Luke's Topical Steroid Withdrawal & Farm Support

Hi all, my brother has been quietly suffering through a health crisis for over a year now. Our family has come to realize that it's time to seek some community support. Although I could try to explain, my words would not adequately convey the gravity of his situation, so I asked him to share his journey below.

"Hello, friends and family. For just over a year now, I have been enduring a debilitating condition known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). This is the result of almost three decades of overprescribed steroids by numerous general practitioners, allergen specialists and dermatologists. What started as very minor eczema as a child turned into an addictive cycle of reacting to these steroids, and then progressively being prescribed more frequent or stronger doses to mitigate the previous.

As of late, there has been more doctors and studies acknowledging it as a legitimate concern, as are certain countries like the UK [http://bit.ly/4094BCh] and Singapore [http://bit.ly/3KpnieL], though here in the states it is still common to come across doctors who are not aware and, in turn, unknowingly lock their patients into a severe dependence with the only true relief being on the other side of a horrific withdrawal process. Listing the symptoms really does the experience no justice, though, includes oozing and peeling skin, edema, intense burning sensations, fierce shivering, insomnia, psychological disorders, and more. All of these combined have added up to me being completely disabled for much of last year, and still very much challenged currently."

Skin lesions are just the tip of the iceberg

Completely sleep deprived, enjoying a still day outside as any wind felt like razor blades

"Upon finally becoming personally aware of all this, I decided to get off the medication in February of 2022 and begin my withdrawal just a year into starting my own farm and business. I did not quite grasp what I was undertaking at the time and thought that I could work through it, simply enduring the discomfort. As time wore on, I came to understand the true gravity of my situation. Soon, my nerves wouldn’t let me sleep for more than a couple hours per night if I was lucky. My knees and ankles were so swollen and cracked, I couldn’t walk for many weeks at a time, and same with my elbows, it got so bad I couldn’t even reach my face to feed myself."

Ankles/feet too swollen and crusted to bear weight

First days walking again: one step at a time

"Still, I pushed through as best I could to keep things afloat with the farm. On one hand, the stress of trying to continue business seemed to weigh heavy on my healing, though, at the same time, it may have been the only thing that kept me going when I felt completely lost and in the dark. Reflecting on this past year, it has truly been the most excruciating and mentally draining time of my life, but, thanks to the loving support of family, I persevered."

Mom and niece making plant starts

His girlfriend doing the heavy lifting

Showing up as best he could to direct

"These days, I am feeling on the other side of it. I have found direction in therapies that ensure total recovery and, as I stay disciplined with these regimens, I see real progress that gives me confidence and a renewed sense of creativity and expression. I am still limited in my capacity to physically work, and I don’t have the endurance I once did, though it is returning. Getting through that first year may just be one of the greatest accomplishments in my life, but it took just about everything I had, physically, emotionally, and financially."

When sitting in a chair was not an option

Preparing nutrient solution

Sunset in the greenhouse

"I have learned a lot in the past year, though, and in many ways am finally feeling in a better place than I was before any of this started. I certainly know that where there is a will, there is a way, and so, I am not giving up…the truth is, I have just begun. I am more determined than ever to see this endeavor thrive, and more, to give back to the world. This farm means the world to me because it is my vehicle for giving back; a vector for spreading knowledge; a hub for expanding hearts and minds. My hope is to keep my dream alive and make this recent nightmare nothing but an origin story."

Somehow, through the hell endured, he managed to grow a few plants to help keep things afloat. Quite frankly, it's those same plants that kept him going. There is still much catching up to do, and more healing to take place, and he could use some support in bridging the gap -- giving him time and space to keep at this marathon. Our goal is to raise $15,000 which will cover his personal and medical expenses for six months. This will give him ample time to recover past the point of any further setbacks that would have him (again) unable to physically take care of himself and matters of work. He took a huge leap of faith in taking on these endeavors, both the farm and this withdrawal, and will reach the other side if only a gust of wind meets his back.

With love, concern, and gratitude,

Amy (little sister)