☼ ChessieCat: so I'm not the only one (Pristiq / desvenlafaxine)

[RachelSusan]

Oh my goodness, you are down to 2.375mg. Amazing, wonderful. I like the fact that even though you have a timetable you are flexible when it comes to tapering.  You listen to you body. It took me a while to learn that but now I am much better off for doing so. Congratulations.

 

[ChessieCat]

Thanks Frogie and Rachel.

 

Well I realised this morning that I've been "on edge" for the last few days.  It's a feeling that I've had before where I'm doing something but want to be doing something else.  Just a general feeling of being unsettled.  I've also noticed that my body isn't as relaxed as it had been and I'm not breathing as naturally as I was.  I don't know if it is from the reduction of health issues.

 

When I had the ultrasound done 2 weeks ago for what I thought was gallstones (none found) they found a complex cyst on my kidney and I'm beginning to wonder if the pain I've been getting for the last several months is related to that.  I also remembered that on the morning of the day before I got the really bad pain I had used my physio back roller and I'm wondering if that made things flare up.

 

I'm going for a CT scan today but I won't get the results until at least Monday.

[Frogie]

2 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

Thanks Frogie and Rachel.

 

Well I realised this morning that I've been "on edge" for the last few days.  It's a feeling that I've had before where I'm doing something but want to be doing something else.  Just a general feeling of being unsettled.  I've also noticed that my body isn't as relaxed as it had been and I'm not breathing as naturally as I was.  I don't know if it is from the reduction of health issues.

 

When I had the ultrasound done 2 weeks ago for what I thought was gallstones (none found) they found a complex cyst on my kidney and I'm beginning to wonder if the pain I've been getting for the last several months is related to that.  I also remembered that on the morning of the day before I got the really bad pain I had used my physio back roller and I'm wondering if that made things flare up.

 

I'm going for a CT scan today but I won't get the results until at least Monday.

 ChessieCat:

 

I wish you well with your CT today and hopefully everything will turn out just fine.

 

Please keep us posted 💜

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

 

 

[Carmie]

Hi CC, 

 

Sorry to hear you’re having health issues and you’ve been in pain. I hope things sort themselves out. Please let us know how you go with the CT scan, sending hugs🤗💚

[RachelSusan]

Hi ChessieCat,

Good luck with that CT scan.  I hope they can figure out what is causing you the pain. Please do let us know when you get the results.

Rachel

[getofflex]

Hello chess Cat, I enjoyed reading your introduction.  Thank you for the support you've given me in this forum.  I'll keep you in my prayers.  Jennifer

[mdwstrx]

Hi Chessie,

Wanted to stop by and say congrats on the new drop!!!  It seems you're doing very well and inspiring many of us! 

Thank you for your support, inspiration, patience and kindness.  It's very appreciated!  

 

[ChessieCat]

Thanks Frogie, Carmie, Rachel, getofflex and mdwstrx.  And I appreciate you all too.

 

Update on the pain.  I did not end up taking the Cipro.  The CT scan showed that I have a urethra which split and then reconnects.  Also showed something which the doctor said indicated the infection.  He did a urine analysis.  I'm assuming it came back clear because I haven't heard from the surgery.  He didn't say what he thought was the cause.  However, I'm wondering if I passed a small kidney stone.  Some time back (can't remember when, possible 20+ years ago) I did have a major pain across my back which felt like I had been cut with a knife, but the ultrasound was done afterwards and nothing showed up.  So that may have been a kidney stone.  The pain this time was nowhere near as bad.  Of course, I'll never know.  The good thing is that even though I did feel some mild pain on and off for about 1 week after the scan it seems to have cleared now and I'm actually starting to feel better in myself.

 

And on that note, I had been considering reducing 1 week earlier than my original plan and try and go a bit faster so I can finish sooner but because I'm enjoying feeling okay I've decided that it's silly to do that.  The short amount of time that I might end up gaining isn't really going to make a lot of difference.

[ShiningLight]

2 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

And on that note, I had been considering reducing 1 week earlier than my original plan and try and go a bit faster so I can finish sooner but because I'm enjoying feeling okay I've decided that it's silly to do that.  The short amount of time that I might end up gaining isn't really going to make a lot of difference.

 

Yessss! I did that last month and it cost me at least 2 weeks more of holding. So it took longer. Good for you! Stability and less symptoms is a great decision.

[Dejavu]

I'll bet you did pass a stone. Glad you're feeling better.

 

I'm also glad you didn't have to take the Cipro. I broke up a dogfight last year (what was I thinking?) and got bitten in the process. Probably by my own dog, but since we couldn't  be sure, the ER put me on a prophylactic course of Cipro. At the time, I didn't yet realize I was in withdrawal. What ensued was 5 days of unrelenting vomiting and other unpleasant gastrointestinal...ahem..."experiences." Had I known then what I know now, I never would have touched it. It was meant to be a 10-day course, but I stopped taking it after 5 and decided to take my chances with infection. Fortunately, it turned out to be the right call.

[Frogie]

I have missed your posts.

 

Are you doing ok? I hope so.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[mdwstrx]

Hi Chessie, 

I'm with Frogie... are things well I hope? Miss your posts as well. 

[ChessieCat]

Hi everyone, thanks for dropping by.

 

Things are going okay with me.  I've been off SA for many months but have still been checking on some members.

 

Tapering:  I'm now down to 1.25mg and have planned my drops which will get me to 0.25mg using compounded capsules.  This will take about 13 months.  However, once I get under 0.25mg I may need to start using Pristiq made into a liquid.  I will have some 0.125mg capsules left so would do a crossover using 0.125mg capsule and 0.125mg liquid for a couple of weeks before going to all liquid.

I'm a bit annoyed because I repeatedly asked the owner of the compounding pharmacy what was the lowest dose he could make and he kept saying any dose you want.  When I went in recently I found out that he is only in on particular days and the pharmacist I saw told me that they can't weigh the small doses I want.  I told him that I had previously got 0.125mg capsules and he said that was the lowest they could do.  Because I have arthritis in my fingers I don't want to be using liquid.  But I do have plenty of time.  I plan to find out when the owner is available to talk to so I can find out if I am able to get doses of less than 0.125mg made into capsules.  However, I realise that accuracy is important and that I could dilute a liquid to make it easier to measure if needed.

 

Because of covid19 I've been off work for the last 4 weeks.  I have started walking nearly every day (started at 2kms and now 3kms) and yesterday I clocked up 50kms.  It's a bit hard on my knees (arthritis and also floating bodies in one knee) but it's a catch-22 situation where I need to lose weight to help my knees.  I'm wearing good joggers.  I'm reasonably okay walking straight on an even surface but get pain if I try to side step or walk on a surface that has too much sideways slope.  The place that I walked has several small and short inclines and one longer incline at the halfway point.  When I weighed myself yesterday I had lost a small amount and I also tried on a blouse which was a bit tight about 5 or 6 weeks ago and it was almost comfortable enough to wear.

 

Mentally I'm managing fairly well.  I'm really pleased that my cat is still with me (she's nearly 21.5 years old).  My daughter has done some shopping and dropped it in for me so that breaks things up a bit.

 

BTW I have had some minor pain again recently and am starting to think that it might be pancreatitis.  I don't drink alcohol so it's not from that, but the times when the pain has happened has been after I've eaten a lot of refined, sugary, bad fat things.  On a positive note, it means that I have been limiting those types of foods and of course that will help me to lose some weight.  I'm hoping that the people at work will notice a difference when I go back.

[mdwstrx]

Hi Chessie!!

 

Just signed on to check something and saw your post.  

I'm so happy to hear you're well and still successfully tapering! Even with

the frustrations you're having, it sounds like things are going well!  

 

Nice to hear you still have your little cat. 😸 Our animals help give us unconditional

love.  Even cats ...lol  (I have a little dog).

 

I'm sorry to hear about your pain but hopefully you can fix it with diet.  We're

all putting weight on since the weather is still cold here and we're not out much.

But we can get out and walk if we bundle up.  So you're inspiring me with your stories 

of walking daily. 

 

You were such a big help when I was going through my 4 months of acute wd.  I'm very

grateful and want to say hello and welcome back!  

 

Best regards,

Md 💜

[ChessieCat]

Thanks mdwstrx.

 

Tomorrow I drop to 1 mg. 

 

Well after asking my compounder multiple times what was the smallest dose he could make and him telling me each time that he can make any dose I need, I found out today that he can, or is only willing to, make "rounded" amounts and only as low as 0.125 mg.  Because I take a dose twice daily to help reduce interdose withdrawal this means that my last compounded dose will be 0.25 mg.

 

So I've worked out my taper plan using 0.5 mg, 0.25 mg and 0.125 mg doses and increasing the hold by a week each reduction .  If it all goes okay then I will be off in 49 weeks' time.  That will be a total of 6.5 5.5 years (I started tapering at in October 2015).

 

15 Nov 2020 - This plan has been superseded.  I have discovered that the capsule contents will mix well with water so I can now take capsule/s and top up with DIY liquid.

Here's my plan, including the percent reduction.

 

 

Edited November 15, 2020 by ChessieCat
added new info

[ChessieCat]

Once I finish my 0.25mg dose I will still have 54 x 0.125mg capsules left so I've decided that I will take 1 x 0.125mg per day, but I will open the capsule and try to divide the contents in half and take it am and pm.  At least that gives me plenty of time to make the decision about when to stop completely.  I'm already starting to think about what I might do and/or buy to celebrate.

 

I just posted this in Terry's topic but want to put it here for my own reference:

 

"I've been tapering off 100mg Pristiq since October 2015 and I'm now down to 1mg.  I'm doing okay and have noticed improvements during that time.  Some of it is very subtle and isn't obvious until I recall how I was at different times earlier in my taper and suddenly realise that something isn't as bad as it was.  For example just yesterday I realised that my tinnitus is now very mild; at one time it was very bad.

 

Recently I've felt a bit irritable which I have noticed when something small happens, like dropping something and having to pick it up, or getting annoyed with my cat.  It was when it returned (but not as bad as before) that I thought oh I went for quite a while where I wasn't irritable.

 

Another thing I noticed is that I seem to be thinking much more clearly now.  There was also a time 2 1/2 years ago when I started getting excited about things, whereas 6 months prior I wasn't.

 

Recently I had a looping song and again realised that it had been a while since that had happened.  And a few days ago I had the feeling that I couldn't settle which was something that bothered me for many months a few years ago.

 

Oh yes, and my leg muscles don't get tight when I walk.  A few years ago I had difficulty stepping up the gutter from the road and would have to use the slope.

 

If all goes okay I will be off about mid 2021, which will be almost 6 years of tapering.  I had hoped to be off by my 60th birthday; I will be almost 64 when I'm finished.  It might be possible to get off sooner, but after going carefully for so long I'd rather not take the risk of upsetting things."

  

 

[getofflex]

@ChessieCat thank you for this encouraging post!  I suspect that those of us in this age range (I'm almost 59) have a harder time with WD as a general rule. I started my (too fast) taper in August of 2017, and am now taking things extremely slowly and carefully, especially during the COVID19.  It was very difficult before I found this forum due to tapering too fast, as per my (unfortunately ignorant) doctor.  I, too, feel much better now than I did 1.5 years ago, thank God.  Jennifer

[ChessieCat]

Hi getofflex, that's good to hear that you are doing better.

 

I just wanted to document here for the benefit of other members who may not release the impact that the covid-19 situation might be having on them.

 

In a nutshell, I am in a "good place" (detailed below) and the covid-19 situation is starting to have an affect me.

 

My covid situation:  I know that I will still be at home for the next two weeks.  I am not overly worried about the covid situation.  I live alone (I don't mind my own company) and have been home from my volunteer work for 8 weeks now, but not working from home.  I have no added stress due to money or employment.  I have no worries about members of my family.  I do not watch TV or listen to the radio and only check the news on the internet a couple times a day, but I do have a couple of FB sites which I get information from to make sure that I know what it happening "out there".  My daughter has visited a few times and I am in contact with a couple of good friends for long chats.  I've been for several long drives (I've noticed that my driving confidence has dropped a bit) to pick up purchases from places with no crowds (groceries have been delivered).  I've been exercising every day for almost 2 months; the first month I was pounding the pavement and walked 60 kms but it was making my knees sore (arthritis).  For the last (almost) month I've been doing 1 km / 30 minutes on a treadmill (my knees don't hurt as much).  My eating is fairly healthy and I've been maintaining a reasonable sleeping pattern.  I'm showering and dressing and meals at regular times.  I'm getting washing done and doing some other things around the house and keeping myself occupied.  My tapering has not been causing any major issues for a long while.

 

HOWEVER in the last week I've noticed that I am feeling unsettled.  I have found myself having to take calming slow breathes and tell myself that I am okay.  In the last couple of days I've been talking to myself a lot.  I've also noticed when I have an interaction with someone either by phone or in person I feel overstimulated afterwards.  I had been puzzling over some sewing patterns which was making me use my brain.  Perhaps I'm just getting bored and my brain needs to be given more to do.

[ChessieCat]

Reduced to 0.875mg today.  I will stay on this for 5 weeks.

 

My reductions going forward will be 0.125mg because it is the lowest capsule dose I could get.  I will hold for an additional week after each reduction from now on.

 

I'm not feeling as unsettled as I had been.  I'm keeping myself occupied with sewing.  When I return to work (3 days per week volunteering) I ease myself back into it.  It's now been 10 weeks since I was at work.  The paid staff are still working from home so I won't be back for at least 2 more weeks.

 

Thankfully Aimee my cat (now 21.5 years old) is still with me.

[mdwstrx]

Hi Chessie. .

Congrats on gettin so low!. Your excellent documentation is helpful.  I hit a bit of a bump here at 2.65 mg. Been on hold for about 20 days now and still having symptoms.  Was having emotional spirals and feeling depressed and panicked about living alone. One son is in Ca, the other lives an hour and a half south of me. Was advised to hold a couple months. Did you ever have to hold like this?  Makes we question  if I can ever get off. 
 

I’m glad Aimee is still with you. I love my little wire-haired dachshund. Animals are such gifts. 

Md 🌸

[ChessieCat]

Hi mdwstrx, thank you!  It feels a bit surreal.  The realisation that there will come a day when I don't have to take a dose of AD is very exciting.  Just the fact that I know I don't have to calculate my doses and capsules on a Excel spreadsheet again is fantastic.  And I've already printed off all of my charts which I tick off after I take my dose.

 

Regarding your question, I've responded in your Intro topic.  For the benefit of others here is the link to my post:  mdwstrx

[ChessieCat]

My further response to mdwstrx wondering about ever getting off:

  

Just now, ChessieCat said:

 

Instead of thinking can I ever get off, think in terms of I've reduced my dose, I'll see how low I can get.  Originally my plan was to get down to 50mg, then I just kept going, and going, and going.  It's not a race.  You go at the pace that your brain and body allow, taking your own circumstances into account along the way.  It's got nothing to do with how strong and/or determined you are as a person.

 

 

[Frogie]

Hi ChessieCat:

 

I think it’s wonderful that you are almost done.

 

You taught me how to do a taper nice and slow among other things.

 

 I want you to know how much I appreciate your help through all of this.

 

It’s nice to see you back!

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[ChessieCat]

Thanks Frogie.

 

Well even the best laid plans can go wrong.  But it might not cause any issues.

 

Last night I was really tired and instead of taking 0.375mg I took 0.5mg, because I picked up the container for the morning instead of the night one.  To hopefully counteract this incorrect dosing I will take 0.375mg (instead of taking 0.5mg at 7am) at 11 am today and then 0.375mg tonight as usual.  My last reduction was on 23rd May, so 1.5 weeks ago, and I haven't had any problems so I am not really too concerned about this little mistake.

 

The other thing I will note here is that our ladies' Bible study group had our first get together since the lockdown.  It was really lovely but yesterday afternoon I had a splitting headache (paracetamol didn't do a lot, which is unusual, and I ended up taking ibuprofen a few hours later and that seemed to do the trick) and got tired very early in the evening.  I had spoken to a friend of mine a couple of days earlier and she had the same thing happen a few weeks ago after she had attended a small family gathering.  I put it down to stress (keeping apart, also our brains had to work harder to listen and to make conversation) and being overstimulated.

 

Trigger Warning:

 

Sadly my cat Aimee's body finally wore out a week and a half ago.  She made it to 21 years and 7 months to the day, an incredibly long life!.  Thankfully I picked up very early that her breathing had changed so I knew it was time.  The vet checked her and said that she suspected that she had fluid around the heart because she had trouble hearing it so it was good to have my suspicions confirmed.  This same vet has seen her at the very end of March when she was vaccinated and didn't mention any issues at that time.  This happened a couple of days after my reduction but I don't think that this has caused any problems.  Due to the fact that I had been preparing for this probably since she turned 16 or 17, when this happened I have managed to cope well.  Obviously I'm upset about it which is completely normal and it's strange not have any pets.  However, I have lots to be thankful for.  Because of the lockdown I have had 10 weeks at home with her.  Also with going back to work soon I know that I would have been concerned about leaving her.  I picked up it very early and knew for sure.  She was a bit uncomfortable but was still happy and as well as could be expected and we were able to spend some special time together before we left for the vet.  I'm also thankful that the dog died before the cat, because cats are fairly independent whereas dogs tend to be around you more.  It would have been harder if it had been the other way around especially since Freckles had issues so needed special attention.

[ChessieCat]

Well I'm dropping to 0.75mg Pristiq today.

 

Previous hold at 0.875mg was 5 weeks.  Hold at 0.75mg will be for 6 weeks.

 

I've decided to continue with my taper despite the last week.  I was due to return to work but was unable to do that.  I may wait another week before returning to give my back more time to heal, because it is very easy to twist the wrong way.

 

Friday night I tore/pulled a muscle in my buttock and have been experiencing extreme, almost continual, sciatica pain.  I've been taking paracodeine at night so that I can sleep.  My sleep has been fairly good.  On Tuesday I was prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.  Over 3 doses (1 per day) I gradually developed an upset stomach so I haven't taken any more of them (was supposed to take a course of 7 days).  However I think what I have taken has helped to reduce the inflammation a bit because the pain, even though it is still there, is not quite as severe, but it is still very draining.

 

Several weeks ago I suspected that I had cracked a tooth.  The root canal treatment had been finished and I was booked in for the crown when Covid caused everything to be cancelled.  I managed to get in for an emergency appointment yesterday and the tooth was extracted.  I got the non-adrenaline injection.

 

Hopefully my careful taper will stand me in good stead and these issues won't cause too much of a problem.

[ChessieCat]

Well it turned out that I have a slightly bulging disc in my lower back which is pressing on nerves.  Going for a cortisone injection tomorrow.  Not looking forward to the treatment but I will be very thankful for the relief.

 

Extraction site is a bit swollen.  Hopefully I won't need to take the antibiotics I've been given.

[ChessieCat]

Hopefully good news on the extraction.  There is an area to the side of the extraction which is quite sore and is the area which is reddened.  I'm wondering if it might be a bit of bone working it's way to the surface.

[Frogie]

3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

Hopefully good news on the extraction.  There is an area to the side of the extraction which is quite sore and is the area which is reddened.  I'm wondering if it might be a bit of bone working it's way to the surface.

I’ve had many teeth pulled. I didn’t take the antibiotic that the dentist gave me, but I rinsed my mouth several times a day with salt water. I used Listerine a couple times.

 

It very well could be a piece of bone.

 

 I hope you feel better soon.

 

 

Edited June 30, 2020 by Frogie

[ChessieCat]

Thanks Frogie.  The swelling/redness has definitely decreased but it is sore when I press it.  Yes, I know, don't press it!!!  I've had bone fragments before after an extraction.  I've been rinsing with salty water more than I had been and I'm sure that is helping.

 

I had the cortisone injection this morning and it went will.  I've been told it could take 1+ weeks to work and I need to be very careful over the next 2 weeks, and obviously take preventative measures thereafter.

 

I've been given stronger tablets to help me sleep because I've had very little over the last 3 nights.

 

Thankfully I'm remembering to take my Pristiq capsules and blood pressure medication.  I've only been taking other supplements sporadically.

 

No idea how my 0.125mg reduction last Saturday and all the other stuff is going to affect me.  When I made the reduction on Saturday I didn't know that I would be getting the cortisone injection or having to take the Mersyndol Forte which is paracodeine with doxylamine added. 

 

I think I might try one to start with instead of two just as a precaution.  I can always take a second one a bit later if needed.

 

For my own information.  From https://www.verywellhealth.com/doxylamine-and-insomnia-3015179

 

"Doxylamine is an antihistamine, meaning that it treats allergies. It's also used for nighttime cold symptoms. Causing drowsiness is considered a side effect, but it can be a useful one for some people who need help getting to sleep or staying asleep. It shouldn't be used for more than two weeks to treat insomnia."

 

"doxylamine affects neurotransmitters—specialized chemical messengers that send signals between brain and nerve cells (neurons). More specifically, it blocks receptors that allow the neurotransmitter histamine to affect a neuron.1 This causes you to get sleepy.

 

Doxylamine works centrally (within the central nervous system) and elsewhere in the body to sedate you."

 

Edited June 30, 2020 by ChessieCat
added about trying 1 not 2 to start

[Frogie]

3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

The swelling/redness has definitely decreased but it is sore when I press it.  Yes, I know, don't press it!!!  I've had bone fragments before after an extraction.  I've been rinsing with salty water more than I had been and I'm sure that is helping.

You just answered yourself. Don’t press on it, lol... I’m glad you are rinsing with salt water. My dentist, who is also a dear friend, says that will bring up any bone fragments that might be there and keep the infection rate down.

 

3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

I had the cortisone injection this morning and it went will.  I've been told it could take 1+ weeks to work and I need to be very careful over the next 2 weeks, and obviously take preventative measures thereafter.

I certainly hope it brings you relief. Maybe they can teach you some stretching exercises that aren’t too invasive. Please be careful. 

 

3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

Thankfully I'm remembering to take my Pristiq capsules and blood pressure medication.  I've only been taking other supplements sporadically.

 

No idea how my 0.125mg reduction last Saturday and all the other stuff is going to affect me.  When I made the reduction on Saturday I didn't know that I would be getting the cortisone injection or having to take the Mersyndol Forte which is paracodeine with doxylamine added. 

I’m glad you are remembering your Pristiq also. Hopefully your slow taper won’t be affected by all of this. I wouldn’t worry about your supplements right now. 
 

I hope you find some relief from all of this and are able to rest. Rest is the best medicine.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[ChessieCat]

Thanks Frogie, I appreciate your support, suggestions and wise words.

 

GOOD NEWS!!!  I am very happy to report that I got some sleep.  I only took one Mersyndol to start, and about 1/2 hour later took a second one.  I know I got at least 3 hours of sleep, possibly 4.  I got up and sat up for about 1 hour and then went back to bed and got about another 3 hours.  I'm trusting that the doctor prescribed the least problematic medication for the purpose.  I've researched it and am aware that it may not work for very long but hopefully it will get me through the next week until the cortisone kicks in fully.  I'm still getting some discomfort from the nerves but it's more bearable than it was.  This might be because my body has had some physical rest after sitting up trying to support myself for so long.  I am just so thankful that I had been walking for 3 months before this happened.  I don't think my body would have been able to cope with the physical exertion it's been enduring.

 

13 hours ago, Frogie said:

I’m glad you are rinsing with salt water. My dentist, who is also a dear friend, says that will bring up any bone fragments that might be there and keep the infection rate down.

 

That's good to know.  It does feel much better than it did.  So at this time no antibiotics, thankfully.

 

13 hours ago, Frogie said:

I’m glad you are remembering your Pristiq also. Hopefully your slow taper won’t be affected by all of this. I wouldn’t worry about your supplements right now. 

 

I will start back on them tomorrow.  At least some of them, Vit D, multivitamin, iron, B12.  The omega and magnesium can wait a bit longer.  And because I'm on the codeine and not eating much fibre/vegies/fruit and not walking much, I'll start taking 1 Sennakot at night before bed so that I don't become constipated.  Definitely don't want to add that issue into the mix.

 

Edited July 1, 2020 by ChessieCat

[Frogie]

10 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

GOOD NEWS!!!  I am very happy to report that I got some sleep.  I only took one Mersyndol to start, and about 1/2 hour later took a second one.  I know I got at least 3 hours of sleep, possibly 4.  I got up and sat up for about 1 hour and then went back to bed and got about another 3 hours.  I'm trusting that the doctor prescribed the least problematic medication for the purpose.  I've researched it and am aware that it may not work for very long but hopefully it will get me through the next week until the cortisone kicks in fully.  I'm still getting some discomfort from the nerves but it's more bearable than it was.  This might be because my body has had some physical rest after sitting up trying to support myself for so long.  I am just so thankful that I had been walking for 3 months before this happened.  I don't think my body would have been able to cope with the physical exertion it's been enduring.

That’s wonderful news! Rest and sleep, what a wonderful thing to be able to do. You need the rest so your body will heal. You’re doctor sounds wise (for a dr lol), only prescribing something for initial relaxation until the cortisone starts to kick in. That’s wonderful that you were able to walk. It strengthened your back so you could endure this miserable back injury.

 

10 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

That's good to know.  It does feel much better than it did.  So at this time no antibiotics, thankfully.

I’m glad the extraction is healing. Your mouth takes so long to heal because it doesn’t dry out. It’s always moist. Moisture is the evil when it comes to healing. But isn’t funny how the body knows what to do? To just take over and take care of the situation.

 

10 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

I will start back on them tomorrow.  At least some of them, Vit D, multivitamin, iron, B12.  The omega and magnesium can wait a bit longer.  And because I'm on the codeine and not eating much fibre/vegies/fruit and not walking much, I'll start taking 1 Sennakot at night before bed so that I don't become constipated.  Definitely don't want to add that issue into the mix.

That’s a great idea. A Tylenol can make me constipated. I take Metamucil everyday. It’s also good for cholesterol. I don’t take much. Magnesium, omega, vitamin D, and milk thistle to take care of the liver infiltration that I experience. I think it’s because of the meds I have been on for so many years. Hopefully, it will go away when I’m done with the Xanax. 
 

Once again, I’m so happy for you. You’re healing and on the road to recovery. That’s the most wonderful news anyone can have!!!

 

[ChessieCat]

Thanks Frogie.  I'm getting there slowly.

 

My back seems to be improving a bit.  It's Day 5 after the cortisone injection.

 

My tooth extraction is healing nicely.  The swelling has gone done on the side gum and only hurts when pressed.  Thankfully I did not need to take the antibiotics.  There does seem to be a lump under it which is probably a bit of bone.

 

I'm still taking 2 Mersyndol at night (which have codeine and antihistamine) and take paracetamol during the day as needed or general aches.

 

Because of everything else that my body is coping with and the additional drugs I've got no idea whether I'm getting any ramping up of withdrawal symptoms from the current issues and the reduction 1 week ago.  That's the least of my worries at the moment.  And even if I feel "off" the other things resolve, I will still not know what is causing it.  But I will hold for a bit longer if, when I get to my next reduction date, I'm not feeling good. (Note to self 😉)

[mdwstrx]

13 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

But I will hold for a bit longer if, when I get to my next reduction date, I'm not feeling good. (Note to self 😉)

 

Hi @ChessieCat

I'm not as low as you but I've also found holding is the best idea until you feel better.  It works as our bodies eventually adjust.

What amazing creations we really are!  It's so exciting that you are almost there!  You inspire me and many others I'm sure!

I so appreciate your documentation as it gives the rest of us a road map of sorts.  Thanks and praying things continue to improve for you.

Md 🌻

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi md, thanks for dropping by and for your prayers.  Yes our bodies are incredible things.  I love doing jigsaw puzzles and I'm amazed and how our brains can turn shapes around and see subtle variations in colours, shapes etc.

 

Other members here have certainly been an inspiration to me.  And you're at 2.55mg.  That's fantastic.  You are doing really well.

 

I'm glad that my documenting has helped.  I think it can help others when they see how others are managing their tapers, especially when things don't go to plan and you have to re-assess and change things around.

 

"Sort of" good news.  Last night I managed to stay in bed for the whole night instead of sitting up for a while after going to the bathroom.  Today is Day 6 after the cortisone injection.  Still can't sit in a lounge chair and have times when I set off the nerve pain and end up sobbing/screaming.  Last night I had to cope with the bed covers feeling uncomfortable where ever they touched my body, even my upper arms.  It's  probably because my body is on high alert at the moment.

[Erell]

Chessie,

 

You really sound like an amazing woman ! 

I like your calm posts : even if I know you are suffering a lot, reading your strenght is a true inspiration.

 

8 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

  I love doing jigsaw puzzles

I'm with you on this one 😉

I also like listening to smooth podcasts while doing puzzles.

It can really help to distract from too intense symptoms.

 

Take care ☀️