☼ Junglechicken

[Junglechicken]

12 hours ago, readyfortheworld said:

That’s interesting about apple cider vinegar. How do you recommend I take it? We have a bottle of it that is practically new. 
 

I understand where they’re coming from but I try to do as much as I can. I would like to start working but the symptoms I’m dealing with are really uncomfortable and I wouldn’t be able to focus. What’s scary, is the fact that I don’t know how long it’ll take for me to recover (or feel way better than I do currently) and when I’ll be able to start working again. 
 

I haven’t really thought about that but I could look into it. How would I look up those kind of jobs online? I live in a smaller city that doesn’t have that good of a job market, so I’m not sure if that would be possible here. It’s worth a try, though. 

 

 

The bottle will have instructions on the back, but usually its 2 teaspoons or more a day of apple cider vinegar mixed in a cup of water or juice.

 

Understood re: the symptoms scaring you from working.

 

My initial thoughts are:

 

Do you specialise in a particular accounting area?

 

You could go freelance/contract, and work for a national company from home?

 

Bookkeeping for small businesses, that kind of thing?

 

I know there are national chains that offer annual tax solutions for people in the US.

 

Perhaps consider researching the opportunities out there for someone with your qualifications, and you may find that you'll be able to have an income despite the symptoms.  Its daunting in the beginning, but you'll find that you forget about the symptoms and are more focused on the job itself 😀

[Junglechicken]

Looks like I'm still in a wave. That'll be the 4th consecutive week now.

 

Have had an on/off runny nose, mild flu-like symptoms, heart rate goes up significantly if I do too much physical exertion, ongoing GI issues, anxiety, headache, tears/low mood, tinnitus.  Have been feeling freezing cold as we've had lower temperatures, and was roasting hot last night when the outside temperature increased.

 

So after what seems like many months of being in a window, this wave came out of the blue and I'm slightly blindsided by it.

 

Fortunately, my new therapist understands protracted WD, and is "well-up" on the affect these drugs have. Seeing her on Friday evening.

 

My anxiety is pretty bad.

 

Got to make some diet adjustments too as my gut isn't happy.

 

I think we can safely assume this is WD given the cluster of symptoms.

 

 

 

 

 

[Junglechicken]

Just found this website which provides an A-Z of WD symptoms:

 

"The Inner Compass"

 

https://withdrawal.theinnercompass.org/page/withdrawal-symptoms-z

[manny03]

4 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

Just found this website which provides an A-Z of WD symptoms:

 

"The Inner Compass"

 

https://withdrawal.theinnercompass.org/page/withdrawal-symptoms-z

Glad you found that website. Went thought some of the A-Z and my gosh most of the symptoms I've had and still have are there. Now, I have some peace of mind that its not some scary disease. 

[Junglechicken]

10 hours ago, manny03 said:

Glad you found that website. Went thought some of the A-Z and my gosh most of the symptoms I've had and still have are there. Now, I have some peace of mind that its not some scary disease. 

 

 

Hey Manny,

 

That's at least some comfort, and sorry to hear that you're still dealing with a very long wave of symptoms.

 

It has a very good section on coping skills for many symptoms.

 

There are other websites out there that provide similar lists.

 

Take care,

 

JC

 

 

[Junglechicken]

Brutal IBS continues ☹️. This has been going on for 3 weeks now.

 

Debating whether to see my GP.

 

Have had flu-like symptoms, tinnitus, phleghmy/irritated throat, hot/cold flushes, anxiety, inner tremor, dizziness.

 

All the above indicate protracted WD to me.

 

IBS episodes have always been triggered by a stressor (looking back).

 

Guess I'm looking for re-assurance.

[Junglechicken]

Gut issues have subsided the last couple of days thankfully, as have other symptoms.

 

Hopefully I'm back into a window.

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, Junglechicken said:

Gut issues have subsided the last couple of days thankfully, as have other symptoms.

 

Hopefully I'm back into a window.

Glad to hear you’re feeling better!

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

I think one of the WD symptoms I dread the most, are the right-sided sinus headaches I get periodically.  Have one now 😡

 

Those, and gut issues.  Also forgot to mention the nausea, dizziness and tinnitus.

 

None of these symptoms were ever an issue until ADs became a part of my life.

[Giulietta]

2 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

I think one of the WD symptoms I dread the most, are the right-sided sinus headaches I get periodically.  Have one now

 

Sorry about this. Hope it goes away soon. How often do the foolish things appear and how long do they last?

 

Tinnitis started immediately with me and was first the first 7 months. It has grown much quieter and is  intermittent (during the day/week depending).  Now it is a nuisance I think as I have grown used to it. 

 

 

 

 

[Junglechicken]

35 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

 

Sorry about this. Hope it goes away soon. How often do the foolish things appear and how long do they last?

 

Tinnitis started immediately with me and was first the first 7 months. It has grown much quieter and is  intermittent (during the day/week depending).  Now it is a nuisance I think as I have grown used to it. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Guilietta,

 

Thank you for stopping by.

 

It's hard to say re: the sinus headaches.

 

As I'm in a longer wave, probably about once a week; previously I reckon they occurred every 2 months.

 

Same here with the tinnitus starting immediately (following CT taper).

 

The intensity and pitch vary depending on the circumstances.

 

JC

[Giulietta]

3 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

The intensity and pitch vary depending on the circumstances.

 

 

Hello JC,

 

Good for you on the wave! It's nice to revel in someone's good news.   

 

The tinnitus has been daily (again) for a number of weeks.  It's more of an issue (pitch, volume, etc. depending on the amount of anxiety. What circumstances worsen yours?

 

My anxiety has been very high this week - general WD I think - and circumstance health-related because of all the things happening at once that need to be addressed - plus the usual things - so it is noisy now. The worst tinnitus I think are the crickets sounds - and when they are loud - but now I have crickets but not so loud. Do you get crickets?

 

I have been doing research on vestibular stuff and would be better served by not looking at this stuff. It is honestly hard to get one's mind off of it, isn't it.

 

Really sorry about the headache. Hope it is gone soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Junglechicken]

IF ONLY being in a wave was good news 🤔 unfortunately, it's not.

 

I had months of milder symptoms (a long window/smaller waves?), including occasional gut issues and sinus headaches and then got hit out-of-the-blue by this big wave beginning of January.  We're talking 19 months out from final dose, so protracted WD.

 

I don't get crickets, but I do get jet engines, lol! Maybe it depends on the AD?

 

Yes, stress triggers more intense tinnitus for me.

[Junglechicken]

Have updated my signature to reflect the most recent BIG wave of protracted WD symptoms.

 

Previous waves since last dose 18 months ago, were not as pronounced, albeit they were always triggered by stressful events. 

 

Examples include:

 

The final day of the cruise holiday with my MIL - I went down with a heavy cold, and severe IBS symptoms which lasted 2-3 weeks, and a doctor visit.  Even though it was supposed to have been a relaxing 7 day trip, it wasn't.  Felt freezing cold the whole time on the ship, anxious etc.,

 

Job Offer - triggered diarreah the same day I got a call to say I had been offered the job.

 

Travelling to visit MIL in car - stomach off, appetite gone.

 

Smear test/end of holidays - Nurse who did smear mentioned that my cervix looked different to normal.  This triggered health anxiety.  Also, my husband returning to work after the holidays, and I am currently interviewing for a new job as my last contract ended.  Massive wave triggered with multiple symptoms.

 

Despite noting "triggers", and the unpleasantness of the accompanying symptoms, I am trying to "keep it real", and not let my imagination run wild with catastrophic thinking.

 

Previously, I would make a GP appointment, for them to tell me what I already knew.  It was more of a re-assurance exercise.  Kind of like talking to a caring mother (which I DON'T have), but a substitute carer, who can re-assure me that the symptoms will subside over time and they are not life-threatening.

 

Now, I am take seriously "self-care" and what that means.  Healthy eating, rest, gentle exercise, etc., (being kind to self)

 

I am trying to LEARN from the past, and MOVE FORWARD with this situation, rather than REPEAT the same moves that haven't got me anywhere previously.

 

Changing previous behaviours I think is half the battle with this recovery journey.

 

Having said that, I am not enjoying the journey, its grim, long, and as Laura Delano said, living with the discomfort of multiple symptoms means healing is taking place.

 

TRYING TO KEEP THE FAITH!

 

 

[Junglechicken]

Jackhammer headache has subsided, the worst of the gut issues have gone except for reflux/phlegm/irritated throat.

 

Chills/hot flushes have subsided....

 

Hopefully the wave is spitting me out, lol, and I'm swimming free?

 

Continuing exercise regime, dug over a good portion of my allotment this afternoon.

 

Generally trying to keep moving forward. 

[Junglechicken]

Going to see my Naturopath, to get help with sorting out my gut issues.

 

Going to the doctor will likely result in my being put on PPIs etc.,

 

I think this is the longest stint I have experienced with the gut issues, just over a month now.

 

Groan!

[Frogie]

7 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

Going to see my Naturopath, to get help with sorting out my gut issues.

 

Going to the doctor will likely result in my being put on PPIs etc.,

 

I think this is the longest stint I have experienced with the gut issues, just over a month now.

 

Groan!

I hope it resolves quickly after seeing you Naturopath!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

[Junglechicken]

Thanks Frogie, so do I.

 

I am dealing with "new" IBS symptoms, which I haven't had before.

 

A radical diet change is on the cards, either FODMAPS or low histamine I think.

 

I hope you're doing well!

 

TC,

JC xx

[Frogie]

Just now, Junglechicken said:

Thanks Frogie, so do I.

 

I am dealing with "new" IBS symptoms, which I haven't had before.

 

A radical diet change is on the cards, either FODMAPS or low histamine I think.

 

I hope you're doing well!

 

TC,

JC xx

Good luck!

 

I'm doing ok. Thanks.

 

Let me know how you are doing.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Junglechicken]

Just now, Frogie said:

Good luck!

 

I'm doing ok. Thanks.

 

Let me know how you are doing.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

That's fantastic, glad to hear it Frogie.  You deserve one helluva break!

 

Yes, don't worry, I'll do an update. 

 

I hate these "diet protocols", but unfortunately, WD sends our guts off on one, and we have to act or its pure misery.

 

TC,

JC xx

[Frogie]

26 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

 

That's fantastic, glad to hear it Frogie.  You deserve one helluva break!

 

Yes, don't worry, I'll do an update. 

 

I hate these "diet protocols", but unfortunately, WD sends our guts off on one, and we have to act or its pure misery.

 

TC,

JC xx

Thanks. I do deserve a break, hopefully it will be over with soon. So do you.

 

Thanks for keeping me updated. I appreciate it.

 

I'm on a low carb diet (except this weekend we were really bad). I think it's helped.

 

We have been through the wringer together, but we are making it🙂

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

 

[Junglechicken]

1 minute ago, Frogie said:

Thanks. I do deserve a break, hopefully it will be over with soon. So do you.

 

Thanks for keeping me updated. I appreciate it.

 

I'm on a low carb diet (except this weekend we were really bad). I think it's helped.

 

We have been through the wringer together, but we are making it🙂

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

 

 

 

Frogie,

 

I know the feeling of having been through the wringer.  We are still "there", but its better than it was (at least).

 

There reaches a point, where the amount of s**t and curve balls (now picture that!) and waves (?!?) being flung our way, have to subside.

 

Bye for now,

 

TC, 

JC xxx

[Frogie]

7 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

 

Frogie,

 

I know the feeling of having been through the wringer.  We are still "there", but its better than it was (at least).

 

There reaches a point, where the amount of s**t and curve balls (now picture that!) and waves (?!?) being flung our way, have to subside.

 

Bye for now,

 

TC, 

JC xxx

You are correct in everything you said!

 

But we can only go up.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Giulietta]

4 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

, WD sends our guts off on one, and we have to act or its pure misery.

 

Sorry to hear about your GI issues.

 

Do you get much fiber? I function in general with >20 mg of fiber.  I put flax seed on everything I can... 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Junglechicken]

3 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

 

Sorry to hear about your GI issues.

 

Do you get much fiber? I function in general with >20 mg of fiber.  I put flax seed on everything I can... 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Guillieta,

 

Thank you 😊

 

Yes, I get plenty of fibre, I think my issue is either histamine related, or intolerance to FODMAPS.  I also have reflux.

 

Seeing my naturopath who should be able to set my diet on track again.

 

I bought some probiotics, so we'll see if they help.

 

Have you had any improvements with the balance/dizziness issues?

 

Best,

JC

 

 

[Frogie]

Hey HC:

 

Have you had a chance to see your Naturopath?

 

If so, what did you find out?

 

Hope good news!😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Leo1983]

Hey

 

I have reflux, a terrible burning in right side of stomach and bright red throat. 

 

Dr says its GERD. said i should take Lansoprazole for 2-4  weeks only to let my stomach settle.

 

Im unsure but i have left this for weeks with no improvement. I also had a ulcer in the past.

 

🤪

[Junglechicken]

49 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Hey

 

I have reflux, a terrible burning in right side of stomach and bright red throat. 

 

Dr says its GERD. said i should take Lansoprazole for 2-4  weeks only to let my stomach settle.

 

Im unsure but i have left this for weeks with no improvement. I also had a ulcer in the past.

 

🤪

 

Hey Leo,

 

Uggh! I'm going to try the naturopathic route first, as it worked for me previously.  Diet "protocols" etc.,

 

Then if that fails, see my GP.

 

I'll keep you guys posted on this, as I'm waiting to hear back from my naturopath re: an appointment.

 

JC

 

 

 

 

[Junglechicken]

2 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Hey

 

I have reflux, a terrible burning in right side of stomach and bright red throat. 

 

Dr says its GERD. said i should take Lansoprazole for 2-4  weeks only to let my stomach settle.

 

Im unsure but i have left this for weeks with no improvement. I also had a ulcer in the past.

 

🤪

 

Leo,

 

I forgot to ask you whether you experienced phlegm alongside the GERD?

 

Do you have to clear your throat a lot?

 

JC

 

[Leo1983]

Hi, 

 

yes i guess i do i noticed its white aswell the phlegm. Its comes off my chest..

 

 

[Junglechicken]

7 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Hi, 

 

yes i guess i do i noticed its white aswell the phlegm. Its comes off my chest..

 

 

 

Makes sense, and is very irritating.

 

Because reflux irritates the lungs producing phlegm?

[Junglechicken]

This has been on my mind for many months now, but has anyone in the US filed their injury claim in the below Class action Lawsuit against Forest Laboratories/ Lundbreck?

 

So many young people were put on ADs with very bad outcomes.

 

I'm just curious.

 

I was put onto Lexapro in Canada, and haven't come across an equivalent.

 

Also, given that I'm back in the UK now, I'm not sure of jurisdiction.

 

https://www.nationalinjuryhelp.com/defective-drugs/lexapro/

[readyfortheworld]

Hi @Junglechicken,

 

 

I went on a little hiatus but I’m back for a bit. I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with GI issues again. It’s more than likely still withdrawal, as I also still deal with some GI issues but I try not to worry too much about it. I’m also still dealing with GERD and all these throat symptoms but accepting my symptoms has helped me so far. 
 

I was going to ask you; did you get an endoscopy and did they find anything wrong? I’m to due to have one this Saturday and I’m wondering what I should expect. The gastro says he’ll be able to figure out what’s going on and will probably prescribe medication. I’ll more than likely decline it unless they find something that’s severe. I’m hoping it’s nothing too bad and that it’s most than likely still just withdrawal, even though I’m 22 months out.

 

Hope you feel better soon

[Junglechicken]

7 hours ago, readyfortheworld said:

Hi @Junglechicken,

 

 

I went on a little hiatus but I’m back for a bit. I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with GI issues again. It’s more than likely still withdrawal, as I also still deal with some GI issues but I try not to worry too much about it. I’m also still dealing with GERD and all these throat symptoms but accepting my symptoms has helped me so far. 
 

I was going to ask you; did you get an endoscopy and did they find anything wrong? I’m to due to have one this Saturday and I’m wondering what I should expect. The gastro says he’ll be able to figure out what’s going on and will probably prescribe medication. I’ll more than likely decline it unless they find something that’s severe. I’m hoping it’s nothing too bad and that it’s most than likely still just withdrawal, even though I’m 22 months out.

 

Hope you feel better soon

 

Hi Ready,

 

I haven't been to see my GP this time round yet.

 

My approach this time is to see my naturopath to work out the right diet "protocol".  Likely to involve doing some samples (oh joy!).

 

Let me know how your endoscopy goes.  I hope your mind is put at ease, and I also have no doubt it's down to WD.

 

Hope you feel better soon too 😊

 

 

[Leo1983]

Hey this might explain my cough and shortness of breath?? hmmmmmm.

 

I have put up with it now for 4 weeks and wont any longer. Before withdrawal i would take medication if needed. I have began my short course of ppi today and i must say withing 1 hr my stomach has settled. Im trying not to be iatrophobic with everything. 

 

I have pushed and pushed with a solicitor about this mess im in and explained the impact on my family and my work life. Eventually i have found one who has requested my files from my GP. Hopefully they take the case forward.

[Junglechicken]

2 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Hey this might explain my cough and shortness of breath?? hmmmmmm.

 

I have put up with it now for 4 weeks and wont any longer. Before withdrawal i would take medication if needed. I have began my short course of ppi today and i must say withing 1 hr my stomach has settled. Im trying not to be iatrophobic with everything. 

 

I have pushed and pushed with a solicitor about this mess im in and explained the impact on my family and my work life. Eventually i have found one who has requested my files from my GP. Hopefully they take the case forward.

 

Yes, cough and shortness of breath are both reflux issues Leo.

 

I have the cough, the phlegm, burning, but not the shortness of breath.

 

Are you UK based then? I was prescribed the ADs in Canada but am not aware of any class action lawsuits in Europe.

 

Please could you keep me posted on how your case progresses? I would really appreciate it.