DMV64: reinstate Saphris?

[DMV64]

I did the drug checker on my phone. Antihistamine is ok. 

[Rabe]

WOW that is great DMV!  Hmm...I cant quite imagine standing on my head..though these days may be easier than standing on my feet.🙄

You sound better!  Hope so!!💜

[DMV64]

Hi Rabe! I do feel a little better. I got my first allergy shot today too. Here’s hoping. 

[ChessieCat]

53 minutes ago, DMV64 said:

I got my first allergy shot today

 

Remember not to change anything else and keep notes on paper. 😉

[JanCarol]

Hey D - 

 

On 12/20/2018 at 10:50 PM, DMV64 said:

On 12/20/2018 at 4:01 PM, JanCarol said:

Perfectionism = anxiety.

Yes. This is so true. I am trying to lower my expectations. 

 

Maybe not think of it as "lowering expectations."  That's kind of judge-y.

How about? - "I'm doing my best!" and your best is better than not doing.

 

 

On 12/20/2018 at 11:13 PM, DMV64 said:

Maybe have to start shots. 

 

I see you've started them.  Remember what Chessie said - a lot of changes - hold on your tapering!  Wait until you've gotten used to the shots before tapering.

 

The thing about the shots, is it may take up to 6 months to build "immunity" to Zelda  (I'd love to see a picture - if you upload to cubeupload, you can post the link here and we can see her).  I took shots for my entire childhood.  My folks decided I wasn't going to live in a bubble, so we had a dog, I mowed the lawn - both of which I was allergic to - and took the shots (and the horrible antihistamines of the 70's & 80's!).  

Talk to us some about Zelda.  Does she help you get up in the morning?  When do you walk with her?  Is she a companion for you in the evening?  How does she help you?

 

If you're taking the shots, it's important to look at the benefits of why you have her!

 

On 1/11/2019 at 12:34 PM, DMV64 said:

once winter came in the blowing air heat started I got sick.

 

Perhaps it is a dusty furnace you are allergic to, and not the little dog at all?

I used to date a yogi, and he would never use ducted furnace or a/c.  He felt they were "unclean" and possible spreaders of moulds and other allergens.  It was harsh, but he did everything (in Indiana, no less - so plenty of snow and cold) with radiant space heaters.  Of course, nearly everything was "unclean" to him, and I became a wreck just trying to meet his standards of "clean" - but that's another story...

I do know that my house in Indiana had mould and I needed to change the furnace filters more often than recommended, just to keep breathing.  

When I moved to Australia, we don't have ducted anything here, but room units.  More often, we just open and close the windows, and the house gets "cleared out" at least once a day...just saying, you may be looking at Zelda, when it's the furnace that might be the issue.  (more expensive, I know, but worth looking into).

 

16 hours ago, DMV64 said:

But we’re doing everything we can with humidifiers and air filters and trying to keep her just on the first floor.

 

OK - what kind of air filters?  Ionizers?  HEPA?  I remember researching this when I was renting, and had trouble with keeping the air clean in my apartment.  Back then, you had to spend $$$ to get a decent filter (in the 90's), but now it might be a lot cheaper.

So you keep her out of your bedroom?  That's a good start - but - if you are still struggling, and she's not in the room where you sleep - then it may not be her so much, or she might be a contributing factor.

Keep in mind, that as you taper, it's going to affect your H1 (histamine) receptors.  So they may be haywire, and it may take awhile for them to settle.

 

12 hours ago, DMV64 said:

Hey there. I am doing the breathing and the cold showers. I haven’t yet gone outside in shorts or done the ice bath but I’m going to do the 10 week course I think. It really helps to do the breathing in the morning and then I do push-ups on an Empty and then a 30 to one minute headstand. It is helping with the morning panic. Add ground me and as he says it makes me feel good. I think he quoted as high on your own supply!

 

This sounds good!  The breathing would open you up, and the cold showers would be grounding.  I don't even think you need to do much more than that, but if you enjoy the other practices, and it is helping - then woo hoo!  You found something that helps!!!!!!

 

12 hours ago, DMV64 said:

 I really think the wim Hof method is onto something good. 

 

Good!  Please feel free to share your experiences on the Breathing Thread where I posted about Wim Hof :  Breathing for Well Being  

 

2 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

Remember not to change anything else and keep notes on paper. 😉

(emphasis mine)

Yep!  What she said!  

I hope you see the sun today!  (even if you don't roll in the snow in your underwear!  )

[DMV64]

7 hours ago, JanCarol said:

Zelda

 So that is a very cute terrier mix, she looks a little like a small reindeer. She’s very cuddly and she loves belly rubs. I do feel like she does help keep me grounded and she’s a great companion as I spend a lot of time in this house by myself.  Sometimes we take her for a run with us. And sometimes I let her jump on my lap and sit on the couch with me although I know I probably shouldn’t do that. 

We have HEPA filters in the house and a filter on the furnace we also had all the ducts Cleaned out. I think it would be better to have a different heating system but it’s a lot of money so we’re doing the best with what we have. 

I will try to upload a picture of her later today. Thanks for all your sage advice!

xoxo

[DMV64]

They told me it could take anywhere from a month for eight months for the shot to work

[DMV64]

Zelda!

[DMV64]

I feel kind of speedy. Heart racing feeling. Not sure if it is the allergy shot, the antihistamine or doing the Wim Hof method. Or some combo or none of the above. 

[Rabe]

She is aDORable!!!!  Loves you! Can see it in her eyes!😍

And LOVE the name!  One of my grand daughters is Zelda! ☺️

Thinking about you...hope the speediness settles.  Usually the med makes you drowsy...but can also make one restless...take care!!

[JanCarol]

She's a beauty!  LOVE her eyes!!!!

In order to determine if the antihistamine (original antihistamines were kin to neuroleptics) is part of the "riled up" feeling - 

 

stop the Wim Hof for a few days. 

 

If it gets better, you'll know it's the Wim Hof and not the antihistamine.

 

Remember - one change at a time, so that we know what works and what hurts!  😺

[DMV64]

I went out in the snow barefoot in a tank top this morning. I have to say this matter is greatly reducing my morning panic anxiety. So I don’t really want to give it up. I’m wondering if I should give up the antihistamine for a few days, going about it that way?

[JackieDecides]

I wish I had some good advice but can't think of any. your dog looks so sweet! ❤️

[JanCarol]

You don't want to give it up - and yet you were sick without the antihistamines.  Remember being sick for over a whole month?  Remember getting FLOXed?  Remember all the antibiotics and steroids?

 

This may be a case of need vs. want.

 

If you give one up, it should be the Wim Hof.  

If then, you are still jazzed up - then we know it's the antihistamines...so be thinking about a plan B for controlling your allergies while in withdrawal!
 
The options then are:  no antihistamines (and antibiotics and steroids and being sick all winter?)

 

Maybe a half dose of anthistamines?

I'm at a loss.  I'm really hoping it's the Wim Hof, because you don't need that one.

Edited January 14, 2019 by JanCarol

[DMV64]

 I understand what you’re saying but what I’m saying is this is the only thing so far that has taken away the morning dread panic and anxiety so it’s a little difficult just to think about giving it up. But I don’t want to be sick either. It’s hard to know if I just got hit with two viruses in a row because my immune system was down or what 

[DMV64]

I was just at my DBT group and I happened to walk past the psychiatrist office and popped in to ask him a question or two. Anyway we got into this discussion of the benzodiazepines and he was telling me about the study that links it to Alzheimer’s and of course with all of my brain fog and memory loss I started completely freaking out and feeling like I needed to work a mediately I’m getting off of the benzodiazepines.

[Rosetta]

Hmmmm, I don't know anything about the study, but it seems unlikely that the people suffering the Alzheimer's like symptoms were benzo free?  I recently read an article on madinamerica (I think) about a person who seemed to have dementia, but after going off the drugs became normal again.  His child wrote the article and said there was now a lot of doubt that he ever had dementia.

[DMV64]

 Oh good that’s encouraging! 

[Rosetta]

It was this one: https://www.madinamerica.com/2019/01/psychiatric-medication-dementia/

 

After what I have experienced I tend to think side effects, destabilization and irresponsible prescribing practices might explain a lot of dementia symptoms.  Even non- psychotropic drugs can cause destabilization called dysautonomia.  The drugs older people are taking!  Wow.  Head injuries and the symptoms I have had are similar.  I really wonder how this era will be seen looking back 30 years from now.

[Rabe]

Hi DMV...I have read that there have been connections made to bentos and dementia, but I worked on a dementia unit for years and cant say there were too many people who had them on their list of drugs.  Hope that helps.  Must say the brain muddling coming off makes me FEEL like I have it though!

How are the allergy shots and how is Zelda doing?  Thinking about you!💜

[JanCarol]

Hey D - stay the course.

 

There is a ton of evidence that cognitive loss from neuroleptics - of which you are on 2 (Saphris and Geodon) - is also evident.

 

Just stay the course, slow and steady - in just a few years, you'll be glad you did.

 

I know - years.  BUT - how many years did it take you to get entangled on these drugs?

Breathe.

 

It will still take some time to come off safely.  But you are curious and expressive, and you have a strong desire to succeed.  These are traits that will serve you well in your New Beginnings.

[DMV64]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and information and encouragement. I am feeling better. Getting acupuncture and allergy shots. 

I am reading your words and trying not to worry about my brain. Just stay the course. 

[DMV64]

I’m planning on hopefully starting the water taper tonight. 

[DMV64]

There is a lead yoga teacher position opening up at one of the gyms I teach at. Today’s the deadline but I just don’t feel like I really have it in me to take on that responsibility. I’m just posting because I feel a little sad that I’m not applying for, and then I don’t feel up to it.

[Rabe]

Hi DMV...Im sorry you are sad but its understandable.  Under other circumstances you would have applied and I think that having to change behaviors and our lives from what they were often feels sad.  Honestly, I think you did the right thing given all that you have been dealing with lately.  Your body needs time to heal in general but with the recent infections and allergies etc I think not pushing is wise.  There will be other positions coming along, dont you think?  

Think you are taking good care of yourself!  Hugs for Zelda and you!💜

[DMV64]

13 minutes ago, Rabe said:

positions

Thanks Rabe.  Yes. I do think it is just not my time and later there will be something. I guess it’s just hard because I also turn down a class the other day that was a new class so I would’ve had to build it and I just knew I wasn’t up for it.

But you’re right it’s hard to except the limitations sometimes. Thanks for checking in.

[Rosetta]

(((DMV64))). I'm sorry you are disappointed, but I think it's good that you keep your potential for stress down.  One day you will be able to take an opportunity like that without question.

[JanCarol]

Actually D - I'm proud of you for looking at your limitations, and accepting the low stress path at this time.

 

It's when we drive ourselves to higher and higher stress that we get sick.

 

It's temporary.  Your time of rest, repose and taking care of yourself now is more important.

 

Good on'ya for having the clarity of vision to recognise how much is too much!  That's a lesson that many of us struggle with - forever.  Can I do this?  Oh, too much!  RETREAT!  (and then months of recovery from that)...

Your ambition will return, and your energy will return, and your desire and purpose will return.  But for now, you want to get better.  That's brilliant!

Well done!

[DMV64]

Thank you I think it was the right choice. And then last night I started to get another sore throat. Are used some colloidal silver and I’m hoping it’s going to help me not get sick again

[DMV64]

my doc wants to see about switching out my Geoden for Latuda. From what I am on 18mg to 20 mg Latuda. He feels it will better address my depression as I go through all this, including the tapering process. He says they hit the same receptors and so should not have problems switching. 

What do you think? One thing is I would start at a half dose Latuda for a week 10mg.  But drop the Geoden pretty much right Away. I think I would need to fill in those missing 8 mg until I went up to a full dose of Latuda. 

Anyway trying to decide if I should try this. I know it is risky. But the suicidal depression is also. 

[DMV64]

@JanCarol @manymoretodays my doc wants to see about switching out my Geoden for Latuda. From what I am on 18mg to 20 mg Latuda. He feels it will better address my depression as I go through all this, including the tapering process. He says they hit the same receptors and so should not have problems switching. 

What do you think? One thing is I would start at a half dose Latuda for a week 10mg.  But drop the Geoden pretty much right Away. I think I would need to fill in those missing 8 mg until I went up to a full dose of Latuda. 

Anyway trying to decide if I should try this. I know it is risky. But the suicidal depression is also. 

[JanCarol]

This sounds like a cold switch.  I don't expect he's going to cross taper.  We never recommend cold switches, unless there is a toxicity.

 

Latuda apparently hits the same receptors as Geodon - so - 1.  what is the benefit of switching?, and 2.  Why does your doctor believe that this switch would work?
 

The Geodon actually seems to be one of the drugs you respond best to.  Why does your doctor want to destabilise you further?

Where are you on your antihistamines / Wim Hof / tapering?

[DMV64]

 I am taking a daily antihistamine and getting a weekly allergy shot. From what the doctor has told me the Latuda does more for depression. Maybe it hits a few extra receptors I don’t know because I really don’t quite have a handle on how to look at those diagrams. So I’m really stuck in knowing what to do here. 

I have been up and down as far as my recovery goes in my taper. The cold therapy is definitely helping with the morning anxiety. Some days more than others. I just don’t know if I should try the switch and see if it helps because I’ll probably have to commit to it for at least three weeks

[neroli]

On 1/13/2019 at 6:11 AM, DMV64 said:

Zelda!

Oh my goodness, she is so lovely.  What a beautiful companion.

 

I do hope you find a way through with all the shots, meds., Dr-suggested changes etc. and come to some stability.  What a road you have been on.  You have such determination and commitment - I will take a leaf out of your book.

 

Neroli 💜

[DMV64]

14 hours ago, neroli said:

stability

Stability is what I really want!

[neroli]

Hello DMV64

 

Me too, I want to be able to walk properly, to not have the incessant (sometimes abating) anxiety hanging around, the fatigue, the sleep disturbance, hungers and wees etc. etc. - you know the score.

 

Wishing you the very best and respite

 

Neroli 💜