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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, dear Universe, you continue to bless me with recovery and health.
”It’s time to reduce your medicines following a systematic tapering plan (STP)”. My Neurologist commented after visiting my health status as I looked at him in amusement.
Now what’s that?
I was hoping for no other problem with my medicines. My Neurologist cleared all my doubts with a smile.
After revisiting my health status, he felt the need to eventually reduce my list of medicines.
Introducing the concept of a Systematic Tapering Plan (STP) in medicines
Tapering is the practice of slowly reducing the dosage of medicines. The medicines are reduced before stopping them completely. Generally, the process helps to control the withdrawal symptoms. It may arise from the sudden shock that the body receives. It also ensures regular monitoring of symptoms, treatments, and medicines with our doctor.
No treatment should be indefinite. Except in the case of lifelong medicines, tapering helps to follow a general frame of length. Therefore, assuring the complete wellness of the patient.
In this blog, I wish to share my experience with STP and the way it helped my journey.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.
Understanding the Need for a Systematic Tapering Plan
We would agree on the severe side effects of certain medicines on our system. However, patients with chronic illnesses often have to take medicines for a long time. These medicines if taken for long durations without a stop could lead to severe problems. Some medicines cannot be started without a clear plan to stop them.
Having said that there is a potential risk associated with abrupt discontinuation:
When you are too dependent on a drug, it means your body and mind cannot operate without it. The body adjusts to it. If the dose is suddenly stopped the body experiences a setback. This change in the body in the absence of medicine is what causes the withdrawal symptoms. Many medicines have these withdrawal effects if abruptly stopped after continuous use. Depending on the medicine, the use, the duration, etc. patients might experience symptoms.
My Journey with Isaacs’ Syndrome, Glaucoma, Lyme Disease, and MG and their Medication
Many rare and chronic diseases characterize day-to-day unpredictable situations and symptoms.
My notorious symptoms led to a heightened sense of uncertainty. The situation made me vulnerable to creating further complications to my neurological condition. The sudden list of alien diverse symptoms and mood swings made it even more challenging to cope. I was overwhelmed by the waves of difficult emotions, and physical limitations.
In such times, adhering to prescribed medicines improves clinical outcomes and provides relief. It generates the confidence of a comeback and reduces hospitalization and associated costs. It is very effective in dealing with medical emergencies.
My prescription was a huge list with a daily of 42 pills. It included medicines for Isaacs’ Syndrome, Lyme disease, and Membranous Glomerulonephritis. During my journey, I developed Blood Pressure and Diabetes. Also, acute problems with my Gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes:
- It included painkillers, immunosuppressants, steroids, and sleeping pills.
- I was also given some oral and intravenous antibiotics and anticonvulsant medication.
- Insulin, blood thinners, statins, and beta blockers.
- Corticosteroids and Diuretics.
- For Gut issues, some probiotics.
- IVIG and Plasma exchange therapy from time to time.
- Food Supplements.
- I was also on Homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicines.
Initially, though I was prescribed many of the above medicines for life. However, I was able to reduce them as my diseases improved and my body showed tolerance.
To learn more about Isaacs’ Syndrome you can visit My Life Changing Story on Isaacs’ Syndrome – Ordinarily Rare
The Benefits of Medication Management through Systematic Tapering Plan
Managing medicines for me was not only about the list of medicines instead, but it was also unique and affected my daily course of life.
Among the list of medicines, many caused changes to my body and mind. My body was getting addicted and adapted to their presence. Therefore, it was required to be weaned.
Tapering these medicines had the following benefits:
- Reduced short- and long-term side effects.
- My body slowly adjusted to normal and found relief from severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Enhanced my mental clarity.
- Increased my Self-esteem.
- Increased a sense of freedom and confidence.
- Reduced the long-term risks.
How I Created a Successful Tapering Plan
Please note: No one-size-fits-all. A successful plan may seem different for different patients. It depends on a lot many factors including how a patient responds to it.
My Neurologist incorporated the tapering plan as a part of my treatment plan. Though the process was time-consuming, yet he assured me that it would promote long-term recovery.
In my case, there were a couple of combinations that worked. I had a set of 42 pills with a list of diversified symptoms. Therefore, it took a lot of vigilance, experience, and care from the doctor.
Initially, we started with a direct tapering plan which involves reducing medicines. Some of my medicines were reduced on a fortnight basis. The idea was to notice the changes in the withdrawal symptoms.
Three of my medicines were individually replaced by substitution substances. The idea was to replace the medicine of abuse with a similar product that could easily be stopped when need be. The replacement medicine was not harsh on my system and could be taken for a long duration. I had some noticeable withdrawal symptoms.
Catering to problems that arose post tapering the doctors increased the dose of one of my medicines while reducing the dose of another. In some cases, various permutations and combinations work.
It is quite important to set realistic goals and timelines while tapering. My doctors closely monitored every step throughout the process. They always encouraged me to open communication when needed. Though there were my ups and downs however their close supervision eased the process.
To Conclude
Many rare and chronic diseases characterize day-to-day unpredictable situations and symptoms. Managing medicines is not only about the list of medicines instead is unique and affects life.
Tapering is the practice of slowly reducing the dosage of medicines. The medicines are reduced before stopping them completely. Generally, the process helps to control the withdrawal symptoms. It may arise from the sudden shock that the body receives. It also ensures regular monitoring of symptoms, treatments, and medicines with our doctor.
The decision to taper medicines used for chronic care can be daunting for both patients and doctors. The process needs careful planning, patient-doctor engagement, and realistic goals.
I encourage my readers to seek professional guidance while considering tapering. It is an important process for long-term health benefits.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
