DD27: 4 Years On - Symptoms Continually Increasing

[DD27]

This is my very first post on any official forum so thank you for reading. I'm in a pretty desperate state so writing this has taken some thinking. 

 

In 2020 I was a medical professional who was self sufficient albeit dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia but still able to function and work. At the end of that year I took 1 tablet of Sertraline and ended up on the floor for hours unable to move after such a severe reaction. This changed my life massively and 4 years down the line I am still declining (particularly neurological symptoms) and barely able to function and feel noticeably worse each day. I'm used to dealing with medical issues but the symptoms are constant, worsening and overpowering my ability to function so now I'm concerned this is not recoverable. 

 

My worst symptom is a constant feeling of being drugged & drunk like a state of severe brain distortion beyond anything any drug could give you along with awful head pain, brain fog and a stone like feeling in the bottom of my head & neck. Can anyone resonate with these symptoms and has anyone ever kept declining daily but then started to get better after years of going backwards. 

 

I've tried many things in that 4 year period but nothing has made a difference and each time I try anything it makes things worse. Where do I start so I can begin to heal (I know this will take time)? 

[FireflyFyte]

Hi DD27,

 

Welcome to SA. Thank you for summarizing your drug history in your signature.

 

We have a thread, with a lot of information on adverse reactions, at Immediate adverse reactions to an antidepressant or within a few doses? How long for recovery?.

 

On 11/4/2024 at 6:54 AM, DD27 said:

I've tried many things in that 4 year period

 

What have you tried? Other medications? 

 

On 11/4/2024 at 6:54 AM, DD27 said:

medical issues but the symptoms are constant, worsening and overpowering my ability to function so now I'm concerned this is not recoverable. 

 

Have you gotten any tests run to rule out any other potential factors?

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[DD27]

I've tried many things but my reaction created severe toleration issues with foods, supplements & medications but I've still tried things such as diet changes, various supplements (I tried Omega 3 & Magnesium but couldn't tolerate as they worsened neuro symptoms). A whole host of other supplements. I reacted badly to Famotidine. 

 

These are the supplements I've tried which all affected neuro symptoms - Biotoxin Binder, Cumanda, Banderol, IGY, Vitamin D & K, Magnesium L-Threonate, Melatonin, Biocidin, Vitamin A, Methylated B12 & Methylfolate, Hydrozyme, Bitters Gallbladder Support. 

 

I've had 3 brain scans with no signs of structural issues, many conventional blood tests which show low Vitamin D & Folate but that's about it. The only other thing that shows is a raised ANA & centromere antibodies but I've seen a professor of Rheumatology and he couldn't work out why and only offered me high dose steroids which I'm not comfortable taking due to reaction and neuro issues. 

 

I have had some non conventional tests showing SIBO, Adrenal Fatigue, Mould, Histamine Intolerance but since the reaction to Sertraline and the severe tolerance issues affecting my neuro symptoms long term I have no idea how to tackle them without risking making things worse. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. 

[getofflex]

I'm terribly sorry to read that you have had all these problems from just one tablet of sertraline.  This is an immediate adverse reaction.  Unfortunately, it takes some of us longer to heal than others.  It may be time to stop trying all kinds of supplements, and try other natural coping and healing methods.  These links have many good ideas - go through them, and try some of them.  

 

Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

 

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

When we are destabilized, oftentimes supplements can just make things worse instead of better.  The only ones we suggest are magnesium, and omega-3. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

And here is our topic on supplements.  

 

Important Topics About Tests, Supplements, Treatment, Diet

Edited November 10, 2024 by getofflex