David182: hello all

[RachelSusan]

5 hours ago, David182 said:

May your journey continue to be steady! 

Thank you so much and the same to you.

RS

[David182]

Hey all, it’s been a while.

 

Not too much has been happening here. Just keeping on and trying to keep the day-to-day routine consistent.

 

Last Sunday I enjoyed the weather and did some landscaping. I was out in the sun for a good 4-6 hours. It felt amazing but I believe it was too much.

 

As this week has gone on I’ve been having sleep issues, slightly anxious, oily skin, thirstier than normal,  a feeling of being revved up and feeling warm (like the room is too warm but I know it’s just me). 

 

I think all that sun light may have increased my serotonin level a bit much as this is a bit similar to what I felt when I upped my dose years ago.

 

i’m still keeping to a four week hold at each dose before dropping 10%. I’ve also increased my physical activity a little this last week or two (leg and abdomen exercises but brief and only body weight). I’m feeling stronger but I’m trying to be careful.

 

It can be upsetting that something as little as too much sunlight can effect us so much. I’m trying to look at it as temporary (which it is) & keeping a moto I heard in the news the other day “adapt and overcome.”

 

I’m not sure there’s much I can do but take it easy & I have a decrease next week so that may help but I wanted to share this as a caution for others.

 

I hope you all are well, are making progress or at least just keeping on.  One day at a time.

[Carmie]

Hi David, 

 

Thanks for updating. I’m glad you’re still going slow and steady with your tapering. Yes, one day at a time is certainly the motto to go by, and sometimes an hour at a time, or a minute at a time. We will get there in the end!

 

Sending hugs🤗

[RachelSusan]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for keeping us updated.  Overall it sounds like you are doing much better.  Sorry to hear about the setback, but it sounds like it is indeed only temporary. I like the moto “adapt and overcome.”

[David182]

@Carmie

@RachelSusan

 

Thank you both for the encouragement and saying hey. Hugs right back to you : )

 

How are you each doing in your journey?

 

(My reply has taken a while as I couldn't post anything to my page__technical difficulties)

[David182]

With my setback last week, I wasn’t doing the best. My theory seems to have been valid (increased serotonin from prolonged sun exposure) because I decreased my Zoloft dose slightly earlier than scheduled (1st time I’ve done so early) and I am feeling better.

 

i also broke down and took half of one tablet of Dramamine (recommended dose is one to two tablets for an adult) so I could have some decent sleep. I was having bad concentration problems from so much lack of sleep last week in my setback.

 

it’s all working well. I will decrease to a quarter tablet of dramanine before long and then go off.

 

i know the Dramamine is helping me sleep but I also haven’t felt this good in a long time. I’m surprised how good this week has been dispite some concentration issues (feels like my brain is ADHD a bit). The decrease in Zoloft maybe helping as well but I think the antihistamine aspect is doing something extra..maybe.

 

I’ve read on this forum about theories involving histamine issues being a culprit in our  suffering with sensitive nervous systems, not the only thing but a factor.

 

I don’t know. Just thinking. I know this likely won’t last long but I’m going to try and enjoy it while I can. : )

 

Take care, keep fighting the good fight, we are one day closer to full healing, one day at a time.

[David182]

Hey all, it’s been a while. Not too much going on here. I’m taking 1/4 tablet of Dramamine at night because it helps me so much the next day (I don’t feel as weak or turbulent inside, not sure how else to describe it.)

 

i tried stopping Dramamine for a few days but it was quite a change and not for the better.

 

For as small of a dose as it is I don’t think it’s a big deal to keep using it for now.

 

I’ve been really spacey lately, making dumb mistakes disputes my best efforts. I don’t think it’s related to the Dramamine.

 

My physical strength is better, so that’s nice. I’m still very cautious to not overdo it in the physical exertion dept.

 

i hate making mistakes and the feeling like  I’m a brain space cadet. This is how I was before Zoloft though, which was tamed once I was on Zoloft.

 

I’m sleeping better for now.

 

I’m also feeling emotions a bit more, good and bad. I have heard that I seem a bit more “with it”, which I take to mean more present. I certainly don’t feel with it but it’s promising to hear that.

 

There will be ups and downs.

Hopefully I can find some ways to focus my mind that really work.

 

I hope the journey is going well for you my friends. One day at a time.

[Altostrata]

That sounds pretty good, David. Where is your drug dosing schedule now?

[David182]

Hi @Altostrata,

 

I'm currently at 1.33ml.

 

This lack of focus thing is very frustrating but I am doing much better physically than I was and I am grateful for that, absolutely. Yeah, I’ve come a long way. I need to remember that.

 

I’m trying to get a game plan together.

 

My mental focus is one of the main things I’m concerned about with getting off of Zoloft. I’ve always been kind of spacey and it seems to run in the family. Zoloft helped big time.

 

As much Hell has it had eventually caused me, I can not deny how effective it was when all was well. Yet, I don’t want to be dependent on it anymore so onward I shall go in tapering.

[Altostrata]

1.33mL is how much in milligrams? That's more useful for us, everybody is using different liquids.

 

When was your last decrease, and how much was it?

 

Good to hear sleep is better, that counts for a lot. Are you sleeping without Dramamine?

[David182]

@Altostrata

 

Oh I see, that is 26.57mg.

 

last decrease was 6-1-19 & I took only 10% off per the schedule plan. 2.95 mg off of 29.52mg.

 

i can sleep without the Dramamine. I just take it because it helps me feel better all around and it’s only 1/4 of one tablet.

[Carmie]

Hi David, 

 

Nice to hear that some things have improved.💚

[RachelSusan]

Hi David,

 

It's good to get an update from you.  I'm glad to hear that you have had some improvement. 

 

Rachel

[David182]

@Carmie @RachelSusan

 

Hi! Thank you for saying hey!

 

Yeah, getting there. I just need to get my mental focus in order it’s kind of bad at the moment I’m not sure how I’m...oh look a squirrel!

 

; )

 

Might as well try to laugh in the mean time 👍🏻

[RachelSusan]

LOL. Good to see you are trying to maintain a sense of humor.

[David182]

Hey all!

 

How’s the journey going?

 

Not too bad here. Regained my focus after a week or two from my last post. It’s hit and miss. 

 

I’ve been sleeping well. As a matter of fact I’ve actually swung a bit to the other side being really sleepy and having a hard time being “with it.” Might be time to up my exercise and somehow get more sunlight (I work a slightly odd-hour shift).

 

I’m not sure if this is a result of me returning more to my baseline functioning (pre-Zoloft) or a new symptom of discontinuation (being so sleepy and not being very mentally alert). It’s probably a combination of the two. 

 

I’m not struggling with strong anxiety but as I’m getting lower in my dose (I’m just less than half of what my long-term dose was) I’m certainly feeling emotions/sensations more vividly both good and bad.

 

One day at a time.

[David182]

8/18/19

This is my second month at the same dose (1.20ml) of Zoloft. The third week of this 2nd month(just finishing) is being a bit rough. 

 

I decided to stay at the dose as I started to feel down (depressed) and have had focus issues. The last few days I’ve felt with what feels like dizziness but not quite (light headed perhaps), I also occasionally get a feeling of ice beneath my skin/in my veins, weak, malaise.

 

This reminds me of when I dropped my dose from 75mg to 25mg way back when at Dr. Carole’s instruction. Back then salt helped. I’m not sure it’s helping now. Feels like something is out of whack. (Electrolytes, calcium? Idk) Food and water make it worse. The longer I go without, typically the better I feel. 

 

I know this won’t last but it still isn’t pleasant. I haven’t stayed at a dose longer than 4 weeks since I’ve started tapering (start of this year) so it is something different for my body.

 

It seemed to have started when I began eating blueberries this week. It seems like a silly connection but the only thing different I’ve done. Probably more likely just another part of healing. Idk

[David182]

I just looked up magnesium deficiency symptoms...

 

I have almost every one of them. For whatever reason I think I’ve hit an ebb in magnesium despite not changing much of anything.

 

https://naturalsociety.com/16-magnesium-deficiency-symptoms-signs-low-levels/

 

 

[David182]

8/21/19

 

Magnesium helps a bit. I think this turn probably has much to do with remaining at the same dose for longer than a month.

My brain/body may well be repairing in a new way with this extended stability at the same dose.

 

Not the worst but certainly not fun lately but getting through.

[David182]

Yesterday was just an all around bad day. Made more mistakes than not, both big and small. Felt keyed up and irritable all day. 

 

Haven't been sleeping as well. I routinely wake up after four or five hours of sleep. Taking magnesium and almond milk helps put me back to sleep. 

 

I’m around the equivalent of 23.??mg of Zoloft. I’ve been holding there the past few months. I’m very seriously considering stopping my taper.

 

I’ve always had problems with being absent minded. From what I can tell it seems hereditary. I just found out not long ago my father was diagnosed with ADD and dyslexia as a child. I was never diagnosed with such but my sister was for ADD.

 

Depression runs in both sides of my family. As much as I don’t want to be on medicine, I HATE feeling like I have no control over my mind. No matter how hard I try, my mind is so absent.

 

I’m hoping this will pass and that I won’t have to up-dose. If I do then, I’ll go to the 25mg equivalent (which is less than 10%).

 

Yesterday was such a bad day in terms of mental performance. I’d rather be on medicine than lost in brain fog / absent minded.

 

 

[David182]

Today was much better. Had more energy, get more “with it.” Better outlook on things, better mood, better thinking.

 

A friend and I hung out last night. Maybe that did it? I also took double magnesium dose age before I went to bed and slept well.

 

I’m still not 100% with the thinking but it’s better. Could be a new wave of relief in my healing as well.

 

Edited September 14, 2019 by ChessieCat
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[David182]

I've held at 1.20ml of setraline since 7-1-19.

The depression has come back a bit. It's not too bad but I feel like my higher cognitive functioning is 95% gone.

The past few weeks have been rough.

 

I've been patient and after careful consideration, I'm going to updose to 1.25ml which is equivalent to 25mg.

This will be less than a 10% difference but I'm willing to try it as it maybe just enough to be able to think straight again.

[RachelSusan]

Hi David182,

 

I hope this change in dosage helps you.  It's a horrible place to be. Thinking good thoughts for you.

 

RS

[David182]

On 9/27/2019 at 1:38 AM, RachelSusan said:

Hi David182,

 

I hope this change in dosage helps you.  It's a horrible place to be. Thinking good thoughts for you.

 

RS

Thank you, I much appreciate it, RS.

 

how have you been? 
well, I hope.

 

hugs

[RachelSusan]

Hi David,

 

I have been well, thank you for asking. Right at the moment I am stable with the zoloft.  I consider myself one of the lucky ones.

 

Please let us know a few weeks after your up-dose as to how you are feeling.

[eymen23]

On 9/27/2019 at 3:25 AM, David182 said:

I've held at 1.20ml of setraline since 7-1-19.

The depression has come back a bit. It's not too bad but I feel like my higher cognitive functioning is 95% gone.

The past few weeks have been rough.

 

I've been patient and after careful consideration, I'm going to updose to 1.25ml which is equivalent to 25mg.

This will be less than a 10% difference but I'm willing to try it as it maybe just enough to be able to think straight again.

 

David,

 

This will be just over a 4% increase in dosage and given how long you’ve been taking 1.2ml, this seems like a very reasonable increase in dosage. 

 

Please remember to use methods of self-care. Take plenty of rest, try to eat well  and exercise lightly. Try to use any techniques you can to deal with any difficult emotional symptoms, such as CBT, mindfulness and deep-breathing. 

 

Are you still taking 1/4 tablet of Dramamine? Has your cognitive function declined since introducing this earlier in the year?

 

I’m thinking out loud in terms of what else could be causing the symptoms you describe, but we can assess how this increase in dose works out for now. 

[David182]

On 9/29/2019 at 6:14 PM, RachelSusan said:

Hi David,

 

I have been well, thank you for asking. Right at the moment I am stable with the zoloft.  I consider myself one of the lucky ones.

 

Please let us know a few weeks after your up-dose as to how you are feeling.

 

@RachelSusan
I’m grateful you’re currently doing so well! That is most excellent : )

 

So far, my increase has lifted me up out of the dense brain fog and depressed mood and while I’m a bit forgetful here and there, I am doing better.

 

My mood hasn’t been the best (more easily frustrated and irritable) but considering how I’m doing better in other ways, I’m considering it a win for now. 
 

I’m going to hang out here at 1.25ml (25mg equivalent) for a while and just let my body and mind he’s further.

 

May you continue to have good stability and further healing. Sending good vibes.

[David182]

On 9/29/2019 at 7:07 PM, eymen23 said:

 

David,

 

This will be just over a 4% increase in dosage and given how long you’ve been taking 1.2ml, this seems like a very reasonable increase in dosage. 

 

Please remember to use methods of self-care. Take plenty of rest, try to eat well  and exercise lightly. Try to use any techniques you can to deal with any difficult emotional symptoms, such as CBT, mindfulness and deep-breathing. 

 

Are you still taking 1/4 tablet of Dramamine? Has your cognitive function declined since introducing this earlier in the year?

 

I’m thinking out loud in terms of what else could be causing the symptoms you describe, but we can assess how this increase in dose works out for now. 

eymen23

 

Thank you for the reminders and consideration. 
 

The question about Dramamine is a good one and I considered that but I don’t believe so. I think it’s because  I’ve gotten as low in my dosage as I have. 
 

I’ve had difficulties with focus and other cognitive functions for a long time. I have normal intelligence (I earned an associates degree in electronics and had a good grade point average). Focus, attentiveness, memory are some of the specific functions I struggle with. Zoloft relieves these deficiencies. I have to wonder if it isn’t related to anxiety and depression as those can inhibit memory, focus, etc...

 

Also, my nervous system is still sensitive so that’s another factor. At my previous does of 1.20ml, I also found myself really tired all of the time. Another symptom of depression. 
 

I’m taking it one day at a time, reading self-care books / material, playing and writing music, never skipping a day of light walking (or biking when the weather permits), trying to keep up on a healthy amount of socializing, etc

 

Thank you again for your considerations and reminders. : )

[RachelSusan]

Hi David,

 

I am so glad that your up-dose is relieving some of your symptoms. It's all about doing what we need to do to get ourselves comfortable.  Hopefully the next few weeks will bring even more improvement.

[LostInMarshes]

Hello David182. I've been reading your blog. No update from you for a while. I am wondering how you are doing. 

[David182]

On 2/29/2020 at 8:01 PM, Stormstrong said:

Hello David182. I've been reading your blog. No update from you for a while. I am wondering how you are doing. 

Hi @Stormstrong,

 

I’m doing ok. I exercised a bit too hard last Monday and set myself back : /

I try to be careful but accidents happen.

 

A few months ago I slightly increased my speed on the treadmill (3.4 to 3.6) because I was in a real funk (depressed/numb). The increase really helped bring me up.  
 

I’ve been really physically wore out and dealing with low blood sugar issues since overdoing it on Monday.

 

It’ll go away in time.

 

I haven’t been updating my status as much because I am pretty familiar with my symptoms by now. Also, there are absolutely amazing people on here (for whom I am deeply grateful) and I want to keep my updates minimal so others who are deep in the trenches can get the attention they need.

 

I’m really working on acceptance. There’s been plenty of ups and downs since my last update but I’m just trying to float on through. It’s still a struggle and can be really frustrating.
 

It often feels like I’ll never heal but then I’m reassured because that’s the exact same sentiment many others have said...and they are now healed : )

 

Healing is coming for us and patience will be rewarded. One day at a time.

[David182]

Hey all, it’s been a minute.

How’s it going?

 

Ok here. In a bit of a slump. I was off work for 10 weeks due to the pandemic. During that time I did my normal exercise morning and evening instead of just evening. I wasn’t getting enough physical exercise on during the day with out work. My body seemed to adapt well to this. 

 

Upon returning to work I had to return to walking in the evenings only. This has been a less fun adaptation for my body. Feelings of malaise, fatigue, and weakness became apparent. 
My sleep / wake cycle drifted during the lock down and became later in the day.
 

It wasn’t too bad. I’ve been back to my work routine for about 4 weeks now. I began eating 100% cocoa organic chocolate (in moderate amounts with some of my meals) in order to add a healthy fat to my diet. This started last week. I’ve also incorporated organic olive oil a while back (months ago and my body is ok with it). I noticed I didn’t have many healthy fats in my diet.

 

Last week, I had some GI issues and I think it was a result of the chocolate. It sounds kind of absurd but it’s the best guess I have. I haven’t changed anything else. 
 

I bring all of this up because the last few days and especially today, I’ve been dealing with muscle tremors, feeling hot/flush, anxious, weak and just all around malaise. I feel amped up. Overall it’s like when I would do an increase in my Zoloft back when I was still trying to figure things out and find a semi comfortable dose.

 

For the record, I have NOT changed my medication dosage or supplements.

 

Between the 100% cocoa and my body still adjusting to my decrease in exercise/ new routine, I think the answer is in there somewhere. My sleep and therefore times of taking medication slowly changed over the 10 week lock down and then suddenly It changed when going back to work.

 

I’ve read that cocoa is high in Zinc. It seems my body does not react well to Zinc (have had a few bad experiences).

There might be something to be said of the state of things here in the US...it might be adding more anxiety to my mind than I realize.

 

I just hate that feeling of adrenaline or cortisol being so high. Bleh. Maybe intake another epsome salt bath tonight, it seemed to help last week.

[ChessieCat]

It may not be one thing in particular.  It could be a combination of 2, 3 or even more things.

[FindRest]

The caffeine in the cocoa may not be helping things. Just a thought.

[David182]

@ChessieCat @FindRest

 

Thank you for your input. I’m going to take that high cocoa chocolate out of my diet and see if that helps.

 

I took that Epsom salt bath and while it didn’t cure my symptoms/ flair up, it has helped a bit. 
 

If nothing else, time shall heal. 
Trying to be patient and take things none day at a time.

[RachelSusan]

Hi David182,

 

While I don't have the knowledge to address your recent flare-up I still wanted to say hello.  I'm sure you will get the recent problem under control and continue to heal. Take care of yourself.

 

Warm wishes,

RS