Frogie: how to taper off Lexapro and Xanax?

[joy2730]

Hope it goes well for Brownie and you. 

 

Joy

[Frogie]

3 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Hope it goes well for Brownie and you. 

 

Joy

Thanks Joy:

 

I saw you spent the day with your mom, daughter and granddaughter. How wonderful to have 4 generations together. I hope your visit was nice and enjoyable.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your husband and the tramadol.  I hope he can get some relief somehow. He's going through WD, now he knows how you feel lol...

 

I'm glad to hear you are stabilizing on 18 mgs. And working out. You have a lot more energy than me.

 

Hopefully, taking Brownie off her meds, she will continue to eat and keep gaining weight. If all goes well, we don't have to take her back to the vet for 4 months.

 

Thanks for thinking of Brownie and I. It means a lot to me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hi everyone:

 

I don't know what's wrong with me today but I've just sat and cried like a sissy.

 

I helped a friend yesterday. She called me before 7am yesterday, said she couldn't breathe and the ambulance was on the way. I got dressed really fast and got over to her house. I beat the ambulance and stayed on the phone with 911 until the ambulance arrived. She couldn't breathe literally. I'm glad she's ok. I spent all day yesterday with her. She had no money, so I bought her prescription, she paid me back but I had to ask her to.

 

I called her today to see how she was and she said oh blah blah went to the store and post office for me, so I'm fine. I'll talk to you later. You know I stewed and cried about it all day long, so I went to her house. I told her she made me feel like a piece of sh*t, and to go f**k off that blah blah was taking care of her now. I asked her where blah blah was yesterday. She said I didn't call her. She told me I was too worried about brownie to get her something to eat. I told her that was a down right lie. She had no money! And she needed to go home and eat some chicken noodle soup like the dr said, and go to bed. Not eat pizza and drink soda. She really never apologized for her actions. 

 

I guess i deserved to be to be treated like that, because "she's not all there", but still I told her a thank you would have been nice. I then left.

 

I'm still upset, but not crying. I'm sure I will when my fiancé gets home. He will say, didn't I tell you she's not all there and you have to take her with a grain of salt.

 

Lesson learned.

 

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Oh Frogie,

So sorry that you are feeling bad about this encounter with this woman.  You did a marvelous thing for her, which you should be proud of. Because she is not able to appreciate what you did for her doesn't take away from the goodness of your act.   It appears to me that she is not equipped to know how to treat other people. As for being a sissy, well we all have what I call "sissy days." But now can you stand tall and allow me to pat you on the back and say "job well done?" You were indeed a hero when she needed someone.

xo

RS

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Oh Frogie,

So sorry that you are feeling bad about this encounter with this woman.  You did a marvelous thing for her, which you should be proud of. Because she is not able to appreciate what you did for her doesn't take away from the goodness of your act.   It appears to me that she is not equipped to know how to treat other people. As for being a sissy, well we all have what I call "sissy days." But now can you stand tall and allow me to pat you on the back and say "job well done?" You were indeed a hero when she needed someone.

xo

RS

Hi RS:

 

I don't know how you do it , but you always seem to make me feel better. And make something good out of something bad.

 

I really appreciate your friendship, even if we aren't neighbors.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

8 minutes ago, Frogie said:

really appreciate your friendship, even if we aren't neighbors.

Sounds like you haven't lost your sense of humor, even with this garbage going on.  We are internet neighbors, just a click away.

[Frogie]

6 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Sounds like you haven't lost your sense of humor, even with this garbage going on.  We are internet neighbors, just a click away.

I love that 🙃

 

[Frogie]

I walked in this morning to do my volunteer work, and my boss asked me, "Are you here to work"? I told her yes. She said oh thank you, most people don't come back after they figure out its hard work. I told her this was my 3rd week, I like getting out and helping the community. When I left she gave me a hug and said I love you Hun. You are awesome and do a wonderful job.

 

Today, we re-arranged the back area where we sort clothes and such. My boss looked at me and there is a 10 foot tall pile of Christmas stuff, and said are you ready to tackle that? I told her not really, that I don't even get to see my granddaughter for Christmas this year. First time in her 10 years of life. I'm really having a hard time with that. I'm not putting up anything for Halloween, thanksgiving or Christmas. My uncle is coming, but he doesn't care, so why should I? I do it for my granddaughter.

 

I'm really having a hard time living out here. My dog is sick, then my only friend is probably not my friend anymore and now this.

 

I wish I could just run away!!! So I sit and cry instead 😭😭😭

 

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Hi Frogie,

OK, let's be neighbors.  Let's imagine we are sitting together having coffee or tea or whatever to drink.  We are having a nice piece of apple pie, slightly warmed with ice cream on top. We are trying to eat it fast because the ice cream is starting to melt due to the warmed pie. We discuss how much weight this will put on us, at least I discuss it.  We laugh.  You tell me about not seeing your grand daughter.  You tell me about Brownie.  I tell you Brownie is on the upswing, or at least appears to be for now. You think about that for a moment and agree.  But then we discuss how lonely you are living where you are. I give you recognition for the volunteer work you are doing and tell you I'm proud of you, but nothing will take away from the loneliness you feel and also missing your grand daughter. We laugh a little more because now the ice cream has melted around the pie and I'm trying to pick it up with a fork.  You go get me a spoon, we laugh some more.  What I am trying to tell you is you got a friend. I am laughing and crying with you. I am so very proud of you for doing the volunteer work. 

 

Ok, back to reality for a minute. Are you going to have to live indefinitely where you are? I think I read in one of your much earlier posts that you are going to eventually move back to an area you consider home.  Is that correct or am I imaging it?

 

Is that situation with the person you helped with the breathing problem might be still causing you distress?  If so, I am so sorry.

 

Also is there anyone at your volunteer job that you think you might like to get to know better?  Someone that you might like to eat apple pie with you, or perhaps pecan pie, or even a lemon migraine?  Ok, my going off on the pie thing is my attempt to put a little levity into this situation but I think you know what I mean.  Any,  just think about it  Again, I am proud of you doing this volunteer work.

[Frogie]

Hi Rachel:

 

I wish we were neighbors. We would be eating apple pie or cherry pie, with ice cream and whipped cream (has to be very fattening). You are drinking coffee, I'm drinking coke (don't like coffee). We are laughing and Brownie is barking because she wants some. Yes we are laughing because the ice cream is melting, and I was dingy enough to give us forks, not spoons. I'm laughing because I'm just getting fatter. (People actually ask me when I'm due, I tell them I'm not but thanks for asking, it's all in my belly).

 

The vet said her liver is as good as it's going to get for being 16. As long as she eats and drinks, and goes potty she wants to see her in 4 months. So I'm smiling about that.

 

Then we start talking about my granddaughter. I have never missed a Christmas with her. I text her mom and asked her if I'm going to see her around Christmas and what does she want. I have yet to hear an answer. That's breaking my heart. I've seen her in February May and August this year and that's it. They are too busy for me to have her. When we lived closer, I saw her 3-4 times a month sometimes that much a week.

 

I told my fiancé I will be so glad to go home. He said it's not going to be next year like we talked. What a slap. He said there is too much to do to get everything done to rent our place out and the barn needs a new roof. He said we were not moving broke. So we need to save again. Our savings got pretty depleted with the sewer, my teeth and Brownie. So hopefully the 1st of the following year, I'm hoping. But I'm not holding my breath. And he said he's not just taking a job so we can move. He wants a job he will like.

 

I love my volunteer job. It's hard work, but I get out of the house, and give back to the community. My boss is the only one that I really talk to, and I don't see her and I becoming friends outside of work.

 

I think I am still very hurt from who I thought was my friend. She hasn't even called to see if I'm ok or not. That hurts. I was going to call her today, but thought no, she can call me. So here I sit with tears running down my face. Another sissy day. And I don't do this.

 

I think everything has just caught up with me and it's just spilling out. I've kept all of this bottled up since June. I think the one I thought was my friend just broke the ice.

 

I know you laugh and cry with me, or you wouldn't spend your time writing me like you do. I really wish we were neighbors, I could sure use a hug right now.

 

But as far away as you are, thanks for being my friend and caring.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RachelSusan]

Hi Frogie,

 

We do have fun, don't we?

 

I'm sorry you are stuck in an area that doesn't meet you needs.  That sounds like a difficult situation.

 

I know you are in a window right now so good for you.  Hopefully your nausea is still staying away.  My nausea has passed but I'm still getting internal tremors late at night and early in the morning. I have a few other symptoms as well, however they are less intense than last week. I'll won't do another taper until I have had at least 30 days in the clear.  You passed that advice along to me. I believe you said you got it from Jan Carol.  I'm listening.  If you hadn't suggested that I would have probably thought two weeks was enough. You are helping me a lot as well. Thank you!

 

RS

 

 

[Frogie]

2 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Frogie,

 

We do have fun, don't we?

 

I'm sorry you are stuck in an area that doesn't meet you needs.  That sounds like a difficult situation.

 

I know you are in a window right now so good for you.  Hopefully your nausea is still staying away.  My nausea has passed but I'm still getting internal tremors late at night and early in the morning. I have a few other symptoms as well, however they are less intense than last week. I'll won't do another taper until I have had at least 30 days in the clear.  You passed that advice along to me. I believe you said you got it from Jan Carol.  I'm listening.  If you hadn't suggested that I would have probably thought two weeks was enough. You are helping me a lot as well. Thank you!

 

RS

 

 

RS:

 

Yes we do have fun. We need to when we are in this situation.

 

I am in a window, no nausea, except about Brownie, but that's nothing but nerves. I did tell you to wait 30 straight days of no symptoms before you taper. JanCarol told me that. I do the same thing.

 

I figured out my problem, crying, and not being myself. I woke up at 2:30 this morning with a horrible sore throat, ear ache, cough, and temperature. I was getting sick. Went straight to the dr this morning. I have strep, an ear infection and congestion. I'm on an antibiotic, cough syrup as needed, and an inhaler, as needed.

 

Didn't get to volunteer today, but I want to get well. I'm just going to take it easy this weekend. 

 

Hope le you are doing better than me.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Oooooh Poor Frogie,

Strep and the other complications are awful. Glad you got some medication. I hope you feel better soon.

RS

[Frogie]

27 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Oooooh Poor Frogie,

Strep and the other complications are awful. Glad you got some medication. I hope you feel better soon.

RS

Thanks,

 

I will be better in no time with the meds.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[direstraits]

Oh,Frogie

so much suffering..I'm so sorry.

at least it sounds like Brownie has been doing pretty good?

get well soon.

big hugs,ds

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, direstraits said:

Oh,Frogie

so much suffering..I'm so sorry.

at least it sounds like Brownie has been doing pretty good?

get well soon.

big hugs,ds

Thanks DS:

 

I appreciate you stopping by. Makes me feel better when my friends are "checking" on me.

 

I haven't had strep in a long time. I hope it goes away soon.

 

Brownies liver enzymes came down (not normal levels) , but good for a 16 year old dog. No more meds, still on special diet though.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Frogie,

 

Sorry that you're suffering 

 

Giving you and Brownie BIG hugs from across the pond, and hope you both feel better soon.

 

TC,

JC xxx

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

Frogie,

 

Sorry that you're suffering 

 

Giving you and Brownie BIG hugs from across the pond, and hope you both feel better soon.

 

TC,

JC xxx

JC:

 

Thanks for stopping by. Like I said makes me feel good when my friends stop by and check on me.

 

I just tried to PM you, but said you don't accept PM's?

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

(((HUGS))) back.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Frogie,

 

That's strange, anyone should be able to PM me.  In fact someone did earlier.......

 

The only reason I can think of is that I have reached the storage limit of my Inbox.

 

Will look into it.

 

JC xxx

[street129]

hi forgie  .. im cleaning out my inbox.... glad to meet you.

[street129]

On 10/11/2017 at 4:32 PM, Frogie said:

Hi Rachel:

 

I wish we were neighbors. We would be eating apple pie or cherry pie, with ice cream and whipped cream (has to be very fattening). You are drinking coffee, I'm drinking coke (don't like coffee). We are laughing and Brownie is barking because she wants some. Yes we are laughing because the ice cream is melting, and I was dingy enough to give us forks, not spoons. I'm laughing because I'm just getting fatter. (People actually ask me when I'm due, I tell them I'm not but thanks for asking, it's all in my belly).

 

The vet said her liver is as good as it's going to get for being 16. As long as she eats and drinks, and goes potty she wants to see her in 4 months. So I'm smiling about that.

 

Then we start talking about my granddaughter. I have never missed a Christmas with her. I text her mom and asked her if I'm going to see her around Christmas and what does she want. I have yet to hear an answer. That's breaking my heart. I've seen her in February May and August this year and that's it. They are too busy for me to have her. When we lived closer, I saw her 3-4 times a month sometimes that much a week.

 

I told my fiancé I will be so glad to go home. He said it's not going to be next year like we talked. What a slap. He said there is too much to do to get everything done to rent our place out and the barn needs a new roof. He said we were not moving broke. So we need to save again. Our savings got pretty depleted with the sewer, my teeth and Brownie. So hopefully the 1st of the following year, I'm hoping. But I'm not holding my breath. And he said he's not just taking a job so we can move. He wants a job he will like.

 

I love my volunteer job. It's hard work, but I get out of the house, and give back to the community. My boss is the only one that I really talk to, and I don't see her and I becoming friends outside of work.

 

I think I am still very hurt from who I thought was my friend. She hasn't even called to see if I'm ok or not. That hurts. I was going to call her today, but thought no, she can call me. So here I sit with tears running down my face. Another sissy day. And I don't do this.

 

I think everything has just caught up with me and it's just spilling out. I've kept all of this bottled up since June. I think the one I thought was my friend just broke the ice.

 

I know you laugh and cry with me, or you wouldn't spend your time writing me like you do. I really wish we were neighbors, I could sure use a hug right now.

 

But as far away as you are, thanks for being my friend and caring.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

this sounds good, i wish i was there. forgie i im cleaning out my inbox hope you can reach me. and thanks for getting back to me, i hope your dog gets better ..

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, street129 said:

this sounds good, i wish i was there. forgie i im cleaning out my inbox hope you can reach me. and thanks for getting back to me, i hope your dog gets better ..

Thanks street:

 

I hope she gets better too. Thanks for thinking of her. I really appreciate it.

 

We can always have a piece of pie just like Rachel and I if you need to talk.

 

Take care,

Frogiexx

[Frogie]

14 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

Frogie,

 

That's strange, anyone should be able to PM me.  In fact someone did earlier.......

 

The only reason I can think of is that I have reached the storage limit of my Inbox.

 

Will look into it.

 

JC xxx

Thanks JC:

 

I wrote this huge PM, went to send it and it said you didn't accept messages.

 

It could be that it needs cleaned out. It's happened to me before.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[street129]

2 hours ago, Frogie said:

Thanks street:

 

I hope she gets better too. Thanks for thinking of her. I really appreciate it.

 

We can always have a piece of pie just like Rachel and I if you need to talk.

 

Take care,

Frogiexx

so glad i found you. will be looking for you and your post from now on. got to go to get me something to eat. look for you later.

[Frogie]

46 minutes ago, street129 said:

so glad i found you. will be looking for you and your post from now on. got to go to get me something to eat. look for you later.

Glad we met too. I'm here most of the time. I guess I should find something to eat also.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Gridley]

That is great news about Brownie.  To me, what the vet said, "Her liver is as good as it's going to get for age 16" is very, very positive.  Little dogs live a long time and all the love you are giving her is the best medicine.  I have a special fondness for old dogs and please give Brownie a big pet for me.

 

I'm sorry about your having to live there longer than you had hoped.  I know it is hard.  

 

I'm sorry about your friend and your hurt there.

 

I'm very happy your volunteer job is going well.

[Frogie]

39 minutes ago, Gridley said:

That is great news about Brownie.  To me, what the vet said, "Her liver is as good as it's going to get for age 16" is very, very positive.  Little dogs live a long time and all the love you are giving her is the best medicine.  I have a special fondness for old dogs and please give Brownie a big pet for me.

 

I'm sorry about your having to live there longer than you had hoped.  I know it is hard.  

 

I'm sorry about your friend and your hurt there.

 

I'm very happy your volunteer job is going well.

Thanks:

 

I'm giving Brownie so much love (no more than she's ever had), that she cries when I leave. She's used to me being home now. I've been home for 4 years, except going to the store or something. Now I'm Volunterring and she doesn't like those 2 days at all.

 

I love my Volunterring. It's hard work, but I get out and meet people and give back to the community. Except now, I woke up at 2:30 yesterday morning with a horrible sore throat, headache and body aches. Went to the dr yesterday, and I have strep. I'm sure I got it from being out Volunterring. I'm not used to being in public much. So, I'm on an antibiotic, cough syrup as needed and an inhaler as needed. I should feel better by the weekend.

 

I wonder if I got it at the hospital when I was with my friend. Where I live there are only 4 beds in the er and the girl next to us had strep bad. They actually gave her IV antibiotics and sent her home with a prescription. That was Monday, and Thursday I was sick.

 

Oh well, it will go away soon. In the meantime, I get to snuggle with my Brownie. She's loving it.

 

Glad you are back and enjoyed yourself. I'll give Brownie your pet.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Hi Frogie

 

Get well soon! 

 

Big hugs to you and Brownie.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

[Frogie]

39 minutes ago, Flowers said:

Hi Frogie

 

Get well soon! 

 

Big hugs to you and Brownie.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

Thanks Flowers:

 

I appreciate that. I think I'm starting to feel a little better. But it's only been 2 days.

 

Hugs back!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Gridley]

Get well soon, Frogie.  Sorry you've got strep but you've got the medicine and will be fine soon.

[Frogie]

11 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Get well soon, Frogie.  Sorry you've got strep but you've got the medicine and will be fine soon.

Thanks. I'll feel better soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Gridley]

Sorry you're still sick, Frogie.

[Frogie]

9 minutes ago, Gridley said:

Sorry you're still sick, Frogie.

Hi Gridley:

 

Me too. I'm on a z-pack, tomorrow is my last pill. But today I've been sneezing and coughing like crazy, so maybe it's starting to break up.

 

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Well,

I took my last pill yesterday, and wasn't getting any better. When you look at my throat, it's very red with white spots. The z-pac didn't work.       

 

I called the dr and told him what was going on and he agreed, that the z-pac wasn't strong enough, so he called in another antibiotic. Cipro. I argued with him that I wanted Keflex, but he said either Clyndimiacin or Cipro. I took the lesser of 2 evils. Clyndimiacin is horrific for me. I end up with internal shaking, diarrhea, throwing up, very hyper and feel sicker. The Cipro, like it bothers others here, doesn't seem to bother me as much. I'm only taking it until my throat clears up. He said that was fine. But it gives me diarrhea, that's the only side effect. So here comes the Keopectate lol...  So I hope just 2-3 days and I'll be ok. I'm supposed to go see my in laws this weekend. He is 90 and she's in her 80's. If I feel like this, I'm not going, I don't want to be anywhere near them. My fiancé will go see them still. I guess I won't be Volunterring this week. I'm really missing it, but I have to get better. The dr thinks I picked this up from Volunterring because I never went out except to the store, and now I'm out in the public. He said strep and bronchitis is going around like crazy. It hasn't been cold enough to freeze, I wish it would.

 

Brownie is doing better, I think (or maybe I'm just hoping.) She ate her veggies this morning and 2 hours later she was barking to eat again. I always have boiled chicken for her and she ate a plate of that. She has been outside twice today. She hasn't been wanting to go out, but is begging to go out today. Please keep your thoughts and prayers for her coming.

 

I guess that's it for now. Can someone suggest a decongestant that won't mess with my WD or make me hyper? My nose is so plugged up. The dr gave me cough syrup, without codine, but no decongestant. I'm not taking it. Thanks...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

P.S. Hi RS, Blondiee, Flowers, Joy, Street, JC, Gridley, DS, and anyone else I missed. I hope you are all well.

 

 

[Junglechicken]

Frogie,

 

It sounds like Brownie is doing fine, its you who are suffering now!

 

I had a feeling you would have to switch ABs, so will be thinking of you and hope that these new ones do the trick.

 

When we have to be  "out there" and participating in the outside world again, its too easy to get hit with viruses etc., once again.  Staying within our 4 walls will inevitably reduce our risk of catching things going around. 

 

We all know as WD sufferers, that our immune systems aren't as strong as they used to be, however, the choice is ours.  Stay in our "bubble" of safety to reduce sickness, or get out there and start actually living again.

 

I think I choose the latter!

 

Good for you Frogie for leaving the safety of your bubble and making a life for yourself 

 

Hugs,

JC xxx

[Shep]

1 hour ago, Frogie said:

I called the dr and told him what was going on and he agreed, that the z-pac wasn't strong enough, so he called in another antibiotic. Cipro. I argued with him that I wanted Keflex, but he said either Clyndimiacin or Cipro. I took the lesser of 2 evils. Clyndimiacin is horrific for me. I end up with internal shaking, diarrhea, throwing up, very hyper and feel sicker. The Cipro, like it bothers others here, doesn't seem to bother me as much. I'm only taking it until my throat clears up. He said that was fine.

 

Hi, Frogie.

 

Please be very careful with Cipro, since you are also taking Xanax. Cipro (and all other fluoroquinolone antibiotics) are contraindicated for someone on a benzodiazepine because they affect the same receptor cites as benzos. 

 

From Wikipedia: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been noted by Heather Ashton and other authors as increasing the incidence of a CNS toxicity from 1 to 4% in the general population, for benzodiazepine-dependent population or in those undergoing withdrawal from them. This is probably the result of their GABA antagonistic effects as they have been found to competitively displace benzodiazepines from benzodiazepine receptor sites. This antagonism can precipitate acute withdrawal symptoms, that can persist for weeks or months before subsiding. 

 

For people with current or even prior benzo use, they are particularly dangerous: 

 

Benzodiazepine tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal syndromes and interactions with fluoroquinolone antimicrobials

 

Here's a list of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics which should be avoided if possible during withdrawal and well after: 

 

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

 

When I was active over on Benzo Buddies, there were quite a number of buddies that suffered severe setbacks due to the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, so please be extra careful with drugs like Cipro. 

 

I hope you're feeling better soon.