☼ Junglechicken

[Junglechicken]

Thank you Scally - I had no idea hydrocortisone cream was so activating.

 

It could explain the weird full body surges I had last week.

 

May have found my "miracle" gel which actually cools the skin and stops the itch.

 

Guess I am learning something every day here, lol.

[Junglechicken]

Cool (kept in fridge) hydration gel is proving to be very effective in combatting very dry, itchy and sore skin.

 

My skin is looking and feeling better. It's by AVEDA for those who are interested.

 

No improvement with the Peak Flow test :0(

 

Have been scoring 350 each time BEFORE taking my inhaler, and then it improves to 400.

 

Hope to God I don't have COPD.

[Junglechicken]

Got back from my p-doc appointment, and now I am concerned as he says the:

 

"You have had a range of physical symptoms, all that could be at least partly stress related".

 

I wonder now what the other part of the cause is??

 

Freaked out about this.

[scallywag]

JC, I hope you can let your doctor's comment go into the background. Note the word "could" in your report of what he said. There's considerable uncertainty.  He doesn't know. Essentially you said something and he responded with a possibility, not unlike a dog inside a house that barks at people passing by on the sidewalk. Stimulus-response.

[Junglechicken]

Ok, so my p-doc has advised that I hold at 2.5mgs for now.

 

He clarified that when I was ready, I could taper off Cipralex and mentioned that Cipralex was available as a liquid. However, when I asked the MD whether I could get it in liquid form, she said it wasn't available. I have mentioned this issue to the p-doc, so hopefully something can be done.

 

The p-doc also confirmed all of my physical symptoms as being stress-related. This was a relief.

 

My plan will be to continue with the horse riding and running.

Work on my problem solving.

Continue mindfulness meditation.

 

He has also given me some reading material to refer to.

 

The eczema battle continues, and I now have an additional 3 creams prescribed. I also he reading material about it, as it is chronic. Just hope to God I can get rid of it before I start working on 5th Sept.

 

Returned to the asthma clinic and did the spirometer test, and the result was NORMAL and above average.

My lung function is the equivalent of a 36 yr olds (I am 42).

I think it would be even better than this without my allergies.

The nurse suggested that I don't take the inhaler unless I absolutely have to.

[Junglechicken]

Eczema creams are working, thank God!

 

The itchiness and dryness has subsided after 1 day of treatment but I have been prescribed a VERY powerful steroid cream.

 

Also, got bad PMS - swimmy head/head rushes, period pain etc., due in 3 days.

[Junglechicken]

TOTM arrived today.

 

It was a very stressful day today...got up very early and drove 2.5 hrs to view rental properties out east.

 

Felt dizzy and very off as it was 86% humidity and 27 degrees C.

 

Also freaked out as I have a gland up behind my left ear and don't know what this means....does anyone have any insight on this? I have had a lymph node up in the same area but above my jaw and between my ear. This calmed down as I had some insect bites there.

 

Can't get my head around the gland though :0(

[Junglechicken]

The eczema has calmed right down around my eyes, chin, neck and arm. No more angry red skin but in its place a boat load of new wrinkles.

 

BUT, I have been having vision issues. My eyes seem to be very dry now, and I have trouble focusing, especially distance, and even more sensitivity to light.

 

Wondering if this is due to 2 months of excessive eye rubbing, and scratching my eyelids which have very delicate skin.

[AliG]

Hi JC.  I'm so sorry that you're having vision issues. It can be a passing symptom . I had them too at one stage - all gone now.

 

Have you read this link ? It might help to reassure you a little.

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6380-vision-symptoms-floaters-snow-blurred-or-dimmed-vision-etc/

 

I've mentioned before, that coconut oil is a good all purpose oil that can relieve a number of skin conditions. It's extremely soothing and you can use it on your face as well as your body. It might even help smooth some of those wrinkles . I love it and the scent . It always makes me feel like I'm on a tropical holiday ! 

Hugs,

Ali

[Junglechicken]

Thank you Ali......and for stopping by on my thread :0)

 

Having read the link you sent me about this, I also wonder if my vision issues are age-related, although I always had perfect vision until 2 weeks ago when my eczema was at its worst. I was afraid it had something to do with my blood sugar episodes.

 

My psychiatrist said that these low blood sugar episodes, bodily aches and eczema were "at least partly stress-related". Am still trying to get my head around the fact that stress can affect my blood sugar.

 

I love the smell of coconut, and it seems to help with a lot of symptoms.

[AliG]

JC. I know you have some health anxiety and I understand that, particularly with the effects of these drugs on just about every system of our body. 

 

What I have done during withdrawal is put down every symptom to W/D. I haven't questioned it. However, I had no pre -existing conditions. It just helped to take the pressure off and stop the worry.

 

If in a year or two something is still off , then I will get it checked out. In the meantime I will continue to put everything down to W/D. To me , that is a huge weight that I don't have to haul around everyday . It gives me more of a " Zen " feeling which I think has helped me in the long term so that I'm not anxious.

Try , if you can not to worry and stress.

Have you checked out any of the guided meditations/ music/ yoga etc for relaxing ? This is a lovely one. 

https://youtu.be/fbwGhyTSxCE

Ali

[Junglechicken]

Ali,

 

Thank you, this sounds like a much healthier lens to view the symptoms with.

 

Yes, it is extremely difficult to just ignore them and not get the symptom checked out - doing this puts my mind at ease.

 

Regards the low blood sugar - I had blood and urine tests done in Feb (Canada) and April (UK) 2016, and nothing showed up then. I had had a couple of low blood sugar episodes when we were still living in Canada. They seem to correlate with when I am stressed, and getting out of the car after having sat in it for over an hour

 

I have done some very lengthy walks (>2hrs) and never experienced any blood sugar issues.

 

Hugs,

JC

[manymoretodays]

JC, 

 

I just got some more of some Bee Pollen granules..........not real expensive and you/I can take just a teaspoonful or two for a.........I think extremely natural and gentle energy boost for when it feels like low blood sugar.  Were your tests of the fasting variety??   Did you get an A1C level done or was it something else?   Try not to listen too, too much to your Shrink.........even as helpful as you feel he/she is...........yah, of course you are stressed........moves, new jobs, traveling support person(I think I read that your hubs travels).............  You are still the most important and knowledgeable as far as being a team member in your own care and as to your own body needs.  Sounds like lot's of sensitivities now and yah...........agree with AliG's wisdom..........W/D stuff.  Yup, Coconut oil is so great.........definitely the WD 40 that many of us need during this time to keep us well oiled and at our best........LOL.......there is also a WD 40 here in the States, brand name, good for all manner of creaking hinges and stuff.  Be well.

 

AliG,

 

Love the meditations.........I started one........and keep in mind it is morning here.........then stepped on out for a smoke.......LOL.  I will use tonight though, as I am still.......and it's recent(since my last decrease)...........having just several short stretches of sleep through the night and not sure I am getting one good stretch of 5 hours or more.  Non the less.........pretty relaxed about it and still so very grateful for this wellness wave..........may it last!  Also.........may my one time, long term marriage partner of a very loooooooooooong time............show up with a alimony check today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    Grrrrrrrrrrumph! 

[Junglechicken]

Hi MMT,

 

Great to hear from you, and thank you for stopping by :0)

 

Yes, I have had fasting blood sugar tests done annually (all clear) and before we left for the UK in Feb and in April I had standard blood sugar tests done (all normal).

 

I have even requested that my doc do another blood sugar test, to which she said there was no need on account of my previous results.

 

Not sure what else I can do really.

 

I have so many lotions and potions now (because of the eczema outbreak) that there is literally no space for any more!!

 

We are moving for the fourth time since Feb next week, lol. Hey ho - God give me strength.

 

Hugs,

JC

[Junglechicken]

Just seen this on the 'Boots pharmacy' website:

 

"Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure,heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma and arthritis."

 

This summer I have experienced hypoglaecaemic events, headaches, asthma and eczema..... all due to stress.

[Junglechicken]

Will be requesting liquid Cipralex when I get my repeat prescription, as well as enough tabs to last me until the end of the year.

 

Need to lose weight as I have now gained 28Ibs since April. Once we have moved (this weekend) I will be cycling to work, resuming the running and continuing with the horse riding. I will also need to make time for meditation daily. All of these activities should help me keep the anxiety in check.

 

Been very stressed out, and had upset stomach/constipation; stomach gurgles, as well as bodily aches and pains.

 

The lymph node disappeared, the eczema has almost gone now.

[DaddyCee]

Hi JC.

 

All sounds like things are moving in a positive direction. Great to hear and keep up the good work!!

 

Namaste,

 

DC.

[Junglechicken]

Thank you DC, although it's hard to appreciate the positive direction when there is so much going on <gulp>.

 

My hubby and I have both been very overwhelmed TBH.

 

I hope you're ok, and I'm looking forward to our next SA Southwest UK meeting - need to agree a Sat in Sept.

 

TC,

JC

[Junglechicken]

Had a brief chat with one of the docs at my med centre.

 

He has suggested I talk to someone at the pharmacy because:

 

Cipralex (liquid/syrup) comes in 15ml bottles (£20), but he wasn't sure if a dropper was provided.

 

The measurement is 20mg per ml oral drops.  The manufacturer is Lundbrek.

 

Can anyone share any wisdom on this before I confirm with the doc that I can go ahead and collect it??

 

My concern is being able to do the 10% drops and dealing with such tiny quantities.

[AliG]

Hi JC.   Just get a syringe. That should do the trick.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/235-using-an-oral-syringe-and-other-tapering-techniques/#entry2607

 

Have a read through this. It should answer any concerns.

[Junglechicken]

Thanks Ali,

 

I'm just lacking in confidence because the quantities are so small.

 

The doc said he didn't want me to end up throwing the bottle away, (given how expensive it is), because I couldn't do the titration.

[scallywag]

Junglechicken:  To get smaller amounts, you could dilute the liquid.   Because I'm in a bit of fog when it comes to reading blocks of text, I couldn't interpret your current dose quickly from your sig.

 

Post your dose, I'll do the arithmetic.

[Junglechicken]

Thanks Scally, so am I, lol!

 

Current dose is 2.5mg

Will start reducing by 10% in January 2017 every 3-6 months.

I guess this will go something like this:

2.5

2.25

2.0

1.75 (1 year)

1.5

1.25

1.0

0.75 (2 years)

0.25

0 - Woo hoo!!! Freedom!!

[scallywag]

With the liquid, 1 ml = 20 mg, so you'd get 8 doses of 2.5 mg from 1 ml of the drops.

 

The easiest way is to put 0.5 ml (10 mg Cipralex) in a container with millilitre markings then add water to the 10 ml mark. Then you've got a solution where 1 ml = 1 mg. 

 

That dilution will cover easily for the first 3 steps: 2.5, 2.25 and 2.0 mg. At 2.25 mg you'll be discarding 1 ml of the diluted liquid every 4 days.  (4 * 2.25 = 9; 10 - 9 = 1)

 

After that you might want to withdraw volumes of Cipralex liquid less than 0.5 ml. Then you'll want a smaller, more precise syringe. 

 

You don't want to make more than 4-5 doses at a time. It's hard to prevent contamination (bacteria, fungi, mold) in a residential kitchen. So you've got to treat the solution as you would meat, poultry or fish -- use it while it's fresh or been refrigerated for only a few days.

[Junglechicken]

This is very helpful info Scally, thank you.

 

As I said I will be starting the taper in Jan 2017 (that's my goal and, all being well), so have time to get my head around this, lol.

 

The liquid taper is very daunting, probably because it requires so much precision. Not ideal :0(

 

Thanks again for your help Ali and Scally

[Junglechicken]

Hi all,

 

Have almost survived first week back at work, so thought I would quickly check in given that Fridays are a bit quieter.  I hit the ground runnning on Monday, and quickly realised that this is a VERY pressured job.  Very little time for small talk.  My brain was absolutely fried at the end of Monday and I thought I could not return the next day.  There is a huge amount of info to learn for this job, way more than I had imagined, but I will just have to go with the flow and hope for the best.

 

My biggest fear is not passing the 6 month probationary period.

 

Other stuff, now have the prescription for my liquid Cipralex (15 ml container) and the doc told me to take 3 drops daily and reduce from there.  I also have 2 months worth of pill form medication.

 

The not so good...had a major panic attack on Wednesday morning before work, having woken up with a stonking headache (which lasted most of the day and then completely disappeared by late afternoon), my legs gave way and I fell to the ground, I felt extremely nauseous, had very loud buzzing in my years, and got the sweats.  That was just horrible.  Bit the bullet, went to work.

 

Have had bad constipation since starting work (take 1 Dulcolax pill in the evening) and also thrush and am using Canestan Duo (pill and cream).  The itching has definitely decreased since a day ago. 

 

My weight has been creeping up, and I am not breathing properly (its too shallow), and I have been trying to get back into the routine of meditation after work before dinner.

 

We are off down to the southwest this evening which I am looking forward to.

 

Hugs,

JC

[AliG]

J C.  Please take care of yourself despite  the "pressurized job". It's not worth it if your health suffers as a result. Try if you can to keep a balance.

 

You may want to read through this again.

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/406-tips-for-tapering-off-lexapro-escitalopram/

 

This is a very strong drug that you will want to taper extremely slowly. I hope it goes well. 

Ali

[Junglechicken]

Thanks Ali,

 

Yes, I know my level of self-care has taken a beating because of work, but I am walking at every opportunity.

 

I haven't had a panic attack like that for literally months, and as Africa pointed out, it was the build of stress in my body releasing itself - aghhrr!  I let my p-doc know about the panic attack but I haven't heard back from him yet.

 

Once I get my security pass, I will cycle to work, and also go for lunchtime walks.  I just got back from walking for an hour this lunchtime.

 

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

 

Now, if my hubby had got a job before me I would be waaaaay more relaxed, but alas, we badly need the money as we spent a small fortune relocating back to the UK and have been living off savings since Feb.

 

Will just have to see how this goes over the next 6 months.....once my hubby gets a job, then that will help us a lot.  We have been under enormous pressure from many directions:

 

Elderly annoying/demanding/irresponsible parents

Jobs

Relocation/Logistics

Money

Unsold house in Canada - costing us $$$$ to run and its empty

My WD/health anxiety

Hubby's own anxieties

 

And so it goes on and on and on.

[AliG]

I know J.C. I can empathize with you as I've had my own fair share of family and business stress in recent times. The added stress can take it's toll.

My family situation is very difficult to deal with and has pushed me into quite a few waves.

 

I hope your situation  improves for you, soon.

Ali

[Africa]

JC You are doing so amazngly well. I agree so much with AliG in that you need to try and maintain a balance. 

 

We are going through a lot and also need time to heal.

 

Yes, the financial stress, abuse from family..... is tough. We need time to work through.

 

I'm so grateful I have met you and for all your kindness and support.

 

Hugs

Africa 

[Junglechicken]

Ali, I'm really sorry to hear that and I remember your story well.

 

Africa - I'm so glad to have met you too, and for your kindness and support. You and Ali are right about taking time to heal, self-care etc., Whether I like it or not, I am between a rock and a hard place until my hubby finds work. Once he does I will look at going part-time, but I have to get through the 6 month probationary period first before I can bring this up with my manager.

 

Man life is hard, we are so far off from leading the life we would love. I know I must sound ungrateful for what I have got, but it's been a never ending treadmill up Everest. The challenges just get harder and harder, and it's been like that for as long as I can remember.

[Junglechicken]

Survived second week of being back at work.

 

Got a bit more of an idea about what the hecks going on but had to fight to get it.

 

Its basically been a whirlwind of chaos as the team (those of whom are not on vacation) have been trying to get a number of actions completed for a major submission to a regulator. I have felt as though I have been of little value as I have no idea regarding the mechanics of such a submission.

 

New Manager will be taking over early Oct and seems really nice (also has a scientific background which is good) so we have something in common. There will also be another new team member joining in Oct.

 

At least I didn't have a panic attack this week. Got out for an hour's walk at lunchtime on Thursday in order to calm down. It's been very high stress which I could have seriously done without. I also have to keep up a front that I am A-ok for the next 6 months in order to pass the probationary period. This means that I have to deliver on all the areas I am accountable for.

 

Hey ho, in a few weeks I will go and have a few health checks done for free through the company - fingers crossed that they will all be clear.

 

Going to start cycling to work next week but have a few bits and pieces to get for the bike first.

[Junglechicken]

Hanging in there with the work.

 

They seem to enjoy throwing people into the deep end/chaos and state its the "only way to learn".

 

I joined the company at the back end of a major cost submission to a regulator (i.e. at the end of a long process), and so there is a lot of pressure to meet a major deadline and complete some audits beforehand. 

 

The Manager was expecting me to know where to find certain documents, which of course I didn't know.

 

Walked 8k at lunchtime as I was so fed up with it all.  Feel like a spare part/not adding any value and wish I had known about the cost submission.  I would have started a month later with the other 2 new people (its a new team) had I known.

 

On the health front, I have boils - are these to do with the immune system??  I know these aren't serious but want to get rid of them as they are uncomfortable.

 

Tomorrow I start cycling to work - whoopee!

[Junglechicken]

Had an awful day :0(

 

Going down with a cold, have boils, and about to get my TOTM - none of this helps BTW.

 

Keep being thrown into the deep end at work and it's grim.

 

Have been tasked with getting all the actions closed out for this major submission until the end of the week. Having to juggle multiple things and not able to remember stuff, get too stressed out etc.,

 

Seriously going to see how this goes. Once hubby gets a job am going to take a rain-check and see what can be done to improve things because this is a total nightmare. The only good thing is, is that my work isn't being sabotaged by the Manager like it was in Canada.

[brassmonkey]

Lots of check lists. One over all and ones for each smaller project. There are times OCD can be your friend.

 

(((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))

[Junglechicken]

Another bloody awful day :0(

 

Heavy cold, TOTM and non-stop info overload for 8 hrs.

 

My brain is fried...yeah, yeah, yeah, my brain is fried.....oooh I just love my job, yeah, yeah, yeah!!