drop: 6 doses Lexapro 10mg and would like to taper off ...

[drop]

Original full topic title before truncating:  Have taken 6 doses of Lexapro (10mg once a day, taken for less than a week), but am uncomfortable with what I am experiencing and would like to taper off...

 

Hello. Thank you for having me. I went on Lexapro because I have experienced emotional distress for the past few weeks due to a few accumulated events so my anxiety and depression took a dive. I have never taken an antidepressant until Lexapro.

 

I have emotional blunting as a result of starting this medication. While I find the blunting to be a bit of a relief on my negative emotions, my positive emotions are also muted. I also now have low libido. I cannot feel sexual stimulation or climax after taking this and I read that for some people, these feelings never came back even after stopping their SSRI. I felt random lightness in my feet 2 days ago and now random lightness in my head on and off after the 6th dose which felt very weird. I've also had bouts of insomnia and restlessness.

 

People say to give it time, but I think I've had enough. I have been having second thoughts about this medication and would rather not gamble with my health. I'm bothered by the thought of having long term ramifications. My next appointment with my psychiatrist is in a month, in which I plan to tell him that I would like to discontinue this SSRI. I do have a therapist appointment in a few weeks too so I have another option when it comes to my mental health.

 

In the meantime I'd like to taper, but I am unsure by how much because I've only taken it for 6 days. I planned to see how I felt on 5mg in two days (the pattern would be every other day), then either go up a little or keep going a little longer on 5mg. Then taper to 2.5mg. I've already taken my med today as normal.

 

I read the guide on tapering by 1mg a week but I haven't been on Lexapro that long, I assume it's for long-time SSRI users. What would be the recommendation for short-time users? I'd appreciate the advice.

 

Edited May 17, 2022 by ChessieCat
added topic title before reducing

[drop]

Since I cannot edit my previous comment, hello again. Since my last post, which was last night and I have gotten some sleep, I have done some more reading about my tapering in and out of this community. I am a bit stressed about this. I have rescheduled my appointment with my psychiatrist in a week (the closest date I could get without taking time off from work) so he will know what I am doing, seek his advice, and I will also not skip any doses.

 

Despite having taken 10mg for less than a week I really don't want any severe withdrawal symptoms and I am not fond of how I "feel" right now. Also last night as I was drifting to sleep, my legs had involuntary knee-jerks and I kicked the blanket I was under several times. 

 

For my 7th dose I plan to taper to 7.5mg to see how I feel and continue that for the following week. Then go down to 6.5mg for another week. Then 5mg, then 4, then 2.5~3, then 1. At least as best as I can cut the tablets. I might ask my psychiatrist if I can do liquid form for easier measuring, but if not that is my plan. I read that the adjustment of tapering from 5mg to a lower dose is a doozy so I will adjust the time and amount as needed.

[Onmyway]

Dear @drop, 

welcome to SA. 

 

Since you have only taken the drug for less than a week, you can taper over a few days. I would suggest going faster than your proposed plan. We generally recommend going as slow as possible if they brain has adjusted to the drug but in your case, the point is to avoid the adjustments. I would suggest drop to 7.25 for a couple of days, then to 5 mg for a couple of more days,  2.5, 1 and 0 each for a couple of more days. So that way you would be on the drug for less than 3 weeks total. We usually recommend a slow taper but that is for members who have taken the drug for longer and whose brain has adapted to work with the drug. 

 

You can have a look at the FAQs on tapering here: 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/300-important-topics-in-the-tapering-forum-and-faq/

 

Hope this helps, 

OMW

 

Also, good decision to stop taking this medication as on average ADs are no better than placebo. Here is an article that describes some of the studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172306/

[drop]

Hi, thank you for the welcome. And thank you for your response @Onmyway! I appreciate that you have been kind and helpful to me.

 

I have been rereading your advice and staring at my calendar for a while now, both processing how I feel and that I foregone the 7.5mg I previously planned. While I had missed your response yesterday I had already taken two doses of 5mg (of course still one per day).

 

I felt better the first day I went back down to 5mg, somewhat my old self but still not fully so I am still determined to wean off. And then after the second dose of 5mg I had very lucid dreams, slight headache, some random muscle pains, some tingling, some returning muscle tension... some side effects I haven't had before. I have been reconsidering the length of time I'm on 5mg because of the new side effects. Perhaps I'm being too hasty and this is normal?

 

So the schedule is possibly this: another 2 days of 5mg (4 days of 5mg total)? Then 2-3 days of 2.5mg. Then 2-3 days of 1mg? Then 0mg?

 

Also thank you for the tapering thread, I had read some of it but not all of it just yet. Same with the article about ADs.

[Altostrata]

Hello, @drop

 

33 minutes ago, drop said:

So the schedule is possibly this: another 2 days of 5mg (4 days of 5mg total)? Then 2-3 days of 2.5mg. Then 2-3 days of 1mg? Then 0mg?

 

 

Yes, you can do this. 

 

Some people do not get along well with antidepressants. 25%-30% dropped out of the clinical trials held to get the drug approved by the FDA, mostly because of adverse effects. They're not miracle drugs.

[drop]

Hi, thank you for your response. I will go along with this. As much as I want to lower my dose and be off right now. 😂 I will check back in tomorrow.

[Altostrata]

Please do tell us how you're doing.

[drop]

Thank you!

 

Just doing my daily check in. Nothing new to note compared to yesterday, just a headache.

 

I've also had a dry mouth for the past few days since starting 5mg, didn't think anything of it until it was still dry today. I've been subconsciously biting my lips which is a sign of thirst. I read those are also side effects so that's why I noted them. Definitely working on keeping myself more hydrated. 

 

Since weaning down, my muscles have been more relaxed rather than tense. I was able to cry again last night too, it was probably the most I've been able to cry since on the medication. Also TMI I was able to feel some sexual stimulation again so I'm glad about that. I haven't tried to climax since my libido still hasn't been as high as usual, but it's nice to be able to get some feeling back. 😂

 

Tonight will be my last 5mg dose so I'm a little nervous regarding weaning down to 2.5mg tomorrow night. I have been restless thinking about the tapering.

[drop]

Hello. It's been 2 days since my last update. Yesterday I still had a slight headache. I also experienced some upper chest tightness, but I thought I had bumped into something and hadn't thought too much about it. I took my last 5mg as intended on Saturday.

 

Last night I took my first dose of 2.5mg.

 

This morning I woke up because my heart was beating really fast. My chest is also bit tighter now. I have not been very anxious and this is a different kind of tightness. I've been out of breath a little easier too compared to yesterday. I will keep watching myself.

[Onmyway]

Hi @drop, 

these seem like bearable discomforts the way you describe them. Keep at it! It will likely be uncomfortable for a while - I'd say 2-3 months of re-balancing may be expected but I would not make that to indicate that you should stay longer on these drugs. 

Keep keeping track but don't let the symptoms scare you - they are temporary. Hopefully you will be out of this soon. 

OMW

[drop]

Some more of my experiences today: my headache and dry mouth still persists. Also felt a little warmth come and go in my left leg as well as some tingling in my feet. It reminded me of when I was on an antibiotic and was told to change to a different one.

 

@OnmywayThank you very much. Yes they are bearable so far. They come and go. You are right that they are discomforts and I'm glad I'm not in pain, at least at the moment.

 

And thank you for the heads up as well about the next following months. I likely would've been a lot more anxious so I'm glad you brought that up now. I will likely come back with questions in the future about that.

 

I appreciate your responses a lot. Without you, this community, and the resources on hand I likely would have been a lot more stressed out and anxious. I'm glad I found this place.

[Altostrata]

Those may be bumps from dosage reduction. They should dissipate over a few days.

[drop]

That's good to know!

 

Daily check-in: my psychiatrist appointment is finally near. I have it early tomorrow morning. Plan on letting him know I'm tapering, why, and seeking his input.

 

Today I got my first brain zap, small enough to feel the electricity but that's all so far. I also had a headache at the right side of my head and it's a bit sensitive when I rub it. Not too bad though. I have the day off from work today so I can rest up if I need to.

 

On the plus side my lips and mouth aren't dry anymore.

[drop]

Hello, doing my daily check-in a little early because I just got off a call with my psychiatrist. He was very understanding and nicer than I thought he would be. He said I could come back if I felt I was very anxious again. I told him I was going to do therapy without antidepressants and see how that goes.

 

I told him my tapering schedule and that I was currently on 2.5mg. He said I didn't really need to taper since I was on such a low dose already and I was on it for a short time. Considering how I've felt though I think it was necessary to taper so I'm still going to taper as intended, I believe I have one more day of 2.5mg and then a few more days of 1 mg.

 

As for side effects, I have not had any at the moment but I've also only been up for an hour. Also my headache is better right now compared to the past couple of days, just a bit of tension but no bothersome throbbing or sensitivity which is nice. 

 

I feel like me getting off this med wouldn't have been as good as it is going now if I hadn't found this community. Thank you everyone so far for your supportive and informative words. I know I expressed my gratitude a few days ago but still... thanks.

[drop]

Hello, daily check in.

 

Yesterday I had some remnants of a headache, but nothing much thankfully. After I took another dose of 2.5mg my left arm was aching and sensitive for a few hours and I was a bit wired, so I think I didn't need to take it, I could've gone to 1mg. Today I'm going down to 1mg.

 

I have been feeling much better besides the small side effects now and then.

[drop]

Hi, daily check in again.

 

I went down to 1mg (or 1.25mg, I'm going by pill cutter if I'm going to be honest). Nothing much to note.

 

So yesterday when I mentioned "remnants of a headache" I still felt some tension and it still persists today. Sometimes my head throbs on the right side of my head. I guess this has stayed since I went down from 10mg to 5mg. I noticed in almost every post I kept mentioning a headache. I'll be glad for the tension and headache to be completely gone.

 

No brain zaps at least! Or other symptoms, at least at the moment.

[Altostrata]

Hello, @drop It sounds like the mild headache etc. may be withdrawal symptoms. Did the headache start after your first reduction to 5mg a week ago or did you have it at 10mg?

 

If it started after you reduced to 5mg, you might stay at 1.25mg for a while, until the withdrawal symptoms go away.

[drop]

Hi @Altostrata I referred back to some of my private logs when I was on 10mg after you asked. It seems I already had a slight headache on my last dose of 10mg. I hadn't kept a daily log aside from the 1st and 2nd dose otherwise, but they don't mention headaches.

[Altostrata]

So you developed a headache while taking 10mg Lexapro?

[drop]

Yes, at least on the 6th dose of 10mg. I think the headache was more obvious when I had reduced my dosage.

 

Coincidentally I do have a doctor's appointment on Monday so if my headache doesn't let up I can ask and see if there is another explanation.

 

But I will do as you suggest and stay on 1.25mg until the tension and headache clears completely.

[Altostrata]

The headache may be a reaction to the 1.25mg Lexapro, or it could be a withdrawal symptom, or both. Holding for a bit will indicate which it is. Please let us know how you're doing.

[drop]

Thank you. Will do.

 

Daily check in: I'm feeling much better today. Two head throbs this morning but overall the tension finally improved with the more sleep I got. 

 

I am due for another dose in an hour so I will keep watching my condition.

[drop]

Hello, daily check in. Still continuing the 1.25mg.

I had lucid dreams again on top of some restlessness early in the morning.  Also I had been craving food so bad to the point that I dreamed about food. I wasn't necessarily hungry, just craving. I also had a hard time just getting up while I had 7 hours of sleep. It's probably the most that's happened in a while. Despite all that it seems to be not all that bad - no pains to report or anything like that.

 

I also had a headache earlier again, but it went away after I caught up on sleep after work. I think I am finding a pattern to the headaches - sleep deprivation. I don't think sleep deprivation was always why I had a headache on Lex, but lately that could be a likely reason. While on Lex I have tended to wake up early (whether for restroom or another reason) and finding it difficult to go back to sleep. I do already take naps or sleep when I can. 

 

By this Thursday I would be on Lex for three weeks so that's about 4 days from now. I will have 6 days off work starting Friday so I will be able to get more sleep at my leisure. And hopefully the headaches and such will improve by then.

[Altostrata]

Many people do poorly if they don't get enough sleep. See our tips

 

 

What is the sleep cycle?

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Path to Better Sleep FREE online for everyone from the US Veterans Administration

 

Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

White noise devices for sleep

 

Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

 

TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime

 

[drop]

Thank you, I skimmed the articles!

 

As far as my sleep habits, I actively use white noise (I use a fan that circulates air around my room) because I am a light sleeper. Music would wake me up sometimes so I just stick with a fan. Fan sounds are constant so I've just been doing that for about a year.

 

I met with my doctor yesterday and she suggested melatonin as well, so I'll see about that if I keep struggling to stay asleep. She also suggested Benadryl in case I wake up too early and can't go back to sleep which was my main issue. Though I can't exactly take Benadryl on a work morning lol. My doctor also said I could get off the med because I'd been taking such low doses (I shouldn't need to go below 5mg) but I disagree and don't think it was a waste to taper below that. She wasn't concerned about the headaches so I didn't get any suggestions about them.

 

So far I have kept to the schedule I had almost originally planned. Since I did not have a headache yesterday I wanted to test the waters so I did not take any doses last night. I will see how I feel from now on. I am nervous to not take any more doses, but I will see. I also do not currently any headaches right now. Some slight tension now and then, but not enough to be a headache.

 

I also got a ton of sleep yesterday after I got off from work. I slept in the afternoon, woke up for a few hours in the evening, did not take my nightly dose, then went back to sleep. Also for the first time in a while I did not wake up at all during the night or even early in the morning so I got a full night of sleep. So the only difference was that I suppose even 1.25mg was keeping me wired enough to wake up and stay up early, but I'll keep watching my sleeping patterns. Also last night I had lucid dreams again, last time was a few days prior. I'll keep you guys updated.

[drop]

Hello, checking in. This marks day 3 of going off Lexapro 1.25mg. Good news: headache hasn't come back.

 

Not so good news: I have been experiencing sensitivity along my skin, some weakness, sporadic pins and needles, and the feeling of hot feet for the past hour. My arms also felt a bit heavier, maybe sluggish, but not for long.

 

Possible context: This happened shortly after I took a dose of Vitamin D3, maybe it was a coincidence but I am not sure. I had also taken 100mg of magnesium glycinate a bit earlier than the 125mcg (5000 IU) of Vitamin D, though I felt fine until I took the Vitamin D. After this I probably will just lay off the supplements for a while just in case. I had not taken these at all during my time on Lexapro. It was my first time taking magnesium in general. Also I had taken this particular dose of Vitamin D before in the weeks prior to first taking Lexapro without issue.

 

After looking around the forum, maybe the aforementioned symptoms are signs of withdrawal? I read a thread about these symptoms and needless to say I started to feel anxious seeing people say that this symptom has lasted for a long time for them.

 

As for how I treated these new symptoms, my feet immediately felt better after I stuck them in a bucket of cold water. I also went to lie down when I was feeling off with the sporadic pins and needles, so I just basically waited it out. I got back up after a short while though and I can still faintly feel it.

 

Would it be advised to go back on 1.25mg? I am unsure on how to proceed with this or if this is temporary. I am still monitoring my condition. I also haven't slept yet so I will see if this persists tomorrow.

[ChessieCat]

If you have had an immediate adverse reaction to taking an antidepressant it is generally better NOT to reinstate.

 

immediate-adverse-reactions-to-an-antidepressant-or-within-a-few-doses-how-long-for-recovery

 

But I only took it for a Week - immediate adverse reaction

 

SA strongly encourages members to learn and use:

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

[drop]

Ah I see so it is not withdrawal, but an adverse reaction?

 

And thank you for the links, they're a lot to read this late at night so I will read more on them when it's not late. I see that they're mental health-related.

[Onmyway]

@drop, 

these seem like very mild symptoms which if you weren't worried/thinking about withdrawal you may not have noticed at all. Going back risks destabilization due to ADR and adaptation (addiction) to the drug which in the future may require you to taper very slowly, possibly over years. Consider those costs before you reinstate.

 

I don't know you so don't know whether you are this observant about discomforts and symptoms in general or because we have been tracking drug reaction and potential withdrawal and have been exercising caution. If it is the latter, then it makes sense. If it is the former, it may be helpful to rethink this attitude towards discomfort.

 

Lots of people (including me) get into antidepressants because of mild but usually situational and transitory symptoms of anxiety/depression that they have been taught are unacceptable/need to be perfected - optimize your mind/mood/body in whatever way. There is this image pushed forward that we should not be feeling discomfort, or emotional pain and that we should do anything we can to avoid it and perform at our best at work/school/in relationships. But that is a pipe dream. Discomfort and pain exist in life in the same way that joy and happiness do. Every attempt to get rid of those has far reaching and dire consequences despite the ads that show us otherwise. Usually such attempts are in the form of legal or illegal pills and they usually result in side effects/dependence and addiction and much worse consequences in the long term. Instead of seeing pain and discomfort as scary, we can focus on the lessons in them and see them as an opportunity for growth. 

 

I am, of course, not saying that we should just endure pain and not seek help under any circumstances. There are situations where people are so severely depressed, life doesn't seem livable or so anxious their lives are left small from all the adjustments that they need to make to feel safe. I, personally, don't think that drugs are the answer in that situation either mostly because I don't believe that the current drugs we have do anything useful and can do a lot of harm. What I am trying to convey is that we need to trust ourselves - our bodies, our minds and their built in resilience to get through some of these discomforts without trying to eliminate all pain. Of course when the pain seems beyond our ability to handle or endure, we need to look for help. The world is a tough place and we will often need support to get  through a lot of it. 

 

I am saying the above more like a general statement rather than a comment on you in any way. Maybe more a comment on my own mistakes than anything else. It is our culture that promotes this body optimization, pain and discomfort elimination mindset. It tells us that we shouldn't endure insomnia or anxiety or feeling blue. We should fix ourselves for being human. I believed that too and that is how I ended up in this situation. I wish someone had told me that what I was feeling then was so miniscule and endurable compared to what withdrawal brought. You are incredibly lucky you got out of this relatively easy! 

 

This is to say that, from what I have seen from my personal experience and on these boards about the damage that these drugs can do and the risk of ADR and adaptation/withdrawal in your case, I'd advise to not go back on the drugs. You dodged a bullet. Unless your symptoms get severe, I'd thank the Universe/God/chaos/your lucky star that you got off relatively easy out of this and forget about the whole situation. Yes, you may have some tingling here and there, an occasional headache, a small anxiety attack, a bout of nausea or dizziness in the next couple of weeks. Thank your body for doing such a great job at healing and live your life knowing you really dodged a bullet. 

 

 

OMW

 

[Onmyway]

A practical tip: 

since you seem to be sensitive to vitamin D (a neurohormone), it may be useful for you to avoid any psychoactive substances incl supplements such as vit D and Bs, alcohol, pot etc. for the next year or so at least. Some people whose nervous systems are sensitized end up getting set back with usually alcohol and sometimes corticosteroids or certain antibiotics. Your sensitivity may go away sooner than that but I's err on the side of caution. 

[drop]

@Onmyway Yes I mentioned all my discomforts for the sake of tracking (and also for reassurance.) And if anyone in my specific situation wanted to see what I went through considering I was on it for a short time compared to others, I wanted to mention everything. I hardly found much info from those who decided to stop taking the med in my situation so I both wanted to help be informative on my side, receive advice, and also have a place to look back on myself. Also if it seems like my daily check-ins are too frequent I can post weekly unless I am really concerned (like last night).

 

I also struggle with anxiety and depression and I can sympathize with your response; it's why I was on Lex in the first place. Reading your post really touched me. Again I am thankful to have found this community. If it seems like I made light of anything in any way and it potentially comes across as offensive or flippant, it really wasn't my intention to and I'm sorry if I did. Thank you very much for your perspective.

 

I am glad that it seems like my experiences are mild and I am thankful to get out early. I am grateful for the advice I have received and I definitely won't reinstate as suggested. I was honestly reluctant to do it but wasn't sure. I will also avoid the supplements just to be safe. I genuinely appreciate the responses I have been given. Thank you very much. I can rest easier.

[Onmyway]

Hi @drop

Your posts were very valuable to track the course of coming off of these drugs quickly and the ensuing symptoms and will be valuable as a case study for others in the future as well. I appreciate you tracking the symptoms in detail as a service for everyone. I have been following them with interest. 

 

I was just worried that you would consider reinstatement based on these symptoms which compared to withdrawal symptoms after many years were mild. I worried that by asking you to track them we had made you more attuned and worried about them.

 

Relatively speaking my symptoms are not the worst either but they are torturous at times anyway. Some people here have absolutely debilitating symptoms. I didn't want you to trade this for the potential debilitating ones.

 

I really appreciate your reports. Do keep them coming. If I start worrying about severe symptoms that may require reinstatement, I'll be sure to tell you. 

 

How are you trying to deal with your anxiety/depression symptoms? Are you doing therapy? Exercise etc.? Have you heard of Claire Weekes' methods? Many of our members find her useful. 

 

I'm hoping things will keep getting better for you!

 

OMW

[drop]

First off, thank you for your responses and thoughtfulness. Earlier you wrote a long post and I didn't get to respond to all of it as I had just woken up and was short on time. 

 

I am still learning from the responses I receive and it's a relief that it seems like I am doing relatively well. Thanks to you I can assess my physical condition in a different way - that as long as I'm not in excruciating pain for instance, I will be okay. You gave me something to work with to check my progress. I will still log or note anything if I think it's relevant.

 

You pretty much described the gist of my mental health history to an extent and I relate with you. Generally people do not know that I deal with anxiety and depression until I tell them. Even in the face of stressful situations I generally bear through it. In April I became highly emotionally distressed for weeks to the point that I lost a lot of joy in every day things and eventually that's how I ended up on Lex. And after taking Lex I agree that at least for me this medication was not the answer. While it did help me to an extent, it also took more than it gave. I'm glad I figured out that much 6 days in. The side effects are strong.

 

Also I'm sorry you had to go through this, you have gone through a lot. People who are very knowledgeable about this matter really didn't have it easy and I can only imagine the amount of effort you all put into trying to help yourself and help others. It really says a lot about you and this community. Thank you again, for worrying when I asked about reinstatement and giving me your input. You're very thoughtful.

 

Another thing - thank you for the warning about how long I might need to avoid certain stuff. For one, I had no idea about the corticosteroids. I have eczema and psoriasis and was prescribed a topical one from my doctor though I have not gotten that prescription filled out. I'm also waiting for an approved insurance letter for a dermatologist. So thank you, I will see if there's any alternatives. Or I'll just stick to lotion. I generally avoid the other stuff you mentioned except alcohol on a rare occasion and Vitamin D so duly noted.

 

As for how I deal with my depression and anxiety, I would usually try to distract myself or talk with a friend or family member. Since I had gone on Lex, including and after my taper, I found that I have been less irritable and have not been feeling those intense lows. Besides feeling anxious about the pins and needles last night, I think I have been generally okay in terms of anxiety. I live a generally sedentary lifestyle, but I can make efforts to be more active. I used to do stretches a lot so I can go back to doing that - I had been stretching more anyway while on Lex and I enjoy stretching. I also have not heard of Claire Weekes so thanks for the recommendation, I'll read up. Regarding therapy, I have not had any therapy for a few years but I will be having my first new appointment tomorrow. I have been waiting a few weeks so it's finally come. I plan on getting advice on how to cope better with stress and other personal issues.

 

So yeah I'll hang in there. Thank you again for everything! From the suggestions, reassurance, advice, and well-wishes. I have been thanking you a lot, but I really mean it.

[drop]

Hello. Hope you are all having a good day or night. I think it's been about 5 weeks since I got off Lexapro.

 

My physical condition has changed a bit since Lex. I now have Restless Leg Syndrome, which explains the restlessness I had when I first posted. Been treating the restless legs with magnesium glycinate which helps sometimes. I also still get leg spasms like when I try to take some naps - though when I go to bed for the night I don't get the spasms.

 

In regard to my earlier posts about sleep deprivation, my sleep has been a lot better since I got off Lexapro completely so I attribute it to the drug. It's amazing how even 1.25mg can affect sleep since literally the next day after I tapered off I slept like a baby and was able to fall back asleep after a pee break in the middle of the night/early morning.

 

Also to close up some other less pressing loose ends for the side effects I mentioned when I first posted... TMI but my libido came back and I can feel sexual stimulation and climax again. I don't have emotional blunting anymore either. My headaches haven't come back either even when I am sleep deprived.

 

Mentally I am the same. Still working on it but I am glad that Lexapro is out of sight, out of mind for the most part. I am not taking this for granted, I feel thankful and relieved I am not going through worse. Anxiety is a battle in itself.

 

Anyway that is my update for now, maybe I'll come back after half a year or a year if anything changes or not just for the record. Thank you for having me and I wish you all well.

[ChessieCat]

Thank you for coming back to let use know that your recovery is progressing well.  However please be aware that recovery can be unpredictable, eg if you get sick then some symptoms might return or new ones appear.  It is important not to panic when this happens.  Just know that it is a fairly normal part of the process.

 

Please continue to be vigilant.  Even a simple thing like a glass of wine or beer might make things worse.  And of course try to keep stress to a minimum.