Hello All,

I have started a GoFundMe for my Partner, Zane.

For over 18 months now, Zane has been battling with the awful, life-altering condition, called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).

Here is a video about it

Going into this withdrawal process, he went in blind. Starting just by accidentally running out of topical steroid cream and wanting to see how his skin would go, to four days later breaking out in hot red patches and a bone-deep itch all over his body.

From trialling dermatologist-prescribed immunosuppressant injections every fortnight, then having to stop them due to adverse reactions to the medication. To trialling holistic natural medicines with the guidance of a naturopath. To trying to manage with diet, sunlight, and exercise. From lathering on moisturisers 5+ times a day to No Moisture Therapy, it feels like we have tried everything.

Now, the condition has become worse than we ever imagined. Spending the last month in and out of doctors appointments and hospital ED trips for chronic and crippling 10/10 pain, infections all over his skin, and just hoping for any medical help at all.

However, as this condition is still quite rare, quite new, under-researched, and even seen as taboo in western dermatology spheres, we're left with not much hope. The constant medical gaslighting Zane has endured, being told that he just has a "very bad case of eczema", despite having every single symptom for TSW. Doctors have pushed for him to use steroid creams again, proving that they are not listening to his case. The constant dismissal and at times mockery from medical professionals that Zane has received is enough to make anyone give up hope.

Not a day has gone by in the last year that Zane has not felt itchy, has not felt dry, has not felt hot and oozy, has not had skin flakes fall off his body (picture the worst sunburn shedding you've ever had, now imagine it everywhere 24/7). Hell, I couldn't tell you the last time Zane had a full nights sleep and woken up feeling well rested. Zane's skin is so thin that merely drying himself with a towel can cause wounds. Zane's skin is so tight he can barely make his morning coffee. Zane's skin is the largest organ of his body, and it is failing him, stripping him of the life he once knew.

The sheer physical impact that this condition has on one's ability to function has meant that Zane can no longer work. He can no longer do things he loved such as running, Muay-Thai, or going to the gym. He cannot eat things he used to enjoy. He lives every waking moment in a state of anxiety, questioning every decision he makes during the day wondering if it will flare up his skin. Some days, doing everything right, just to end the night getting flared up and creating wounds with no effort at all.

I have turned to GoFundMe, as unfortunately, treatments that have proven to aid TSW recovery are not cheap. We are wanting to invest in a red light panel, so that the phototherapy at home can aid his recovery. If we have enough spare funds we hopefully might be able to fly Zane to Thailand or Indonesia to receive CAP Treatment, (as one of the most effective therapies for TSW healing is of course not offered in Australia).

Thank you for reading.

If you donate, thank you so much for donating.

If you don't donate, at least you might now be a little bit more aware about this awful condition. The more awareness the better.

#FuckTSW