Help Andrew in battling TSW

Dear friends and family,

As many of you are aware, over the course of the past year and four months I have been dealing with a debilitating condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). This happens as a result of the over use and over prescription of topical corticosteroids (ointments) used to treat eczema which I’ve dealt with my entire life. Basically the body becomes dependent on these medications at a more frequent use until it reaches a point where nothing can calm the condition. At this point the body goes into a severe withdrawal. The skin begins to ooze, crack, bleed, shed and itch at a bone deep level. For me this happened over 90% of my body within the first several months I felt like my skin was on fire and I looked like a burn victim. Aside from the obvious skin trauma, my lymph nodes swelled up like rocks, I had constant issues with regulating my body temperature and of course severe insomnia as I was in unrelenting discomfort. Naturally this lead to a mental breakdown as my life was completely taken away from me. I was forced to quit both of my jobs and move back in with family as I could no longer live a normal life.

After heavily researching and finding communities of people going through the same condition I learned that there is no cure for TSW. The only tried and true way to get through it is to completely submit to the withdrawal symptoms and live life the best you can. Eventually the body recovers on its own and the skin repairs. As anyone that suffers from TSW will tell you this is mentally debilitating and nearly impossible for many people. In 2022, one of the leading Dermatologist for TSW updated the healing guideline to 3-5 years. Moreover the healing process is extremely non linear. Some weeks you are in a flare up, itching, shedding, burning and bed ridden. While other weeks your body is in a calmer state and healing. You can imagine that not only does this destroy your mental well-being but it makes working consistently, planning and living your life incredibly difficult as you never know when your body will go into a flare.

As of today January 16th, 2024 I have been in withdrawal for a year and four months. I have experienced a nonstop up and down cycle of healing, thinking I’m finally getting over this condition only for a flare up to happen and crush those hopes. I have missed out on holidays, countless life events like my brothers wedding and most recently my grandmothers funeral. The latter of which happened a few weeks ago. It was soul crushing and brought me my mental limit with my healing journey. It led to me actively seeking an alternative as I can no longer be a slave to this condition. I need my life back.

One of the most difficult things about TSW is how controversial it is in the dermatology community. Many dermatologists do not acknowledge the condition. Just like countless others I experienced several dermatologists prescribing more and more steroids only for my condition to worsen after I stopped using the medications. When I brought up TSW I was made to feel stupid, ridiculed and openly mocked by medical professionals that couldn’t comprehend or were too arrogant make an effort in listening to what I was going through. Sadly this is something echoed by the thousands of TSW sufferers across the planet. It is why the community is so strong and constantly looking alternative means of healing.

In researching and communicating with other people dealing with TSW I came across CAP (Cold Atmospheric Plasma) therapy. It is a treatment that was initially created for people that needed help in healing wounds, like people with diabetes. Essentially it stimulates cell proliferation and expedites healing. People with TSW have started seeing incredible results with long term/consistent treatment. While it isn’t a complete cure, I found more and more patients sharing their incredible stories. People are expediting their healing and getting their lives back.

The unfortunate reality for me is that there are only 3 facilities in the world that provide CAP therapy. Singapore, UK and Thailand. Aside from geographic challenges, the therapy requires weekly treatments for an average of 6 months along with living in a controlled environment free of irritants.

Finally that is what brings me here. I have been in contact with the facility in Thailand and they have accepted me into their program starting late April 2024. I have been steadfast, optimistic and strong in my healing because of my incredible family, friends and loved ones. While I am extremely reluctant to do this, I humbly ask for help in a way possible.

Breakdown of expected expenses:

$3,500 travel costs (plane tickets, daily transport etc)

$1000-$2000 per month CAP treatment

$500-$600 per month for accommodations

$200-$300 per month food and miscellaneous expenses

To anyone reading, first and foremost, thank you. Even if you are unable to contribute financially just listening and possibly sharing my story means the world to me. I look forward to coming home with my life back and sharing it with many of you once again.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Andrew