Jadenatalie: Hello! 7 weeks into withdrawal and I'm in hell.

[Jadenatalie]

Some photos from my birthday weekend with my partner. ❤️ Such beautiful views. 

[Greatful]

@Jadenatalie Wow, Beautiful.  I love to be by the water it is so calming.

Not a bad looking couple either😊 

[siderale]

Oh these are such wonderful photos! What a beautiful view! Thanks for sharing, take care 💙🌅

[Jadenatalie]

7 MONTHS MED FREE TODAY. 

 

-still in a wave unfortunately. But super proud of my achievement for 7 months med free from a CT taper. 

 

X

[Jadenatalie]

Week 31: I wont be doing an update this week, i'm in a pretty bad wave, probably the worst so far. I havent got the energy to do a 'proper' update sadly. Feeling really low and anxious. My urinary symptoms have returned too. I think this huge dip is from antibiotics, which, i may not have even required in the first place so i'm feeling pretty broken. Hopefully i'll be back with a better update at some point. x

[almuPA]

Dear @Jadenatalie,

 

I've just read your threat. You are being so Brave, OMG.

 

I am sorry you are not feeling good at the moment. I wish I could tell you a Magic advice to help you, or at least give you a hug. 

 

BUt you have come so far, you can do It again, I am sure! 

 

Big hugs from a CT friend.

[HealthHopeHappiness]

Hi @Jadenatalie I just wondered how you were doing? I noticed you had been quiet and not posting your weekly update so wanted to check in ❤️

[Ktven48]

@Jadenatalie

i just want to say I’m following your story and can’t believe how much strength you have. It is really inspiring. Hope you are easing out of your wave soon and can give us an update. ❤️

[Jadenatalie]

Week 32: Thank you for your kind words, @almuPA, @HealthHopeHappiness & @Ktven48. I didn't do an update last week due to being in a pretty bad way mentally and physically. I'm still not great now but I feel I might be perking up abit. I have unfortunately since taking the strong broad spectrum antibiotics been in a really bad wave. Feeling very depressed, hopeless, suicidal some days, and massive insomnia. I went 5 nights in a row with no sleep at all, couldn't nap throughout the day either. I have caved and for the last 2 nights taken sleepeaze, a low dose anti-histamine out of desperation. The last 2 nights i had approx 5 hours sleep and then last night had 7 hours sleep, so im hoping that things with my sleep are steadily improving. I dont want to take many anti-histamines and come reliant on them. 

 

I also still have my issue with my bladder/genital area. I have private healthcare and have managed to get a private appt for 2 weeks time. I'm hoping it's just an issue that will resolve on its own. My symptoms are not of a UTI, the UTI has gone, but i feel the antibiotics have messed up my system and made things unbalanced. My GP thinks its thrush and im being treated as such but havent seen an improvement unfortunately. 

 

My dad thankfully has offered to send me to therapy weekly privately and he will pay for it. So, i start therapy on Monday, specifically CBT therapy. He also seems quite open with the idea of withdrawal and how crappy it can make you feel. 

 

So the last day or so things have started to fall into place abit better and its given me more hope for the future. 

 

This withdrawal thing is no joke! I spoke to a girl from London at the weekend on facetime who went through it and recovered and she said that she spoke to a gent who said his withdrawal experience was worse than when he had cancer and chemo treatment. Absolute madness! 

 

anyway, i hope next weeks update is abit more upbeat! x

[Beemoody]

Thirty two weeks.  Way to go good for you keep up the good work.  I understand what you're feeling.  Hang in there you're not alone

[Ktven48]

That’s good to hear about your sleep improving. It’s been about two months since I’ve gotten anything close to 7 hours so cheers to that! Hopefully you will start seeing better days with a long window ☀️

[HealthHopeHappiness]

12 hours ago, Jadenatalie said:

Week 32: Thank you for your kind words, @almuPA, @HealthHopeHappiness & @Ktven48. I didn't do an update last week due to being in a pretty bad way mentally and physically. I'm still not great now but I feel I might be perking up abit. I have unfortunately since taking the strong broad spectrum antibiotics been in a really bad wave. Feeling very depressed, hopeless, suicidal some days, and massive insomnia. I went 5 nights in a row with no sleep at all, couldn't nap throughout the day either. I have caved and for the last 2 nights taken sleepeaze, a low dose anti-histamine out of desperation. The last 2 nights i had approx 5 hours sleep and then last night had 7 hours sleep, so im hoping that things with my sleep are steadily improving. I dont want to take many anti-histamines and come reliant on them. 

 

I also still have my issue with my bladder/genital area. I have private healthcare and have managed to get a private appt for 2 weeks time. I'm hoping it's just an issue that will resolve on its own. My symptoms are not of a UTI, the UTI has gone, but i feel the antibiotics have messed up my system and made things unbalanced. My GP thinks its thrush and im being treated as such but havent seen an improvement unfortunately. 

 

My dad thankfully has offered to send me to therapy weekly privately and he will pay for it. So, i start therapy on Monday, specifically CBT therapy. He also seems quite open with the idea of withdrawal and how crappy it can make you feel. 

 

So the last day or so things have started to fall into place abit better and its given me more hope for the future. 

 

This withdrawal thing is no joke! I spoke to a girl from London at the weekend on facetime who went through it and recovered and she said that she spoke to a gent who said his withdrawal experience was worse than when he had cancer and chemo treatment. Absolute madness! 

 

anyway, i hope next weeks update is abit more upbeat! x

I really hope things take a positive turn for you soon @Jadenatalie. That was great you were able to speak to someone who has been through WD, it must be nice to share your experiences and feel validated. I hope your CBT sessions are helpful for you. It sounds like you are trying whatever you can to help yourself. 
 

I have had very similar issues during WD to you. I ended up being sent for a cystoscopy to look inside my bladder because of my symptoms, along with multiple ultrasounds. Also been treated for thrush a few times, too and was recently given fluclonazole which made my WD symptoms even worse. I actually got a letter saying I had tested positive for Group B Strep so I think this has also not helped my symptoms but I do still firmly believe they are mostly down to WD.

 

Anyway, thinking about you. Hang in there, you are doing really well. 💕

[Jadenatalie]

11 hours ago, HealthHopeHappiness said:

I really hope things take a positive turn for you soon @Jadenatalie. That was great you were able to speak to someone who has been through WD, it must be nice to share your experiences and feel validated. I hope your CBT sessions are helpful for you. It sounds like you are trying whatever you can to help yourself. 
 

I have had very similar issues during WD to you. I ended up being sent for a cystoscopy to look inside my bladder because of my symptoms, along with multiple ultrasounds. Also been treated for thrush a few times, too and was recently given fluclonazole which made my WD symptoms even worse. I actually got a letter saying I had tested positive for Group B Strep so I think this has also not helped my symptoms but I do still firmly believe they are mostly down to WD.

 

Anyway, thinking about you. Hang in there, you are doing really well. 💕

hi @HealthHopeHappiness thank you. Yes I'm doing the most i can to get myself through this, still working full time in the office, eating healthily, getting therapy in place, meditating etc. Oh really? Yes i had a suspected UTI, got treated with 3 different broad spectrum antibiotics and i was completely symptom free for 9 days. Then i started with burning/irritated genital entrance  Dr suggested thrush, I've done 5 days pessaries so far and no improvement. I don't really have many urinary symptoms anymore, i do have slightly increased frequency but i think that might be because I'm anxious about this whole issue. But it doesnt seem to be shifting. 😕 

 

Thank you, so are you. Lets keep plodding. ❤️ xx

[Greatful]

@Jadenatalie

If it's not one thing it's another in W/D. There are other members that have experienced urinary issues in WD and even genital issues.  

It is amazing how much these drugs affect not only our brain chemistry but other things in our body.  

I am glad that you are going to get some help with CBT.

 

You are doing great. You have wonderful support and you are very determined and strong.❤️ 

[Memphisto]

Hello, have been reading your journey for the last few days. I am impressed how you manage your daily life despite these W/D symptoms. My main problem too is morning anxiety/panic. I am now about 14 months after tapering too fast from Escitalopram (10 to 1.5 mg in a few weeks). I feel like in the last few weeks the anxiety has finally mellowed a bit and the windows are getting bigger. 
I wish for you that your waves get noticeably shorter and the windows longer. We will get there and be free. 

 

warm greetings from germany

 

[Jadenatalie]

50 minutes ago, Memphisto said:

Hello, have been reading your journey for the last few days. I am impressed how you manage your daily life despite these W/D symptoms. My main problem too is morning anxiety/panic. I am now about 14 months after tapering too fast from Escitalopram (10 to 1.5 mg in a few weeks). I feel like in the last few weeks the anxiety has finally mellowed a bit and the windows are getting bigger. 
I wish for you that your waves get noticeably shorter and the windows longer. We will get there and be free. 

 

warm greetings from germany

 

Hi @Memphistothanks for your comment  yeah its pretty tough to be honest and im not entirely sure how i keep going. working full time, then im a mum to a 5 year old and doing all the other life stuff in between. its tough. 

 

14 months is great! i'm presuming you feel better than what you did in the beginning though? I think its the mental issues that linger the longest, unfortunately, i'm still having physical symptoms too. I just keep plodding on and pray that the next day is a better day. I'm very blessed to have great support from family/friends and i have a very supportive partner and my little boy, they keep me going. x

[Memphisto]

The first 6 months were pretty tough. I had to fight anxiety attacks that lasted for hours almost every day. This was accompanied by a loss of appetite and a lot of thirst. I have since lost 4 to 5 kg, although I am now eating normally again. 
Today I would say I am definitely better off than 6 months ago. Currently, I have had only one or two bad days a week for several weeks. I hope it continues like this and gradually gets better. 

 

I continue to work full time and have a family with two slightly older children. It's really hard sometimes, but somehow we manage. 

 

You should be very proud of yourself. You are already at zero and will heal continuously. I still have ADs in my blood daily and need to carefully continue tapering. But I learned that tapering fast was not good for me. 

 

Have a hopefully symptom free day! 

 

[Jadenatalie]

2 minutes ago, Memphisto said:

The first 6 months were pretty tough. I had to fight anxiety attacks that lasted for hours almost every day. This was accompanied by a loss of appetite and a lot of thirst. I have since lost 4 to 5 kg, although I am now eating normally again. 
Today I would say I am definitely better off than 6 months ago. Currently, I have had only one or two bad days a week for several weeks. I hope it continues like this and gradually gets better. 

 

I continue to work full time and have a family with two slightly older children. It's really hard sometimes, but somehow we manage. 

 

You should be very proud of yourself. You are already at zero and will heal continuously. I still have ADs in my blood daily and need to carefully continue tapering. But I learned that tapering fast was not good for me. 

 

Have a hopefully symptom free day! 

 

@Memphisto Thats good to hear that you're seeing improvements though! Yes, the weight loss! I've lost 16kg since going cold turkey and i wasnt overweight to start with. 

 

You will get there too! Slow taper seems to be the best way, unfortunately, it was too late for me and i darent try any of those medications again. 

 

thanks for stopping by!  x

[siderale]

Dropping by to send some thoughts and support your way Jadenatalie, hope things are slowly improving! ☀

[Jadenatalie]

On 10/25/2021 at 10:06 PM, siderale said:

Dropping by to send some thoughts and support your way Jadenatalie, hope things are slowly improving! ☀

Thank you @siderale hope you're good! xxxxx

[Jadenatalie]

Week 33 (a day late!): Still not feeling great unfortunately. I feel like im due a 'break' soon. but i do firmly believe the antibiotics have thrown me into this horrible wave and that hopefully it will settle down soon as i was having some really good days before i went on the antibiotics. 

 

Anyway! I've been treated for oral thrush this past week as my tongue was white, sore, sore throat, weird taste in mouth etc. it seems to be improving slowly. I've also switched my probiotic to a stronger one that has 75billion bacteria in. i'm hoping in a few weeks i'll see some benefits from those. Going to the urogynaecologist tomorrow to see if we can figure out whats going on down below, i fear it may be a bad bout of thrush from the antibiotics that i'm struggling to get rid of.

 

I went for my first face to face therapy session on Monday. it was just the initial assessment, but he thinks he can help me. He said he's going to use a mixture of CBT (for my generalised anxiety and the health anxiety i seem to have developed in w/d) and exposure therapy. He doesnt seem very aware of withdrawal from antidepressants and i think he thinks this is the 'natural' me, which most doctors etc dont understand withdrawal so it wasnt a shock really. He did say he might suggest meds later down the line depending on my progress, i said thats the last thing i want to do. I've nearly done 8 months of hell without these meds and i dont wanna throw that away. I'm just going to focus on using the therapy for the best and not discuss withdrawal with him because he doesnt 'get it'. 

 

It clicked to me over the weekend and after that therapy session that whilst i was on antidepressants for 5 years i made some horrible life choices, which wasnt like me, and i had no idea why i was doing those things. for example, i got myself into 10k of debt, told my partner and we sorted it out and then not even months later, i managed to wrack up another 10k debt, i wasnt even phased by it. But usually i'm very tight with money, and im back to being tight with money again now im off the meds. Another thing was i split up with my current partner about a year into the meds, i didnt even care, i didnt know why i broke up with him, we had a baby together, a house, i loved him DEARLY and i broke up with him and moved out for 6 months. We thankfully got back together and have been fine since but my mind is so much clearer since coming off the meds regarding all this. I love him so much and i think i've only truly realised that since coming off the meds. I also got caught speeding twice whilst on the meds, eventhough i've never done anything like that before. i was just generally very wreckless. Which i can now 100% say it was the meds that did all that, because now i'm off them, i cant even BELIEVE i did those things. INSANE.

 

Sorry for the long update! its more for my personal diary  x

[Jadenatalie]

Oh and my sleep, for the last 3-4 nights, i've been getting to sleep between 9-10pm and waking up at either 2am or 4am (so getting approx 4-6 hours deep sleep) and then i'm in a light sleep or fully awake when i wake up at either 2am or 4am. but its better than no sleep which is what i have been having. so fingers crossed, things are improving slowly. 

[Memphisto]

On 10/28/2021 at 10:14 AM, Jadenatalie said:

Oh and my sleep, for the last 3-4 nights, i've been getting to sleep between 9-10pm and waking up at either 2am or 4am (so getting approx 4-6 hours deep sleep) and then i'm in a light sleep or fully awake when i wake up at either 2am or 4am. but its better than no sleep which is what i have been having. so fingers crossed, things are improving slowly. 

Hi Jadennatalie, 

 

I'm sorry to hear you're having a few more difficulties right now. I really hope that you can sleep a little better in the meantime. It's quite a torture to wake up at night with anxiety and not be able to get back to sleep. 

 

I wish you continued healing and normalization. 

[Jadenatalie]

Just doing a mid-week update to document that I've had some better days the past 3 days. A WINDOW! Friday, Saturday and Sunday i have felt so much better mood wise and physically. My sleep has improved over the last few days too, I've started having 5-6-7 hours sleep per night most nights which is massively welcomed, as i went at least 3 weeks with approx. 2 hours per night, or no sleep at all. I hope this means the effects from the antibiotics are settling down now and I'm getting back to my 'withdrawal norm'. I've still had bits of anxiety here and there. But i haven't cried either over those 3 days which is a miracle. I am struggling with an issue in the lady area, after having the antibiotics, went to see the specialist on Friday and she basically thinks the antibiotics have stripped all my 'good bacteria' away and effected my hormonal balance down below. So I'll be starting on some Oestrogen pessaries soon and strong probiotics. I have to admit, this issue is getting me down slightly as it's effecting me daily and effecting my love life with my partner, but he says he isn't bothered. I'm just keeping in mind that this issue too shall pass and i just need to do what i can in the meantime to relieve the symptoms and the stress surrounding it. Anyway, just wanted to pop on to post a mostly positive update.  x

[almuPA]

Dear @JadenatalieI am so happy to read that!! Yes, good for you👏👏

That really shows that healing is happening, and that our bodies have the capacity to do so!

[siderale]

So happy to read this Jadenatalie, finally some much deserved relief! I hope the coming days keep on feeling lighter. Good luck dealing with the remaining physical problems from the antibiotics. These don't joke around! Take care and have a wonderful week!

[Jadenatalie]

21 hours ago, almuPA said:

Dear @JadenatalieI am so happy to read that!! Yes, good for you👏👏

That really shows that healing is happening, and that our bodies have the capacity to do so!

Thank you @almuPA  

[Jadenatalie]

2 hours ago, siderale said:

So happy to read this Jadenatalie, finally some much deserved relief! I hope the coming days keep on feeling lighter. Good luck dealing with the remaining physical problems from the antibiotics. These don't joke around! Take care and have a wonderful week!

Thanks @siderale  I'm just glad to have had some better days to be honest! when you're in a wave it feels never ending! I know, i'm very against taking anymore antibiotics in the future now unless im on deaths door! Just seen your recent update, what fantastic news that you think you're nearing the end! You've done such an amazing job! x

[Jadenatalie]

Week 34 (Again a day late!): So I've been in a window the last maybe 5-6 days. My sleep has improved, it's still not amazing but I'm getting around 5-6 hours per night. I have had spikes of anxiety that have come and gone but I think these are because of the physical symptoms I'm having and the physical symptoms make me anxious at times when I get into my own head and google all the possible illnesses I could have! (working on this with the therapist). I do have a couple of physical symptoms going on even in my window, my skin crawling formication symptom has resurfaced. I've had this issue a few times now throughout withdrawal, it seems to last days or weeks sometimes before it goes away. I've obviously still got my genital issue which is being treated now so hopefully will feel better soon (although, the consultant did offer me nortriptyline for 'nerve pain' which I obviously declined). Another thing I've had on and off for a few weeks is a pain behind my breastbone when I swallow food, its not always there, it comes and goes and it's not agonizing but it's noticeable. I think its acid reflux, if it doesn't eventually subside then I'll consult the doctor. But because it comes and goes and I have no other sinister symptoms, I don't think its anything to worry about too much. 

 

My next update on here will be my 8 months off update  I have to admit, I did hope that by 8 months off the meds I'd be feeling MUCH better than what I do right now. So I'm pretty disappointed by that. I know it's not an overnight thing and I had been on the meds years, but I was hoping for better by now.  x

[Jadenatalie]

Week 35/ 8 MONTHS off today: To say I'm 8 months off, I thought I'd be feeling better than I am at this stage! I'm back in a wave sadly. I think I'm definitely putting a lot of pressure on myself to finish withdrawal as quick as possible, when for the majority on the success stories it seems that it takes at least 12-18 months and even longer (especially CT). At the moment I'm feeling very anxious and tearful. I've been waking up on a morning with feelings of deep dread and high anxiety. Then this anxiety can either come and go throughout the day or last all day. It also comes with formication (crawling under skin) allover my body and numbness in my extremities, both very unnerving but I keep telling myself its withdrawal and anxiety and it will pass. I have had these symptoms before a few times on and off and they always pass.

 

I'm in a support group on Facebook and there's tons of people in there who suffer significant setbacks between 5-9 months. My sleep is still okay, nowhere near normal but I generally have been falling asleep quite easily at around 9-10pm and waking up between 3-5am from a deep sleep. I'm then awake and cant get back to sleep after that. I've had x3 therapy sessions now and we're starting to get to the point of actually working on my issues, I think I'll be going to the therapist for at least 6 months. What I've discovered since being in withdrawal is that most doctors I have spoken to regarding physical issues, headache, genital issues etc. have offered me antidepressants and even my therapist keeps mentioning antidepressants, I have made it very clear I do not want any antidepressants to him. But it's no wonder that so many people end up in these situations because antidepressants are offered out so readily for literally ANYTHING it seems! My mum has been offered them for the menopause, obviously she has declined them.

 

My window last week lasted around 5-6 days which is good, I wasn't fully normal in that time but my mood was much better etc. my waves are definitely still longer than my windows and the waves still feel terrible but I'm hoping this lessens soon. I'm running out of energy and motivation to keep going and hoping things will get better. x

[Jadenatalie]

I'm also struggling with the 'believability' of withdrawal for me. I'm struggling to understand how i'm still in withdrawal 8 months later (eventhough i can see many people have suffered longer!). It's just such a hard thing to get your head around that a tablet you stopped 8 months ago is causing all this.... baylissa mentions this in her book, about withdrawal being unbelievable, even for the people that are going through it. 

[siderale]

Hi Jadenatalie, I am so sorry to read you are back in a wave. Would you think that falling asleep more easily is an improvement? I hope you get decent rest despite your nights being short 🙏 I also hope that therapy helps you navigate through this. I think it can help a lot. It is awful that indeed some doctors are so keen on prescribing antidepressants, especially if/when you mention withdrawal!!

I empathise greatly with the disbelief regarding this whole WD situation. Before experiencing it I would NEVER have thought it could take so much time, create so many physical and mental issues. Crazy how brain finding its balance again can be so long and difficult, making you experience stuff you've never experienced before, and in the bad way!

Sending love and support, crossing fingers you get to see another window very soon ♥

[Jadenatalie]

On 11/11/2021 at 2:21 PM, siderale said:

Hi Jadenatalie, I am so sorry to read you are back in a wave. Would you think that falling asleep more easily is an improvement? I hope you get decent rest despite your nights being short 🙏 I also hope that therapy helps you navigate through this. I think it can help a lot. It is awful that indeed some doctors are so keen on prescribing antidepressants, especially if/when you mention withdrawal!!

I empathise greatly with the disbelief regarding this whole WD situation. Before experiencing it I would NEVER have thought it could take so much time, create so many physical and mental issues. Crazy how brain finding its balance again can be so long and difficult, making you experience stuff you've never experienced before, and in the bad way!

Sending love and support, crossing fingers you get to see another window very soon ♥

Hi @siderale Yes definitely. My sleep is still very erratic. Last night i didnt sleep at all, but the night before i got 8 hours sleep. Very unpredictable. I hope the therapy works too or at least helps, but i'm getting annoyed at my therapists consistent pushing of antidepressants. 

 

Yes it's crazy isnt it! I can't believe it can make you feel this bad and i dont think i'll ever fully believe it! 

 

Sending love to you also. thanks for keeping up with my thread  xx

[Jadenatalie]

Week 36: I feel like with regards to updating my thread going forward i may only do it on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis as I don't feel weekly much changes really. Anyway, this will probably be my last weekly update. I haven't felt great this week, very emotional, low mood, anxious, body aches allover. The formication/tingling that started a couple of weeks ago seems to have mostly settled. I have got some full blood test checks coming up in 10 days to make sure my blood levels are still okay, as I'm feeling pretty run down at the moment. 

 

One issue I'm struggling with at the moment is the bladder/urethra/genital issue. The symptoms change and wane between urinary frequency, urethra pain, urethra pressure, soreness, pinching pain etc. I've also had some genital burning etc. I am under the care of a uro-gynaecologist who thinks it's because of the numerous antibiotics I was taking a month or so ago for a UTI and that they have killed all the good bacteria down below. But my doctor did mention IC and the uro-gynae lady has mentioned vulvodynia/nerve damage. Treatment option for both is an antidepressant which I have obviously refused. I just hope the issues improve on their own, I'm not convinced its due to the bacterial flora but I think it's withdrawal related. The UTI I got over a month ago is only the 2nd UTI I've had in my life, the other being when I was pregnant years ago. The UTI was never confirmed by culture at the lab, only by a dipstick urine test. So whether I actually had a UTI is another question entirely. I am inclined to believe that the issues are due to withdrawal and I hope they do improve over time as I'm not going to try another antidepressant. It's madness really, I haven't even had a confirmed diagnosis from anyone but I've been offered antidepressants numerous times. I think they just give them out in the hope they magically cure your issue and you don't go back. I personally think stress makes it worse as well so I'm trying to not stress about it too much but it's hard when the discomfort is there a lot of the time. 

 

Anyway I'll write again when i feel I've got something significant to say x

[siderale]

Hi @Jadenatalie, just dropping by to talk about UTIs (ah what a glamorous subject!) but I really feel for you and I have a bit of experience to share that could hopefully somehow reassure you. So in my late teens/early 20s I had *a lot* of UTIs. I'm talking one every month or so, lasting 2-3 days which is quite short but it was very very frequent. During those years, I was in a bad place mentally. I got on Escitalopram at 21-22 years old and as I felt better thanks to it, I got less and less UTIs, almost none. When I had any during my Escitalopram years, it was extremely rare and I didn't need any medication to get rid of it. I have gotten UTIs only extremely rarely, I think I had none in the past year.

 

5 hours ago, Jadenatalie said:

I'm not convinced its due to the bacterial flora but I think it's withdrawal related

 

So long story short, I am thinking it could indeed be due to distress / your current mental state, caused by withdrawal. I am no doctor of course. But I have hopes this clears out as time passes, wishing you healing from everything 💜

[Jadenatalie]

13 hours ago, siderale said:

Hi @Jadenatalie, just dropping by to talk about UTIs (ah what a glamorous subject!) but I really feel for you and I have a bit of experience to share that could hopefully somehow reassure you. So in my late teens/early 20s I had *a lot* of UTIs. I'm talking one every month or so, lasting 2-3 days which is quite short but it was very very frequent. During those years, I was in a bad place mentally. I got on Escitalopram at 21-22 years old and as I felt better thanks to it, I got less and less UTIs, almost none. When I had any during my Escitalopram years, it was extremely rare and I didn't need any medication to get rid of it. I have gotten UTIs only extremely rarely, I think I had none in the past year.

 

 

So long story short, I am thinking it could indeed be due to distress / your current mental state, caused by withdrawal. I am no doctor of course. But I have hopes this clears out as time passes, wishing you healing from everything 💜

Thanks @siderale i agree, i think it's definitely stress related and my immune system taking a real beating from the stress of withdrawal etc. 

 

Thank you, i hope you're doing well.  xx