LarryS: tapering off venlafaxine / Effexor 225mg

[LarryS]

Howdy You All,

 

Just read the following article.  I think this research is awesome, and you know how much I like rating systems. 

 

Researchers Identify Factors to Predict Risk of Antidepressant Withdrawal - Mad In America

 

I added up my score and my risk score for coming off venlafaxine is a 9 out of possible 11 score.

 

Very long-term use (greater than 3 years)                          3

High risk (venlafaxine)                                                           4

Greater than the minimum therapeutic dosage                   1

Mild to moderate past withdrawal symptoms                      1

Very high risk, greater than 7 points              TOTAL            9

 

In the beginning of my story here on my introduction thread, I recall talking about the psychiatrist that put me on this drug, and his comment about getting back off of it.

 

His comment:  Only 20% of the people who try to get of venlafaxine ever get off.

 

My confident response:   I'm in the 20%

[LarryS]

My Monday May 22, 2023, post revealed my need to rest.

 

Today is Friday, May 26, 2023.  

 

I put an event on my calendar Monday.  It states:

 

Larry's day of freedom in God.

 

No more Venlafaxine.

No more daily tracking.

Love others and appreciate them as God's children.

 

Amen

[LarryS]

As I write this at 3:45 am my time, I feel exhausted.  My CPAP machine's new counting cycle began about 1:00 pm yesterday.  It currently shows hours of 6:06.   I find no rest.

I do seem to be in waves and windows and waves again.

 

I saw my previous primary MD doctor's replacement on Thursday.  We had a good long talk about my history of wanting to get off venlafaxine and he seems in tune with me.  I like him.  I think this could work out.  He has come to his new position through the "advanced registered nurse practitioner" (ARNP) training route.

 

Thursday was day 21 of zero venlafaxine.  He thinks I should be recovering about now from my drug drop.  I'm not sure how long it will take for me to feel well.  This extreme fatigue is very difficult to go through.   I say to myself, hang in there Larry.

 

Our married friends of similar age want to get together as much as we want to get together with them.  Alas I had to just call it off.  From what I know of the health challenges they are going through; it is probably best for both of us that we take it easy and live to have fun another day.  😴

[zepedroj]

1 hour ago, LarryS said:

As I write this at 3:45 am my time, I feel exhausted.  My CPAP machine's new counting cycle began about 1:00 pm yesterday.  It currently shows hours of 6:06.   I find no rest.

I do seem to be in waves and windows and waves again.

 

I saw my previous primary MD doctor's replacement on Thursday.  We had a good long talk about my history of wanting to get off venlafaxine and he seems in tune with me.  I like him.  I think this could work out.  He has come to his new position through the "advanced registered nurse practitioner" (ARNP) training route.

 

Thursday was day 21 of zero venlafaxine.  He thinks I should be recovering about now from my drug drop.  I'm not sure how long it will take for me to feel well.  This extreme fatigue is very difficult to go through.   I say to myself, hang in there Larry.

 

Our married friends of similar age want to get together as much as we want to get together with them.  Alas I had to just call it off.  From what I know of the health challenges they are going through; it is probably best for both of us that we take it easy and live to have fun another day.  😴

Hi Larry,

 

I also took Venlafaxine,  been off it for three months (89 days actually 😅) and even tho I'm not through the woods, I'm doing better.

 

Still overall down, but at least I'm starting to feel pleasure in certain things: hanging with friends, working out, watching shows...  In time, you too will feel less tired and be hanging with friends. I'm hoping the best for you. Stay strong 💪. 

 

Godspeed 

[j1290]

3 hours ago, LarryS said:

This extreme fatigue is very difficult to go through. 

It's amazing how strong the fatigue can be, isn't it?  You will get to the other side of this, Larry.  Glad to hear you found a new doctor you like and who is supportive.  Stay strong!

[LarryS]

Monday May 29 Day 25

 

Thought I would throw some numbers on my six symptoms.  I'm not tracking any more.  These numbers relate to how I am feeling right now.

 

Anhedonia 7,  Insomnia 8,  Fatigue 9, Head pressure/ Headache 7,  Back pain 3,  Neck pain 2

 

I have almost daily enjoyed a hot bath where I float in the water, just relaxing and letting the thoughts flow through my mind.  They are all good thoughts, dreams of the future and the blessings I have experienced and the blessings to come.

 

I will receive my Monday massage soon.

 

Then my twin brother will pick me up later in the afternoon.  We will buy some flowers on this Memorial Day and set them at the grave of father and mother.  We will remember them.

 

[LarryS]

I had a good energy day yesterday.  Got to talk with youngest brother by phone for hours.  Also talked with twin brother and youngest sister who dropped by my home.   Felt good until late evening, then went to bed.

 

Today, day 27, I have been exhausted all day.   I have gone to bed for 3 one-hour naps and just can't seem to recuperate.  It is a decent sunny day which always improves my mood.  I'm just in from sitting out in the sun for a short reasonable time.

 

I rode my stationary bike this morning for 20 minutes.  I have been told by two people that I need to do some active activity.  They say get started moving again.  Do what you can but get moving.  I will.

[LarryS]

June 1, Day 28

I felt some significant exhaustion all morning Thursday.  I had a lot to do and kept busy.

 

I saw my sleep doctor at 11:45 am.  We had a long discussion about the value of utilizing a sleep aid medicine.  Trazodone was offered.  Since I have taken Trazodone in the past and did not recall any issues with taking it, I consented to take a prescription. 

 

In the afternoon I felt less exhaustion and enjoyed the window.  I found the tips for tapering Trazodone on this website.  After reading the tips and effects people were having to get back off the drug, I decided, NO, I'll continue with exhaustion for a while longer.   I have worked too long to get off Venlafaxine, simply to go on to another psychotic drug.

 

Sleep aid drugs seem to be the only tool doctors have to offer their exhausted patients.  They are all addictive and folks can get into trouble when they try to stop them, particularly if they do not understand what they are taking.

 

The full effect of exhaustion came back again in the late evening.

 

I did ride my stationary bicycle today for 20 minutes.  I also enjoyed sunning myself today for 10 minutes front and 10 minutes on back.  Took wife and dog for a late evening walk around my favorite wetland trail.  It was still sunny and reasonably warm.   A beautiful day today.  😎

 

 

[FindRest]

I’m glad you didn’t take the trazedone. I’ve been tapering Ambien for a few years and it”s not fun. I’ve been holding it since the beginning of the year in preparation for the sleeplessness that usually comes after getting to zero Effexor. 
 

It’s sad how getting to zero increases the exhaustion so much. You’re doing well keeping yourself going and doing things in moderation. 

 

[LarryS]

@FindRest      I'm so thankful to have a resource here to go to and obtain the wisdom from those who have experienced and written down their experiences with a particular drug.

 

I had recalled taking trazadone some unremembered years ago and could not recall what the experience was.   I was younger then, and I know as we age our bodies do not handle drugs as well as they did then.

 

Appreciate having your company as I walk to the goal of recovering from venlafaxine.  It is hard to keep going through exhaustion, but it is apparently necessary.  Again, I will say, suffering refines us.  We choose how we learn from our suffering.

[LarryS]

Day 30, ZERO Venlafaxine

 

Today was such an awesome day.  Why?  Because I spent it at a beautiful northwest county park with family and friends of family.  I find nothing more invigorating than being with family and friends.  It enlivens me so much.  I have come to realize more and more how important it is for me to be in a social setting.  A time of sharing ourselves with one another.

 

The occasion was a birthday celebration for a niece's son who was turning 8? years old.  My sister and her daughter were throwing the celebration.   They planned it well with all the trimmings.  The young fellows' friends were there as well as his brother and his friends.  His brother struck me as a very "cool" dude with hat and sunshades.  I told him so.  "You're a really cool dude, man!".  He ate it up, I'm sure.

 

My sister, my sister's friend, my youngest brother and his wife, and my wife and I are all retired from the work-a-day world.  We have learned the pleasure of leisurely company.  No rush, just one day at a time.  What a perfect day in the northwest also with regards to weather.    Sunny and a perfect 73-degree high temperature today.

 

My part was to voluntarily pay for a shelter with tables and barbecue grill, close to the one restroom for us older folks.  I knew it would be an appreciated benefit for us more mature adults.

 

Each of us older adults had wisely brought our one chairs or lounge chairs for comfort.  We sat around in a semicircular fashion, talking, joking and yes laughing.  My wife has this uncanny ability to throw out witty quips that make us laugh.  Occasionally, I may even be able to sling something out that others enjoy laughing at.

 

Anhedonia has considerably left me, and I have so much more deep feelings that I enjoy now.  I also cry easily.  What a pressure relief this is at the right moments when the feelings are deep.  I did not cry today.  It was a happy time.

 

There is a long circular dock that surrounds a designated swimming location at the lake.  I took three walks around it today.  The first time I came upon a man and his son, fishing from the dock.  My father trained me to be a fisherman, I love trout fishing from lake or stream.  I asked the man, how is the fishing?  He said fine and pointed to two fish he had swimming in a container.  As the conversation progressed, I learned that he was a beginner fisherman.  The weight and one hook where all tangled up, and yet they had managed to catch two fish.

 

Seeing the situation, I started talking to him about what he could do to keep his line and hook from tangling so badly.  He listened intently, but I could see I was talking about things that he had no knowledge of.  So, I proceeded to show him how to tie his weight about 3 feet above the hook.  I went through a special knot that my father had taught me three times slowly.  He watched.  He was appreciative of my instructions.  I left him to his fishing.  I felt so good, knowing that "I had taught a man to fish."

 

The second time, about an hour later I took another stroll along the dock.  The man and his son were still fishing.  I stopped and looked; they had caught one more fish.  This was good.  They were patiently continuing to learn a new skill.  I was happy for them.  They smiled at me.  Life was good for us all.  

 

I enjoyed being helpful in other ways today, each one bringing me pleasure, and receiving the appreciation of the one who I helped.  Life is good.

 

The third walk around the dock, I encouraged my wife to come along.  My brother's wife and my sister's friend decided to come along.   As we walked downhill on a wide paved path toward the dock on the lake, I said, lets team up and I reached for hands.  We held each other's hands side by side down the path.  When we got to the narrower dock, we split into two's, my wife and I, and the other two together.   We slowly strolled taking in the seen.  Boats in the lake, people playing in the swimming area, other activity on the dock.  It was all wonderful to behold.

 

Lots of pictures will help us remember this awesome day in the magnificent northwest of the good old USA.

 

[RachelSusan]

@LarryS Hi Larry. I am sure you don't realize it but your post is a gift for us. The way you described it allowed me to be part of it. Thank you for sharing a little slice of your beautiful day with me.

[FindRest]

14 hours ago, LarryS said:

Anhedonia has considerably left me, and I have so much more deep feelings that I enjoy now. 

At what point in your taper did you notice the anhedonia lessening? Would you say it has lessened significantly since you’ve been at zero? I am looking forward to the day mine improves.

 

@RachelSusan says it well. You have this knack of saying things in a way we can all travel with you. Am very happy you had such a wonderful day. I’m happy for you.

 

 

[QueenElisabeth]

Dear Larry,

it's so hopeful to read about life after a taper. "As if" it is really possible to create that. I am still searching, as my Anhedonia is a thick 8 in the morning, in the evening it can be 3 to 4.

I relate so much to the pleasure and joy that can be experienced in the right social setting. Even though I can't fully enjoy it right now, I do feel the difference and see the change inside myself deeply. Energizing me, and the softness inside me is noticeable. 

I hope to break through the veil of A soon. Keep up the healing and the growth! 

A friend of mine is introducing me to X39 patches, which increase the Copper peptides in our body, and re-activate our stem cells. She had awful hip pain, but now suddenly doesn't have pain after 1,5 years of increased and constant pain.  Apparently, it heals people from so many things ( which makes sense if it really activates your own stem cells).  I will try it for my health challenge.  I pray it works.  People tapering need a break... need help... 
If it works, I will let you know. It could potentially help you with your back pain.

With love,

[LarryS]

On 6/4/2023 at 8:34 PM, FindRest said:

At what point in your taper did you notice the anhedonia lessening? Would you say it has lessened significantly since you’ve been at zero? I am looking forward to the day mine improves.

 

@FindRest  Currently, the second "POPULAR POSTS" above marks the day, May 31, 2021, when I realized anhedonia had lessened considerably for me.

 

On 6/4/2023 at 9:29 AM, RachelSusan said:

I am sure you don't realize it but your post is a gift for us. The way you described it allowed me to be part of it. Thank you for sharing a little slice of your beautiful day with me.

 

@RachelSusan  Thank you for the comment.  It is my hope that my journey can supply some hope to others.

 

On 6/5/2023 at 2:56 AM, QueenElisabeth said:

it's so hopeful to read about life after a taper.

 

On 6/5/2023 at 2:56 AM, QueenElisabeth said:

I relate so much to the pleasure and joy that can be experienced in the right social setting.

 

@QueenElisabeth  Having hope and being with friends and family are two very important things we can do to energize us to keep up the good fight to get to zero antidepressant drugs.

 

[LarryS]

Day 31, ZERO VENLAFAXINE

 

Another awesome day.   I awoke feeling some energy.  

 

After a leisurely breakfast, I say to the wife, let's go to the 9:30 am service at the church, instead of watching the 8:00 am service on the TV.  She says OK.  We arrive at the church and walk in.  The place is filling up and the atmosphere exudes energy and excitement.  We find our seat as the band begins to play and everyone starts singing songs of praise and worship.  The energy builds in my wife and me.  We worship almighty God.

 

The message is about going out on the great commission to other areas of the world who have not heard about the way of salvation and the promises of God.  The pastor also talks about the attitude one should have in going out with this message.  It is refreshing to me to hear this message and the way the pastor presents it.

 

Immediately after attending church, we drive to the home of our small group Bible study we attend regularly.  We engage in lively conversation prior to getting started.  The leader has provided us questions in advance through email about today's study in John 10: 1-21.  The leader starts the discussion, but anyone can jump in with a question, observation or additional support from some other reference in the Bible.  It is a very good lively discussion.  We end in prayer for one another's prayer requests.  Then we may talk some more before leaving.

 

We get home about 2:00 pm and had a late lunch.

 

I'm still feeling some good energy and the idea popes into my head to go on over to my son's house who lives only 15 minutes away.  I call him first to see what he is up to.  He says, "I'm washing the truck." Oh, well just checking, thought I would drop by for a few minutes.  "What for?"  Just thought I would drop by to chat a little.  "Yeh, but I'm just washing the truck".  No problem will just hang around a bit.  See ya in a bit.

 

I arrive at my son's house, and he is washing the truck.  How is it going?  Pretty good.

 

His two boys come out, age 11 and 9, and I start talking to them.  They want to play some basketball, and I say sure let's do it.  They have a hoop with net standing at the edge of the cul-de-sac bubble.  We start shooting hoops.  They have three basketballs so we each have our own.  I haven't done this in ages, and I know I have to be careful not to hurt myself.  I get a bit winded and slow down, then stop to catch my breath.  We are having a great time.

 

Then we go into the house and play three rounds of the card game "Uno".  I win the first round.  Each gets a turn and wins.  

 

Then they want to jump on the back yard trampoline.  Great!  I certainly know better than to get on that thing at my age.  But I use to be a pretty good springboard diver at the local pool when I was a teen.  They are trying to do a forward single flip and land on their feet.  I start coaching them, telling them, only one on the trampoline at a time, so they can gain maximum height and not be disturbed by someone else on the trampoline at the same time.  They are not quite making it.  I say, you would have an easier time doing a single back flip first.  They don't want to listen.  They keep trying forward flips.  They get a little better, but not all the way.  There is a competition going on between the two brothers.  I say in the end, I'll let you practice another week on your own.   Then I'll see if you can do it.  I had a great time and say goodbye.

 

What an amazing day!

[LarryS]

Day 32, Monday, NO VENLAFAXINE

 

I wake up with some fatigue today.  Since I'm not taking notes anymore, I don't remember reasons why.  Maybe too much having fun yesterday.  Maybe just not enough sleep.  I'm falling behind posting each day.

 

The whole day just doesn't get better.  A nap doesn't help.  

 

I do have things to get done so I push myself through the day.

 

I do have an appointment at COSTCO to get an eye exam.  I need some glasses, my eyes are fatiguing too easily.  After the exam I pick out some frames and purchase the eye wear.  They may be ready in two weeks.

 

And so, the day goes.

[LarryS]

Day 33, Tuesday, NO VENLAFAXINE

 

I wake up feeling like I got some rest.  I hope this lasts!

 

I have a list of little items from various stores that I have been wanting to get, but it just hasn't been the right time to go do it.  Today I will take the wife to a four-hour class at the senior center that she loves going to.  While she is there, I will get this done.  

 

I make a list on a single sheet of paper of each store and the items there I want to get.  I also number each store along the route I will take to get this job done most efficiently.  

 

I think I did a few other things before it is time to get breakfast on.  We go through the morning routine.  Then at 9:30 am I take her to her class about 25 minutes' drive away.  I drop her off, and now I can go shopping.  My plan is to go to the dog groomer first and just drop a certificate that our dog got his vaccines.  But before I get too far, I think, I should drop buy a pet store and pick up at least some of the items that I was going to get from the pet store that is on my list.  The pet store I usually go to, doesn't always have everything I want.  So, first thing, I'm already making a minor detour.  I do pick up a few items.

 

Then I am on the way to the dog groomer, when I see a department of transportation truck blocking the entrance to the grooming establishment.  I make a quick decision and turn into a driveway of the drug store I was going to do last.  I return one item and pick up two items.

 

Next, I get to the grooming store by a different route.  It is just across the street basically from the drug store.  I drop the certificate.

 

Now I decide to go to the third store on my list.  Off I go.  I do make it to the third store, a large home improvement store.  I pick up the three items on my list but have thought of a third item.  The third item is big and heavy.  I decide to purchase the three items and take them out to the vehicle.  I have been thinking of an item I have been trying to get for some time at a Naturopathic doctor's office which is not that far from this location.  I call the office, and low and behold, they have the item, and I can obtain two.  I have to fit this in.  

 

I drive the vehicle a little closer to the home improvement stores garden center where the large item is.  I walk in and see some hanging flower posts already beautifully planted.  They catch my eye and I look them over and have to have one.   I grab the one I want.  I proceed to the large item with a cart.  I grab three 2 cubic foot bags of brown bark.  I wheel the bags and flowerpot to the check-out stand and the customer in front of me wants to pay cash.  The clerk does not have enough cash at the current register so has to switch registers.  The process drags on and on.  Finally, it is my turn to pay.  I use my card.  I'm quickly out to my care, loaded and on my way to the unplanned naturopathic office.

 

I obtain the items at the doctor's office fairly quickly and I'm on my way to planed stop 4, Staples.  I'm getting hungry by now.  I remember a Dairy Queen fast food restaurant is easily accessible on the way.  I stop for a bite to eat.  This also makes a good pit stop.  The lunch goes well and in reasonable time.  It is 1:00 pm and I have two stops to make still.  I'm to pick the wife up at 2:00 pm.  I best get going.

 

Luckily, I get some customer help finding the two items at Staples.  This is good.  I'm feeling a bit on the edge.

 

Planned stop 5, a pet food and accessories store, is next and final stop.   I know this store well and obtain all but one item without help.  I check out and it is 1:20 pm.  I don't have time to drop this stuff off at home.  It will take me about 30-minutes to get to the senior center.  No problem, I just go directly to the senior center.

 

I walk into the senior center class and low and behold there is a 13-piece senior center band playing old familiar tunes.  I see my wife sitting up front and I take a seat in the back.  Each band member takes a turn at their favorite tune.  Some done well, and some just barely getting the tune out.  Then comes a familiar tune.  "Could I have this dance, for the rest of my Life?"  I know this tune well and it is being sung well by the person who has picked it.  I'm inspired to get up and dance.  No shyness here.  I get up, approach my wife, extend a hand and invite her to dance.   It is a waltz that we are dancing to.  I start singing the tune also and my wife joins in.  We are having a great time.  Everyone is watching, and we know it.  Who cares.  At the end of the song, I swear, I see her lips coming in, and we kiss.  Life is beautiful.  Most everyone is smiling, at least those who still have some energy to do so.

 

Another very good energy day.

 

 

 

[Faure]

Wow,  Larry you are moving forwards in leaps and bounds. I couldn’t do all the things you did on Tuesday. I’d be exhausted for a week! I look forward to the day I too can have a regular day like regular people!  So happy to read your good news ☺️

[RachelSusan]

@LarryS Day 33 was wildly productive with a little romance thrown in at the very end. Well done Larry.

[LarryS]

I have planned a getaway trip for my wife and me.  We will leave June 11 and return June 19.  We are going to the Oregon coast.  We will spend three days in Seaside and five days in Canon Beach.  This is to be a relaxing getaway.  My wife grew up visiting her grandparents who lived year-round in Canon Beach.  She has great memories of her youth there.  She is excited to go.  We have in the past stayed in our trailer at a resort in the area with our children which are all grown now.  They now take trips to the Oregon coast with their families.  I sold the trailer, so we do motel stays now.  I have seen the pacific coast from the southern tip of California to the northern tip of Washington state and I can say there is no more beautiful beach than Canon Beach, OR.

 

This may be my last post prior to departure.  I'm not taking my laptop with me.  Pease and quiet for us.

 

Sun, pool, surf, lounging, meals out on the town, browsing the town stores, people watching, watching kites fly, watching beach volleyball games, watching sandcastle building, tide pools, sunrises, sunsets, fresh fish food, just to name a few things that can be done.

 

I will be driving.  I'm hoping for a good window day.  It is 219 miles one way.  Google Maps says 4 hr. 45 min. drive.  I anticipate multiple rest stops and leisurely lunch will add some hours in the timeframe.

 

I can begin to feel the soothing vibes already.  😉😎

[RachelSusan]

@LarrySHave a wonderful trip. I look forward to hearing about it upon your return.

[LarryS]

@FindRest  asked:  Do you have any regrets stopping at 2 beads (0.75 mg)?

 

At this point, no.   I have no regrets.

 

Lack of sleep has been the most significant issue for me during the final phases of getting to zero.  There could be multiple reasons this is happening at this time.  Perhaps, the reason could be unrelated to tapering.  I do not really know.  I hesitate to attribute all my symptoms to tapering off Venlafaxine.   

 

Perhaps due to my lake of trying, I have not read any scientific paper that proves insomnia is caused by tapering Venlafaxine, or any other antidepressant for that matter.  Perhaps as energy and time allow, I could research this.

 

Right now, my priority is to get out of town to the ocean beaches of Oregon.

[LarryS]

We did return from our vacation to Seaside and Canon Beach Oregon on Monday June 19.  I have had a lot of catching up to do since our return.  I have also realized that I needed to find out why my hearing sounds muffled.  This situation was worsening prior to our vacation departure but I was not sure at that time that I needed to have it looked at.  I saw a practicing nurse at local urgent care on Tuesday.  Nurse says I have fluid behind both ear drums, thus the muffled sound that I get.  Instruction is to take fluticasone spray into nostrils once per day for two weeks.  If not better in one week get ear nose and throat doctor appointment set up.  I have not been sleeping great and I am currently feeling exhausted.

 

We both did enjoy our time away on vacation.  Enjoyed old and new view perspectives, met some great people, enjoyed dining out and our relaxed get away.

 

Wife was ready to return home, but I not so much.  Going to keep this short.

[LarryS]

NINE WEEKS SINCE DROP TO ZERO

 

Our lives and challenges continue as we all know after stopping antidepressant drugs.  I had no initial reactions when I was put onto Venlafaxine initially.  But there were definitely side effects while trying to taper off Venlafaxine.  The most noticeable side effects that are now gone are anhedonia and insomnia.  Anhedonia had become insignificant by May 2021 at 6.7 mg.  Insomnia ramped up during the final months of my taper and it was difficult but not impossible to get through.  I am now sleeping an average of 6.7 hours per night with not more than one interruption for the bathroom.

 

We did thoroughly enjoy our vacation to the Orgon coast.  It was wonderful to be vacationers along with many other folks who had come for the very same reasons we had come.  It is easy to chat with other relaxed folks and just enjoy each moment.  The change in scenery and the coastal air is invigorating.  The beauty was inspiring.  Going out to eat was enjoyable.

 

I was concerned before I left on vacation that I would wind up stiff and sore from driving 213 miles to Seaside, Oregon in one day.  My concern proved to be correct, and I was in considerable pain and fatigue by the time I got there.  I did feel better after a night’s rest and was able to proceed with enjoying the following days of our vacation.  However, by the fourth day I knew I had to take action to resolve some of the strain and pain created.  I asked the staff of the Canon Beach motel prior to arriving to find me a massage therapist.  They did and I was able to have a mobile massage therapist come to the room and give me a one-hour massage.  This was a tremendous help to me to start feeling better.  I knew that the drive home would be no different.  I also had the massage therapist come back on Saturday, two days before our return home.  I also adjusted the vehicle seat to provide more lumbar support for the drive home.  This also seemed to help make the trip home a little better.  There was still stiffness and some aches to pay for the drive.

 

Two days after arriving home I had my regular massage therapist available to help soothe the muscles also.

 

By the time I got back from the vacation, another physical issue had progressed to the point that I knew I needed to get some medical advice for it.  Prior to leaving on vacation, I had noticed that my hearing was not too good and somewhat muffled.  It had gotten worse during the vacation.  I went to an urgent care office the day after arriving home.  A nurse looked at my ears and told me I had an infection and fluid behind both ear drums.  This was creating the muffled sound of my hearing problem.  I was told to take Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray into each nostril for two weeks.  If not better, in one week, initiate an appointment with an ear nose and throat doctor.  

My hearing was not better after one week, so I initiated an appointment with an ear nose and throat specialist.  But I could not get an appointment sooner than two weeks and two days from the time I called for the appointment.  I did make the appointment.  However, I soon realized that it would be better to be seen earlier.  I was able to get an earlier appointment with a primary care physician ten days after the initial week of treatment.  I saw the physician yesterday, July 6.  I will pick up “cephalexin” antibiotic today.  I checked out the cephalexin on drugs.com and found no interactions with my current other drugs and four complimentary reviews that it works well with little to no side effect.

 

I have been quite fatigued and taking one to two naps per day to get through my days.  As usual, I push onward.  Can’t stop eating and care giving.  Always something to attend to.  I do my best to relax as best I can and go with the flow.

[LarryS]

Saw the Ear Nose and Throat doctor yesterday.  She cleaned out my ears so she could see my ear drums.  Said she could not see any fluid behind my ears.  This is an improvement.  My self-assessment felt like I was making some progress with the antibiotic treatment.  I have also been putting "Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates" ear drops into both ears four times per day per doctor's orders.  Continued Fluticasone nasal spray twice per day per doctor's orders.  She sent me to get a "Hearing Test (Air, Bone, SRT, Speech Discrimination)" and "Tympanometry" test.

 

Today, July 13, I completed the two tests at clinic.  Person assessing me said my hearing has not changed in the past two years.  Said one of my eustachian tubes may be blocked.  I do have some loss of high-pitched sounds but overall, I'm pleased with my results and ability to hear.

 

I will end treatment tomorrow at noon.  All antibiotics will be gone then.

[LarryS]

SELF ASSESMENT 

[LarryS]

                                                  SELF ASSESMENT

Just got home from the gym after an easy beginning workout.  I feel the good energy from the light workout.  I have not had regular gym workouts since dropping to zero venlafaxine May 5, 2023.  I have had either too much insomnia or ear infections going on to be able to feel like going to the gym.  I took my last antibiotic ear drops and antibiotic pill today at noon.  I felt up for going to the gym and well enough.  Since it has been 2 months and 10 days since going to the gym, I did a gentle restart.  First, I did a gentle stretching routine.  Then I bicycled for 30 minutes at a low-level setting 4.  I did two reps of 10 on weight machines for shoulder, arm curl, arm pull, thighs, low back and leg lifts.  Unfortunately, when I got to the pool to do some laps, I found the water colder than normal, so I skipped it.  Sat in the hot tub about 5 minutes per my usual finish. 

 

I have been able to take walks fairly regularly during this past gym absence interval.  Walks are usually 1.3 miles.  Sometimes I take the dog, which slows it down more.  Sometimes I also ride an indoor bicycle.

 

At age 75 I am dealing with the following physical symptoms:

General and eye fatigue. 

Take one to two eyes closed relaxation breaks daily with CPAP machine.

Sore neck when turning head right or left.

Tight muscle on left side of my upper back quite often.

Soar low back.

Both hips are a little soar.

Some tightness in upper legs.

Feet are in good shape.

High blood pressure.

High cholesterol.

Sleep apnea, well controlled.

Mild Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD.

 

I do feel fortunate to not have more severe symptoms and/or other diseases.

 

I'm mentally sharp, but cognitively slow down when fatigued.

 

Figured it would be good to record this self-assessment for the record.

[Hope2001]

How you cope with high bp? Donyou tolerate meds? How high your bp is?
 

I am in trouble, I do not tolerate bp meds. I try everything else and it is just high. 

[LarryS]

1 hour ago, Hope2001 said:

How you cope with high bp? Donyou tolerate meds? How high your bp is?

 

@Hope2001 I take AM and PM blood pressure readings three times per week recently.  My recent averages from previous four readings are:  153/85 at 61 bpm

 

A recent visit to a primary care doctor, not my regular doctor, revealed high blood pressure.  The doctor wants me to see my regular primary care doctor about my high blood pressure.  I have an appointment August 31.  I currently take 5 mg Amlodipine blood pressure medication.  I am willing to get my Amlodipine increased to 10 mg if necessary.  From what I read about Amlodipine on drugs.com it has few side effects and appears to be fairly safe to take.  

 

It has come to my attention that many people who are tapering drugs on Surviving Antidepressants are dealing with high blood pressure.  Some here think it is related to tapering.  From my perspective, it is common in older adults.

 

[member21]

Recently I have come across vegan diet (plant based whole foods) with intermittent fasting.

It is said to control and even reverse chronic lifestyle illnesses.

 I myself have started practising it only a few days ago, but the recommendations are based on thorough research.

you may check it out at https://lmkhealth.com/

 

its a free course: 1 month …begins on 1st of every month.

 

Registrations open for Aug 23. Fills fast

[QueenElisabeth]

@LarryS

greetings to you, fellow traveler. 
I am sorry you suffered the ear infection and had to take antibiotics. They say it’s a good  idea to help the gut with taking probiotics to bring back good bacteria. 
 

My BP has been very low, maybe we can exchange a bit. Mine was 85/50 last week. But looking forward to healing to the point where I can go to the gym again too. It’s good for PB in general. 
 

Keep going Larry! You are still an inspiration 🙏🏼

[LarryS]

@member21  Appreciate the input.  I have in the past utilized Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D. "Eat to Live" program.  His recipes were primarily vegetarian.  Recipes included vegetables, nuts, seeds, etcetera.  I learned a lot from his books and information.  I now apply what I can, but do not use his recipes because they were complicated and involve hours in the kitchen to develop.

 

@QueenElisabeth  Appreciate the input.  My daughter did tell me to use yogurt for my gut health while on antibiotics which I did.  I also take a daily probiotic pill.  

I presume low blood pressure comes with its own set of issues and side effects.  I do hope you heal and can get back to the gym.

Thank you for the compliment.

[LarryS]

As I read Psalm 88 today, entitled "I Cry Out Day and Night Before You" a couple of verses stood out to me.  

 

Psalm 88: 6 and 7

 

6   You have put me in the depths of the pit,

in the regions dark and deep.

7   Your wrath lies heavy upon me,

and you overwhelm me with all your waves.

 

It is ok to cry out to God in our waves.

 

[NeedMoreHope]

Thank you for this - especially relevant for me today.  

[LarryS]

Three Month Milestone Since Zero Venlafaxine

 

I was reading Altostrata’s testimony on what she had learned by helping people get off antidepressants and she said that she considered three months after reaching zero antidepressant in the body to be somewhat of a milestone.  August 5, 2023, is three months since I made it to zero antidepressant.  Therefore, I will give an update on how I am doing physically and mentally since reaching zero antidepressant.

I decided to keep a daily journal on June 10, 2023.  I am not including the tracking I have done in the past.  I have been recording my daily hours of sleep provided by my CPAP machine because the amount of sleep I obtain makes a big difference on how I get through my days.  I’m trying to keep it simpler and describing what is happening in my life.

I will start with my physical wellbeing first.  I have been sleeping 6.3 hours per night.  I’m hoping my sleep improves to seven hours per night.  I have been taking a rest period occasionally in bed with my CPAP machine, but do not fall asleep generally during these rests.

I have been reaching my goal of getting to the gym three times per week since starting back up again.  I’m allowing myself to slowly build back up to my previous routines.  My low back, mid back and neck pain were not present for a while but have started to come back.

My mind feels clear.

Mentally I have been experiencing some anxiousness.  I work on my attitude, telling myself that my challenges are normal and that I must allow time to resolve my issues and stressors.  I also pray to God for his guidance through these situations.

One of the things that has been on my mind a lot has been about getting back to playing my violin.  I started playing violin at age 10.  I learned violin by playing at school from fifth grade through two years of college.  My parents provided one year of training by a concert master when I was in high school.  I also played in church orchestras since high school.  Later in life I joined the “Washington Old Time Fiddlers” and “Washington Bluegrass Association”.  These clubs provided gathering places to play with other musicians.  I furthered my interest in learning and enjoying music for fun.  I have not played my violin for five years.

While recovering from the drop to zero venlafaxine a lot of encouraging thoughts about picking up my violin and playing again were going through my mind.  I felt like God was telling me it was time to pick up my violin again.  I stopped playing my violin these past five years, probably due to anhedonia during tapering venlafaxine.  The pandemic also shut a lot of businesses and activities down for a while in Washington State.  I was also thinking about how great it would be to form a band which would allow me to play quality music with other members.  But I have never formed a band before, so this would be challenging.  I have also realized that circumstances have changed in my life.  I have no real idea how this dream may come about.  For instance, I am now a fulltime caregiver to my wife who has dementia.  I do not have the strength and stamina I had even five years ago.

I have picked up my violin again and have started practicing some new songs and some that I have played before.  I’m rusty but find that it is like riding a bicycle for me.  I still retain the basic skills.  I just need to practice.  I participated in a “Washington Old Time Fiddlers” jam last Sunday.  I was able to meet up again with some musicians that I know.  There were about a dozen people at the jam.  I took my wife with me, and she listened for two and a half hours.  Even though I found it difficult to jam, it was good to get out and start again.

My wife and I went to the “Darrington Bluegrass Festival” Saturday July 22.  We set up our chairs on the lawn in front of the stage and enjoyed the day of music.  Got to talk to a couple of musicians I know that day also.  Enjoyed the six bands that played music.

I have some other Bluegrass festivals identified this summer and hope we can attend each on Saturday.  I will need to drive 1.5 to 2 hours to get to these festivals.

My wife loves baseball, so I have arranged to take her to a Mariners Baseball game on August 30.  I have invited a friend to go along with us.

I have identified other activities that my wife and I can do together.  It is important for me to identify things we can do together.