I need to let you go.
It’s you, not me. You mean well, I know, and although you have some outstanding qualities, you come with consequences that outweigh the positives of being with you. When I am with you, I am a different person and this isn’t always good. I’m irritable, edgy, and overly sensitive. You are stressing me out! Others don’t understand my moods and it’s hard to talk about you. I don’t like having to apologize on behalf of you, Prednisone. And while I have more energy and strength when I’m with you, I also have a ravenous appetite for anything and the last thing I need is another pound.
Like I said, it’s you, not me. We are only staying together through the holidays and then we are going to part. I need to find something better that gets to the source of my pain so you and I will be seeing each other less often until we don’t see each other at all. I’m sure you will move on and find someone new.
Good riddance,
Shelley