Ryguy: protracted 7 years

[ChessieCat]

8 minutes ago, Ryguy said:

How would I check for h pylori anyway?  

 

I've just googled it ...

[Cocopuffz17]

27 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

I've just googled it ...

I was on this drug for 11 years. I had a endoscope and the biopsy came back positive for H.Pylori. But it took awhile for the follow up appointment. I talked to the specialist and he swore the only way I would get rid of this bacteria is with antibiotics. Little did he know I had stopped taking my AD and my stomach acid returned to normal levels. I got tested again and was negative for H.pylori. These ADs wreak havoc on our GI tracts and actually act as a PPI as well. 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

I was on this drug for 11 years. I had a endoscope and the biopsy came back positive for H.Pylori. But it took awhile for the follow up appointment. I talked to the specialist and he swore the only way I would get rid of this bacteria is with antibiotics. Little did he know I had stopped taking my AD and my stomach acid returned to normal levels. I got tested again and was negative for H.pylori. These ADs wreak havoc on our GI tracts and actually act as a PPI as well. 

That’s what I’m guessing it’s entirely dry related , I’m afraid of tests now because of how unreliable they are and I refuse antibiotics 

[Cocopuffz17]

8 minutes ago, Ryguy said:

That’s what I’m guessing it’s entirely dry related , I’m afraid of tests now because of how unreliable they are and I refuse antibiotics 

I agree with you on refusing drugs. I’ve gone to the doctor for some sports injuries and they just want to give me a ton of anti inflammatory drugs and I know they will make WDs worse.

[Guest]

16 minutes ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

I agree with you on refusing drugs. I’ve gone to the doctor for some sports injuries and they just want to give me a ton of anti inflammatory drugs and I know they will make WDs worse.

Are you still in withdrawal ? 

[Cocopuffz17]

Just now, Ryguy said:

Are you still in withdrawal ? 

Yes, my initial wean, month 1 was alright ,2/3 were hell. 4-5 months after we’re manageable. Now almost at month 7 (completely off) some symptoms are overwhelming(fatigue,tinnitus,headache). But I am getting lots of windows. Had almost a full day this weekend, was great! Anxiety is spiking, but knowing it will pass makes it even better. Focusing/organizing thoughts are still challenging. I keep my nutrition lifestyle at 99% and know when I slip up I will get WD symptoms so that motivates me even more. 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

Yes, my initial wean, month 1 was alright ,2/3 were hell. 4-5 months after we’re manageable. Now almost at month 7 (completely off) some symptoms are overwhelming(fatigue,tinnitus,headache). But I am getting lots of windows. Had almost a full day this weekend, was great! Anxiety is spiking, but knowing it will pass makes it even better. Focusing/organizing thoughts are still challenging. I keep my nutrition lifestyle at 99% and know when I slip up I will get WD symptoms so that motivates me even more. 

I am glad to hear recovery has been less then a year and that you’re on the road to getting better. It’s crazy how different our bodies are, I’ve heard people take ten years and others ten days, it’s astonishing to realize that currently medical science/genetics/physiology is so outside the realm of our understanding and the sheer complexity is unimaginable . I wish I could ask god why it’s taking this long for me and what the answer is to make it all go away, but knowing others are recovering at whatever rate they recover is enough for me to carry on . I know altostrata, the administrator on this site took 8 years, and I spoke to a guy the other day who it took ten. It’s an insane world out there and this is a silent epidemic. Keep pressing on and eating healthy, thanks for the replies, good to stay connected to fellow travelers on this frightening road to recovery. I also spoke to three veterans the other day who said recovering from Antidepressants was more difficult for them then ptsd after serving multiple tours in iraq....so I think it’s safe to say we are serious warriors, no matter what anyone says, knowing Iraqi war veterans who confirm the terrors of this process is enough confirmation for me, don’t need to hear anything from anyone else haha. I’ve always thought this might be some of the worse pain mankind can endure, and if it’s worse then war, i think I might be right . Best wishes on your journey.

[Guest]

Topic title:  answer at last?

 

Before I begin, i want to say i am not fully healed, but not aeons away either, I've also been in protracted for 7 years with every symptom you can imagine, some have had permanent effects on my body , but because this past 7 years has been entirely dedicated to experimenting with supplements and for the past 4 years ive been out of work and committed to finding an answer to what is going on in my body. I am reading the most recent research in neurogenesis, which is our ability to form new neuronal connections, for synapses to even "fix" themselves, commonly referred to as "neuroplasticity".

 

We have found out the hard way, all of us I am assuming, or at least most of us, that throwing serotonin precursors into the body isn't doing much, and can actually trigger symptoms and inflame the body more. B vitamins (though very important) or amino acid supplements, protein supplements, herbal supplements, multivitamins   or the more powerful 5htp/mucuna puriens etc.....These may help for a few hours or trick the brain into thinking that's what it wants, but if your gut/brain can't hold onto anything, pouring stuff into it may help for a moment or have some strange effects then lead to even more paradoxical effects later on or even immediately.

 

The problem seems to be "fixing" the brain and we all have read on this site that Omega 3 is the greatest supplement to ease inflammation and alleviate the chaos that comes with withdrawal, and some have had benefits and some have had paradoxical effects.  It  does seems that leading research is indicating not just DHA and Essential Fatty Acids like Omega3/6 as extremely important for neurogenesis, but also  MCT oil and any "healthy" oil for the body, which fundamentally depends on certain chains in the oil. There are different chained fatty acids, and they all seem to be the "oil" needed for our engine to run smoothly at all, and they aid in absorption of nutrients and plasticity as well.

 

Leading research in neurogenesis focuses almost exclusively on Fat as a recovery system in the body and as a way of speeding up plasticity, this makes sense if you think of the body as an engine, it WOULD run on oil, and that oil would aid in the processes for absorbing other materials. But ive tried omega 3s in the past, and some times it even made my body worse , so is leading research wrong? It turns out my body responds negatively to almost anything i put in it since withdrawal has royally screw up my entire system and its been that way for 7 years now....so i figured more experimentation  won't kill me so i upped my dose radically , and started drinking MCT smoothies with 50 grams MCT.

 

I take 4 fish oils now instead of 1 , and have tried focusing on leaving fiber, protein shakes, multivitamins, starches, all sugar (including fruit) and herbs , aminos, etc.....completely out of my diet. Instead I am eating Fish/fatty cuts of healthy meat/avocados/coconut meat/ coconut yogurt/and any other healthy fat food i can find and supplementing with MCT smoothies and large fish oil doses.

 

Its been 4 days and the results are not only noticeable, my stomach is doing insane things  , i can hear it, and immediately after i hear it make loud noises my brain fog clears and my mood gets better , and THAT has not happened for the past 7 years.....I am hoping this isnt a coincidence, and that i keep doing this regimen and I will be able to mend my gut/brain....I hope research into healthy oils proves to be cutting edge regarding neuroplasticity.

 

I will update you all (whoever is reading) with more information regarding progress. Its entirely possible that the creators of this site were onto something with the Fish Oil posts.....ive gone almost exclusively fat based now, with high doses , and i am sensing something seriously different........also i am not "recommending" people use megadoses like me, it certainly isnt wise to megadose anything, but since ive personally decided to do it, and it has had significant results these past 4 days, i won't stop, but if safety is a concern for you, take it slow and up your dose gradually.

Edited January 21, 2020 by Guest
added line breaks

[Elyssa143]

@Ryguy are you saying you havent had any improvements in 7 years? Im 18 months in still in withdrawl yes but definitely having lots of improvements and much easier days. 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Elyssa143 said:

@Ryguy are you saying you havent had any improvements in 7 years? Im 18 months in still in withdrawl yes but definitely having lots of improvements and much easier days. 

Not only have I had no improvements , but my withdrawal got worse over the course of the 7 years, first two were manageable, 3rd was tolerable, then it got worse, I’m only now beginning to see mild changes from this super high fat diet . Everyone is different, I met a guy the other day who it took ten years , there is no way to know how you will respond or what is going on with each individual , I’m glad you are feeling improvements after 18 months. 

[SDOE]

Interesting. I would like to hear updates.  Do you have insomnia? And if so has it helped with that?

Thanks

[ChessieCat]

Topic merged with introduction.  It keeps your history in one place.

[Guest]

topic title:  new discoveries in dieting for 7 years

 

ive tried everything, supplements are all stimulating, and when i go Keto, my inflammation goes down but my constipation is literally intolerable 

 

its been 7 years, nothing works, i dont believe diet or supplements can even help or speed things up, neurorecovery is a giant mystery in the gut brain connection right now, ive tried it all 

 

however....keto always helped the most in terms of calming down symptoms (but by maybe 5% maximum) ......and this past week ive discovered high fiber is helping my bowels (and mood) but sugar and starch really mess me up......so ive been doing a lot of flax/hemp/chia seed smoothies and a pile of steamed cruciferous veggies

 

this has significantly helped , i mean improved my mood by like 15% , (which is incredible by my standards, especially when the past 7 years have been experimenting and living in utter hell) 

 

so im updating my diet to super high fiber, moderate protein and healthy fats, so that would be a big pile of steamed veggies loaded and flax seed covered salmon. 

 

as for supplements (theanine is the only non stimulating supplement ive ever used).......so ill stick with green tea in the morning 

 

thats my update, hope that helps everyone, i thought i had SIBO so i kept fiber out , but fiber is incredible people. even if your symptoms go away by 10-15%, it may even get better at this point (i hope) 

 

 

 

Edited September 23, 2019 by Guest
removed obscenity

[ChessieCat]

SA works differently to most other forums.  Members are requested to post information in their Introduction topic because it keeps their history in one place.  Your introduction topic is the correct place to post updates as well as ask questions about your own situation and about your journey.  It also becomes a case study for any medical professionals visiting SA.

 

Please do not create a new topic each time you want to post an update.  Thank you.

[Altostrata]

Hello, Ryguy, how are you doing?

 

It sounds like you've found ways to improve your gut health. Could be it needed some special care to get going again.

[Guest]

Has anyone had severe Akathisia lasting for years after coming off Zoloft or any Ssri? I mean years and years and psychotic episodes running around hitting myself banging head against wall , and extreme burning skin and boils on skin. I mean this is the type of thing from the exorcist....I literally feel possessed, and the most terrifying thing is I’ve been imprisoned by it in my house for three years now...what the heck do I do?!!!!! I’ve tried every vitamin, probiotic, supplement...you name it! It just doesn’t feel it’s improving some days it even gets worse ...I’m on the edge right now, also I get hallucinations , all this started as soon as I came off those horrible drugs , did they permanently ruin my brain? I took it pre puberty, is it possible I’m like this forever? I can’t sit still for my then two seconds 

[Altostrata]

Ryguy, when did these skin symptoms start? What do you mean by hallucinations? When did they start?

 

Are you still on a keto diet?

[Guest]

I seem to have extreme stomach tightness as if digesting food is impossible and weird noises and incredible anxiety in the pit of my stomach and Its been like this for years, does anyone know if there are anyways to relax enteric nerves ? It seems after ssris my enteric nerves simply don’t work and release chemicals of dread or something 

[bheb]

On 12/11/2019 at 7:08 PM, Ryguy said:

extreme burning skin

Yes I’ve had this for a few years. Burning itchiness, need to scratch or thrash it out of me. It’s terrible. I’m sorry you relate.

 

I second Alto’s questions. Are you still seeing improvements based on dietary changes?

 

 

[Guest]

On 12/12/2019 at 11:55 AM, Altostrata said:

Ryguy, when did these skin symptoms start? What do you mean by hallucinations? When did they start?

 

Are you still on a keto diet?

i went keto for a while and it seemed to help for like three weeks, but im not sure if it was just a temporary window i was experiencing because it all went back down hill after that, even when i stayed keto , ive tried everything, the skin problems i have have been there since this whole thing started, so basically 7 years ago, the second i went into withdrawal i started erupting boils over skin, but not a single person in my family has acne....but every time i have an extreme episode, hallucinations or psychosis , i wake up with more boils.....the hallucinations ive had for years , i cant remember when they started, they come and go based on other withdrawal symptoms. im just not sure what to do anymore, i feel like i should be making progress, but its been 3 years since ive left my house....i just dont see progress currently, i experience windows sometimes and i always think maybe its because i took some supplement or tried a new diet, and i keep fooling myself because i dont want t believe this is happening, but nothing works those windows go away after a few weeks then things hit rock bottom again. 

[Altostrata]

It may be the diet helped not because it was keto but because it excluded some food to which you're intolerant. 

 

Ketogenic diets themselves can be rough on people. Could be you're not cut out for a keto diet, but a food intolerance diet. Food sensitivities can have skin symptoms.

[Hell]

Hey. I am sorry about your symptoms. I had terrible acne when I was younger. Have you tried benzoyl peroxide? The one from acne.org site helped me a lot. I only used it before bed since it can bleach stuff but it was enough. Just have patience. Antibiotics helped a little bit but whenever I stopped acne came back. Eventually my acne went away on their own. I thought it was for life because I had them for more than ten years. I wish you well.

[Gem92]

Windows are the given sign that you will eventually heal. I'm sorry you've been sick for so long. I have a lot of the same symptoms but I have yet to get off a drug. I hope you feel better soon!

[Guest]

its been 7 years and still not better but some new symptoms have appeared and not sure if they are GOOD or BAD ....

 

incredible debilitating chest pain

spasms in gut

shortness of breath 

i wake up with scratches all over my body, almost like a demon has attacked me....

sleep paralysis hallucinations 

[Altostrata]

Hello, Ryguy. Please put updates on your situation in your Introductions topic.

 

What do you mean by scratches? Are you itching?

 

Have you had medical examination of your chest pain? How often does it occur?

 

What happened to your regimen you described here

 

[Guest]

50 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Hello, Ryguy. Please put updates on your situation in your Introductions topic.

 

What do you mean by scratches? Are you itching?

 

Have you had medical examination of your chest pain? How often does it occur?

 

What happened to your regimen you described here

 

im not sure the regimen worked, i think i may have just been in a long window, my windows and waves are unpredictable and super super long, but lately I've been having terrible gut problems and chest pain and i wake up with scratches, i dont know if im scratching in the night or not, i have no idea but they are all over. and my skin problems have gotten worse, more acne and scarring....i just cant seem to win. also i have electric shocks and mini seizures. maybe im scratching my legs and back during my sleep but i highly doubt it.... 

[Altostrata]

Have you had a thorough gastroenterological checkup? Are you eating a varied diet, getting all nutrients?

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

Have you had a thorough gastroenterological checkup? Are you eating a varied diet, getting all nutrients?

Yes I eat steak fish , greens, fruits nuts stuff like that 

 

I seem to do much better when I do ketogenic, or even carnivore, my body becomes less Inflamed but my nervous system just isn’t repairing, the electrical shocks in my head and chest pain skin problems etc aren’t going anywhere really , do you have any idea why some people experience severe skin problems during this and others dont? 

[Elyssa143]

@Ryguy

Im sorry your still struggling im almost 2 years out and still struggling.  But i was wondering if you were able to get some nutrient testing done? Genova tests all nutrients and amino acids which could be deficient. And they have payment pland where you can pay monthly so that helps. i eat a very good diet and did spectracell and im still extremely deficient in many nutrients. And some of your symptoms sound like nutrients can help? Also gut health is very important are u able to try a probiotic and prebiotic? 

[Guest]

1 minute ago, Elyssa143 said:

@Ryguy

Im sorry your still struggling im almost 2 years out and still struggling.  But i was wondering if you were able to get some nutrient testing done? Genova tests all nutrients and amino acids which could be deficient. And they have payment pland where you can pay monthly so that helps. i eat a very good diet and did spectracell and im still extremely deficient in many nutrients. And some of your symptoms sound like nutrients can help? Also gut health is very important are u able to try a probiotic and prebiotic? 

i believe probiotics and probiotics are nonsense. i truly do. people with severe brain and nerve injuries won't benefit from that. i am deficient in many vitamins and i can feel them as i put them in my body, immediate energy, then a huge crash and feel worse the next day. my body cant absorb them, thats the problem , because its using all the resources available to recover. nothing works in the end, except for getting better, and who on earth knows how that happens....neuroplasticity is a giant mystery . 

[Elyssa143]

@Ryguy

Oh ok. I guess to each they're own. I believe gut health is a bit part of brain health thats where 90% of your serotonin is made along with other brain chemicals. Also its where your nutrients are absorbed.  But i also understand being frustrated with the process. This isnt my first protracted withdrawal so I understand 100. I am struggling pretty bad too. Youve been off all meds? And no improvements at all? Is the reason you went on meds in the first place resolved? I agree it is a big mystery and i get so scared too but i have had many improvements and its been absolute horrific hell so i have to keep holding onto hope

[Guest]

22 minutes ago, Elyssa143 said:

@Ryguy

Oh ok. I guess to each they're own. I believe gut health is a bit part of brain health thats where 90% of your serotonin is made along with other brain chemicals. Also its where your nutrients are absorbed.  But i also understand being frustrated with the process. This isnt my first protracted withdrawal so I understand 100. I am struggling pretty bad too. Youve been off all meds? And no improvements at all? Is the reason you went on meds in the first place resolved? I agree it is a big mystery and i get so scared too but i have had many improvements and its been absolute horrific hell so i have to keep holding onto hope

yeah i came off 7 years ago. it is literal hell. i originally went on them because i had a bit of depression....i was 17 during the time , maybe 18, it was high school..... i needed someone to talk to, but HEY why not put him on a bunch of drugs before he ever hits puberty.....anyway im trying to survive it, barely though. why are you on a second protracted withdrawal? how did that happen? im not sure "gut health" is as important as people say. no doubt the gut and brain form an axis through the vagus nerve but there are a bunch of other nervous systems involved, its so damn complicated no one knows what's going on.

[Elyssa143]

@Ryguy

Im sorry that happened to you :(. 

i had my son 10 years ago, I was in a bad relationship, extremely overweight, eclampsia. Alot of things after my son was born i had my first panic attack, went to the hospital they gave me ativan. Did nothing for my anxiety. Dr said take it 3x a day everyday you need it so i did. No medcine jot even antibiotics prior to this. Took it 30 days got worse my parents were concerned i moved back home and came off cold turkey didnt no not too. Went into hell. Drs and therapist said i ptsd and post partum no one related it to the benzo. 3 years protracted hell gradually slowly got better but i fixed my diet and nutrient deficiences of course still had the original anxiety because that was never addressed. Mom died during this time, wanted my life back couldnt drive by myself.  Dr told me i had postpartum and chemical imbalance needed zoloft took it low dose for a year. Hated meds wanted off got off fine. 3 years med free, stopped taking care of myself gained weight again eating poorly had a panic attack again dr said zoloft again, took it 1 year again lowest dose possible it turned on me. Wanted off tapered like my pysch said had no idea i could do through this again. Entered hell. Absolute hell. Pysch ward twice, poly drugged. Off all meds over the counter and prescription 20 months. No drinking or smokings, eating well. 22 months into withdrawl 

[Guest]

29 minutes ago, Elyssa143 said:

@Ryguy

Im sorry that happened to you :(. 

i had my son 10 years ago, I was in a bad relationship, extremely overweight, eclampsia. Alot of things after my son was born i had my first panic attack, went to the hospital they gave me ativan. Did nothing for my anxiety. Dr said take it 3x a day everyday you need it so i did. No medcine jot even antibiotics prior to this. Took it 30 days got worse my parents were concerned i moved back home and came off cold turkey didnt no not too. Went into hell. Drs and therapist said i ptsd and post partum no one related it to the benzo. 3 years protracted hell gradually slowly got better but i fixed my diet and nutrient deficiences of course still had the original anxiety because that was never addressed. Mom died during this time, wanted my life back couldnt drive by myself.  Dr told me i had postpartum and chemical imbalance needed zoloft took it low dose for a year. Hated meds wanted off got off fine. 3 years med free, stopped taking care of myself gained weight again eating poorly had a panic attack again dr said zoloft again, took it 1 year again lowest dose possible it turned on me. Wanted off tapered like my pysch said had no idea i could do through this again. Entered hell. Absolute hell. Pysch ward twice, poly drugged. Off all meds over the counter and prescription 20 months. No drinking or smokings, eating well. 22 months into withdrawl 

Wait so 3 years protracted from benzos and how many years protracted from Zoloft?  by the way sorry to hear all that , it sounds impossibly difficult. but youre doing the right thing entering this site, its helpful to know youre not alone, in fact people are experiencing extremely similar things. 

[Altostrata]

6 hours ago, Ryguy said:

Yes I eat steak fish , greens, fruits nuts stuff like that 

 

 

Why do you think you're not getting enough vitamins?

 

It could be you do better with a low-carb diet. Have you seen a nutritionist?

 

What's your vitamin B12 status?

[Guest]

24 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

 

Why do you think you're not getting enough vitamins?

 

It could be you do better with a low-carb diet. Have you seen a nutritionist?

 

What's your vitamin B12 status?

My body just isn’t absorbing them since I’ve been in protracted, terrible gut pain and noises and Nerve pain joint pain, I believe I’m not absorbing nutrients , all my b vitamins were low. I am told by people on here not to take them, and I think that’s right since they stimulate me too much , my b12 is bordering on deficient , I think it was 217, and the test is supposed to be from 215-750