Giulietta

February 16, 2020

Yesterday's success story - happy to report - was that I was able to get to a concert last night, etc. Once I got int he car and got moving the anxiety started to dissipate. Once I realized I would be a bit early as I watched the clock (there is the apprehension abut being too early or late) - I started to get anxious. What was I going to do during this time. I decided to sit in the car even though I was potentially worried about car jackers, etc. Eke. (a what if'er - but this is the city).

Once I did get threre - there were some friendly people to talk with which helped anxiety abate.

To to honest well meaing people who care about me abetted my fear and I indicated I didn't need other people making me more anxious. I was looking forward to the concert, etc. and wanted to enjoy it. 🙄

Preparing 2 hours getting things ready so I didn't have to 'rush' and 'make a big deal' (which might have been a deal breaker) about going helped. It still took a lot of effort to muscle through anxiety to get there and be there. I was glad to get home even though I remained somewhat anxious.

I think I am also anxious about missing a routine. I don't know why this.

February 16, 2020

11 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

Yesterday's success story - happy to report - was that I was able to get to a concert last night, etc. Once I got int he car and got moving the anxiety started to dissipate. Once I realized I would be a bit early as I watched the clock (there is the apprehension abut being too early or late) - I started to get anxious. What was I going to do during this time. I decided to sit in the car even though I was potentially worried about car jackers, etc. Eke. (a what if'er - but this is the city).

Once I did get threre - there were some friendly people to talk with which helped anxiety abate.

To to honest well meaing people who care about me abetted my fear and I indicated I didn't need other people making me more anxious. I was looking forward to the concert, etc. and wanted to enjoy it. 🙄

Preparing 2 hours getting things ready so I didn't have to 'rush' and 'make a big deal' (which might have been a deal breaker) about going helped. It still took a lot of effort to muscle through anxiety to get there and be there. I was glad to get home even though I remained somewhat anxious.

I think I am also anxious about missing a routine. I don't know why this.

I’m so happy you were able to go to the concert. I know you were very worried about it.

And you enjoyed the people and the concert!

Huge accomplishment 😊

I hope you can enjoy more in the future 🎼🎻

Take care,

Frogie xx

February 16, 2020

That is great to hear! Well done! I’m super happy you enjoyed the concert as well!

February 16, 2020

1 hour ago, Frogie said:

And you enjoyed the people and the concert!

Thank you!

It was a huge accomplishment. I was still anxious and even after coming home. Don't know why and need to figure that out. 😉

February 16, 2020

2 minutes ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

Well done! I’m super happy you enjoyed the concert as well!

Thank you! I am grateful I was able to go. I wish I was able to see more of this music. These people are so gifted...

Hugs

G.

February 16, 2020

31 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

I am grateful I was able to go.

Congratulations, G. A real accomplishment.

February 16, 2020

I’m glad you went. Remember that next time. This problem will go away on its own. Managing the way you did for this event is the best thing to do. I don’t think you can “figure it out” in any other way. I always fantasized about having bag packed that I would repacked after I returned home so that it was ready for next time. That never happened. Maybe you would be more capable at that than I ever was.

February 16, 2020

4 hours ago, Guilietta said:

Thank you!

It was a huge accomplishment. I was still anxious and even after coming home. Don't know why and need to figure that out. 😉

I get very anxious going to stores so I know how you feel.

That was a huge accomplishment though, you should be very proud of yourself 😊

February 17, 2020

16 hours ago, Frogie said:

I get very anxious going to stores so I know how you feel.

Hi there

I am grateful I could get myself there. 😉

It is possible that some of my apprehensive anx. may have started in childhood. A great many interactions with 'peers' were negative and bullying particularly in my teen years was terrible and unfortnately left imprints. I think I have read many fellow members had this or similar experiences.

Hope you are well and had a nice weekend. 😉

February 17, 2020

19 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

It is possible that some of my apprehensive anx. may have started in childhood. A great many interactions with 'peers' were negative and bullying particularly in my teen years was terrible and unfortnately left imprints. I think I have read many fellow members had this or similar experiences.

I’ve heard that too. There may be some correlation to this, but I’m not an expert🤪

I think a lot of my problems now stems from abandonment issues as a child.

But through lots of self care we can and WILL make it.

I still think it’s awesome you were able to do this on your own😊

Hope you had a wonderful weekend too.

Take care,

Frogie xx

February 17, 2020

1 hour ago, Frogie said:

abandonment issues as a child

emotional ? I experienced emotional but not sure to what extent - another common thread?

February 17, 2020

1 hour ago, Guilietta said:

emotional ? I experienced emotional but not sure to what extent - another common thread?

I’m not emotional to much anymore, but I think it could be a common thread? You are correct.

February 17, 2020

On 2/16/2020 at 6:46 AM, Guilietta said:

Yesterday's success story - happy to report - was that I was able to get to a concert last night, etc. Once I got int he car and got moving the anxiety started to dissipate. Once I realized I would be a bit early as I watched the clock (there is the apprehension abut being too early or late) - I started to get anxious. What was I going to do during this time. I decided to sit in the car even though I was potentially worried about car jackers, etc. Eke. (a what if'er - but this is the city).

Once I did get threre - there were some friendly people to talk with which helped anxiety abate.

To to honest well meaing people who care about me abetted my fear and I indicated I didn't need other people making me more anxious. I was looking forward to the concert, etc. and wanted to enjoy it. 🙄

Preparing 2 hours getting things ready so I didn't have to 'rush' and 'make a big deal' (which might have been a deal breaker) about going helped. It still took a lot of effort to muscle through anxiety to get there and be there. I was glad to get home even though I remained somewhat anxious.

I think I am also anxious about missing a routine. I don't know why this.

Way to go G!

It's a big accomplishment for me to get out and enjoy real world stuff like that. I think it's very good for us even though it can be so demanding.

February 17, 2020

On 2/16/2020 at 12:20 PM, Rosetta said:

I always fantasized about having bag packed that I would repacked after I returned home so that it was ready for next time. That never happened. Maybe you would be more capable at that than I ever was.

Hi Rosetta

I was thinking thes ame thing. I should have at least my 'check list' of how to 'prepare' - bring, wear, maps, money...meds...literally a paper checklist. You are very capable - I should have done this years ago.

In addition to this - with the coronavirus - in addition to the flu - even though I carry a mask - there is anxiety around going places, etc. 🙄

One thing that helped me (a bit) was to focus on having positive expectations - of how much I was going to enjoy the concert.

1 hour ago, Rhiannon said:

It's a big accomplishment for me to get out and enjoy real world stuff like that. I think it's very good for us even though it can be so demanding.

It is indeed. I think going to work as you do is a great help. Someone told me that this is my experience so if it is really important to me to do something - this concert - I have to muscle through - even though it can be demanding as you say.

On 2/16/2020 at 12:15 PM, Gridley said:

A real accomplishment.

Thank you. I would have missed something wonderful even though getting there was arduous...

February 18, 2020

On 2/4/2020 at 7:46 AM, Gridley said:

Avoid steroids if you can.

If you need an antibiotic, definitely avoid fluoroquinolones.

Oh wow!

I was diagnosed with bronchitis at Urgent Care last Friday. My husband has been concerned about me and wanted to take me to ER yesterday. However, I spoke to the triage nurse at my PCP's office, and she thought I should see my doc rather than possibly sit in the ER for hours. The doctor prescribed prednisone for 3 days and Z-pak. Now you have me really worried!

February 18, 2020

6 minutes ago, Terry said:

The doctor prescribed prednisone for 3 days and Z-pak. Now you have me really worried!

My most recent experience with bronchitis is that I coughed so badly I fractured ribs. I was treated with z-pak, albuterol treatments and had an inhaler. I had a bad case and delayed going to check it out - the delay may have exacerbated it. Sometimes one doesen't have much of a choice but to take these meds. But that was my situation.

I hope you recover soon!

February 18, 2020

18 minutes ago, Terry said:

The doctor prescribed prednisone for 3 days and Z-pak. Now you have me really worried!

Zithromax Z-pak is not a fluoroquinolone. Regarding the prednisone, sometimes you just have to take these medicines if they're needed.

February 18, 2020

Hi Gridley

Things have improved the past few days (touch wood and thank goodness - I am grateful).

I would like to provide some general comments about how I am doing and prospective next steps. I would like your comments (and others if that makes sense).

Overall summary:

June 2019: Usual symptoms plus 2 days of incapacitating vertigo
September: Usual symptoms plus 9 days of incapacitating vertigo
October: Usual symptoms - one of my best months
Oct 27, 2019: Transition to 4 mg/2 beads from undetermined (best estimate) of liquid duloxetine
November: Usual symptoms plus 4 days of incapacitating vertigo
December: Assorted bad symptoms plus 8 days of incapacitating vertigo. Lousy month
January 5: Transition to 2 mg/1 bead (-50%) after 9 weeks on 2 beads. 'Plan' had been to change at 7 weeks. Even though I held 2 additional weeks I probably should have held.
January: Lousy month overall. 10 days of incapacitating vertigo.
Feb 1-18: Assorted symptoms. Earlier in month feeling desperate about what I should do and about next steps. 5 days of morning dizziness/lesser vertigo symptoms/vision trouble. 5 days of muscle 'spacity' and 'weakness' - thus far.

The 'plan' has been to drop from 1 bead to 0 beads after 7 weeks (this would be 2/23).

I think this is a drop of 100%. Is this true?

February 18, 2020

4 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

Hi Gridley

Things have improved the past few days (touch wood and thank goodness - I am grateful).

I would like to provide some general comments about how I am doing and prospective next steps. I would like your comments (and others if that makes sense).

Overall summary:

June 2019: Usual symptoms plus 2 days of incapacitating vertigo

September: Usual symptoms plus 9 days of incapacitating vertigo

October: Usual symptoms - one of my best months

Oct 27, 2019: Transition to 4 mg/2 beads from undetermined (best estimate) of liquid duloxetine

November: Usual symptoms plus 4 days of incapacitating vertigo

December: Assorted bad symptoms plus 8 days of incapacitating vertigo. Lousy month

January 5: Transition to 2 mg/1 bead (-50%) after 9 weeks on 2 beads. 'Plan' had been to change at 7 weeks. Even though I held 2 additional weeks I probably should have held.

January: Lousy month overall. 10 days of incapacitating vertigo.

Feb 1-18: Assorted symptoms. Earlier in month feeling desperate about what I should do and about next steps. 5 days of morning dizziness/lesser vertigo symptoms/vision trouble. 5 days of muscle 'spacity' and 'weakness' - thus far.

The 'plan' has been to drop from 1 bead to 0 beads after 7 weeks (this would be 2/23).

I think this is a drop of 100%. Is this true?

So glad to hear things have improved. Hoping for some lasting improvement for you. You deserve it!

February 18, 2020

1 hour ago, thelegend said:

Hoping for some lasting improvement for you.

Thanks, TL. I appreciate the kind wishes. I hope your cortisol spikes and daily anxiety improves too. 😉

February 18, 2020

That is awesome Guilietta!

I’m so happy you are able to see so much improvement.

You are almost done with the Duloxetine.

You made it😊

Take care,

Frogie xx

February 19, 2020

50 minutes ago, Frogie said:

You are almost done with the Duloxetine.

Hello Frogie,

It is nice of you to comment!

I am happy to have had 3 better days and that this is 3 days closer to being off this miserable compound. 😉 I think I need to to be stable (and stable for a while) before getting off.

Hugs,

G.

February 19, 2020

5 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

Hello Frogie,

It is nice of you to comment!

I am happy to have had 3 better days and that this is 3 days closer to being off this miserable compound. 😉 I think I need to to be stable (and stable for a while) before getting off.

Hugs,

G.

That's great that you have had some stable days though. You were having trouble, so I'm so glad to hear you are doing better.

Chin Up. Hopefully you will only see better days from here🙂

Take care,

Frogie xx

February 19, 2020

I just came across this link to Tapering Strips. Project is out of the Netherlands and has been underway since 2010.

https://www.taperingstrip.org/

February 19, 2020

I’ve just ordered these tapering strips for sertraline.

February 19, 2020

3 hours ago, GigiG said:

I’ve just ordered these tapering strips for sertraline.

Hi there -

I'm glad you can use the tapering strip option and I hope it works for you.

Do they do the 10% reduction (or your choosing decrease) of the previous month or do have to select the closest drop for you for sertraline?

It is something I may consider for the clonazepam, which I need to do next.

I look forward to hearing of your success. 😉

Good luck 😉

Giulietta

February 20, 2020

I really hope so as well! I’m just so fatigued and exhausted by this whole ordeal, as we all are!

They can make reductions for you in to the nearest milligram. I’ve ordered about 120 x 1mg tablets, so that I can cut the 1mg into .05 mg if I feel I’m tapering to fast. For example my schedule is 9mg for 28 days, 8mg for 28 days, 7.5 mg etc.

They are sitting in my cupboard but I’m too nervous to start taking them. Anxiety is getting the better of me!

February 20, 2020

2 hours ago, GigiG said:

I’m just so fatigued and exhausted by this whole ordeal,

This is a common sentiment around here. So many other members have made these exact comments. Part of it may be the lack of consistency. 'Chronic pain' and 'chronic illness' is extremely tiring. This certainly falls into one of those (if not both!) categories.

2 hours ago, GigiG said:

They are sitting in my cupboard but I’m too nervous to start taking them. Anxiety is getting the better of me!

I am apprehensive about medicine changes - and many of us are too. I have spoken with them and read other accounts. You may have.

I would be nervous too.

Here are my thoughts - I am not a mod - just another member looking for a way out of this mess.

Are you WD normal/WD stable now? For how long? After previous painful experience (or current) I would want to hold a few weeks and let my body settle before another change.

If you are stable - could you transition and see how you are doing in 3-4 days? If I understand changes in dose may affect you in 3-4 days. @Gridley would you kindly confirm this? I can't pull it out of my memory banks. And depending on how you are feeling OK - you can continue on your schedule?

If you are not - feeling OK after 3-4 days - I don't know if you would hang with it for a few more days or go up on your strip dose, go back to your original medication form, or what. I would ask a moderator about this.

But those are just my thoughts. I know I would ask the moderators before I did anything. I am quite 'chicken' when it comes to making any changes to meds or starting a new med or starting some OTCs.

Well, my two cents.

G.

February 20, 2020

6 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

If I understand changes in dose may affect you in 3-4 days. @Gridley would you kindly confirm this?

Sometimes a dose change can be felt within a couple of days, and sometimes it takes longer. It takes about 4 days for a dose change to get to get to full state in the blood and a little more than a week for it to register in the brain.

February 20, 2020

4 hours ago, GigiG said:

They are sitting in my cupboard

Hi there. See Gridley's comment above. 😉

1 hour ago, Gridley said:

Sometimes a dose change can be felt within a couple of days

Thanks for getting back to me/GigiG

February 21, 2020

Thanks both, maybe I should go

ahead and start the tapering strip. My own cutting of the pills also causes slight variations, it can’t be 100% accurate.

I am stable, but continue to experience all the awful side effects, which I’ve had since being on this awful drug. Throw two kids in the mix, it’s really tough. I keep on waiting for the right time, but I guess there is no right time!

February 21, 2020

Hi Guilietta, did you mention you had spoken to Cinderella therapeutics about their tapering strips? What were your thoughts about them?

February 21, 2020

Hi GigiG

Just a thought - how long have you been stable for?

After my h*** of the past months - and now having had a few good days - I am going to not follow my plan - and hold longer. I want to avoid the days of vertigo. You are physically incapacited for 1/2 the day, fatigued the other half, and depressed about the frequency, not knowing when it will end, etc.

11 minutes ago, GigiG said:

My own cutting of the pills also causes slight variations, it can’t be 100% accurate.

This is the flip side and I have this issue with clonazapem on occasion. I suppose this means how much you are 'losing' from the original pill. And when you get small doses this will be an issue too.

11 minutes ago, GigiG said:

did you mention you had spoken to Cinderella therapeutics about their tapering strips? What were your thoughts about them?

I had not spoken with them, sorry about confusion. I posted them because I htought they could be an intresting idea. I don't know what SA says about it. You could always look for testimonials or objective data. pubmed is a USA that aggregtes research and abstracts are free and generally understandable.

18 minutes ago, GigiG said:

I keep on waiting for the right time, but I guess there is no right time!

I know how you feel. Changing meds/dosages is anxiety provoking. I believe/have heard thatif we don't make a cut - we could be on this rubbish forever.

February 21, 2020

That is good @Guiliettathat you feel like to are having better days. Maybe a sign of good things to come for you.

February 21, 2020

2 hours ago, Guilietta said:

now having had a few good days

Pleased to read that ! You deserve some peace ! Big hugs dear friend ❤

February 21, 2020

4 hours ago, thelegend said:

Maybe a sign of good things to come for you.

Hello there

Thank you - I have my fingers crossed. A lot of anxiety this afternoon - triggered by the news and exhaustion. I haven't experienced them together and got decent sleep last night. 🤔

Hope you had a better start to your day and your coristol spikes. 🙂

3 hours ago, Erell said:

Big hugs dear friend

Hello Erell

Thank you for visiting - and I see you have had a few nights out with friends? That is such good news. Bit by bit we get stronger. 💓

Hugs to you both

Giuilietta

Edited February 21, 2020 by Guilietta

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