MissyE: tapering from venlafaxine/Effexor

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @MissyE, so great to read that you are having a window! I find it really inspiring and uplifting to read 😊 It's well deserved and long overdue. I find it really interesting how a bad wave can suddenly give way into feeling fine again... evidence of the nervous system trying to balance itself.

Enjoy Christmas, Missy x

[MissyE]

On 12/22/2019 at 8:05 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

Hi Missy E, I always use E45. Have been using that under my eye, still hasn't cleared up properly yet though. How are you doing? Thinking of you x

I used my moisturiser on my hands they are much better now but I'm not touching the tree again without gloves.  

I have always suffered with allergies so am hoping some can suggest an antihistamine l can take when needed.

 

Also I have changed my meds a little to spread the burden across the day.  Feels less daunting first thing.

 

07:30 ven XR 112.5mg; ven IR 37.5mg

Folic acid; 1g Omega 3

12:30 2g Omega 3

18:00 Ven IR 75mg; 1g Omega 3; 400IU vit E.

 

Bad night last night could not sleep.  Bed at midnight up again at 01:30 till 03:00 watched TV and ate food.  Up at 07:30 for meds then back to bed. Just getting up now.  Not feeling so good today.  But l had yesterday and will again.

[sunnysideup69]

6 minutes ago, MissyE said:

 

6 minutes ago, MissyE said:

 

Bad night last night could not sleep.  Bed at midnight up again at 01:30 till 03:00 watched TV and ate food.  Up at 07:30 for meds then back to bed. Just getting up now.  Not feeling so good today.  But l had yesterday and will again.

 You will, indeed. It's all ups and downs, plus I think those of us who are sensitive (and sensitised) can pick up on the stresses and strains of the season. 

That's the thing about WD, too.... A low mood can suddenly give way into a window. Likewise, having a dodgy few days after a whole week last week of feeling significantly better. It's exhausting. 

Hoping your day improves, MissyE xxx sending a hug or three xxx

[Sassenach]

Hi Missy

 

After not being around for a couple of weeks you sound very different.

Calmer, more assured of your outcome, and willing to tackle confrontation ( not too often though I hope )

You may have a long way to go but it finally looks as though you are taking a step forward.

Enjoy your family.

 

Sass

[MissyE]

I had to spend the day in bed yesterday fluey and exhausted.  I've not got flu though.

Today I'm still in bed at the moment, feeling guilty l can't face the day, not as achy and tired as yesterday though but anxious and low.  The roller coaster of WD.  Since my window I've really struggled to get up and going.

 

@Sassenach @Gridley do you have any antihistamine suggestions that are ok in WD?

 

Peace and love to all 🙏

 

 

[sunnysideup69]

34 minutes ago, MissyE said:

I had to spend the day in bed yesterday fluey and exhausted.  I've not got flu though.

Today I'm still in bed at the moment, feeling guilty l can't face the day, not as achy and tired as yesterday though but anxious and low.  The roller coaster of WD.  Since my window I've really struggled to get up and going.

 

@Sassenach @Gridley do you have any antihistamine suggestions that are ok in WD?

 

Peace and love to all 🙏

 

 

Sorry to hear this @MissyE, try not to add guilt into the mix. Easy to say, I know, much harder to do.... its not your fault you are having these WD symptoms. It is indeed a roller-coaster. I think Christmas exacerbates it all. I'm glad you are looking after yourself in the way that you need to.

I'm going out to get my hair cut in a little while, I'm even feeling nervous about that! It's crazy, what WD puts us through. 

Hoping the anxiety and low mood soon leads in to better feelings. 

Love to you, Missy. 

[Gridley]

3 hours ago, MissyE said:

do you have any antihistamine suggestions that are ok in WD?

I would be leery of taking antihistamines with an AD due to possible interactions with the Effexor.

 

Flu-like symptoms are a common WD symptom..

[Sassenach]

Hi Missy

 

I agree Gridley.

Hope you managed to enjoy some of xmas but maybe time for AAF.

2020 will bring new beginnings.

 

Sass

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @MissyE, happy new year xxx

[Erell]

Dear Missy,

 

I wish you a healthy new year ❤❤❤

[MissyE]

@sunnysideup69 @Erell thank you; and all my SA friends.

I'll catch up with your threads soon.

 

Let 2020 be our year of healing and stability...

 

and managing this effing anxiety.

 

Love and peace Missy x

[Sassenach]

Hi Missy

 

Happy new year.

 

"Does someone cut the 12.5mg mini tablets in venlafaxine (vensir) capsules?  If so which pill cutter do you use?  I want to try the brass monkey slide.

Wishing you a healing and stable new year."

 

I hope you are not considering restarting your taper yet.

 

Sass

[MissyE]

Hi Sass

Healing new year.

 

13 hours ago, Sassenach said:

hope you are not considering restarting your taper yet

 

No, not yet, I'm not stable and too anxious.  Perhaps my CNS would prefer this method when l am ready.  

 

I'm looking for hope and any way to reduce the super high anxiety.  The pre med anxiety was never this bad and I'm struggling to stay strong.  It's a comfort to know I could ease this in future.

 

Missy

[Sassenach]

Hi Missy

 

You are already taking steps to help with the anxiety.

Hope it all works out and things improve for you.

 

Sass

[MissyE]

Thanks @SassenachI'm feeling sorry for myself.  That makes the cycle of blame and shame worse.

Yes need to remember:

AAF

I'm not alone in this.  Even though it feels

my brain is my enemy.  Like I'm losing my mind.  I need to practice patience and faith.

 

Also found @Healing helpful

So every time you choose to shift your attention from this for even five seconds, it is a revolutionary act. You can focus on anything else -- the image of a tree, spaciousness, a beloved pet, your ideal future, God, a compliment someone gave you recently, your breath.

 

This may seem like nothing, but every time you *choose* where to put your attention, it is a revolutionary act that has profound ramifications. It's revolutionary just to notice that you're feeling shame, guilt, self-criticism.

 

 

 

[MissyE]

Missy Reminder!!!!

I just challenged the overwhelm!  Instead of becoming frozen in terror, l remembered that my amygdala isn't working properly so everything is exaggerated.  This is the first time I've remembered to do this when I'm overwhelmed.  It helped. 

Now to remember the next gazillion times. 

I am more than the fear.

Acknowledge fear thoughts

Accept my amygdala isn't working properly and l am not alone in this

Float this too shall pass

Change channel.... Do something else

[sunnysideup69]

Nice work, need to remember to do this myself. Thank you for the reminder 😊

[Erell]

great work Missy ! ❤️

[MissyE]

Battling anxiety.  I've been watching podcasts by Irene Lyons who is an expert in the nervous system and trauma and she really resonates.  I'm going to put her in SA self care if she's not there already.

Had chance to reflect on my therapy while my therapist was away and feel EMDR isn't helping.  I need more self soothing strategies to feel safe in my body.  Going to chat with her tomorrow.

Other strategies are staying off too much SA / internet trawling.  

Working on increasing my capacity for healthy stress.

Taking regular pauses to check in with how I'm feeling in my body when stressed eg spilt something and relaxed eg cuddling my boys.

Finding and remembering to use healthy self soothing techniques rather than dissociating.

My immune system has also taken a real battering this cut I've had a beast of a fluey cold and even lost my voice for 2 days.  The cough has been too bad for running: very chesty (I have asthma too, which is usually fine) but I'm trying spinning tomorrow 🤞

[MissyE]

 

[MissyE]

Spinning was good yesterday and really good chat with my therapist.  Changing our focus to building NS capacity and self soothing.  Tried the above exercise this morning myself and it helped.  I also found watching the acceptance cartoon helped last night. 

In natural stress situations good and unpleasant, pause and feel it in the body.  Build a window of tolerance. 

Have a good day of healing SA friends.  Remember every day in every way, we are healing.

Love & peace

Missy x

 

[Sassenach]

Hi Missy

 

So pleased to see you slowly finding ways to cope.

On 1/3/2020 at 10:01 AM, MissyE said:

Now to remember the next gazillion times. 

Do it often enough it becomes second nature, you won't even realise you are doing it.

Keep up the good work.

 

Sass

[MissyE]

Hey Sass

Great to hear from you!  It's a comfort knowing you're looking out for me.  I'll have tapering questions for you again coming up to my next cut 🙈🙏

Going to pop over to your thread and check in on you too.

 

 

I'm starting Irene Lyon's 21 day nervous system tune up.  It costs, money, but I've done my research over the past week and l believe our health is priceless.  She advocates a life long practice and wants to help everyone, so offers loads of free stuff too, no gimmicks, just good honest hard work with proper evidence based support.

 

My victim part says "oh no I can't do it, I'll never heal enough to function at my best.  I'm 42 now it's too late to change.   I'm soooo very tired"

My critical part agrees "HA!! As if you could ever heal, what a joke just like you, you stupid lazy **** {scoff} you'll never learn you thick **** don't get me started .... go on run along for a lie down {scoff} you disgust me... blah , blah"

My wise compassionate part says "Ouch you pair.  I hear and feel your pain.  It's horrendous feeling this way.  Believe me l know things can get better.  Trust the process and be patient.  Irene resonates with me and my therapist so let's try this.   It's human to make mistakes;  be authentic, feel and express anger (and other "non-attractive" feelings) healthily (despite the terror and shame trapped in a dysregulated nervous system) and thrive.  There are gazillions of others who suffer this way too.  My intention is healing and kindness"

Critical sneers "don't make me laugh, you're so naive, you're f***** with or without the medication.  You'll never stuck at a practice that takes work, you know you're too stupid and lazy"

Victim "oh no I can't cope, oh what if l get worse without my meds, l don't know myself without without my meds, oh no the mental health team and gp think I'm nuts trying to taper off it so slowly.  They're going to make me go faster then I'll get really ill again; noone believes me.  Oh l can't trust myself so hopeless and helpless....soooo lonely, such a failure...."

Wise compassion holding me gently and soothingly until victim calms down "a leap of faith is needed.  It's terrifying, but l am not putting up with this existence anymore without a fight.   The mental health team will not force  me into faster taper or changing my meds. I've learned my lesson there and need to stay focussed and patient.  I'm a survivor, always have been and I deserve to thrive. 

 

We all do SA friends.  We all deserve to thrive"

 

Education first: what is actually going on inside my body when l feel like hunkering down and giving up?  When my critical part takes a🔨 to me and l can't hear wise compassion.

 

Remember: Chronic  fight, flight, freeze.  My tiny nervous system's initial (successful) attempt at survival without any regulation from my carers.  My nervous system trying it's very best to keep me safe.  After years of trauma.  Thank you for keeping me safe for so long.  It's over now; you're safe l promise.  I'm  a grown up, here to take care of you.

 

Self soothe.

 

AAF

 

Orientation.

Remember:

Look around

Feel the ground

Stay curious.

 

Peace and love

Missy x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Erell]

Hi dear Missy, 

 

I see that you're trying to find tips to help you with your anxiety, and I agree with you , " every time you *choose* where to put your attention, it is a revolutionary act that has profound ramifications." ❤️

 

That's why I find mindfullness very powerfull! 

Keep on the good work dear frien, of course you can change, even at 42

We all can, and we all deserve a quit life of health!

 

Big hugs !

[MissyE]

Great minds think alike lovely   @Erell!  I just stopped by your thread too!!

 

Keep on the good work dear frien, of course you can change, even at 42 

We all can, and we all deserve a quit life of health!

 

hear hear!!

😚

 

 

[Terry]

3 hours ago, MissyE said:

you can change, even at 42 

We all can, and we all deserve a quit life of health!

I would like to think we can all change.  I'm 76 and hoping I can change enough to have a few good years of life left.    Thanks for the video posting!

[MissyE]

 

I would like to think we can all change.  I'm 76 and hoping I can change enough to have a few good years of life left.    Thanks for the video posting! 

 

You're so right @Terry thanks for stopping by!!  My critical voice can be such a nasty b**ch.  As long as we have hope we can heal.  It's my pleasure to share things that help. Helping others and myself helps healing 😄

[MissyE]

Simple orientation

 

Here is a simple script to bring some self­-awareness and awareness to your body and how you sense its contact with your environment:

IF YOU ARE SITTING:

Simply notice your butt on the chair. If your back is against the back of the chair, sense the pressure and contact you make with your back and the seat. There is no need to change how you are sitting, unless of course you sense the need to re­-adjust to make yourself more comfortable. Just notice.

If your feet are on the ground, simply pay attention to the pressure of each foot. Notice your breath. Don’t change it – just notice it.

IF YOU ARE STANDING:

Bring your attention to your feet. Shift your weight a little bit from the left to right foot. Perhaps even move a few steps forward or to the side, or take a few steps back. Move your toes a little bit.

Maybe even try both body positions, sitting, and then standing.

This simple exercise of paying attention to the physical sense of your body and how it contacts your environment is you orienting to your body and surroundings.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES:

Is scanning and pausing to notice your environment something you do on a daily basis or hourly basis? Or maybe never? (Be honest!)

What do you think would happen if you started to find small subtle ways to scan and pause throughout your day?

Would you be willing to experiment and find more moments throughout the day to orient?

[Sassenach]

On 1/11/2020 at 3:50 PM, MissyE said:

Wise compassion holding me gently and soothingly until victim calms down "a leap of faith is needed.  It's terrifying, but l am not putting up with this existence anymore without a fight.   The mental health team will not force  me into faster taper or changing my meds. I've learned my lesson there and need to stay focussed and patient.  I'm a survivor, always have been and I deserve to thrive. 

Hi Missy

 

You are in control of you now.

Whenever, ifever you start to doubt it, remember what you said.

In fact stick it on the fridge door.🤣

 

Sass

[MissyE]

On 1/12/2020 at 5:18 PM, Sassenach said:

Hi Missy

 

You are in control of you now.

Whenever, ifever you start to doubt it, remember what you said.

In fact stick it on the fridge door.🤣

 

Sass

😊 X

 

Moodscope.com

Is another great non drug coping tool.  Try to do it every day to gauge you mood, see patterns and own your life.  You receive the daily blog on email too and you can comment if you like.  A great reminder we're in this together.  You can also write for the blog if you feel so inclined.  There's a few regular contributors and it's on my bucket list... one day.  I love catching up with old friends' thoughts and inspiration; and seeing new styles of writing too.  A lovely supportive community, not unlike like here.  They're not ready to discuss withdrawal like we do though!! Oh no.  Ah well, they are still part of my wellness mandala.

 

Live, peace and sparkles

Missy x

 

[MissyE]

Action for happiness.  Stick it in google.  Join up.  Daily inspiration and reasons to be positive 🙏

[MissyE]

good one to start with is:

Irene Lyon

My new muse x

 

[MissyE]

These are a few of my favourite things ...

Belly laughing; singing; dancing; being creative; being a mummy and wife; interior design; well looked after gardens; BBQs; getting paddling pool out; the beach; swimming in the sea; afternoon tea; solving puzzles/mysteries: treasure hunts; volunteering at school; chatting to loved ones; camping; festivals; skiing; sun holidays; gigs; fresh coffee; keeping a plant alive (I currently have 3: ling suffering rubber plant, eldest son's cucumber from school, crocus from mummy friend); helping people;  making people smile, or even better laugh;  being kind: being assertive; wearing: clothes, accessories, makeup, colours, hairstyle etc.. that make the most of my attributes; keeping a gorgeous safe haven home full of love and laughter; playing with my boys: especially hide and seek; honesty; being a good dietitian (one day I'll practice again, not working for the new NHS though); cosy snuggling and cuddling my husband, boys and cat on the couch; kisses and cuddles; cooking and eating, good wholesome and yummy food, to share with loved ones; going out dancing without drink or drugs: just high on life; learning and understanding new and sometimes complicated things and mastering new siills; history; space; spiritually; respecting mother earth; long country walks;. climbing mountains; boxing; yoga; spinning; running outside; lifting weights; Zumba; climbing trees;  early morning and the promise of a new day; misty mornings: Willow the wisp; sunny mornings; snowy mornings; mindful book club; Recovery Academy; Coppice Ave Library and Well-being Centre; The Sanctuary Cafe; hand knitted baby clothes; my rose gold Seat Ibiza; my oversized Tiffany sunglasses; meeting new, like minded people; hanging out with animals: especially the horses and ponies near our house; smiling at and petting dogs; visiting our local donkeys and alpaca; moving through my bucket list; Elvis....

 

Watching/listening to/reading comedy/feel good/music.  Some of my favorites: The League of Gentlemen; Catastrophe; Motherland, Gavin & Stacey; White Gold; Gameface; Fleabag; All Killa no Filla; Lip Sync UK; The Voice; The Mask (music show in TV); Strictly; Dancing on Ice; Britains' got Talent; Keth Lemon +/- Paddy McGuiness; Peter Kay; The Warrior Wellbeing ToolKit: Carol Ann Reid; Irene Lyon (of course); Frozen & Frozen ll; inside Out; all Lego Movies....

[MissyE]

Happy January - Day 19: Get back in contact with an old friend you miss - https://actionforhappin.disciplemedia.com/posts/4081?sh=KekbKCTc

 

Love, peace, sparkles;

namaste

Missy x

[MissyE]

OMG can't believe l nearly forgot.  My therapist Sue is shocked (in a good way) at the change in me, even since last Thurs.  She said it looks like we're ready to come to an end. 

 

I panicked at first, because I've a good 3/4 years of WD.  Then, my wise self thought "ok let's see her again in a fortnight and if l still feel in control of my life, yes let's close.  I can book back in on an adhoc basis.  She's private so it will save me money too.  Feels right'.

 

MASSIVE step for me. I'm actually glad now she was away for 4 weeks at Christmas, even though it was excruciating without her l coped; and l found Irene

🙏

[Erell]

8 minutes ago, MissyE said:

OMG can't believe l nearly forgot.  My therapist Sue is shocked (in a good way) at the change in me, even since last Thurs. 

Well my friend, she is not the only one ! I'm impressed when I read your last posts : I can Feel the change in you, you sound so positive and wise !

You are a real inspiration ! And you can be proud of yourself!

 

Thank you for mentionning Irène Lyon on my thread : I'm not really comfortable with oral English, but I Will take a look. 

 

Big hugs ❤