Administrator KenA Posted July 1, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted July 1, 2022 @peaceandlove Glad that you reached out!! I have found positivity is the only way to get through this process!! Being negative doesn't do a bit of good and just makes the process more painful. A positive mindset can truly turn things around!! I did have a lot of digestive issues for quite a while. Nausea, stomach cramps, intestinal cramps, constipation, loose stools, heartburn, you name it, I had it. I would chew on tums for the heart burn and take a probiotic to help with the intestinal stuff. But other than that, it just took lots of time for everything to get back to normal. I can remember going to my doctor so many times and they could never find anything wrong with me. I thought I had appendecitis, colitis, auto-immune disease, you name it. I made the mistake of googling and that will scare the crap out of you. In the end, it all came down to just being symptoms of WD. Everything has resolved and I'm able to eat what I want, when I want, and I have no issues what-so-ever You will get there, just remember to take it as easy as you can. If you have something that truly scares you, it's ok to get it checked out at the dr, but don't be suprised if they can't find anything wrong. And for sure, don't let them try and just guess and throw random pills your way. My Dr tried to prescribe so many things and I would not take any of them. Just time time and more time! Ken 5 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaceandlove Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 11 minutes ago, KenA said: @peaceandlove Glad that you reached out!! I have found positivity is the only way to get through this process!! Being negative doesn't do a bit of good and just makes the process more painful. A positive mindset can truly turn things around!! I did have a lot of digestive issues for quite a while. Nausea, stomach cramps, intestinal cramps, constipation, loose stools, heartburn, you name it, I had it. I would chew on tums for the heart burn and take a probiotic to help with the intestinal stuff. But other than that, it just took lots of time for everything to get back to normal. I can remember going to my doctor so many times and they could never find anything wrong with me. I thought I had appendecitis, colitis, auto-immune disease, you name it. I made the mistake of googling and that will scare the crap out of you. In the end, it all came down to just being symptoms of WD. Everything has resolved and I'm able to eat what I want, when I want, and I have no issues what-so-ever You will get there, just remember to take it as easy as you can. If you have something that truly scares you, it's ok to get it checked out at the dr, but don't be suprised if they can't find anything wrong. And for sure, don't let them try and just guess and throw random pills your way. My Dr tried to prescribe so many things and I would not take any of them. Just time time and more time! Ken Yes it’s crazy all these symptoms resemble so many other conditions you’ll think so much is wrong with you when really nothing is. Thanks so much for the advice & the reply! Have a wonderful day 2 April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilla Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 On 6/28/2022 at 3:38 PM, KenA said: @jonah2001Hey there. Yep, it truly is an extremely non-linear process my friend! The only thing you can be sure of is to expect the unexpected. That way you are never disappointed. Waves honestly my friend can keep hitting you until the healing is done. And there is no telling how long that it will take. But you just have to keep focusing on the good days and accept the bad ones. When you have the waves, that is just your brain doing some more healing! As long as there is healing that still needs to be done, then the waves will come. But welcome them in my friend! It's a good thing! You are healing more and more each and every time!! I honestly had waves for a really really long time. I don't know honestly how long they happend, but it was at least a year and a half or even more. I just got to the point where I didn't let the waves bother me any more. I turned them from negative to positive! I would welcome them because it meant I was gonna be even better after they would be done! I'll be honest with you, even today at almost 3 years I can still feel a bit off here and there. Nothing that I would even consider a wave any more, but maybe just a ripple or so. Just more adjustments and balances that are getting made. My mentor taught me that this process can take years, but it's ok. The further and further along we get the better and better we will be. So now when I feel a bit off like some anxiety or maybe a ringing in my ears, I just acknowledge it and move on. It always stops at some point. It's all good healing my friend!! It's all good healing!! Hang in there!! You've got this!! Just keep giving it more and more time and accept the process!! Ken Paxil 2008 20mg 2016 40mg feb 21 2022 20mg, feb 28 0mg April 23 20mg April 24 40mg April 26 20mg April 27 10mg April 28 0mg May 7 10mg May 17 0mg Duloxitine Feb. 21, ‘22-30mg feb 28 60mg March 14 0mg April 21. 30mg April 26 60mg April 28 30mg am/60mg pm May 7 60mg am currently still on Lexapro 2022 April 14 5 mg April 18 10m April 21 0mg Trazodone April 24 50mg Currently on 60mg dulox and 50mg Trazadone taking hydroxyzine and xanax as needed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilla Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 Thanks for sharing Ken! I will try to see the waves as a time of healing. Hard to do sometimes when they are so debilitating. Do they ease up in intensity over time? Paxil 2008 20mg 2016 40mg feb 21 2022 20mg, feb 28 0mg April 23 20mg April 24 40mg April 26 20mg April 27 10mg April 28 0mg May 7 10mg May 17 0mg Duloxitine Feb. 21, ‘22-30mg feb 28 60mg March 14 0mg April 21. 30mg April 26 60mg April 28 30mg am/60mg pm May 7 60mg am currently still on Lexapro 2022 April 14 5 mg April 18 10m April 21 0mg Trazodone April 24 50mg Currently on 60mg dulox and 50mg Trazadone taking hydroxyzine and xanax as needed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted July 9, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted July 9, 2022 @Jilla You are most welcome Just remember that anytime our bodies are having to heal there will be side effects. But It's honestly a good thing. It means you are getting better. They are hard to go through, not gonna lie, but they always stop at some point. Every wave I ever had was always followed by a beautiful window of peace. 100 percent never failed. They will ease up in intensity over time. When I first started out, it always felt like a 10 out of 10 in intensity. Then they would be like a 9 or 8. Then 7 and so on and so on till toward the end, they didn't even feel like waves any more, just ripples. But that's how it worked for me. It's different for everyone because we are all unique individuals. But you are gonna heal for sure. Just keep giving it time, time and more time. It's worth it I promise!! Keep going till you cross that finish line and be healed and feeling amazing again!! It will happen Ken 3 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilla Posted July 9, 2022 Share Posted July 9, 2022 You are such an encourager! Thank you. 2 Paxil 2008 20mg 2016 40mg feb 21 2022 20mg, feb 28 0mg April 23 20mg April 24 40mg April 26 20mg April 27 10mg April 28 0mg May 7 10mg May 17 0mg Duloxitine Feb. 21, ‘22-30mg feb 28 60mg March 14 0mg April 21. 30mg April 26 60mg April 28 30mg am/60mg pm May 7 60mg am currently still on Lexapro 2022 April 14 5 mg April 18 10m April 21 0mg Trazodone April 24 50mg Currently on 60mg dulox and 50mg Trazadone taking hydroxyzine and xanax as needed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonah2001 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 Hey @KenA, Jonah here.. To be honest, I definitely was improving over the last 8 week's.. and now on Sunday an absolute monster wave hitted me. Very very strong! I am feeling like a view month ago. did you also experienced those waves, even at year out? it's like all improvements vanishes and you feel terrible again.. and before this, I had many many okay day's. Where I wasn't suffering that much, but still not great.. 23.11.2020 - 06.07.2021 Duloxetin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted July 19, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted July 19, 2022 @jonah2001 Yep, it's all normal my friend. Non-linear healing at it's finest. You have to accept anything and everything that comes your way. The sooner you stop fighting against it and just accept what's happening, the easier it will get. Not better, but easier. Let it ride my friend. I experienced waves for a very very long time. I just got used to them and accepted them as a part of my healing. It truly made a difference when I learned acceptance. I had a wave once that lasted for 17 days and it was well after the one year mark. I sent you a message. Keep hanging in there. Just remember this too shall pass. 3 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaceandlove Posted August 12, 2022 Share Posted August 12, 2022 On 7/1/2022 at 2:27 PM, KenA said: @peaceandlove Glad that you reached out!! I have found positivity is the only way to get through this process!! Being negative doesn't do a bit of good and just makes the process more painful. A positive mindset can truly turn things around!! I did have a lot of digestive issues for quite a while. Nausea, stomach cramps, intestinal cramps, constipation, loose stools, heartburn, you name it, I had it. I would chew on tums for the heart burn and take a probiotic to help with the intestinal stuff. But other than that, it just took lots of time for everything to get back to normal. I can remember going to my doctor so many times and they could never find anything wrong with me. I thought I had appendecitis, colitis, auto-immune disease, you name it. I made the mistake of googling and that will scare the crap out of you. In the end, it all came down to just being symptoms of WD. Everything has resolved and I'm able to eat what I want, when I want, and I have no issues what-so-ever You will get there, just remember to take it as easy as you can. If you have something that truly scares you, it's ok to get it checked out at the dr, but don't be suprised if they can't find anything wrong. And for sure, don't let them try and just guess and throw random pills your way. My Dr tried to prescribe so many things and I would not take any of them. Just time time and more time! Ken were your stomach issues like heartburn, constapation etc constant or come & go?? Iike did you have it for 3 months straight then it never came back again or did it come for a week, go away, then come back again for a month go away type of pattern?? April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted August 18, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted August 18, 2022 On 8/12/2022 at 4:04 PM, peaceandlove said: were your stomach issues like heartburn, constapation etc constant or come & go?? Iike did you have it for 3 months straight then it never came back again or did it come for a week, go away, then come back again for a month go away type of pattern?? They were very constant for the first probably 6-7 months or so, then I would start getting small breaks from the symptoms. then slowly slowly would go away, settled into the windows waves patterns after the first rough patch 1 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted August 18, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted August 18, 2022 Sorry I haven't had a chance to respond to everyone who has messaged lately. Been going through another round of COVID which has kicked me on my butt. Will slowly try to respond to everyone as energy permits! Take care everyone! Ken 1 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariel Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 Hi @KenA So sorry to hear you've been going through COVID -- again! Take good care of yourself, you are cherished! Thank you so much for all your generous contributions. You help so many, including me. Get well soon, sending healing vibes <3 A. 2 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Moonpie Posted August 23, 2022 Mentor Share Posted August 23, 2022 @KenA I am so very very sorry to hear you have covid again and you're having a hard time! I had my 2nd time around about a month ago. It was way rougher than the 1st. Mainly extreme extreme fatigue. I am praying for you a speedy recovery and your strength to return quickly. 1 .025 Xanax 3 x daily Start date 10-13-2013 through 8-13-2014. Started tapering 6-2014 to 8-2014. Some small discomfort. 25 mg Zoloft - Start date 5-1-2014. 50mg. 6-2014. through 7-14-2014 . Started tapering 7-14-2014, stopped tapering 10-2014. I did 1/4 of the dose a month. small discomfort. These next 3 were prescribed when I made some seriously bad choices with my thyroid medication. Was in ER twice for possible heart attack. INTENSE anxiety, panic, fear. Lost 30 pounds in 2 weeks. Thyroid levels bounced to extremes for 8 months. Dr. prescribed Zoloft 50mg 9-2105. After 2 doses had a bad reaction passed out in my bedroom. Also prescribed Xanax .025 at the same time. 3 times daily, 4 if needed. Was only on it about 2 weeks. Was not working. Trip ER they gave me an Ativan IV and it worked and lasted. switched to Ativan. 9-24-2016. 1.5 mg Ativan - .5 mg three x daily -start date 9/24/16. Attempted taper start 12-16-2016. Was shaving Pills and alternating tapering AM, PM and midday dose weekly. Buspar .5mg -2.5mg. am and 2. 5mg. pm start date 9-26-2016 . Lexapro .10mg start date - 10-26-2016. Found SA and began 10/14/2017 tapering .001 by weight of pill every 4 days Held longer if there were was WD. Was very sensitive to Ativan. 3-15-2018 Off midday dose - 7-16-2018 Off PM dose - OFF ATIVAN! 11-17-2018 10 mg. Lexapro. PM - 5 mg start date 10/11/2016 increased to 10 mg 2/2/17. 1-1-2019 Began tapering Lexapro. .001 gm every 4 days. Held longer if there was WD. Last doses some I held a month. OFF LEXAPRO! 2-21 2021 5 mg. Buspar divided into two, 2.5 mg doses AM and PM- Start date 9/26/2016 Cold turkey on Dr. direction, AM and Pm doses. Reinstated 9-22-16. Began Buspar taper 1-29-23, .001 mg by weight of pills. N.P. Desiccated Thyroid. 1-2023 Labs okay but not where I feel best. 60 mg. daily now but adding 15 mg. more twice weekly for a few months then check. Bioidentical hormones. Bi-est/Prog cream, 1/4 tsp. 1 time daily My intro: Moonpie:. Need help and supporting tapering off of Ativan My benzo thread: Moonpie: Need help Ativan weight tapering Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted August 23, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted August 23, 2022 @Moonpie @Ariel Thanks much for the well wishes!! On day 11 now and feeling quite a bit better. This time around wasn't as bad as the first couple of times. Seems like my immune system is still a bit primed from the last times I've had it. Hopefully it's almost over Ken 3 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariel Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Hi @KenA Good to hear you're on the mend. Hope you feel better and better with each dawning day. Get well soon, healing vibes <3 A. 1 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted August 24, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted August 24, 2022 On 7/9/2022 at 10:47 AM, Jilla said: You are such an encourager! Thank you. @JillaJust noticed I never responded to you You are most welcome my friend!! Hope that you are doing well! Ken 1 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilla Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 I am doing better. Thank you! Sorry to hear about you having Covid again. Hope you get back to 100% health quickly! 1 Paxil 2008 20mg 2016 40mg feb 21 2022 20mg, feb 28 0mg April 23 20mg April 24 40mg April 26 20mg April 27 10mg April 28 0mg May 7 10mg May 17 0mg Duloxitine Feb. 21, ‘22-30mg feb 28 60mg March 14 0mg April 21. 30mg April 26 60mg April 28 30mg am/60mg pm May 7 60mg am currently still on Lexapro 2022 April 14 5 mg April 18 10m April 21 0mg Trazodone April 24 50mg Currently on 60mg dulox and 50mg Trazadone taking hydroxyzine and xanax as needed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knosretep Posted August 28, 2022 Share Posted August 28, 2022 On 8/23/2022 at 10:24 PM, KenA said: @Moonpie @Ariel Thanks much for the well wishes!! On day 11 now and feeling quite a bit better. This time around wasn't as bad as the first couple of times. Seems like my immune system is still a bit primed from the last times I've had it. Hopefully it's almost over Ken Hi Ken, I'm glad to read you're doing better! Hopefully by now you're back to 100%! I still read your success story often when I'm in a dark place, which has been often as I've adjusted to tapering and trying to find the best pace. Thanks for continuing to stick around and holding out that hand for the rest of us still struggling in the darkness. 2 2013 - Jan 4, 2021 - Sertraline 50mg Jan 2021 - Venlafaxine 75mg (1/4) Feb 2021 : Mar 2021 - Venlafaxine 75mg April 2021 - Venlafaxine 75mg, Amitriptyline 2mg (4/20), Clonazepam 2mg May 2021 - Venlafaxine 75mg (5/16 - 0mg), Amitriptyline (5/1 - 1mg, 5/16 - 0mg), Clonazepam 2mg Aug 2021 - Sertraline 25mg (re 8/20), Clonazepam 2mg Sep 2021 - Sertraline 50mg (up 9/3), Clonazepam (9/29 - 1mg), Diazepam (9/29 - 2.5mg) Oct 2021 - Sertraline 50mg, Clonazepam (10/14 - 0.9mg, 10/24 - 1mg), Diazepam (10/6 - 1.25mg, 10/14 - 0mg), Trazodone (10/03 - 50mg, 10/17 - 25mg, 10/21 - 12.5mg), Mirtazapine (10/17 - 15mg) Nov 2021 : Current - Sertraline 50mg, Clonazepam (4/22 - 0.975mg, 5/22 - 0.9125mg, co 6/22 - 0.25mg, co 8/22 - 0.5mg, co 1/23 - 0.25mg), Diazepam (co 6/22 - 12mg, 7/22 - 11mg, co 8/22 - 5mg, 9/22 - 4mg, 10/22 - 3mg, 11/22 - 2mg, 12/22 - 1mg, co 1/23 - 5mg, 2/23 - 4.5mg, 3/23 - 3.5mg, 4/23 - 3mg), Trazodone 12.5mg, Mirtazapine 15mg Supplements: 1/2 Multivitamin, Fish Oil 2000mg, Probiotic, Magnesium Chelate 280mg, Vit C 500mg, . Melatonin 5mg/3mgXR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilly998 Posted August 29, 2022 Share Posted August 29, 2022 CONGRATULATIONS for ur recovery 👏 Such an inspiration ✨️ On 6/28/2022 at 11:38 PM, KenA said: I honestly had waves for a really really long time. I don't know honestly how long they happend, but it was at least a year and a half or even more I'd ask u if u were having wave for a year and half non stop without windows ?! Bec I am having 11 months without any windows and so sad about it On 6/28/2022 at 11:38 PM, KenA said: My mentor taught me that this process can take years, but it's ok. The further and further along we get the better and better we will be. Are u experiencing any WD symptoms till now ? Or u have recovered/healed totally 🌻 Sep 2019 Escitalopram 5 mg Mar 2020 Escitalopram 40mg May 2020 Escitalopram 35 mg+25mg Clompiramine Sep 2020 Escitalopram 20mg +25mg Clompiramine Dec 2020 Escitalopram 15mg+ 25 mg Clompiramine Jan 2021 Escitalopram 10 mg + 25 mgClompiramine Feb 2021 Escitalopram 5mg +25 mgClompiramine Mar 2021 50 mg Clompiramine for few days Mar 2021 25 mg Clompiramine Apr 2021 0 mg Clompiramine " this step without consulting the Dr" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted August 29, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted August 29, 2022 On 8/28/2022 at 1:33 AM, Knosretep said: Hi Ken, I'm glad to read you're doing better! Hopefully by now you're back to 100%! I still read your success story often when I'm in a dark place, which has been often as I've adjusted to tapering and trying to find the best pace. Thanks for continuing to stick around and holding out that hand for the rest of us still struggling in the darkness. @Knosretep Thank you for the well wishes! I am back to 100 percent again and feeling back to normal. Def was a lot easier this time around. Milder symptoms and shorter recovery time Glad to hear that my success story helps you through the darkness I know how important that light we shine can be to help others in need!! You will get to this point one day as well and I look forward to reading your success story one day!! Keep hanging in there! You are doing awesome! Ken 1 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted August 29, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted August 29, 2022 (edited) 9 hours ago, Lilly998 said: CONGRATULATIONS for ur recovery 👏 Such an inspiration ✨️ I'd ask u if u were having wave for a year and half non stop without windows ?! Bec I am having 11 months without any windows and so sad about it Are u experiencing any WD symptoms till now ? Or u have recovered/healed totally 🌻 @Lilly998Thank you I would say the windows started for me around month 7-8 or so. They were very very small and short at first but as more and more time when by they got longer and brighter. Sorry to hear that you have gone for 11 months without any windows. I have a mentor who helped me through and it was the same way with her. No windows for a very long time and then when they started they were very brief! But she is completely healed now so just goes to show that everyone is different. We all heal in our own way! Never give up hope no matter how hard it gets to be. Your day of healing is coming as well no matter how long or how it gets here!! Just keep on taking it one day at a time until it does Happy to say I very rarely experience any symptoms at all anymore. Occasionally I will still get a bit of tinnitus and a bit of morning anxiety, but it fades within 10-15 minutes so it doesn't bother me at all. I just shrug my shoulders and go on about my business. Acceptance is huge!! Once you've learned how to accept everything that is happening to you, it loses its power over you! Symptoms if they come now days don't bother me a bit because I know they will go away shortly You are doing amazing!! Almost have made it to the 1 year mark!! That is huge!! You just have to keep hanging in there knowing that you too will be healed one day!! Doesn't matter how long it takes because the end result is that you will be healed and that is all that matters!! Till then just take it easy on yourself and accept the process You've got this and you know it! Ken Edited August 29, 2022 by KenA 5 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilly998 Posted August 29, 2022 Share Posted August 29, 2022 1 hour ago, KenA said: @Lilly998Thank you I would say the windows started for me around month 7-8 or so. They were very very small and short at first but as more and more time when by they got longer and brighter. Sorry to hear that you have gone for 11 months without any windows. I have a mentor who helped me through and it was the same way with her. No windows for a very long time and then when they started they were very brief! But she is completely healed now so just goes to show that everyone is different. We all heal in our own way! Never give up hope no matter how hard it gets to be. Your day of healing is coming as well no matter how long or how it gets here!! Just keep on taking it one day at a time until it does Happy to say I very rarely experience any symptoms at all anymore. Occasionally I will still get a bit of tinnitus and a bit of morning anxiety, but it fades within 10-15 minutes so it doesn't bother me at all. I just shrug my shoulders and go on about my business. Acceptance is huge!! Once you've learned how to accept everything that is happening to you, it loses its power over you! Symptoms if they come now days don't bother me a bit because I know they will go away shortly You are doing amazing!! Almost have made it to the 1 year mark!! That is huge!! You just have to keep hanging in there knowing that you too will be healed one day!! Doesn't matter how long it takes because the end result is that you will be healed and that is all that matters!! Till then just take it easy on yourself and accept the process You've got this and you know it! Ken @KenA thanks alot Ken for ur words I was in need of it 🌻✨️😀 But can I ask is it an uncommon thing here in sa to not have windows for a year .. and if u remember the name of the girl that u mentioned so I can talk to her it would be great 🌻 1 Sep 2019 Escitalopram 5 mg Mar 2020 Escitalopram 40mg May 2020 Escitalopram 35 mg+25mg Clompiramine Sep 2020 Escitalopram 20mg +25mg Clompiramine Dec 2020 Escitalopram 15mg+ 25 mg Clompiramine Jan 2021 Escitalopram 10 mg + 25 mgClompiramine Feb 2021 Escitalopram 5mg +25 mgClompiramine Mar 2021 50 mg Clompiramine for few days Mar 2021 25 mg Clompiramine Apr 2021 0 mg Clompiramine " this step without consulting the Dr" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebbie Posted August 30, 2022 Share Posted August 30, 2022 Thank you, Ken for your encouraging success story and continuing input encouraging others. I’ve just found this support site. When I approached my psychiatrist about tapering, she was very supportive to begin reducing my dosages 3-4 months ago. I didn’t think it was too fast, but now am aware of how quick my reductions have been and that I’m at risk for complex withdrawal symptoms. I’m monitoring my moods and cognition and physical symptoms and your words are very helpful to me as I navigate living life without psych meds since my diagnoses 23 years ago. 1 1999-2022: 23yr history of various psych meds (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotics) 5/2022-9/2022 began tapering quickly off: lamotrigine 400mg trazodone 100mg quetiapine 400mg topirimate 150mg rispiridone 4mg prazosin 8mg September-October 2022 reinstated .25 mg seroquelx1mo then d/c. Reduced pantoprazole 80mg to 40mg; reduced oxybutynin 10mg to 5mg; d/c meloxicam 15mg as it interferes with new rx of diclofenac 75mg2xdy inconsistent with vitamins/supplements as of yet, PWS symptoms are muscle/joint/bone pain and inflammation, fatigue, nausea. I have chronic headache and nose pain (not new) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted September 8, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted September 8, 2022 On 8/29/2022 at 5:36 PM, Lilly998 said: But can I ask is it an uncommon thing here in sa to not have windows for a year .. and if u remember the name of the girl that u mentioned so I can talk to her it would be great 🌻 @Lilly998It really does vary from person to person to be honest. There are some people who do not get windows and there are others that get them quite often. Everyone is different so it really just depends. My mentor's name is Denise, but she is not on the forums. She has moved on with her life from WD and no longer is active in the community. She and I keep in touch on Facebook. Ken 2 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted September 8, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted September 8, 2022 On 8/29/2022 at 8:20 PM, rebbie said: Thank you, Ken for your encouraging success story and continuing input encouraging others. I’ve just found this support site. When I approached my psychiatrist about tapering, she was very supportive to begin reducing my dosages 3-4 months ago. I didn’t think it was too fast, but now am aware of how quick my reductions have been and that I’m at risk for complex withdrawal symptoms. I’m monitoring my moods and cognition and physical symptoms and your words are very helpful to me as I navigate living life without psych meds since my diagnoses 23 years ago. @rebbie You are most welcome Keep hanging in there! You are going to make it!!! You've got this! 1 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonah2001 Posted September 9, 2022 Share Posted September 9, 2022 @KenA Hey Ken, i am very confused. I had a window, what lasted more or less 13-14 days where i felt quite okay. Not completely terrible, but also not perfect. And out of nowhere a wave hit me. I feel very bad out of nowhere. Did you also had such strong waves out of nowhere? It broke my heart! Because i was doing so "good". And did you felt completely normal in your windows at 14 month out? Because my windows are more like i feel okay and can imagine how it must feel to be completely normal. My windows feel like the groundhog phase that you describe. Not really bad but also not my old me full off excitement and energy. Somedays i feel realy good, but it's more like not good but also not bad.. Where your windows the groundhog phase or did you felt not bad but also not good in your waves? 23.11.2020 - 06.07.2021 Duloxetin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted September 9, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted September 9, 2022 (edited) @jonah2001 Hey there. Yep, the only thing that is predictable about the waves is that they are completely unpredictable!! They can hit you out of nowhere when you are feeling good. When your brain and CNS need to get more healing done, it will do so when it wants. I would have many extended windows that would last 2 weeks or more and then that dreaded wave would come back and bam, time for more healing. You just have to keep reminding yourself that the waves are necessary for your healing. Once you are fully healed they will stop and you will be well again. At 14 months out, I was still having waves hit me as well. I was getting extended windows like you, but those waves were always there waiting for me. I just got to the point that when it was time for a wave, I knew it was time for more healing. And once the wave passed, I knew the next windows would be amazing. Always focus on the positive!! As more and more time passes the waves will get less intense and become shorter. Just have to push through them!! You've got this!! Edited September 9, 2022 by KenA typo 2 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonah2001 Posted September 10, 2022 Share Posted September 10, 2022 Thank you so much for you answer. But can you tell me how you felt in your windows? Did you felt completely normal in your windows? Or did your windows got better and better and stronger over the time? 23.11.2020 - 06.07.2021 Duloxetin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted September 12, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted September 12, 2022 @jonah2001They would vary. Sometimes they would be absolutely amazing and I would feel normal again and could do anything. Other windows were just a break in the symptoms. Wouldn't necessarily feel amazing, but wouldn't feel bad either. It's all random my friend. Trying to make sense of it will only drive you crazy. Enjoy the good days and hang on during the rough ones. Over time I would have more and more good days, but for me the more I accepted what was happening, the less I would focus on the symptoms and I would just live. That's the best way I can honestly describe it. 1 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonah2001 Posted September 13, 2022 Share Posted September 13, 2022 Thank you so much Ken for your answer. I felt definitely okay for more or less 14 day's.. Now the wave hitted me again. But when I look back, I had definitely way more good day's in the last 6 week's, than 5 month ago.. It's like in average I get more good day's, and less bad day's. But the bad day's are still bad. And the strong waves come less often.. but when they come.. they really hit me on the ground. Like the last 3 day's. In the windows I think, wow I am almost there, and in the wave I think I am millions of kilometres away from being healed. Some symptoms (feelings, vanish for a couple of weeks. And than come back). It's such a terrible process, because I never know what will happen next. 23.11.2020 - 06.07.2021 Duloxetin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonah2001 Posted September 13, 2022 Share Posted September 13, 2022 But thank you so much Ken, for helping me through that terrible time. Without you guys, it would be impossible to survive that bullsh*t! Thank you Ken. With your help ( and the help of others like @Armorall, i wouldn't be able to go through all that suffering. But when you tell me: "Yes, i know that, had the same and now i am fine". It helps so incredible much!!! 2 23.11.2020 - 06.07.2021 Duloxetin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted September 25, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted September 25, 2022 @jonah2001 Of course my friend! Just remember that you are healing each and every day! Youve got this! 2 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus arbor Posted September 27, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 27, 2022 I really appreciate all that you're doing to help us keep up our spirits as we go through w/d. Thank you @KenA. 3 Zoloft: 1995 - 2015 Prozac: 2015 - 2018 (tapered from 40mg x day on July 31 to 30mg on August 31 to 20mg on September 31 to 10mg October 31 to 0mg on December 15, 2018 Gabapentin: 2016 to 2019 (tapered from 300mg x day to 150mg on August 31, 2019 to 75mg on September 15 to 50mg on September 31 to 25ishmg on October 15 to 0mg on December 1, 2019 Enalapril: 2010 - 2019 Lipitor: 2017 -2017 Metformin: 2000 - 2020 Liothyronine: 2007 - 2019 Levothyroxine: 2000 - 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted September 27, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted September 27, 2022 3 minutes ago, arbor said: I really appreciate all that you're doing to help us keep up our spirits as we go through w/d. Thank you @KenA. Most welcome my friend. Thats what Im here for 4 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator KenA Posted October 7, 2022 Author Administrator Share Posted October 7, 2022 Wow!!! Wednesday was my 3 year mark and I didn't even realize it Things have continued to get better and better!! Some days WD seems it was all just a bad dream!! For those of you still going through it, keep hanging in there!! It does get better I promise!!! 2 years ago I thought I was going to be the one rare exception and never heal, but here I am today to tell you that we all heal!! Given enough time you will heal as well!! Never ever give up! No matter what WD has to throw your way, never ever give up!! It's worth it I promise!!! Ken 3 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Moonpie Posted October 7, 2022 Mentor Share Posted October 7, 2022 Congratulations! You are an inspiration!! Your positive attitude is amazing! 1 .025 Xanax 3 x daily Start date 10-13-2013 through 8-13-2014. Started tapering 6-2014 to 8-2014. Some small discomfort. 25 mg Zoloft - Start date 5-1-2014. 50mg. 6-2014. through 7-14-2014 . Started tapering 7-14-2014, stopped tapering 10-2014. I did 1/4 of the dose a month. small discomfort. These next 3 were prescribed when I made some seriously bad choices with my thyroid medication. Was in ER twice for possible heart attack. INTENSE anxiety, panic, fear. Lost 30 pounds in 2 weeks. Thyroid levels bounced to extremes for 8 months. Dr. prescribed Zoloft 50mg 9-2105. After 2 doses had a bad reaction passed out in my bedroom. Also prescribed Xanax .025 at the same time. 3 times daily, 4 if needed. Was only on it about 2 weeks. Was not working. Trip ER they gave me an Ativan IV and it worked and lasted. switched to Ativan. 9-24-2016. 1.5 mg Ativan - .5 mg three x daily -start date 9/24/16. Attempted taper start 12-16-2016. Was shaving Pills and alternating tapering AM, PM and midday dose weekly. Buspar .5mg -2.5mg. am and 2. 5mg. pm start date 9-26-2016 . Lexapro .10mg start date - 10-26-2016. Found SA and began 10/14/2017 tapering .001 by weight of pill every 4 days Held longer if there were was WD. Was very sensitive to Ativan. 3-15-2018 Off midday dose - 7-16-2018 Off PM dose - OFF ATIVAN! 11-17-2018 10 mg. Lexapro. PM - 5 mg start date 10/11/2016 increased to 10 mg 2/2/17. 1-1-2019 Began tapering Lexapro. .001 gm every 4 days. Held longer if there was WD. Last doses some I held a month. OFF LEXAPRO! 2-21 2021 5 mg. Buspar divided into two, 2.5 mg doses AM and PM- Start date 9/26/2016 Cold turkey on Dr. direction, AM and Pm doses. Reinstated 9-22-16. Began Buspar taper 1-29-23, .001 mg by weight of pills. N.P. Desiccated Thyroid. 1-2023 Labs okay but not where I feel best. 60 mg. daily now but adding 15 mg. more twice weekly for a few months then check. Bioidentical hormones. Bi-est/Prog cream, 1/4 tsp. 1 time daily My intro: Moonpie:. Need help and supporting tapering off of Ativan My benzo thread: Moonpie: Need help Ativan weight tapering Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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