Dexamethasone

I've been taking dex for over 3 years now, in either high dose or standard dose. High dose dex in combination with thal or rev knocks the socks off my MM.  Standard dose dex alone no longer keeps my disease stable.

When I'm on dex, I feel weak, shaky and tired.  I developed the cushingoid symptoms with great speed.  When you read about dex side effects, the ones that are supposed to be due to long term use seem to be standard for me.  I get the classics:  moon face, buffalo hump, turkey neck.  You know what I’m talking about!  I feel like a monster, and I bet I could scare little kids.  I also have a tendency to grow facial hair (chin) and have become well acquainted with the woman who does the waxing nearby. :)  Ever since I started taking dex, I have a greater tendency to perspire too.

As time goes by, certain side effects bother me less and less.  For example, I have very little trouble sleeping anymore.  The dex just makes me tired.  I also seem to have less indigestion than I once did.

One thing that gets worse each time I have high dose dex is the extremely sensitive teeth.  At a certain point, I can only drink warm and hot beverages.  Once the high dose dex is stopped, the sensitivity diminishes.  I use special toothpaste prescribed by my dentist all the time now.

Beth Morgan
15 July, 2006