I think I finally know what landed me on benzos in the first place...

[[co...]]

Sorry this is so long! I wanted to share in case someone may be experiencing something similar.

 

For the past couple of years I've had strange off and on symptoms but they were infrequent so I usually attributed them to stress or not getting enough sleep. Then about 8 months ago the symptoms became severe and persistent. The symptoms included: episodes of extreme fatigue, elevated heart rate upon sitting and standing, feeling short of breath while standing and walking while my heart rate was elevated, heat intolerance, random muscle twitches, and trembling even though I wasn't cold.

 

I did blood tests for: Lyme disease, autoimmune markers, anemia, thyroid, and blood count (all normal). I did a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, EKG, 24 hour holter monitor, and 21 day event heart monitor (my heart is structurally normal and no significant arrhythmias were found).

 

After all of this my primary doctor basically said, "Looks like you have anxiety! Here are some benzos and a prescription for an antidepressant!" I never took the antidepressant because they've always made me feel 10x worse in the past. I took the benzos because I didn't know how else to hold down my job and function.

 

Well 8 months later I hit an absolute wall after the holidays and was literally bedridden for several days. I also had an episode where my heart rate monitor recorded my heart rate at 199 beats per minute with high blood pressure. Both my heart rate and blood pressure came down to normal levels after a several minutes but I was freaked out so I went back to the doctor.

 

He referred me to a Cardiologist who said based on my symptoms and elevated heart rate upon changing positions he thinks it's "probable" that I have a form of dysautonomia (a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system) called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

 

I'm currently working with him on an "official" diagnosis and a better treatment plan. I feel so relieved that someone isn't brushing off my concerns and saying my symptoms are "just anxiety." I can't wait to get off of these stupid pills and actually start treating the source of the symptoms.

 

Yay for good doctors!! 

[[be...]]

Hi:

 

That's a bit odd. The symptoms your describe before taking benzos are very similar to the w/d effects while getting off them and in post taper. Well, at least you found a doc that will help you through your problems. That's good news indeed. Bets

[[co...]]

Hi:

 

That's a bit odd. The symptoms your describe before taking benzos are very similar to the w/d effects while getting off them and in post taper. Well, at least you found a doc that will help you through your problems. That's good news indeed. Bets

 

I agree! I think the symptoms are similar between POTS and benzo withdrawal because they're all the result of a dysfunctional nervous system (someone correct me if I'm wrong though). Once the nervous system heals or starts functioning better, then the symptoms diminish.

[[Bi...]]

yes its all wd...i had pots...still do but much better