☼ RachelSusan: Zoloft - on, off and reinstated

[RachelSusan]

Hi JS and Kristine,

Thank you both for stopping by and your encouraging posts.

xo

RS

[DaveB]

On 12/9/2017 at 12:33 AM, RachelSusan said:

Journal:

After a four month hold I will be tapering 5%, starting tomorrow.  A bit nervous because my last flare up of symptoms were so bad and lasted almost  three months.  Finger crossed.

 

 

I have read through your thread and am amazed by your patience, it is good to hear that stabilization does come eventually, even if it takes a 4 month hold. I will be following your example and realize it may take MUCH longer than I would like, but to hold strong at a dose to give my nervous system a break. Thank you for your great example! Keep on going, you are doing great!

[RachelSusan]

@DaveB

 

Hi DaveB,

 

Thank you for your encouragement. It means a lot to me. I hate patience.  I never had much patience. (Previous sentences said with humor.)  This process though is teaching me the hard way to have patience.  It's kind of like touching a hot stove.  If I do it enough times, get burned enough times, I will eventually stop reaching out.  I have had so many nasty symptoms that I've become super cautious. I've stopped reaching for that hot stove.

 

I just posted on your website. How are you feeling? You've gone through your share of agony as well.  I don't know how you are managing to go through withdrawal and keep up with the responsibilities that having a family requires. It must be extremely difficult.  But yet you are able to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Please keep us posted.  I am now following you. You will always get support here, that is the beauty of the site.

 

RS

[JS11]

Hi Rachel, 

Was re-reading your thread, seems to be a popular Saturday activity, siphoning off some of that hope and patience that you exude so easily and just needed to reach out and say hello.  Just struggling this day.    

 

Woke with that internal shakiness and that heavy feeling in my chest.  It seems to just keep surging and I just keep hoping to find a solution and some relief.  I have taken the Magnesium Calm in the past but am not altogether sure this doesn't exacerbate the issue.  Just discouraging.  I was reading how long you had symptoms from your previous cut and was both in awe of you and selfishly worried at the same time.  I am just so very scared about my ability to function successfully.  Just at a loss, presently...

xo,

JS

[RachelSusan]

JS,

 

You know how much I hate the internal shakiness. For me, along with the nausea, it's the worst.  The heavy feeling in the chest is rotten as well.  I am so sad you are going through this.  Do you think this is a result of a taper or do you think it's other stress, or perhaps a combination of both? I know we don't ever really know but I was wondering if you had any guesses.

 

I know you are concerned about your ability to function, it's a reality.  I do believe you will be able to function.  It doesn't have to be at your old level, if you can do "just enough" to get by for now that's good too.  Baby steps.

 

Are you able to get outside today?  If so, I have an idea just for you and it may be silly but aren't most suggestions?  If your library is open today perhaps going there?  You could wander around the books plus people watch. If that doesn't appeal or you can't get out I'll come up with a different idea.  You know me I always try to suggest something of action.  It may not necessarily be appropriate for you but it's kind of what came to my mind based on what I know of you. Would a novel interest you? Reading a novel is sort of like making new friends and getting to know them.

 

Have you practiced any of the self help items listed on this site?  I not so good at it but some people have really good results with meditation, mindfulness, positive affirmations. When I was really bad I did go to youtube and put in "meditation music."  That helped.  I have to admit it only helped for about 10 minutes (that came out funny, OK to laugh), but at that point even 10 minutes of relief was wonderful

 

xo

RS

[JS11]

Oh thank you so much Rachel, for being there.  I think it is a little bit of everything:  getting closer to going back to work, getting more texts about prospective jobs but then doubting my ability to cope, second guessing myself, not getting much relief from withdrawal symptoms, and some vaguely familiar ones have returned.  I have been without a car for a couple of weeks and am supposed to get it back today. Just crossing my fingers that I do as my car guy is sometimes a little out there.  Just all of it weighing heavily down.  

 

I think it's not just the ability to function but the not wanting to fall apart at inopportune times.  Anticipating negative outcomes for things that haven't even happened. Not able to distract myself very well from that kind of thinking at the moment, although I am trying.  And I suppose also, I have not done anything on the job front, which makes me feel guilty.  That wave of doubt hits me and I just pull back in fear.  Then don't feel good about myself for doing so.  Round and round I go...

 

I do love the library idea as I love books.  I often wander around bookstores as well doing those very things.  Thank you, that is a great suggestion.  Things of action are good.  My great-nephews will be coming over later this afternoon which will be a great boost.  I usually have them on the weekends but have not seen them for 3 weeks.  I know will help so very much.  Their sheer joy at being them.  So, I do have something to look forward to.  

 

I do listen to some subliminal music which helps with these feelings.  And 10 minutes is 10 minutes less to deal with.  Reading, except for this site, is something I just cannot concentrate on.  I did just have a call from my very dear friend, which was so very lovely.  I think I just get overwhelmed with the thoughts that these feelings and sensations will not go away.  I read that they have for you and many, and I do believe, but feeling it inside when I am overcome is the challenge.  

 

I so thank you for taking your time to provide comfort and guidance.  It means the world to me.  Truly.

xoxo,

JS

[JS11]

Hi Rachel,

 

I know you are having issues with the site but I just wanted to give a shout out to make sure you were doing okay.  I don't know who to contact to make sure it isn't some technological snaffu. 

 

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and hoping that you are well. 

 

take care,

JS

 

 

 

[Downbutnotout]

How are you doing today J.S? 

[Frogie]

Hi RS:

 

Just wanted to stop by and say hi.

 

I've been having headaches, think it's my glasses. I have an appointment a week from tomorrow. So I've been staying off the iPad as much as I can.

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

I just saw this this link on someone else's thread.  I liked it so much I thought I would put into my thread so I would always know where it was.

 

[apace41]

13 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

I just saw this this link on someone else's thread.  I liked it so much I thought I would put into my thread so I would always know where it was.

 

 

RS,

 

I keep this post on my phone and read it when I need perspective.

 

Several of the “best SA posts of all time” are from Rhi (Rhiannon). 

 

Best,

 

Andy

[JS11]

Hi RS,

Good idea!  I'm not very good at posting things from others' threads so now I can look at yours.

 

I hope you are having a good day.

take care,

JS

[RachelSusan]

Andy,

Besides the good advice and support I get from this site I have found many hidden gems as well.  I have seen Rhiannon's name mentioned many times and it appears she did come up with lots of good information.

 

JS,

I am having a good day.  Still a few lingering items from my last taper, some sweats and burning skin.  For me, the burning skin seems to be what is called "withdrawal normal," just always there.  I am starting to wonder if the sweats are becoming withdrawal normal as well.  But the good news it is very low on the scale of discomfort.

[JamesF]

Hi Rachel, good to see you are progressing well. 

I know you know this, but want to say it again, as I wish I'd really taken it in during my last taper: I wish it had been playing on a tape in my head in the moments were I got tempted to speed things up or jump.

Definitely go as slow and as gradual as it takes to keep feeling good.

When I was around the same doses as you (5mg ish) I wasn't feeling too bad, but I tried to race to the finish line. This was for a few reasons:... a list of my ignorances if you like: 1) I imagined that such a small amount wasn't having a significant effect and may actually be interrupting healing 2) I wasn't sure if the symptoms were withdrawals or side effects of the medication, or at least I rationalised that this might be the case 3) It became really hard to accurately measure small amounts using tablets and a jewellery scale. 4) I convinced myself that I would somehow endure a few months of discomfort in order to be magically better, in some kind of noble self sacrificing way 5) I convinced myself that aspects of my life like emotional depth and feeling would improve as soon as I got off.

I was absolutely wrong on all accounts. First, the small amount had a huge % effect, there's a study on this I posted in my thread. Second, they most definitely were withdrawals. Third, measurement problems was a totally invalid reason, and a reason why it's so so good you're using liquid sertraine. Fourth.... enduring it only ever leads to the loss of a functional life and puts you in a situation where there is a no certainty about when you will recover, both are bad psychologically and physically. Lastly... the stress/trauma of withdrawal suppresses and distorts emotions more than medications ever did... so that wasn't true either. 

 

So... you might be much much more aware and gentle on yourself that I was. But if you're ever tempted to go fast I hope this post might come to mind.... I most definitely encourage you to be absolutely kind, absolutely slow, absolutely gradual and gentle about getting off these low doses  ... (and avoid reinstating like foolish me)

Jay


Also a point I'm curious about. How exactly are you measuring such small amounts of sertraline? How do you prepare it? Just wondering somewhere down the line when I might make another attempt at getting off.

 

[JS11]

Hey Rachel,

 

Wouldn't it be nice if it was like being in a sweat lodge (I have never been, would die in that heat, but have native friends who partake) and you would come out of withdrawal with pores of satin!  Not so much when I went through that.  

 

I've never had the burning skin.  It sounds loathesome.  You are so very patient.  I seem to keep having tantrums whenever a new something hits.  

 

Having trouble with those very dark thoughts. I suppose it is hard to blame them all on withdrawal as I have had them for a very long time.  The age old question:  Is it withdrawal?  Is/Was it the antidepressants?  Is it just me?  Or is it a combination of all of them?  It is hard to not have that "I'm damaged" feeling--at least for me.  I so struggle with that one.  

 

On a brighter note, went to see Paddington 2 with my nephews and my dad.  It was a lovely movie and also set in London, a double bonus.  My dad looked like a redneck Santa.  I would let him go a few days but made him shave as he just looked so disheveled and mangy.  Just made me sad at where life has taken us.  We had a good time though, which is the important thing, and are going to try to plan more movie outings.  I adore movies and boys love everything about them.  They spend just as much time playing with the seats as actually watching the film, but hey, getting them to sit for that long is a miraculous thing.

 

Do your symptoms let up any at night?  If you have told me, please forgive me.  I should make a checklist for each person.  Maybe borrow your Excel spreadsheet.

 

Glad of work tomorrow just not looking forward to going, if that makes since.  It is the place I accidentally went to last week.  At least I know where it is....

 

Going to go whip up a can of something.  Maybe chilli.  Ah to have a personal chef.

take care my friend,

Have a beautiful evening.

xoxo,

JS

 

[RachelSusan]

@JamesF

Hi Jay,

 

Thanks so much for dropping by, as well as for the very appropriate advice.  No worries, I am not going to taper quickly or jump off.  I have gone through a lot to get this low and I am going to keep taking it slow.  I also notice that as I get to a lower dosage it does get harder, more side effects. It is so frightening how this stuff just gets it's nasty claws into and just won't let go.

 

22 minutes ago, JamesF said:

Also a point I'm curious about. How exactly are you measuring such small amounts of sertraline? How do you prepare it? Just wondering somewhere down the line when I might make another attempt at getting off.

I draw 1 ml of the liquid Setraline (Zoloft) out of the bottle and mix it in a tiny plastic cup with 1 ml of water. I use 1 ml plastic syringes which I buy on the internet. According to my doctor this mixture than can translate into mgs.  .5 ml of this mixture translates into 5.0 mg of Setraline, at least that's what my doc tells me. I am having problems because I can't really go in any smaller increments than what my particular syringe will allow.  I use the little marks/lines in between to measure the small amounts but I can only go as low as .025 ml (.25 mg).  In the future if i want to taper less than .25mg at a time I will have to dilute the Setraline with more water. I also save the leftover mixture in a glass vile so I am not wasting it.

 

Going on the liquid Setraline was the best thing I ever did because it was very hard for me to cut using the scale.  However a big warning, please consider cross tapering from hard pill to liquid.  I went from 12.5 mg of pill to what was 12.5 mg of liquid. I got real sick. It was withdrawal all over again. Somewhere on this site they advise us to cross taper between pill and liquid to avoid what I just described.  If you do decide to go liquid you may want to do a search on this site for the information, or perhaps ask one of your mods to see if they can remember where it is.

 

I see you got down to 2%.  Did you find that you were more symptomatic as you got to the lower dosage? I am so sorry that you had to reinstate, that must have been difficult to accept. I got as low as 2.3 mg during the fall of 2016 and had to reinstate to 12.5 mg. It was a very rough ride getting to the 2.3 mg and I felt it all the way day. At that time the mods on this site tried to get me to slow down. So we both have gone through it and this time around we will slow like a land turtle.

 

Thanks again for stopping by.

 

Rachel

 

 

[RachelSusan]

Hi JS,

 

I am happy to hear that your Dad was able to go to the movies with you. I'm sure it was wonderful for him to get out. You sound like a wonderful Aunt.

 

Yes the sweat lodge idea sounds marvelous.  We could steam it out of us and end up with beautiful skin.  I like that idea very much.

 

The burning skin is weird.  Most of the time it feels like a really bad burn but then other times it feels like the skin might be freezing cold. Sometimes I am not sure what the sensation is, is it burning or is it freezing or somewhere in between? I know for sure it hurts.

 

Please don't ever worry if you asked me something before. There is no way we can remember what everybody says. I don't know about you, but I also have had memory problems from the drugs.  If I was given information during a cognitive fog there is no way I am going to remember it. In answer to your question, right now my symptoms seem to be worse in the late afternoon and early evening.  I have had other peak times though. At once point it was bad between midnight and 6 a.m.  Then I had the times where I had a good night but the cortisol spikes first thing in the morning.  You name it, I've had it.

 

43 minutes ago, JS11 said:

Having trouble with those very dark thoughts. I suppose it is hard to blame them all on withdrawal as I have had them for a very long time.  The age old question:  Is it withdrawal?  Is/Was it the antidepressants?  Is it just me?  Or is it a combination of all of them?  It is hard to not have that "I'm damaged" feeling--at least for me.  I so struggle with that one.  

 

JS, I am sorry to hear you are struggling with the dark thoughts.  It's so very hard, isn't it?  I also hate when I don't have the answer to something. As in your case, is it withdrawal, antidepressants, or something else?  When in doubt I always go for the option of "a combination of all". I wish I could tell you something that might help you to feel better.

 

I hope tomorrow is a good work day for you. 

 

xo

RS

[JS11]

Oh Rachel,

 

Just having someone to share with eases all the difficulty.   I know there are no easy answers, no matter how much I want there to be.

 

I appreciate your description of how you are taking your liquid RX.  I do have a liquid prescription as well and assume I may have to transition over when I want to lower my dose unless I can get my RX compounded, which I honestly would rather do.  I know you said how you suffered when you went straight from tablet to liquid.  I was doing a combination of each and the liquid definitely packs a wallop.  (Rather frightened of it actually.  The side-effects were near instantaneous.)

 

And thank you for sharing some of what is going on symptom wise.  It is odd how people are impacted in different ways often by the same drugs.  No certainty.  

 

take care my friend,

JS  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JS11]

Hey Rachel,

 

Another question:  Do you/have you ever had heart palpitations or does your heart rate ever go crazy? My heart rate is up about 40 beats per minute.   I had them this summer in the midst of the constant dose and medication change but not since then, so 4 months and all of a sudden, here they are.   Not the kind of revisiting one wants...Frightening.  I suppose on the bright side, I am not focused on the anxiety as much:)      

 

I know in the past you said you could "predict" what would happen with your symptoms when tapering.  That would be somewhat "comforting."  The times that you shared keep fluctuating as well it seems.  Did they become more predictable as well?  Lately, there hasn't been much of a let up with my symptoms which has been disheartening.    I used to get some reprieve in the afternoon but the rotten things wont't leave. 

 

Such an inquiring mind.  Sorry.  

take care my friend,

xoxo,

JS

 

   

 

[RachelSusan]

JS, 

please accept my apology. I just now saw your last post to me. 

 

I have’t experienced a real rise in heart beats. It did feel like I was experiencing a rise in heartbeats but when I took my pulse everything was normal. I have however read on this site that some people do experience what you described. 

 

There has been about a 80% predictability with the symptoms. So 4 out of 5 tapers have the same symptoms. The last few tapers the timeline has been different. Prior to that all tapers have had the same timeline as to when the symptoms would hit and when they would go away. However, like I said that has been off lately. 

 

I hope you feel better soon my friend. 

 

Rachel. 

[JS11]

Hi Rachel,

I don't know if it is the system or the user, but I keep missing your posts. Must be more attentive.  I often look on my phone at work and the tiny area is hard on my eyeballs.  If I try to enlarge the print, I end up with a couple giant letters.  Work in progress...

 

I was thinking about what you said about not as many people on the site on the weekends.  I seem to be a frequent flyer but don't know about others.  Time differences too.  

 

Oh, I sure would like to have some predictability with symptoms, but while I have tapered pre-site, I wasn't keeping as good a record and didn't have many of the symptoms which happened post sensitivity.   

 

Feeling rather disconnected today.  Woke up with loads of anxiety. All the d's:  depression, dejected, despondent.  Drat!  I thought I may have forgotten a dose of medicine on Friday but no real way to tell.  I may have just taken the wrong day.  Seems as though I always try to figure out the why even if there may be no other explanation but my body is changing and adapting to the new dose.  Doesn't stop me from trying.  Maybe a good target for obsessive thoughts.  I often feel as if it would be easy to become compulsive about all of this as when I feel good, I would gladly replicate every single thing just to attain that same relief.  A little like Groundhog day, only with more positive results.

 

What are you up to this Sunday?  Boys and I did a protest march.  Their first.  They enjoyed all the camaraderie and were quite intrigued by all the signs--pointing out especially fun ones and those with the "F" word.  All boy.  Saw some familiar faces and all in all, a positive experience.  

 

We are just hanging out at the moment on devices before it is time for them to leave.  Just brings so much life to have them here even though they squabble often.  It is also rather hard as with the thin walls, the neighbors have an auditory front row seat to everything.  Usually it is some battle over who gets the Controller for Minecraft which is the bane of my existence.  I heard the war begin whilst attempting to shower and of course had to abandon ship and referee.  I understand my two oldest brothers so much better now.

 

Hope your day went well my friend.

take care,

JS

 

 

 

[RachelSusan]

Hi JS,

 

I answered your message to me on your thread prior to reading this,  so please disregard the question about your symptoms. You have the dreaded Ds.   I too always try and figure out the whys so symptoms, but never seem to have it figured out to my satisfaction. Maybe that will remain the mystery of withdrawal.

 

I spend too much time thinking about withdrawal, it's hard not too when I'm hit with symptoms every single day.  I do try and see if I can learn something from it. I guess I am learning patience.  I have always hated patience, it has been in my opinion over rated. But in the case of withdrawal one can't have enough patience.

 

The above post is to you JS but it seems like a good time for a journal update as well. So below is my journal entry.

 

Journal:

My last taper was December 9th, after a very long hold.  Tapered .25mg of Zoloft.  Symptoms from that taper included hot sweats (moderate), burning skin(moderate), internal trembling (light), headache & woozy (light), nausea (light) and sensitivity to sound (light).  What was different with this taper rather than the usual taper is the lenght of time the symptoms have lasted. Usually they only last about a week.  It's now been six weeks and I still have two of the symptoms hanging around, the hot swears and the burning skin. I am starting to believe that the tapers may be getting harder because I am in the lower numbers, currently on 4.75 mg of Zoloft.  I can either hold longer or taper a smaller amount, or both. Right now no decision has to be made since I am not out of the woods and will continue to hold until symptoms go away with some time in between, or I determine that these two remaining symptoms are now withdrawal normal for me.  End of Journal entry.

 

RS

 

 

 

 

 

[RachelSusan]

Journal:

I just posted something like this on another member's page:

As for the various types of twitches there are many of them you might want to know about just in case they show up. There is my least favorite, which internal trembling. There are also external shakes, and twitches and of course there is the Hypnic jerk that happens right as your are falling into that much needed peaceful slumber and it jolts you awake and thrusts you into a world  of complete and utter anxiety.

I wanted the descriptions here in case someone else is reading my thread and was experiencing any of things I just described. When I first got to this site every symptom scared me out of my mind. I felt better once I read about it on someone else's thread and realized that while these are horrible feeling they are par for the course.

[apace41]

These are very helpful, RS.  Ya gotta love the twitching and jerking.  Hypnic jerks are my favorite.  A couple of those can kill an entire night's sleep.

 

I like your journal approach.  Nicely done.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[RachelSusan]

Thank you Andy.

[RachelSusan]

@Longestroadhome

Thank you for stopping by. While I hate to hear that you are suffering as well, it does give me comfort to know that what I am experiencing is "normal" for this abnormal situation.  I really hate these drugs. They are torture.  I do know however that will I will eventually get off, even if have to walk like the slowest ever.  I am so sorry your symptoms from you September cut are still bothering you.

RS

[JS11]

Hi RachelSusan,

 

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and hoping all is going well. 

 

(I don't know if I have just been on the computer too long or need to get my eyes checked or both but this print looks awful itty bitty. Egads!)

 

And thank you for your previous journal post.  My symptoms are still here are still here after around 8 weeks.  It is good to be reminded about the impact lower doses have.

 

Thinking about you...

take care,

JS

 

 

 

[RachelSusan]

Hi JS,

Great to hear from you.   Yes for me the lower doses are indeed more difficult.  As I mentioned the symptoms seem to last longer as I taper with the lower doses. I hope that is not the case for you, but it may well be.  You were on 20mg of Escitalopram at one time. It's a tough taper. Have you ever had a time between tapers where you were symptom free, or almost symptom free? I have been lucky enough to have that time.  Oh it was so wonderful. Right now I am doing pretty darn good with very few symptoms.  Not looking forward to the next taper, but eventually I will have to go down again because I want off.

RS

[DaveB]

54 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi JS,

Great to hear from you.   Yes for me the lower doses are indeed more difficult.  As I mentioned the symptoms seem to last longer as I taper with the lower doses. I hope that is not the case for you, but it may well be.  You were on 20mg of Escitalopram at one time. It's a tough taper. Have you ever had a time between tapers where you were symptom free, or almost symptom free? I have been lucky enough to have that time.  Oh it was so wonderful. Right now I am doing pretty darn good with very few symptoms.  Not looking forward to the next taper, but eventually I will have to go down again because I want off.

RS

 

So good to hear you are doing so well, even at such a low dose! Your description of symptom free times gives me hope for the future as I am desperately hoping to get there. I was actually thinking I was maybe getting close, then I got hit with this flu or strep throat and now I don't know which symptoms are from what and it is making it all very frustrating. Very happy for you, you should be SO proud of your progress.  

[RachelSusan]

@DaveB

 

Hi DaveB,

 

I'm grateful for my progress. I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for this web site. It is my hope that if I taper cautiously enough the taper can run in the background of my life instead of being the focus of my life.

 

Being sick definitely introduces a new set of problems into an already difficult situation, doesn't it? I have found Tylenol safe to take while in WD. I have not responded well to Dextromethorphanm which is an over the counter cough suppressant found in MucinexDM. Certain nasal sprays such as Dymista has made me very jittery.  What are you taking?

 

 

[DaveB]

27 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

@DaveB

 

Hi DaveB,

 

I'm grateful for my progress. I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for this web site. It is my hope that if I taper cautiously enough the taper can run in the background of my life instead of being the focus of my life.

 

Being sick definitely introduces a new set of problems into an already difficult situation, doesn't it? I have found Tylenol safe to take while in WD. I have not responded well to Dextromethorphanm which is an over the counter cough suppressant found in MucinexDM. Certain nasal sprays such as Dymista has made me very jittery.  What are you taking?

 

 

 

Thus far just Tylenol and Advil, I haven't really noticed any adverse effects, just the intended effect of lowering fever and reducing body aches. It may be strep throat, but I am hoping it clears up on its own, I don' really want to add an antibiotic to my situation unless absolutely necessary. 

[RachelSusan]

Do the mods think an antibiotic will be a problem? Strep throat is rather a serious issue.  Flu of course responds to Tamiflu if caught early enough.  I don't know how Tamiflu interacts with our drugs.  I get so nervous when it comes to putting anything else into my body with everything else that is going with withdrawal. Such a nightmare but we will get through it. 

RS

[Frogie]

Hi RS:

 

Just wanted to pop by and say hi.

 

I read that you are doing really well. That's great!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

Frogie,

it’s great to here from you. Today I am doing ok. I understand that you are on new medicine for a medical condition.  I’m sure it will take some time but hopefully you will get your energy back.  My thoughts are with you.

xoxo

RS

 

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Frogie,

it’s great to here from you. Today I am doing ok. I understand that you are on new medicine for a medical condition.  I’m sure it will take some time but hopefully you will get your energy back.  My thoughts are with you.

xoxo

RS

 

Thanks RS:

 

It's for my thyroid. I've been fighting my dr since May of last year. We have been monitoring my thyroid and it finally went up to 7.3. No more fighting with the dr. If it would have stayed on the high side of normal it would have been ok. But I hope it does give me my energy back because I have zilch.

 

I'm glad you are doing well.

 

Thanks for your thoughts. Means a lot.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[RachelSusan]

I'm thinking about doing another taper. The last taper was December 9. I had mild to moderate symptoms the first week.  The symptoms went away but then around the 3rd week some of the symptoms returned (mild to moderate) and lasted for another seven days.  They then cleared up. I have been doing really good for the last three and a half weeks.  I  however still have what I call "withdrawal normal" symptoms.  I have mild burning skin, which has been with me almost a year and never goes away, as well as mild hot sweats.  The sweats have also been with me about a year.  They tend to come 3 to 4 times a day and last from 10 to 30 seconds. Since I was thinking of tapering Feb 3 perhaps I should be prudent and add another week and start the taper on Feb 10? I want to go from 4.75 mg of Zoloft to 4.5 mg of Zoloft which is 5.3%. I really hate tapering. I hate the fear before I start and I hate the symptoms, no matter how mild.