HardWork: looking for guidance

[HardWork]

@Altostrata@brassmonkey

Does anyone out there know of a good lawyer for this? I had been force-fed meds over 3 times by an "activist". He has EMT license but what hes doing to me and many others is clearly ILLEGAL, According to my therapist. I wasnt harmful at all, was just sleeping less (thats what he was informed. my sleeping less was due to fear of him! who COULD sleep under terror) He doesnt even evaluate the patient, comes over and force-feeds w no prior conversation. He partnered w a pharmacy who gives him all the meds.... Im not looking to open a case against him now, my sanity first. Im just looking to protect myself for future, to set up strong security.

thanks in advance!

[HardWork]

On 8/10/2021 at 3:30 PM, brassmonkey said:

We have a number of members who are in or heading toward med school with just that sort of thing in mind. More on the activist level than writing prescriptions, but still involved in trying to make changes.

They should become the TEACHERS of the school 😂

[ShiningLight]

I don't know of a lawyer in NY, but as far as protection from coercive psychiatry, try Mind Freedom Int'l . They have a registry called Shield where you can sign up for a public advocacy campaign if you are coerced.

[brassmonkey]

Weighing and working with scales is just a matter of practice. 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1596-using-a-scale-to-weigh-and-measure-doses/

 

This thread gives a lot of information on how to do it.

[Altostrata]

How is it you're under treatment by an EMT? Are you under court order to take drugs?

 

I have no idea how you'd find a lawyer to deal with this. See https://www.madinamerica.com/provider-directory/

 

On 8/9/2021 at 8:26 PM, HardWork said:

QUESTION: Lately Ive been experiencing chills in my head, not just chills- along with teightening, cant describe it. wonder if thats what ppl refer to as-brain zaps/electric shocks? either way is it concerning or just discomforting? its manageablr, just freightens me (fret is not ideal now)

 

When did these sensations start? How often do they occur? May be a good idea to stop tapering until they go away.

 

Apologies, it's TaperTracer app

[HardWork]

4 hours ago, Altostrata said:

How is it you're under treatment by an EMT? Are you under court order to take drugs?

 

I have no idea how you'd find a lawyer to deal with this. See https://www.madinamerica.com/provider-directory/

 

 

When did these sensations start? How often do they occur? May be a good idea to stop tapering until they go away.

 

Apologies, it's TaperTracer app

Thanks. No court order. Hes not doing it as part of his EMT work, just as a community member/activist, under the mask of an EMT. Okay so my husband called him out of panic (since i was psychotic years earlier from antidepressant) and concern for me, at slightest onset of maybe-symptom.

The first time he did it i cried and rejected and thats it.

The second time years later i called police, after i grabbed back the phone he took away from me upon noticing i dialed 911. He waited police at door and told them im crazy. so aft few calls police brought up a hospital bed and said if i call again theyll take me to a mental hospital. wanted to follow up w police report but was already too drugged to do so. he forced zyprexa each time.

Third third time he forcefully hospitalized me-also illegal. (where i was locked up like the worst murderer). i guess he was afraid to force feed since i had policed him.

People call him out of desperation when loved ones refuse to take their meds. its his official job, many psychiatrists partner w him. 

 

Re brain zaps. didnt pay attention, minimum once a day, sometimes more. its like a typical electric shock, but VERY mild, lasts under a minute. almost sure its brain zaps cuz i read it worsens when u move head, tried it, did worsen

but your freightening me, im almost having a panic attack out of fear it might be serious (and this comes on from stress)

[HardWork]

21 hours ago, ShiningLight said:

I don't know of a lawyer in NY, but as far as protection from coercive psychiatry, try Mind Freedom Int'l . They have a registry called Shield where you can sign up for a public advocacy campaign if you are coerced.

thank you @ShiningLight!

[HardWork]

7 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

Weighing and working with scales is just a matter of practice. 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1596-using-a-scale-to-weigh-and-measure-doses/

 

This thread gives a lot of information on how to do it.

thank you @brassmonkey! I will check it out...

[HardWork]

@Altostratacan this head sensation come from computer light? (read a little abt it on this site) bec i recently spend A LOT more time on computer, sensations started very recently. if yes, itll be an incentive to stop screen time

Also, recently stopped supplements c/t. can it be that?

[HardWork]

@Altostrataand any advice to get rid of this symptom?

[Greatful]

I have a lot of  brain sensations.  When you say chills, could you also describe  it as it feels, numb, burning  or tingling? ( I get this)  Head Pressure is common in wd.  I also get where the top of my brain feels like it is crushing in, I call it my sink hole.  Sometimes  it feels like vice grip sqeezing my temple's in or someone  trying to  shove a peg through the top of my brain.  As you can see I have all these symptoms.  My guess it is wd.  I can't  speak for  Altrostrta, but I would take that it is apart of wd and wait to see if it diminishes as you stabilize.  Yes computer screens may enhance  the  symptoms.  All you can do is limit your screen time and see if it helps. 

 There is a thread in Symptoms  & Self-Care that talks about brain zaps.  

Of course  if you feel the need to get it checked out by a doctor that's  up to  you.  Again my guess it is wd symptoms.

Please don't  panic🙂

[Altostrata]

We cannot intercede in your disputes with your husband.

 

Brain zaps are a common withdrawal symptom. If you get brain zaps, you have been tapering too fast. Stop tapering and let them go away before reducing again, reduce more carefully.

 

Many people find these to be helpful:

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

You might try a low dose of one at a time to see what it does for you.

[HardWork]

On 8/10/2021 at 3:30 PM, brassmonkey said:

I came up with the idea many years ago when I was preparing to do my taper. I was reading a lot of information about the 10% method, which at the time was just becoming popular, and was surprised by the amount of symptoms people were reporting right after the reduction. Through logic I decided that spreading the reduction out over several weeks should help but it still needed a hold period to let the symptoms stabilize and calm down. So I started with it from the very beginning. After talking about it on another forum, which is now closed, one of the other members gave it the name. I had great success with it and kept talking about it to others. Slowly, over time other members tried it and reported great success too. So it has just mushroomed and really caught on.

 

Getting a doctors help with a taper is tricky enough. Getting weekly prescriptions changes would be a real problem.  Making up the doses actually is quite simple after a bit of practice. All the moderators are versed in the calculations required and once you get the pattern established they are quite easy with a calculator. My doctor actually thinks I'm still taking 40mg pf paxil a day, all he did was supply the pills while I did all the rest.

 

We have a number of members who are in or heading toward med school with just that sort of thing in mind. More on the activist level than writing prescriptions, but still involved in trying to make changes.

@brassmonkey, I think besides for smaller dosages the brassmonkey slide works well also bec the body is constantly "in it" with the WEEKLY changes. Its accustomed & resilient to the adjustment. Wheras when i hold for 3 months, each time its a BRAND NEW shock on my brain. I always felt abt it that way. Some analogies:  Exercise-When a person does exercise monthly its a huge strain each time, a person does daily its simple. Light: When a person comes out of a dark room the light is very painful to their eye, but anyone whos IN IT/light the whole time doesnt hurt at all. The nerve is used to it. Water: Dipping into a pool is VERY PAINFUL (for me at least), once im inside totally comfortable. Thats how our nervous system works and i think its part of the reason why brassmonkey slide is so successful. The brain is CONSTANTLY EXERCISING the ADJUSTMENT MUSCLE, its IN IT THE ENTIRE TIME and therefore acclimated and resilient. And maybe jumping off completely is like exiting the pool (rrrr.... hard). And a long hold is therefore advised then (yea?)* Had anyone thought of this concept?

Brassmonkey slide method is a real science!

Disclaimer: All this is just my GUESS, "hypothesis" actually 😊

Maybe Im completely wrong. Just an assumption

 

*or maybe just bec body going med free...

 

[HardWork]

 

11 hours ago, Altostrata said:

We cannot intercede in your disputes with your husband.

 

Brain zaps are a common withdrawal symptom. If you get brain zaps, you have been tapering too fast. Stop tapering and let them go away before reducing again, reduce more carefully.

 

Many people find these to be helpful:

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

You might try a low dose of one at a time to see what it does for you.

Right abt interceding in husband disputes.... i respect that. if my husband would read/write english hed get educated here. this man needs to be overthrown either way. hes popular. the problem is family members call him just like they dial ambulance. while ambulance dont do what he does. didnt tell u full story- house was locked, he came in through my window on third floor! yes true my husband is core issue, but until he gets educatd i need to protect myself from this man. we have a great marriage and my husband is open for changed. he was just raised w faith in drs, and threatened by my original psychiatrist that its a matter of danger/force

my husband already sees repercussions of meds. he told me he doesnt ever want me to take them again, wants me off it asap! however after my next baby he might lose himself out of fear and dial that number again. so i need to do advance planning w a lawyer that this man cant touch me. got it?

 

Doing magnesium and fish oil many years already, kept those thanks to SA reccomendations. thanks

Not so concerned abt brain zaps bec i think i figured it out... Now in my summer place a dropped a huge amt of the self care regimen i did up to now. will start again. 

From 10-12 hrs sleep i went to 5-6, From 8-10 cups water went to 1, From daily exercise to none

so not just withdrawal of meds also waithdrawal of self care. started today, did my hour jog, drank water ettc.. feeling a LOT better

 

Apps are helpful but decided to cut screen time, its not healthy, so do you mind giving me links to exact charts/spreadsheets that work well?

 

 Thanks loads!! I appreciate your time and unrelenting patience! You seem profesionally trained.. Been to many therapists, you moderators seem like you went through that kind of training... very balanced... thank you!

[Altostrata]

I would not be unconcerned about brain zaps if I were you. They are signs your nervous system is having problems.

[HardWork]

6 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I would not be unconcerned about brain zaps if I were you. They are signs your nervous system is having problems.

@Altostrata, Okay so Im concerned. And even when i said i wasnt, the taper would still wait till resolved. So what would you say to do abt it. Today I had none. Is chills considered zaps. Also is painful orgasm same thing, extreme nerve pain... 

Im scared to ask, numbness in right hand for many years as well

Thank you so much

[HardWork]

On 8/12/2021 at 11:54 PM, Greatful said:

I have a lot of  brain sensations.  When you say chills, could you also describe  it as it feels, numb, burning  or tingling? ( I get this)  Head Pressure is common in wd.  I also get where the top of my brain feels like it is crushing in, I call it my sink hole.  Sometimes  it feels like vice grip sqeezing my temple's in or someone  trying to  shove a peg through the top of my brain.  As you can see I have all these symptoms.  My guess it is wd.  I can't  speak for  Altrostrta, but I would take that it is apart of wd and wait to see if it diminishes as you stabilize.  Yes computer screens may enhance  the  symptoms.  All you can do is limit your screen time and see if it helps. 

 There is a thread in Symptoms  & Self-Care that talks about brain zaps.  

Of course  if you feel the need to get it checked out by a doctor that's  up to  you.  Again my guess it is wd symptoms.

Please don't  panic🙂

@Greatful, ha your cute... I love you! She didnt say its not withdrawal, i think she meant to say not to take it lightly as in ignoring the fact that my body is reacting to a too fast taper. yes i panicked so thanks for calming me... these doctors, noway....

Um, not burning tingling or numb, just that-chills... the kind that goes down your back or when your cold. i hv a feeling its not even zaps...

Thanks for being there! i highly appreciate it! How are you doing?...

[HardWork]

@Greatful, by the way you comment it seems like youre all clear and fine... Peaked into your thread, seems tough.. my heart's with you 💗! Im amazed at how clear your able to communicate despite all that. Im pretty tech- challenged to do anything besides for replying in my own thread... So thanks for coming by and adding some cheer to my life!

So if i wanna reply to smomeone elses thread do i reply in there thread? would they be notified that way?

You will go far! Keep going strong! 

[Altostrata]

Read Tips for tapering off lithium
 

[Greatful]

@HardWork

16 hours ago, HardWork said:

So if i wanna reply to someone elses thread do i reply in there thread? would they be notified that way?

When you are on their thread you can just post right on their threat they same way post on your own.  If you want them to  see something you are posting either one their thread or your own thread you  @ and start typing their name and their name will show up in a box, click on it and it will highlight like yours did here @HardWork.  They will get a notification that they are tagged and needed.  You will get a notification that you are tagged from this post now, It will show up at the top of the forum in the bell.  Does that make sense?  It does take some learning to run this site.  

 

Hang in there, it is nice to meet you😊

[HardWork]

@Greatful, thanks you are so kind and one of a kind!!!

[HardWork]

Hi, past few days in waves... Im looking for encouragemant. I find that im dwelling over the fact that i was forced meds way too much latey. Not that i dont deserve the self-misery, it feels good but it pulls me down.  I know they are withdrawal thoughts bec dont hv them on a steady basis. Can i get some support?  My mantra is "I am way more important". (than negative thoughts feelings or actions). its a powerful mantra! So if anyone out there could give me validation (abt these murderers/forcers) with encouragement at same time not to let it pull me down. i feel betrayed and controlled.. THE BIGGEST REVENGE IN MY FORCERS WILL BE WHEN I WILL COME OUT MED-FREE AND HEALTHY.... but in order to get to that victory i need to push off the anger for post-withdrawal.... Any help?

Problem 2- where i need your support and coaching- i also dropped a lot of the self care ive been doing-late nights, less water, less exercise, skipping meals etc etc

Bottom line, Thanks to w/d I am weaker now and therefore would appreciate some strength from you my fellow heroes to keep going forward...

Thanks in advance

PS Otherwise lifes pretty much okay right now despite the highs n lows...

[HardWork]

8 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Read Tips for tapering off lithium
 

Thanks! Will read it! 

BTW re starting topic abt self-doctoring, its on my mind... will do so as soon as i feel up to it, when the window opens....

[HardWork]

6 minutes ago, HardWork said:

Thanks! Will read it! 

BTW re starting topic abt self-doctoring, its on my mind... will do so as soon as i feel up to it, when the window opens....

 

8 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Read Tips for tapering off lithium
 

Thank you so much @Altostratafor sharing it a second time! Thats if my memorys correct that you had shared this already... Back then I had no clue whats flying. So thanks loads! And grateful to watch my growth-clarity is slowly coming back... I look fwd to reading it and taking part! No words can thank for your caring and devoted help! i highly appreciate it!!

[HardWork]

9 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Read Tips for tapering off lithium
 

@AltostrataI wonder if you noticed, i am noticing my red flags currently... mild manic/depressive symptoms. Cheeriness, creativity, ideas/anger, revenge/less sleep, dropping self care... im lucky to be noticing them. It did give me a shiver or 2...

Another point-frm my exp constipation will always be at same time, when i regulate digestion everything falls into place intantly-(sign that toxins float around my blood during indigestion as per andrew kaufman)(went out of magnesium-calm recently, thats also part of issue)

Also, from my history- symptoms always rise up when i do too much messaging/screen time-what comes first chicken or egg-do i message more frm more energy, or does msg/tech spike symptoms... vicious cycle... i feel myself going more off ground when messaging (have a feeling its electromagnetic polution or blue light)

So heres what ill do- ill put tech and SA on hold for some time... get device out of house (i dont work)... ill try to get self care (& digestion) back to reg and ill update you, mybe aft a week... ill see when, depends how it goes. the update will drive me to get self care back.... 

Also i wonder if ppl who do top notch care like myself- organic, daily exercise, 5 protein meals,daily mindfulness etc etc, whether they crash easier when dropped... like w/d effect on the body...  so i will get back on track, hoping to feel better (if not i WILL follow up). G'bye for now... ill surely miss it but you gotta do what u gotta do...

Thanks and looking fwd to share good news!

 

ps digestion as of before this msg is better, def feel it, more grounded.... u can probably tell from my msg

 

Oh, just that you dont worry (thanks for caring), if im not back for a long while (even a month or two) it just means i took a break of technology.... i do that... and that would be a good sign... when i dont do well is when i spend more time on the internet, my non-drug drug. Bye!

 

[HardWork]

Hi!

I think I finally landed after my last taper.. lots of ups and downs.... 

QUESTION- I'm finally stable enough to learn brassmonkey method.... So first I'd switch to liquid meds (my pharmacy does it) for few weeks before tapering further. Ingredients in liquid are different..

 

1. What are chances of developing symptoms when switching from capsules to tablets? If any? 

2. There's an option of adding flavor to liquid. I'd love NOT to add extra ingredients. Does lithium liquid taste terrible w/o flavor? 

I would appreciate an answer asap if possible as ill be speaking to Dr in 2 days... if I miss that once-a-month chance it means waiting 4 more weeks for a liquid prescription! 

3. Along with liquid switch im considering switching compounding pharmacies (due to technical  & financial reasons). Any risk to that? Should I rather play it safe and stay where I am?

 

Thanks in advance!!

[HardWork]

@Altostrata @brassmonkey Can i please get answers to my previous post? Thanks in advance!

ps im doing amazing! Thanks loads for your time, concern and patience!!

[Altostrata]

What drugs are you taking now, at what times o'clock and dosages?

 

How are you measuring your lithium dose? 

[HardWork]

Hi! I'm sorry @Altostrata for not replying. I've been having it really tough lately, even replying was hard.

I'm on lithium- only drug, 675mg 9pm daily.

I'm doing compounded capsules.

So for now I'm holding at 675 lithium almost 6 months now. I see overall progress- clearer, more concise, socializing is simpler and clearer etc

At the same time very tough on daily basis- bodily anxiety and uneasiness, very strong. Classic with lithium withdrawal. Interferes with daily function. Sometimes just shopping for food is overwhelming 

Thanks for being there!

 

[Altostrata]

Are you taking any other drugs? If you still have withdrawal from the 75mg decrease you made in August, you might go slightly higher, to 680mg, and see if that helps.

[HardWork]

Thanks! No other drug, not even Tylenol. I feel like I'm imagining the symptoms, like maybe its not true...

How do I know its not side effects of drug? 

Also-I got off zoloft around 3 years ago way too fast with severe witdrawal. Can I still be in protracted withdrawal?

QUESTION- any concerns about switching compounding pharmacy?

[HardWork]

I asked previous pharm to send over med info to new pharmacy to ensure same brand and ingredients. At first pharmacy said- we don’t give out our formulation. Does that make sense? Then they said they’ll send it to pharmacy but not to me, and only if the new pharmacy calls them directly to ask for it. What are they hiding?

[HardWork]

Hi @Altostrata! Important question- I'm transferring to a new pharmacy now for location purposes. The original pharmacy gave them over contents of the meds. New pharmacy is giving same brand Lithium. The only difference is that old pharmacy used 2 plant-based fillers, the new one doesn't use any fillers or inactive ingredients at all. Is it all good or anything to watch out for? Also, wondering if anything in the compounding process could be diff to be aware of?

I'm pretty sensitive to changes and would highly appreciate your insight! 

Thanks in advance!

Ps when switching pharmacy still keeping 675mg, don't wanna do 2 changes at once

[Altostrata]

If you told the compounding pharmacy you are sensitive to fillers, it makes sense they've left them out. This doesn't make any difference in the drug.

 

If you have questions about the product you get from the compounding pharmacy, you can always phone them and ask for clarification.

[HardWork]

Thanks @Altostrata. No I didn't tell them im sensitive. They generally don't use fillers. So what's the purpose of fillers?

BTW it seems like compounding pharmacies crush ER tablets and keep that a secret. Because they told me I'm taking ER its just not on the bottle. But to the Dr they said I'm getting immediate release capsules. 

[HardWork]

Finally a window 🌞!,  last 2 days... I used to think I'm few months depressed, then few months manic (well just feeling GOOD). Just because i was diagnosed bipolar once i was already on mood stabilizer (the Meds diagnosed me) Now I know it's windows and waves...

Day 1 on new pharmacy meds, doing great

I always tell myself to write something down for myself during a window, so that when I'm in a wave I shouldn't lose hope or think I'm doomed. Can someone help me come up with a strong message?

I wonder if window/waves concept is a real theory, or once we do more self care we get onto the feel-good bandwagon and the positive cycle continues- feel-good=more self-care etc.... Because I got into this window after a 10 hrs of sleep, followed by a 1 hr walk, water etc... or maybe the opposite- had the energy for self care...what came first chicken or egg....

Thanks to all who are part of my healing process!