Heath: Lexapro taper plan introduction

[Frank85]

Hang in there @Heath, I came to see what you're going through after your comment on my topic and it sure seems like we're in a similar boat right now.  Sending love and support your way, just take it a day at a time and we'll get through this!

[Carmie]

I’m sorry you’ve got Covid and extremely high anxiety levels at the moment Heath, 

 

My morning cortisol levels aren’t too bad at the moment, but when they are it’s such an awful feeling waking up in high anxiety and edginess. I used to turn the lights on straight away and put some background noise on to distract myself from this horrid feeling. It was too scary just lying there. 
 

My heart goes out to you and I hope your anxiety levels dip a bit soon, sending hugs🤗

[Carmie]

How are you doing today Heath?🤗

[Heath]

Thank you all @Conner, @StayHopeful, @Frank85, @Carmie for your reassurance and encouragement it means so much in the dark days. 
 

12 hours ago, Carmie said:

How are you doing today Heath?🤗

 I am much better than I was Tuesday morning! 

I didn’t go to work Friday didn’t want to do anything. Just wanted to stay in bed. 
I’m still having morning anxiety which gets better in afternoon. Also it’s a feeling of I don’t want to get up and do anything. If I don’t get up because I don’t want to do anything then that causes more negative thoughts and anxiety. 
 Today is Sunday and I’m chilling. I’m watching funny videos on Laff tv. 

This week I have been walking and going to gym with son. All this helps. I’m kinda downer to be around before afternoons. 
 

Im a little aggravated that I have to hold more (again) before tapering. 
 

I read “what is withdrawals “in SA . It helps me overcome the what and why and am I not going to make it negative thoughts. A little understanding of what’s happening helps a whole lot with symptoms. 

I’m so grateful for the support from SA!!! It will pass just a little time

 

[Carmie]

On 2/6/2023 at 3:57 AM, Heath said:

Thank you all @Conner, @StayHopeful, @Frank85, @Carmie for your reassurance and encouragement it means so much in the dark days. 
 

 I am much better than I was Tuesday morning! 

I didn’t go to work Friday didn’t want to do anything. Just wanted to stay in bed. 
I’m still having morning anxiety which gets better in afternoon. Also it’s a feeling of I don’t want to get up and do anything. If I don’t get up because I don’t want to do anything then that causes more negative thoughts and anxiety. 
 Today is Sunday and I’m chilling. I’m watching funny videos on Laff tv. 

This week I have been walking and going to gym with son. All this helps. I’m kinda downer to be around before afternoons. 
 

Im a little aggravated that I have to hold more (again) before tapering. 
 

I read “what is withdrawals “in SA . It helps me overcome the what and why and am I not going to make it negative thoughts. A little understanding of what’s happening helps a whole lot with symptoms. 

I’m so grateful for the support from SA!!! It will pass just a little time

 

Hi Heath, 

 

Just checking in again to see how you’re doing. Yes, the slowness of tapering can certainly be a downer. There’s not much we can do about it except accept it. It’s like being imprisoned. Every day is a step closer though to getting off these meds. I’m going to be tapering still for an extremely long time as I can only taper by teeny tiny amount and I have to hold for a really long time too.  
 

Hope you had a nice time with your son at the gym. 
 

Sending hugs🤗

[Heath]

I am having a rough go atm. 8 am

The anxiety this week is a little different. 
Constant anxiety feeling in stomach and chest. Stomach feels like I done a hundred sit-ups. don’t want to eat.
sleep is not as good 4 hrs or so. Getting up at 3 or 4 am this week. I awake with a deep breath fright. Chest feels funny during the day. 
I see an old tee shirt or picture get emotional sad, guilt feelings, worry feelings about kids and everything. Son is in school this week 2 hours away and sometimes I get emotional about that . Don’t feel like I could handle much atm. 

 

I have drs appointment in February 27 hopefully a blood test will say I don’t need to do a biopsy. 
and March 28 I go back for blood test for high sugar- changing diet again atm. 
And last week feet started hurting burning on bottom edge only when walking for excercise like a mile or so. Friction maybe. One callus looks like. Dr appointment March 2 , Got new shoes and self care. And trying to figure out the culprit. Doing my detective work. 
 

So doing some research on other important health things during a wave is not good just like searching wd symptoms. I’m glad I did because I’m back on track for health and  learning self help for feet.
But the negative rumination is awful. My brain goes all the way to worst case scenerio. You have to wade through googles negative results to get what you need. I’m really trying to balance to read about only what’s necessary. 
 

I feel like I have to solve all problems rt now. Hypersensitive to many things . My thoughts are saying you’re stuck this way just like years ago, it really is something mentally wrong with you, what are you going to do. what about this what about that, You can’t walk to get better Etc. 
 

I started typing this again at 6 pm. 
So went for walk again at lunch. Feet still burn. Felt really good mentally after walk , lasted till about going home time. Then chest feeling tension but ok. Walking outside really helps me. 
 

got home went for walk different shoes. Felt much better. Transition from night to day and day to night flares up either anxiety or sadness type symptoms. 
 

I just got the dare book in the mail. I want to read but I don’t want it to keep this wave going or keep me up at night. I also got another Clair weeks book to read again, I lost my other copy years ago. I really want to learn more mindfulness and more accepting. 
 

So I strongly believe that the decongestant in NyQuil when we had Covid about 3 1/2 weeks ago is what start this wave. I was pretty happy my wife and I were spending a week together even though we had Covid and then the nervousness. I also believe there is some under layer worry stress about the dr visits and possible tests which are adding to hypersensitive nerves and ruminations. 
 

had a good window last week for 2 days. Then foot issue and walking stopped and wave ramps up again. 

I tell myself I could take decongestants with no problems before ssri tapering so this is not me. 

I’m trying to do what I know for self help I keep telling myself to just do nothing let it pass. 
@Carmie thank you so much for the encouragement, it means so much rt now ! Yes I was just typing this update earlier. 

 

 

Edited February 16, 2023 by Heath

[Carmie]

I’m sorry the anxiety is taking its toll Heath, when you have that feeling of a knot in your stomach it’s hard to eat. A little bit of fasting is actually good for your body, it gives our digestion a bit of a rest. If you want some nutrition do you make smoothies? It might be easier for your stomach to deal with. 
 

Our good ol’ brains, hey! In withdrawals they can certainly go into worst case scenarios, everything is overwhelming. For a few days now I’ve been having periods of time where I don’t have any noise on as I’m trying to help my nervous system to calm down a bit. I haven’t been putting on any noise before 9am and doing the same after 4.30pm.

 

It’s just after 4.30pm now so no more noise for the rest of the day. I can still look at screens but I turn the volume off. So far I’m quite happy doing this, it was hard the first day as I usually look at some YouTube videos first thing in the morning to distract myself from struggling to breathe. I now have to find quiet distractions first thing in the morning, but when you have CFS you’re barely functional when you first wake up n it’s hard to focus on things. I like this quiet time habit though n would like to keep it up, let’s see how I go. Here’s to starting and keeping habits going that benefit us. 

 

I hope that your anxiety subsides a bit soon, I’m glad the walking helps a little💛

[Carmie]

Thinking of you Heath, I hope you managed to get a bit of sleep and I hope you get another window again soon💛

[StayHopeful]

Hang in there Heath, you've got this!

 

You're really good at self-care and distractions getting through waves, and I know this wave will pass just like all the others have.  It's good that you at least got a couple hour window of relief, that means more are on their way ☺️.

 

Detective work during waves can be rough, it's so easy for our minds to go to the "worse case - dreadful place", and health anxiety is awful. I've scared myself so many times, especially during my last wave, with all these Dr appts.  Good luck with your upcoming Dr appts., fingers crossed you get some answers to help you out. 

 

I did some research on the decongestant in Nyquil after you mentioned it in your Jan 30th update. I'd think it was the culprit too, and because you chronicled your experience, I'll be sure to check things out carefully if I get sick. Thank you for all the guidance you give all of us here, it's appreciated more than you know. 

 

Know that I'll be thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon.

 

SH

[Heath]

 

Hello friends !

Thank you Carrie and Stay hopeful !!

I am in a window today started feeling minor anxiety at 4 pm.
I have made a few discoveries that I would like to share. 

First here are the names of the decongestant /s below, that I took last summer that set off a wave and then in January I took NyQuil which had phenylephrine in it. And it has set off another wave. 
Yes before both waves there were some external stresses which were somewhat manageable. Both times the mornings after taking the decongestant the night before, immediate panic anxiety. Wave starts with sleep problems, fear and nervousness. 

 

second I think I discovered the nervous nights with very little sleep and panic this week. For about 3 or 4 nights I have been waking about 2 times between 12 and 5 am in a fright. The last time it happened my eyes opened and heavy heart beating in my neck and slowly lessened. I think by this time maybe I was getting used to it. Anyway for about 3 or 4 nights I took a hot bath about 1 or 2 hours before bedtime . Maybe sit and relax for 30 /45 minutes as water cools. When I was getting up out of bath I could feel heartbeat in neck and chest very slightly not much. And some nervousness very little. So last night no bath . Shower only. I did wake at 3 am but more calm then slept till 6. Much much better. The hot baths would stimulate nerves too much. 
I take 2.5 mg melatonin at bedtime and another 2.5 mg if awakened a second time. The panic nights I took a 0.125 mg and a 0.250 mg klonopin. 
 

I have been doing what I know and all I can. It’s amazing how this can come and go and change . 
Basically having anxiety about having anxiety symptoms. Round and round in circles chasing my tail. 😀

Also my Dare book by Barry mcdonagh arrived yesterday. I highly suggest it and the workbook. I already see this book as a valuable addition to my wd toolbox. Even more skills listed in this book. 
 

Found in Goodrx.com

Nasal decongestants are medications we take for a stuffy nose, a sinus headache, or bad allergies. Two commonly-used decongestantsare pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). These medications work great to clear nasal passages and help us breathe better. But to our bodies, they look very similar to the stimulants discussed earlier and can have the same side effects, including anxiety.

Decongestants can be found in a variety of OTC medications. Several cough and cold products contain a decongestant along with a cough suppressant, an antihistamine, or a pain reliever. Decongestants can also be found in OTC nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin).

This is another group of medications where it is important to check the label or ask your pharmacist for help selecting a medication.

 

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/drugs-that-can-cause-anxiety

[Heath]

@Carmie

Hope you are having a good day! 

Can you help me find “What is wd normal “ ? Thanks

[manymoretodays]

You doing okay?

3 hours ago, Heath said:

Can you help me find “What is wd normal “ ? Thanks

And..... part of the "Are We There Yet? How Long is Tapering Going to Take?"  essay by brassmonkey.

Tapering Forum.  One of the pinned topics at the top.  The first post is even indexed so you can find that section.

 

You are normal in WD land, make no mistake.

Sorry to read of some difficulties of late for you, while also great to read how you are coping.

 

Much healing.

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

[Heath]

Awesome!! @manymoretodays Thanks!

 I am doing better just not myself yet. 

Im trying to make sure I understand what my wd normal is ! I’m in a different part of my life now in the ssri game. Now I am not updosing for symptoms caused by external things, caused or not caused by wd like I have pre SA . 🤪I’m learning much !

[Krisseyb]

@Heath….so sorry you are struggling right now. I will periodically wake up in a panic, then I feel panicked til about lunch time. Luckily it doesn’t last long, but when I wake up and I can feel it, I’m like ugh….it’s gonna be one of those days. 
My last one was last week, so I’m thankful it’s been a few days. 
I will pray for you, and just know…we are all in this together, and WE WILL get through this!!! Take care!!!

[Carmie]

On 2/25/2023 at 3:57 AM, Heath said:

@Carmie

Hope you are having a good day! 

Can you help me find “What is wd normal “ ? Thanks

Hi Heath, 

 

Thank you, I hope that you’re having a good day too. I’m just distracting myself to get through the day. 

 

Those articles that Manymoretodays gave you a link to are good to have a look at. 
 

In this world of withdrawals we will always have symptoms, there’s no getting away from them. Even when our bodies have reached a stage where we feel we can taper again, we aren’t without symptoms.  In a few more days it will be five weeks since my last drop of about 1.5%. I’ve been holding about seven weeks the last few drops, but I’ll see how my body is after six weeks. I just listen to my body.
 

Everyone’s symptoms can be a bit different, so what your baseline of withdrawals are might be different to mine, or others. My nervous system is always shot, it’s just the degree of it. When it settles down a bit I know I can taper again, but it’s not totally gone, I’m always on edge. I know if I taper too soon or don’t hold long enough the symptoms end up ramping up severely. I can’t cope with that, on top of my other health problems. 

Hope you’re coping okay💛

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

Good to hear you're doing better, even if you aren't completely yourself yet. Feeling even a little better than while in the wave, is always an improvement!

 

Thank you again for sharing your Nyquil experience! Looks like I'm getting sick, don't know with what - my hubby was sick last week (not Covid), even though he stayed away from me, used a ton of hand sanitizer and wore a mask, I think I caught whatever it is. So far, I'm just tired and have a scratchy throat. The duration for him was about 4 1/2 days with the worst being the third day. He used Nyquil and I've always tolerated it well in the past, but now I'm being cautious. So, I went to the store and got some alternatives instead - nasal spray, cough suppressant w/ expectorant (couldn't find one without it) and Tylenol. Also, made sure not to get anything that said "non-drowsy". I was trying to get them all separate and only use what I need. I'll let you know how things go and what I used, maybe my experience will be as useful as yours was.

 

Keep hanging in there! ☺️

SH

[Heath]

Thank you @Carmie @Krisseyb @StayHopeful !

Having a good window for about 6 days now 👌

 

I have been tapering staying on top of all  things in life that I am responsible for. And at 5 mg things that didn’t bother me before are now. Currently I am trying to make some lifestyle changes so I can continue this taper more smoothly. 

 
Stayhopeful My dr said the decongestant Coricidin hbp doesn’t have the bad stuff in it. I haven’t tried it nor have not needed it. 
 

My wife said there is a new NyQuil hbp that doesn’t have the bad decongestant in it . Also haven’t tried it . 
So research in detail. 
There are natural decongestant things you can do. There is ayr nasal spray and Neil med sinus rinse, humidifier etc. But when it’s bad it seems like none of this helps, I know 🙄. Hope it doesn’t last long! 

[StayHopeful]

Thank you Heath!

 

I appreciate the suggestions. I'll look into the Coricidin and see if I can find some.. good to have. I got Afrin and a menthol inhaler, and also thought of saline too. 

I didn't know this but the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (in Nyquil and Robitusin), works on some of the same receptors as an antidepressant. So, though I just got some, I don't think it's a good idea to use. Honey used to help when I was younger, so I can try that. 

 

My throat is still scratchy, and I coughed a few times, but that's it so far. I had some EmergnC and a lozenge earlier, and had chicken noodle soup for dinner. I plan on getting plenty of rest too.. I'm trying to stay upbeat and positive, we'll see how this goes 🤞

 

Thanks again!

SH

 

 

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

Well, I didn't have what my Hubby had, I actually have Covid.

I'm hanging in here and putting an update on my intro thread to keep up my "journal". 

Thank you for your support and I hope you're feeling even better today than you were on Wed.

 

🙏

SH

[Heath]

@StayHopeful 

I assume you have been to dr and got some good advice. Plenty of rest and liquids. Do take care . Prayers for speedy recovery! 

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

Thank you!

I haven't been to the Dr yet, though I have discussed in the past with my GP about the what if's of getting it.  I have a hospital only a few miles away, my family is keeping an eye on me and if I start getting worse, I will definitely go.

 

 

 

[Heath]

Well I hit a small wave this week it feels like. The semi window felt great for a few weeks almost a month. 

The dr visit went well in February no biopsy needed👍. Got 1 month to go to recheck A1C. Tobacco free 47 days. Caffeine free about a month.
 

Last week I developed some gastritis burning feeling in stomach and back , I think I had more diet 7 ups than I should’ve. So I stopped the acid drinks and Celebrex for 7 days so far. Celebrex has been keeping me going due to a low back disk tear for years. I avoid major surgery. 

 

So I was trying to figure out the burning friction feeling in my feet while walking for a month trying different things and in the process plantar fasciitis has developed last week which I had before and conquered it years ago. I’m doing what I know to do to heal the feet. And waiting on new orthotics to come in at drs office. I need my walking on the trails for my nerves. 
 

weather is cold then hot. Pollen is high which is stressful on nerves rt now. I’m using my pollen app and doing what I know to do. 

 

This week I felt pretty good being distracted. Sometime the ruminating spiraling negative worry thoughts began . This weekend has been worse than normal. Trying not to search for answers for feet problem, solutions to high A1C and gastritis. Trying not to talk about it. My nerves feel on edge eases up some in evenings. These health stresses have got me keyed up. It seems we know what to do and have the answer but then search some more maybe looking for something better or what is the future 🤷‍♂️
 

I am struggling to believe this is because of tapering and the decongestant in January. The nervousness is telling me it’s me something wrong with me and it will not get better for a long time. 

I have thought of talking to a counselor. 

 

I was looking back at history and it seems every too fast taper - everything was worse case to the negative , doubt, obsessing- life , health, body pains, kids, job, marriage, future etc. So that should reassure me right. But then the brain says “now wait a minute you got stressed out before you took ssri” 🙄

 

I know we are more sensitive to everything when we taper. This can’t be me. I’m being over sensitive to this things. I’m chattering away over details 🙄
 

I guess I can say there has been a lot of changes and stresses in 6 weeks so maybe this is normal for a non ssri tapering person 🤷‍♂️ who knows. 
It’s been 7 weeks since the decongestant sent me back in a wave. So I ve got a little ways to go. 

I try to distract when I can. Distraction is very good. 

Edited March 19, 2023 by Heath

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

I'm glad you've felt great for the last several weeks! This little wave is just a small bump in the road 😊

 

You're right, it's not YOU - try not to let your brain fool you, you're doing well. It's just those WD thoughts of uncertainty trying to trip you up and worry you. Health stressors (or any stressors) are really hard, aches and pains make trying to stay optimistic difficult. Whenever we don't feel good, it just makes us think that everything is going sideways and causes doubts in ourselves and our personal life - like nothing is stable anymore. We just want to feel good and healthy, it only "seems", like you aren't getting there, but you are.

 

As for getting stressed out before meds, everyone gets stressed out and has anxiety sometimes, it's normal and healthy to have some stress and worry. It's just the dealing with it, that's the key, and you've been doing a great job so far.

 

You've got several things to feel good about - not needing a biopsy (very good news), being tobacco free for 47 days and caffeine free for about a month - that's Awesome!! Congratulations!! You've been trying to kick those things and it sounds like you've made great progress on your goal, plus that'll go a long way towards helping your nervous system and helping that anxiety. 

 

Distraction has always helped you a ton, and though you have plantar fasciitis, and your feet don't feel good right now, they will again. You'll get back out on your trails and enjoying your time in the woods, in no time. 

 

Hang in there, you really are doing well - don't forget to give yourself, your Much Deserved Credit!!

 

SH

[Heath]

Stay Hopeful Thank you for taking the time to write the encouraging words!

 

A few other symptoms this past week were sensitive eyes and ears and major forgetfulness and loosing things little more than normal. These have been common . 

 

I taped up feet and went to gym and got on elliptical for 15 minutes. The elliptical is much easier on the feet. Then my wife and I left the gym and went on our bi weekly grocery run. Which usually takes most of the day.
 

We almost didn’t go to gym because I forgot my key card for the gym and she didn’t have hers and she decided let’s go back home and get it. Boy I am glad she was there 👌. Because the way I think I would skip gym and get groceries and go home save time🙄. 
 

About 2 hrs after the gym and into the grocery journey I noticed the negative obsessive worry rumination was getting less . I was starting to give my attention to what we were doing. It’s about 5 hrs after now and there is no negative ruminating . 
 

When I just want to sit and hide and worry and try to solve all my problems that’s the time to force myself to do something .  I know this from experience but sometimes it’s hard to get out of it and break away. 
 

I have been reading the Dare book and the instructions are to let mr/mrs anxiety  just be there and not pay it any attention. Today while shopping a thought hit me. If a child is throwing a tantrum in the floor and you don’t give them any attention most of the time the child will stop the tantrum pretty quickly.  

[Heath]

I have a question for a mod no rush or emergency. Alto , BM, Gridley, Frogie, Shep, Carmie

@manymoretodays

 

What is the word or description for - when our nerves are sensitive from tapering and we are holding and stable and then we are sent into a wave by having to take an antibiotic or other medication or we us alcohol or we been through stress or hot weather etc. ?

 

 I know it’s part of withdrawal but most don’t believe this word 

 

Is there a document ?

Is there already a thread? 

 

I know our nerves are aroused and sensitive after tapering, looking for information for a dr maybe.

And when explaining to close family , the word withdrawal doesn’t make sense to them after being on same dose for a year and then hit a wave because of a medication. And maybe an opportunity to explain to a dr that has said they support me but by their looks I know they really don’t understand. 
 

Most non psych drug withdrawaler words are “ it’s been too long it’s out of your system by now it can’t be withdrawal “
 

I have read through what is withdrawal syndrome.

 

 

[Heath]

To my previous questions above. 
 

Basically I had no trouble with the decongestants or any medication while tapering . Well except for cipro antibiotics minor. 

 

Until I had tapered down to 5.2 mg/ml. I took one july 2022 and went into a wave , anxiety being the symptom. Then January 2023 unknowingly took another of the same decongestant and went into another anxiety type wave. 

 

I did read kindling and hypersensitivity by Shep. This doesn’t seem to be kindling. Because I’ve been pretty stable tapering for about 2 years. 

 

This seems to be sensitive nerves due to tapering ???
 

Maybe I’m overthinking it trying to explain to someone. 

[Gridley]

17 minutes ago, Heath said:

This seems to be sensitive nerves due to tapering

The closest word I've seen is neuritis, though I doubt any doctor who doubts the existence/extent of WD would agree with calling what we experience neuritis. After I had gall bladder surgery, I often felt emanations of pain throughout my mid-torso. I call it "nerve jangling" though you won't get any mileage out of that with any doctor.  A related phenomenon for me is exacerbation of previously minor physical issues and emotional responses into something full-blown and life-affecting. 

 

18 hours ago, Heath said:

And maybe an opportunity to explain to a dr

This is a pretty thorough compilation.  It's not exactly what you're asking for but there are some great sources here.

 

How to talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

 

This is good too.

 

What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

19 minutes ago, Heath said:

Maybe I’m overthinking it trying to explain to someone. 

I don't think you're overthinking but I haven't had much luck explaining, either due to disbelief or lack of interest on the listener's part. 

 

 

 

 

[Heath]

2 minutes ago, Gridley said:

A related phenomenon for me is exacerbation of previously minor physical issues and emotional responses into something full-blown and life-affecting. 

Yes this seems to happen to me also. Your words are so correct. The past major physical and emotional responses are at the top when anxiety arises in a wave. 
 

So would you say being sensitive to medication and other things while tapering is typical of the tapering process?

[Gridley]

2 minutes ago, Heath said:

So would you say being sensitive to medication and other things while tapering is typical of the tapering process?

I would say yes.  Sensitive to different things and to a different extent depending on the person, but yes.

[Heath]

Thanks Gridley!

It seems like I am at the typical 5 mg slow down sensitive dose. 
We just have to check and make decisions about other medications , vaccines and surgeries, I don’t like it but it is the way it is. 

[Heath]

 1 week ago I was stretching hamstrings and feet. Probably longer than I should have. 
Well Monday at work I just leaned over and my back said no more you stretched me to much Sunday. 🙄. Pulled muscle I suppose. Happened before. Painful to move. Went home carefully hot bath and ice pack with pillow under legs for most of the week. Everyday moved and walked more and got better. Looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. 
 

I will tell you that during this wave that started 2 months ago , laying around for several days has done no good for the sensitive nerves and ruminating worry thoughts.  Obsessive ruminating 🙄🤪 well just say it’s been tough. Distraction was harder this week but we made it. 

It’s amazing how things in life are dropped like a hot potato to ruminations. 
 

I was looking at last years calender for taxes and started getting emotional . Just notes written on calender made me want to cry.

This has happened before in withdrawal and tapering, looking at something it could be anything a pc of clothing , picture etc. brings on sadness . I can look back in notes after tapering little wave and the symptoms are  there everytime. 
 I wished I didn’t have to hold more but 🤷‍♂️. 
moving forward 

I be looking forward to 3 - 4 month mark. . Only temporary 😁💪

Edited March 26, 2023 by Heath

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

How are you doing? It's been about a week since your post and I hope you're feeling better. 

 

You've had a rough last several months, and I'm glad to see that you're hanging in there. Hopefully, you can stabilize soon and get back on track with your tapering. 

 

You're a very strong person and you've got this!!😊

 

 

[Heath]

Hello everyone!

Thank you @StayHopeful!

 

Well lot of stresses going on as of late. The plantar fasciitis may hang around for a little while. My dad had a little stroke in his sleep last week , he should have a pretty fast recovery , my grandmother turned 100 and we had a big party for her last weekend , going to city hall today for her presented a certificate, had a huge huge surprise with income taxes😳😡, and drs and dentist appointments. I’m also nervous of A1c check coming up. 
 

I really need some consistent work/home schedule rt now. 
Had a little sugar and caffeine at grandmas party. Have negative ruminations , and sweats for a few days so far. 
Wife got her shingles vaccine and of course the sensitive nerves - my thoughts go south round and round. 
 

I’ve thought of getting a steroid shot in feet for inflammation but I really don’t think I should risk it rt now. I don’t think it will heal it enough to daily excercise walk. I will figure out another way to lower cortisol and anxiety. I’m doing everything I can to heal conservatively. 
 

It seems this stress would cause a non wder some anxiety, I would think. 
 

Much calmer in evenings

Edited April 4, 2023 by Heath

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

Congratulations to your Grandmother!! Good for her. That's also pretty cool that she was given a certificate. 

 

Plantar fasciitis is a bit of a wild card as to how long it lasts. Considering how much we use our feet, any injury to them whether stress related or impact, makes it harder to heal. I used to jog, heavy heeled, and when I got plantar fasciitis, it lasted for months. I switched to walking instead. I feel for you, because man does it not feel good. It'll get better though.  Conservative healing is a great approach. 😊

 

Tax time is notoriously stressful, even when you think you'll get something back. Plus, with all the changes that have been made, within the last several years, it's hard to predict how they'll turn out. I'm sorry you got surprised, you definitely didn't need that. 

 

I think all the stressors you've had lately, would cause anyone anxiety, regardless. 

Hoping that your worries are few today and that any bothers, will start to ease up soon. 🙏

[Heath]

Thanks SH !

Yes I got new arch supports from dr and feet are on the way to healing.
 

Things may slow down soon. 
 

anxiety in mornings and do not want to get out of bed. After 12 pm everyday in the work week anxiety goes away and I feel normal. 

 

I just got off the phone with my dad. He had a stroke 2 weeks ago. He said he couldn’t sleep last night cause of his nerves ruminating thoughts that he may not wake up In morning . The dr called in 30 mgs of Paxil 🙄. My gosh. He was about to take one. 
And I found out they dropped 1/3 of his gabapentin dose about  2 weeks ago when he was complaining about being dizzy and I told him gabapentin can cause dizziness. Sometime they dropped the morning dose of 300 mgs. Which I just found out. 
I would think them dropping the gabapentin dose might not be helping his nervousness at night.  And now the drs answer is 30 mg of Paxil 😡. What thoughts are going through their head? Gezz 
 

My dad has no internet so I’m telling him all the self help for sleep and ruminations. I would have never known any of this without SA.  

[StayHopeful]

@Heath

 

Yay! Glad to hear about your feet being on the mend 😊 Your anxiety mellowing out during the day is good and hopefully will start to mellow to a point of being gone, so you wake up feeling refreshed instead.

 

I'm sorry about your Dad. It's good that he made it through it and is doing well.

I don't blame him; I'd be worried too. Your being able to give him advice to help is great, and I hope he takes it and is able to calm a bit.

 

🙏