Kerry,
It is so amazing what all these meds and treatments do to our husbands. We didnt have problems with the steroids, but last night my husband Erik was having a lot of anxiety and I suggested he take one of his adavan (sp)and about a half hour afterwards he started going crazy, he was flipping around in bed swinging, kicking, and he pulled his food IV pole onto himself and began to fight it, I went over to fix it and he ended up jacking me in the jaw. This is a man who is 6'4" and 250 (normally 300) pounds, I am not anywhere near his size. I am okay, but I called the doctor and we saw him first thing this morning. He changed his meds and we now know that adavan is a NO NO!! You have a tough job, and it surely makes it tougher when our spouses arent their normal selves. (or even close) I sure hope you have some other help in this whole thing, because it sounds like you need to ask someone to be with him for a few hours, while you go do something all for yourself. Get your hair done, or get a massage, or just go to the bookstore and relish the quiet!!! It is really important to take the time for yourself. I was told this over and over on this forum, and the only way to be the best "helper" caregiver is if you are caring for yourself. I have had some of what you describe as nervous breakdowns too, and that is when I know I need to call in some help. You will be amazed at how refreshed you will feel after taking a few hours to yourself.
God Bless
Im right here with you in all this
Jennie