Unfortunately, side effects from steroids are common, which can be mistaken for general post-op difficulties. I had a very adverse reaction, and was hallucinating so the doctors took me off them after my fourth day in the hospital. I also experienced a heart arrhythmia that was likely associated with steroids according to my doctor. I have the look, with round cheeks, a voracious appetite, heartburn, sleep very little, nervous energy. I, too, was on Decadron.
Sleep problems are the most typical side effect.
Just finished ten days of 4 mg Decadron last Friday. When I was on steroids to reduce intracranial swelling, I had great difficulty sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time, and had nightmares . I would wake up really tired, wanting to go back to sleep, but having a very difficult time. I had classic manic depressive symptoms - my family doctor here actually gave me the test. I was sleeping about three hours a night, organizing closets and drawers in the middle of the night, couldn't stop talking, etc. etc.