Rabe: how to taper and adjust Viibryd while on Clonazepam

[brassmonkey]

The big problem with getting things compounded is that you will need a prescription for each change in dose, then have them make up a weeks worth of pills and then do it all over again the next week.  It will get really expensive really fast and you'll constantly be going to the doctor and pharmacy.  If you make up the doses yourself you can do it on your own schedule.

 

You need to be in a stable condition before you start to taper. So it would be a good idea to hold a bit linger before getting going.  There are always going to be an increase in  symptoms every time you taper.  Using the Brassmonkey Slide Method that increase should be minimal with the symptoms returning to baseline before the next taper.

[Rabe]

@brassmonkey Thank you much again for your thoughts..I am grateful!

[Rabe]

So I went to see my therapist today.  She did some of the color puncture...less than last..hope it helps...anxiety has been high.  

 

I was trying to explain how difficult all this is: tapering in and of itself, the panic, the electrolytes, the reacting to foods, reacting to meds...I get do ill I end up in bed but try to eat still and that causes stomach issues because of my reflux and pretty soon I cant eat, lose weight, electrolytes are harder to control with not eating and on and on.  

 

She said that it is tapering...and what I need to do is learn how to deal with the discomfort and fear so that my system stays calm and doesnt react like it does.  

 

I tried to explain that the fear and all come not after the discomfort...that is expected...it comes after the stomach issues and med and food reactions etc.  She could not get that at all.  She said I never should have been put on the benzo with my addiction history and that she has seen that people with that have a harder time coming off it...but that AD's are different...they actually help the brain whereas the benzo does not.

 

She said I could try coming off slower but she doesnt think that will make a difference because that is not the problem...my anxiety and fears ad trauma are the problem...in which case it would be better to just 'rip the band aid off'...taper rapidly, get it done so to have less anxiety and fear and be able to deal with trauma cause people on benzos cant do that cause of the effects the benzo has on the brain..not the AD though...no problems there!  I just stopped trying to say what I feel is happening to me and sat it out.  And the doctor is their medical director.  😬😳🤔 

 

I left feeling the odd, different, unheard, not knowing my own system that I have felt regularly for so long....frustrating.  Think time to look at other options...sad commentary on help available.   

Edited August 8, 2018 by SkyBlue
added para breaks for readability

[Rabe]

and it makes me doubt myself...like perhaps I dont know my system and perhaps it would be better to just get off everything and be able to balance the K better and alls well with the world!  

[SkyBlue]

Dear Rabe,

 

I find a number of things she said very concerning. 

45 minutes ago, Rabe said:

but that AD's are different...they actually help the brain whereas the benzo does not.

This is a nice idea, but completely untrue. That is what this whole site is about. That is why Alto started it. SSRIs are exceptionally harmful.

 

46 minutes ago, Rabe said:

She said I could try coming off slower but she doesnt think that will make a difference because that is not the problem...my anxiety and fears ad trauma are the problem...in which case it would be better to just 'rip the band aid off

 

Again, this therapist is showing that she has no understanding of how the nervous system is affected by SSRIs. They change the entire functioning of the nervous system, which is in charge of everything in the body.

The reason why many people are in the situations they are in here on SA (debilitating, disabling symptoms) is that they attempted to "rip the band-aid off. 

 

The important question is, what do you think about what she's said? You said that it's making you doubt yourself, which I encourage you to revisit/re-examine. 

 

Although you can do what you want, of course, we will not support cold-turkeying the psych drugs you are taking.

What she is recommending is dangerous and honestly out of the scope of her practice (if she's a psychotherapist, she doesn't have the knowledge to advise people off meds, which is apparent from her advice).

 

[Rosetta]

I am appalled!  And I'm outraged that she would suggest that you get off benzos as quickly as possible.  I'll say it again, it has been well known since the 60s that benzos WD causes a severe illness that we now know results from destabilization of the nervous system.  She has no earthly clue what she is talking about when it comes to ADs, but that seems to be more common.  It is because of advice like hers that I have been through Hell and it's not over yet.  She has no idea.  

 

The fact of the matter is that doctors are no longer doctors -- they are salesmen for the pharmaceutical companies. That's pretty much it these days, and they are harming people much like any drug dealer in a dark alley.  What they are doing is worse because we know we can't trust the drug dealer and we know the drugs from the alley are most likely dangerous.  Most doctors are like foxes in the hen house, but the general public is completely unaware of this.

 

I know you won't quit cold, Rabe, but just in case someone else reads this I will say:  Your therapist doesn't realize that AD WD can do the same thing to the nervous system as the benzo WD.  It's the destabilization, NOT the WD per se that is the problem.  Some people don't experience the destabilization it appears. She's probably never seen a person who is as ill as I was.  Once the destabilization happens it is necessary to very careful -- so,ethi g my doctors were not as they didn't diagnose the destabilization.

 

One avoids further destabilization by tapering slowly.  The addition of the AD can cause further destabilization.  Even the increase in dose of an AD can cause destabilization.  The fact that she thinks ADs are different and that they help is proof that she knows practically nothing.  She is so sure of her own value that she thinks one can reason her way out of having what is essentially an allergic reaction.  That's probably the most absurd thing I have heard recently -- at least from a therapist.  One can help her system stay calmer in various ways, but if one keeps shaking it up by tapering the benzo or the AD too fast, then all the self control in the world won't stop the nervous system from reacting.  

 

I agree with SkyBlue.  This therapist is recommending a medication cessation and that is quite frankly an illegal practicing of medicine.  She completely out of her range of expertise and licensing privilege.  God help her other patients.

[wantrelief]

1 hour ago, Rabe said:

Think time to look at other options

I am so sorry your therapist was so invalidating and down right dangerous for all of the reasons SkyBlue and Rosetta have already eloquently expressed.   I hope you can find someone who is truly your advocate and whom supports your goals.....this is what you deserve.

[Rabe]

@SkyBlueand @Rosetta,

I wanted to thank you both for writing what you did...for myself and others.  You know, going there today and how I was after makes me realize part of the reason some of us are here...people keep telling you black is white and the sky is green and nothing you say even makes a dent in the 'facts'.  I think it is easy, especially in the conditions our minds are in, to question and think, as I have read here before, maybe it will be different for me...maybe they are right...maybe I'd be better off getting rid of at least one of the drugs.  I have been talking to myself on and off since I saw her this afternoon.  

I would not cold turkey, but part of me was thinking well I 'recovered' from the rapid Clonazepam taper in September...maybe it would be ok.  

But what I also know is I am NOT stable...why I asked brassmonkey what stable is...I dont feel the same level if ickiness each day...I am all over the board...up, down, sideways...I never know who or what will be there each day.  Today has been very high anxiety with panic yesterday and some today which I have not had prior to now and which has been SO disheartening.  She said well you just have to do your grounding and whatever...riiiigghht!

 

Thank you again for confirming what I do know...its why Im also messed up in first place.  Clonazepam increased way too much, I tapered awfully..up and down and God knows what ...I can hardly remember it.  Then the Lexapro and Clonazepam oral rap reactions, then here and the Viibryd, and then the tapers of  those...and zI can hardly taper it at all without my system just falling apart.  And she thinks its the fear thats causing the symptoms when in fact its the tapering symptoms causing the fear.  I am really getting a huge dose of reality...that is just as scary. And when so vulnerable I think that desire to stop is there and you can get sucked in by what these professionals say.    

 

Perhaps I ought to order a scale and then I would have to buy the Viibryd...the doctor provides it now.  But then I would be able to lower as I am able with help here.  I mean I got the Viibryd hold extended ONLY because of the kindness of the pharmacist!  And I sit here feeling like a bad patient and concerned the doctor will be upset with me!!!  That is crazy in itself!  Its like that victim comes back again!  So THANK YOU AGAIN!!!  Thank you for really driving the point home...it set me straight and I needed that after that visit today...I am truly grateful to you both!!!  Bless you for caring.  Just scary as I said to think I even was thinking any of that....

[Rabe]

@wantrelief I wanted to thank you SO much for your support.  I needed that today.  Blessings! 💜

[Rabe]

@SkyBlue I wanted to personally thank you for taking the time to post here...I know how busy all of you moderators are.  

 

I knew when I went there she was not correct and went there to tell her my thoughts and plan...but after an hour of trying to explain what was going on with me and having everything thrown back I felt confused....posted here first thing...and am very grateful again for the help in confirming what I believe to be true.  She was even giving me patients of hers who have tapered from 4 to 8mg of Clonazepam i.e. in a month and are fine etc.  The doctor I see is their medical director..and I truly feel they talk.  I know he put me in the hospital because he felt I was tapering at a 'painfully slow pace'...from the medical records. So they are a team for a reason...they both believe the same thing.  Part of the confusion too I think was when I saw her after the rapid hospital taper by the doctor she asked how I was and I said angry and she said I dont blame you and was wanting to help etc....so it just al confused me!!!

 

Thank you again Sky-blue for your kindness!!! 💜 

[Rabe]

@Rosetta Hi ROsetta,

thank you again.  I think part of everything too is that I was so nervous about tapering the Viibryd again when i was still feeling so unwell, then the doctor would not respond and was out of town, then having the pharmacist help and feeling fearful of what the doctor would do, and the panic ... and then today and not feeling well tonight either...just was caught off guard by her even though I thought I went in well armed. Thanks again!  I will catch up on your thread as to how your day was.💜

[RusTW]

Hi Rabe wishing you a good taper.Its very hard to know what's happening when you are on more than 1 drug with  ignorant doctors.I'm going off 2 drugs .Good job so far.I hope you get to feeling better.       Rus

[Carmie]

Hi Rabe, 

 

That therapist of yours has absolutely no clue whatsoever. Like everyone else on here said, do not listen to her. 

 

Also dont let what she said disturb you, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Don’t let her confuse you. 

 

Sending you big hugs🤗🤗

[Rabe]

@RusTW and @Carmie Thank you so much for your support.  Rough day today...stomach not well, reacting to so much...tried a Tums and was itching all over.  One of those days of too many irons in the fire seems...like how does one navigate this.  Hoping tomorrow will be better.  Thank you again!💜

[Rosetta]

On August 8, 2018 at 9:55 PM, Rabe said:

@Rosetta Hi ROsetta,

thank you again.  I think part of everything too is that I was so nervous about tapering the Viibryd again when i was still feeling so unwell, then the doctor would not respond and was out of town, then having the pharmacist help and feeling fearful of what the doctor would do, and the panic ... and then today and not feeling well tonight either...just was caught off guard by her even though I thought I went in well armed. Thanks again!  I will catch up on your thread as to how your day was.💜

 

Definitely!  Things that would normally cause us anxiety make this ordeal harder.  The fact that you were going to taper when you were not stable had me upset, and I knew it would increase your symptoms.  That's a part of why it makes me so angry when a doctor rushes a taper. 

 

This is is a lesson for all:. Do not trust a doctor with the information that you are tapering past about 20 mg.  Brassmonkey never told his doctor.  He was getting something like 40 mg for ages until he was completely off.  Some doctors are supportive in the beginning.  Then, when the patient's symptoms increase they get upset and decide that tapering is causing the patient more distress than a CT would.  They try to tell the patient she has an obsession with medication!!  No, doctor, it is you that has an obsession with medication, and that's how your patient became so ill.  Other doctors say anything below 10 mg is not a "therapeutic dose," and refuse to prescribe more drugs which forces the person to CT.  It's barbaric.  If the doctor wanted to find out the truth, he could.  It's been shown by enough books, articles, and personal accounts that the drugs are horribly addictive and difficult to stop.

 

If the doctor starts rushing you to get off the benzo, I think there is more info out there about the need for a very slow taper.  As for the Viibryd, I hope you will get a scale and start learning how to measure before you need to.  I know it feels as if that's the last thing you need to worry about, Rabe.  It's very unfair, but people seem to get the hang of it.

 

I'm sorry your day was so hard yesterday.  Thank you for your sweet note on my thread.  

 

Hugs,

Rosetta

[SkyBlue]

On 8/8/2018 at 11:52 PM, Rabe said:

@SkyBlue I wanted to personally thank you for taking the time to post here...I know how busy all of you moderators are.  

 

 confused....posted here first thing...and am very grateful again for the help in confirming what I believe to be true.  She was even 

 

Thank you again Sky-blue for your kindness!!! 💜 

 

Dear Rabe, 

You're so very welcome. ❤️ It's very, very difficult (and confusing) when we come across such unfeeling resistance from doctors and providers. 

Keep hanging in there! 

[Rabe]

@Rosetta Thank you Rosetta...what you said is spot on.  Thats why he tapered me rapidly last September because I was tapering painfully slowly as he put it...and I believe he thought that slow tapering was causing more issues.  I dont know what he is going to think about all this...I think I just ought ot call the pharmacy and have them give me the 9mg until I see him on the 25th.  I was just thinking about doing the .5 taper and then AFTER that going down slower...and there you were!  I think not a good idea.  I am so all over the board with how I feel.  I understand some of it is fear and anxiety...OF COURSE IT IS!  gee whiz!  This is craziness! Going down by 1.25 Im sure will sound ridiculous to him but oh well...hoping he is ok with it.  

But yes I have been thinking about a scale.  From Amazon? and is it a mg one?  The other thing would be to get compounded liquid which is cheaper...if he will do that.  Guess getting the scale would be a good back up...that you for the thought!💜

[Rabe]

10 hours ago, Rosetta said:

 Some doctors are supportive in the beginning.  Then, when the patient's symptoms increase they get upset and decide that tapering is causing the patient more distress than a CT would.  They try to tell the patient she has an obsession with medication!!

 

@RosettaThis is it in a nutshell Rosetta!  This is precisely what happened with the Clonazepam tapers right after the 10mg (50%) Viibryd taper.  I just fell apart...SO depressed and awful and not knowing what had happened...so he thought it better to do a quick taper...and when I was still doing 'ok' in the second week said to me he thought Id be throwing up by then and was glad i wasn't...I was doing so well!  Uh huh...until about 2 weeks after that!  Then my system imploded!  And at THAT time the therapist asked me how I felt and I said angry and she said I dont blame you.  But NOW she thinks its time to rip off the band aid!  And the president of the hospital said that the doctor that put me on the Viibryd thought he was doing me a favor!  WE'RE 'crazy' and need meds????  Good grief!!

 

Im still afraid as I dont see him until the 25th so I would need to call the pharmacy again and see if I can get enough until then..should have done that right away...but thought I would get a response from him. I will need to have everything on paper on the 25th and present it all to him and hopefully he will go along and give it a try.  I feel like you do at times...life and my kids and grandchildren are passing me by...and it feels awful sometimes.  What is the point in rushing things if it makes it all worse?  Oh well.  Just wanted to say that your comment was so spot on! If I have to taper the .5 once more I will..but after that it is going down slowly!!!  Praying he will be on board.  Take care!💜

[Rosetta]

Can you find another doctor, too?  Why does your dr provide the Viibryd?  I find that odd.

 

Im glad you have had some windows and a laugh with your daughter.  That is super!!  I was so happy to read that on another thread.

[Rabe]

Im going to try to...someone sent me a link to mad in america for doctors I think...but I cant remember who or where it is!  This brain!  Oh I did find it...but no one around here...and the one who is only does antipsychotics and benzos.

 

The dr gets samples and really has been kind to provide them because it would be hundreds of dollars a month otherwise!  Horribly expensive the Viibryd...just another plus about it...and no generic and no generic or powder form for compounding of course.  I do need to look into a scale...do you have one?  If so where did you find it and what kind?

 

Im SO complaining lately ... sorry.  Just so frustrated.  Yes I did have about an hour at my daughters that was not anxious and dizzy and crampy and just so filled with angst that is hard to control or describe!  I start to worry about everything Rosetta...staying and not being a good Grammy and Mom, having to drive back so near panic, getting stuck in the awful traffic jams I hate here while in panic, and now the bad reflux with weight loss and such discomfort.  I need to get those tests and am afraid of that as well...dont want sedation but they refuse to do it without it.  I know I should do it but have put it off.  If there is something wrong should find it out cause the tapering is mute point.  There is a correlation to the reflux and the Clonazepam...it must cause some GI stuff when tapering ... Viibryd too.  So Ive been trying to find something to take to get that under control again cause Prevacid is off the board.

 

I think the doctor knows he goofed big time.  I have heard from people who work at the hospital that I went to with a letter of what went on there.  They offered for me to come back in and I said no...would like to be reimbursed and get help elsewhere...then suddenly this doctor that works for them is sending me there again to taper...hmmmm.  When my daughter called to ask him what the heck was going on he hemmed and hawed and said well she will call state...she calls state.  My daughter thought that was unprofessional and not relevant.  They are afraid of what I saw and know, of what happened to me and frankly would probably like me gone..they may succeed!  He is under their thumb.  SO I think he feels he has to do what they say...and is trying to make some progress so they can say I have been helped.  Its such a long story,,,I still do think about a lawyer at times...someone has to stand up to this nonsense.  Well thats enough of all that!  Sorry....

 

 

 

 

[Rosetta]

No, no scale as I don't take meds, but I see the Gemini scale recommended here, and people.  The tapering stickies would probably have more info for you.

 

Ask in the benzo forum if this is still the best scale for the price:

 

https://www.awscales.com/milligram-scales/gemini-20.html

[Rabe]

tapering stickies??🤔

[Rabe]

@Shep  Could you help me with something Shep?  First, what scale would you recommend?  The one from Amazon?  And what does the weight have to be?

 

Also, have you ever heard of people having horrible burning in chest or stomach or head after benzo taper?  I dont know if I should go ahead and get the endoscopy I probably need...or not.  Lastly...if I do...do you think it will be ok given the meds I take and the tapers?  Do you know anyone who has had one and what med they had or how they had it?  

 

Sorry to bother...hope you are ok...thank you!

[Rosetta]

Tapering "stickies" are here:

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/300-important-topics-in-the-tapering-forum-and-faq/

 

There is one about scales.  You will have to scroll down pretty far to find it.

 

(Stickies are the Internet equivalent of Post-it sticky notes that one would put on a refrigerator or mirror.  They have info that you refer to often, but don't bother to memorize.)

[Rosetta]

Making a liquid sounds a lot easier to me, but who knows?  Trying to put powder into capsules sounds like the kind of thing I wouldn't want to do while anxious.  

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/

 

 

I think I would try making a liquid and buy the scale if I couldn't use the liquid.  

[Rabe]

Yeah...I cant imagine really doing this, but suspect once you get used to it..

no, no powder in capsules.  I went crazy cutting tablets and losing pieces and forgetting if I took them...hard to do any of that when your mind is such a mess and you're so nervous and all...but perhaps with slower taper it is not as hard..

 

Thank you Rosetta for your stickie notes...apprecitate it!  Hope you had a good night with your daughter!💜

[Shep]

9 hours ago, Rosetta said:

No, no scale as I don't take meds, but I see the Gemini scale recommended here, and people.  The tapering stickies would probably have more info for you.

 

Ask in the benzo forum if this is still the best scale for the price:

 

https://www.awscales.com/milligram-scales/gemini-20.html

 

Rosetta, thanks for giving Rabe such great advice regarding the scale and liquid.

 

Rabe, this is indeed a scale that a lot of people are using for tapering and finding it works well. If you decide to use a scale, it's on Amazon at a good price here:

 

Amazon - Gemini 20 Scale

 

You may also want to check EBay. 

 

 

9 hours ago, Rabe said:

Also, have you ever heard of people having horrible burning in chest or stomach or head after benzo taper?  I dont know if I should go ahead and get the endoscopy I probably need...or not.  Lastly...if I do...do you think it will be ok given the meds I take and the tapers?  Do you know anyone who has had one and what med they had or how they had it?  

 

Burning sensations can be a symptom from withdrawal, however, I am definitely not qualified to tell you whether or not to get an endoscopy. A number of people discuss this procedure, along with other issues here:

 

Digestive problems: nausea, diarrhoea, bloating, GERD

 

I would be careful if the doctor wants to prescribe medications such as PPIs, as they can be very problematic. You may find some good information here:

 

On 5/23/2013 at 6:02 PM, Altostrata said:

Stomach acid blockers, usually PPIs such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, ranitidine, and cimetidine, or antacids are intended for only short-term use, unless you have an extremely serious case of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Most people can resolve their digestion issues without PPIs. Read Chris Kresser on how to resolve acid reflux without drugs http://chriskresser.com/heartburn
 

 

 

I found that cutting out everything that is spicy and processed was helpful, along with eliminating caffeine and sugar. 

 

You may want to tweak your diet first before having an endoscopy, but again, I can't recommend getting the test done or not. You need to do what's best for you.

 

6 hours ago, Rabe said:

Yeah...I cant imagine really doing this, but suspect once you get used to it..

 

Exactly. Rosetta gave great advice regarding trying the liquid first. If you decide to try this with your clonazepam, please post in your benzo thread located here and we'll go through it step by step. 

 

If you decide to switch to liquid for your Viibryd, please continue to post here in your main intro thread. 

 

[Rabe]

@Shep Thank you Shep.  Im just wondering  all I need.  I can order the scale.  You have to crush and weigh whatever tablets...the V or the C, right?  

What do I get for that?  To crush them?

I could get a compounded liquid which worked well with the Clonazepam but really tore up my stomach...but its torn up anyway.  Think is not only the medication but the oils Im thinking...after the C in olive oil was started in the hospital my stomach got very bad...but its bad now too so who knows.

 

Thank you so much again for your help!  I am SO grateful!  Hope you are doing ok SHep!💜  Just feeling so overwhelmed, scared, sad and alone  today...oh well....is what it is....thank God for this sight! 

[Rabe]

My main issue is my stomach/GI issues....trying to eat and all.  These tapers just rip my insides up.  If anyone has any thoughts would appreciate it.  Im hoping holding for a bit as well as slowing the taper will help...but things just dont seem to be healing well.  

[Rabe]

My main issue...thats pretty funny...it is a bit one, but God knows my mind etc play a part but I think my stomach affect my mind too...when cant eat without reacting or take meds for same reasons it is really challenging.

[Rabe]

On bright side...had labs done today just cause and K 4.2 and NA 142...excellent!!! 👍

[Shep]

8 hours ago, Rabe said:

Could you steer me to anything more about learned helplessness?  Ive heard that before...and the neuroplasticity.  My son has said our minds like to say in the same old ruts...its just where they go..to the ruts, and then the ruts just get bigger and deeper.  But it sure is hard to stop the mind!  And hopelessness being the echoes of obsessive ruminations sure hits home as well...so hard o get out of the 'what ifs' be they past or future!

 

 

Rabe, you addressed this question to me over on DJ's thread in the benzo area and I wanted to leave some links for you to have on your own thread so it's together with your other information and in one place.

 

Here are some videos that may help:

 

What is Learned Helplessness? video (1.5 minutes)

 

Learned Helplessness vs. Learned Optimism video (9 minutes)

 

You'll learn in that second link that mindfulness is actually better than psychotherapy for breaking free of learned helplessness. Might be worth a read of the Mindfulness info here on SA:

 

Mindfulness, Meditation, and Prayer After Brain Injury

 

Since we become dependent on a drug due to neuroplasticity (as the saying goes, "the neurons that fire together wire together"), it makes sense that we can use neuroplasticity to our advantage. The more neuroplastic your brain is, the more it adapts to the changes caused by the drugs. And the more neuroplastic your brain is, the more likely you are to become dependent. So that works as a disadvantage. However, as we come off the drugs, we can channel our very neuroplastic brains to work in a positive direction as opposed to a negative direction and actually do things that impact our healing for the better. 

 

For more:

 

Healing from antidepressants: The power of neuroplasticity video (7.5 minutes)

Edited August 14, 2018 by Shep
fixed typos

[Rosetta]

All my love, Rabe.  No time for a longer post, but I'm thinking of you.  It's time to read Bunnicula!

[Rabe]

Bunnicula??🤔

[Rabe]

17 hours ago, Shep said:

Since we become dependent on a drug due to neuroplasticity (as the saying goes, "the neurons that fire together wire together"), it makes sense that we can use neuroplasticity to our advantage. The more neuroplastic your brain is, the more it adapts to the changes caused by the drugs. And the more neuroplastic your brain is, the more likely you are to become dependent. So that works as a disadvantage. However, as we come off the drugs, we can channel our very neuroplastic brains to work in a positive direction as opposed to a negative direction and actually do things that impact our healing for the better. 

 

@Shep Oh Shep thank you so so much for posting all that information here...and for the above that is so hopeful!!!  I was wondering today why my brain is this way while others have no issues?  It is at least encouraging to know my 'oddness' could also be a plus!  Bless you!!

 

I've decided to hold for now...the doctor said yes though I know he'd really like to just get it over with...rip that band aid off!  But so long as he's willing to go along with the advice I get here Im grateful.  I have to listen to the one place that truly knows about this...and that is here.  So will hold until I feel I am as stable as I can get to what brassmonkey described...feeling same kind of not well daily...not sure how that will feel really.  Also have to get my GI system checked.  I know that the LES sphincter has not worked at all for years so Im assuming this constant stress has wreaked some havoc...hoping nothing bad is up as I've been putting off the procedure for long time d/t fear of the anesthesia. Was on PPI but got off it...tried it again recently and reacted to it. 

 

Do you know of any information on which drug might be better than another for a surgery/procedure?  If there is anything on that I would be grateful.  My daughter mentioned propofol.  I dont think Valium and Versed would be good at all right now...and I know none of the doctors seem to know so that is concerning.  When I try to ask and explain they interrupt and say you'll be ok and thats it...no time to listen.  Frustrating!

 

Thank you again so much!  Keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope you are doing ok!💜

[Rabe]

@Shep Meant to ask...could yoou please tell me what I would need to crush the tablets?  Mortar and pestal? Just wondering about what people use ...might a well get that with scale yes?