3,2,1: Under 3 mg Valium people

[[Ma...]]

Thank you so much for beautiful post. It helps a lot. To summarize, just because I hit a wall at 2 mg, it’s not a set in stone scenario.

[[Ha...]]

I agree Hamburgertime! And I would even go further to say hold a month or more! I truly believe that you will heal on the same timeline whether you taper fast or slow, it is just whether you want to remain functional on the way down.

 

PS Hamburgertime you win best username

 

Haha I stole it from a Cartoon 

[[To...]]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I think I will hold for 10-14 days and reassess at that point. The mental symptoms really trouble me, as well as the fear of not getting better. I guess that's fairly common though for people going through this stuff.

[[Ba...]]

I agree Hamburgertime! And I would even go further to say hold a month or more! I truly believe that you will heal on the same timeline whether you taper fast or slow, it is just whether you want to remain functional on the way down.

 

PS Hamburgertime you win best username

 

Very good point-- staying functional.  And after almost 3 years I know I can't stay nonfunctional.  I'm alone and isolated and it is impossible.

 

So guess that means either slow it down or add adjunct medicine.

 

I can't imagine anyone being more stubborn and persistent than me, and realize a lot of people seem to do the taper taper taper and be ok...  some of us hard cases don't seem to work that way.  Well, or it will take a long time as been on the drugs forever.

[[Ba...]]

Blacklab,

 

Interesting you wrote you would make changes--  that is the one thing I was sort of set against.  I somehow got it into my mind I would taper off a bit at a time and that is it.  Uh, my body has not appreciated this and can't keep it up.

 

The fact that there is no set pattern to any of this, yes, makes it really so hard.  I should have read your guy's attitude way back!!

[[Ba...]]

Magnolis,

 

Reading your sit you took 'L Methyl" and crashed...  is that the B vitamin or something else?  huh.

[[va...]]

Magnolis I updosed to 2.5 and when I'm ready to taper again, not now, I'm planning a four year taper like begood. That's just me. It's a very individual decision.

[[Ba...]]

Valium,  so your updose worked ok?

 

Not sure if I need an updose or an add on... but certainly need something.

 

Thanks you guys.

[[ho...]]

Weighing in as this is my second rodeo. Both times hospital prescribed med set me up. I'm different from some as very sensitive to any med so have to be careful. One piece of advice: sometimes the lower the dose, the greater the cuts' impact. Take as long as your body needs to settle down. If a cut causes immediate issues, go back to the previous dose and hold until things get better.  Only time I recommend an updose.

 

First time had to stick at 3.5mg a month then drop to 3.0mg. After 3.0mg did OK with routine drops 7-10 days until I hit 1.0mg. Tried the Ashton 1.0mg to 0.5mg and had vertigo so bad I couldn't even sit up unaided for about a week. Held a month at 1.0mg. Then dropped to 0 by 10% cuts per week. That kept the bad symptoms at bay. Yes, even something like 0.15mg had some effect.

 

Second time, I'm at 3.5mg now. Dec 1 due to alternate 3.0 and 3.5 for a week to transition down to 3.0mg. I've done this before when I had to hold at one level so that the next cut was a more gentle landing.  This time shorter exposure to offending hospital drug so hoped taper would be brief.  Not so much. After coming off 4.5mg pretty well with decent cuts, tried initially a week at 3.5mg. Felt OK, ate, few problems and went to 3.0mg- big mistake. Lost it day 2 with uncontrollable vomiting which last another 2 days so back to 3.5mg after first 48 hours. Holding couple of weeks to get weight and activity level back up.

 

I've written it several times, but I use liposomal vitamin C 1000mg and flush free niacin 500mg for anxiety and general withdrawal. I try to take at least one vit C/day and use x3 doses or more of niacin. 250mg of Taurine for any muscle shaking including jaw clenching. *Take this with food as it drops blood sugar.

 

The Organic India brand Ashwaganda 400-800mg works great to relax in general, and makes me drowsy.

 

Please eat regularly as any shifts in BS can precipitate a wave. Bedtime snack with complex carb/protein can sometimes help sleep.  If you get the early AM jitters that so many report, try some quick carbs (like 1/2 PBJ or some rice) with a little juice.  It may be low BS triggered.  Avoid alcohol or caffeine as they can cause waves.

 

I've learned each withdrawal has both similarities and differences in patterns and symptoms.  Like the information on the forum, these experiences assure you that this too will pass. Salute to all endeavoring to gain control over your lives, and pray for support for hearts and minds through the dark moments. Well done.

 

 

 

[[Ma...]]

I haven’t slept and feel like I’m going crazy. Yesterday I was going to cave with the taper because of the destruction of my life. I took a small dose of mirtz which I’m not doing again.  I can’t listen to any sound as I’m completely frazzled in nerves. With ever day of this I get weaker. Any ideas in habits? Should I just take a walk at 4am? I have to do something different. Lying there shaking in agony watching the sun come up I is not sustainable. There are childhood abandonment issues at play here.

[[Bl...]]

Blacklab,

 

Interesting you wrote you would make changes--  that is the one thing I was sort of set against.  I somehow got it into my mind I would taper off a bit at a time and that is it.  Uh, my body has not appreciated this and can't keep it up.

 

The fact that there is no set pattern to any of this, yes, makes it really so hard.  I should have read your guy's attitude way back!!

 

Barbara Ave,

I was so bad after being off the Chloradiapoxide for 34 days I seriously didn't think I would make it. Physically and mentally!!! If I ever got near to feeling that way I would recognize it and no way would I put myself in that position again!  I would do any change necessary,believe me! It was a very scary time period for me and even thinking about it now can bring me to tears. Whether you slow it down, hold, use adjunctive medicine, you will get through this!!! Your journey has been a long one, with a lot of hard footing, but you will climb this mountain to the other side!!!! Sending you all the positive vibes I have!!! ❤

[[Bl...]]

I haven’t slept and feel like I’m going crazy. Yesterday I was going to cave with the taper because of the destruction of my life. I took a small dose of mirtz which I’m not doing again.  I can’t listen to any sound as I’m completely frazzled in nerves. With ever day of this I get weaker. Any ideas in habits? Should I just take a walk at 4am? I have to do something different. Lying there shaking in agony watching the sun come up I is not sustainable. There are childhood abandonment issues at play here.

Magnolia,

I totally get the haven't slept, going crazy thing.  I am not going to suggest anything but tell you what I chose to do.  I was offered Gabapentin for my SX's but read on here it was pretty hard to get off of so refused that for treatment.  I was offered Prozac 40 mg to help me with my acute anxiety and the depression from this all happening to me and fearing I had no future, so I opted to take it to try to help stabilize me psychologically.  As well, I was offered 50 mg Trazedone which is a SSRI known to have a sedating effect for my chronic insomnia.  Yes I will have to ween from it but it has helped me tremendously! With sleep, everything didn't seem so 'bad' and so I think I was able to deal with all the SX's better than having no sleep at all.  It is totally up to you if you choose to add something into your regime and totally respect that that may not be in the cards for you.  I was on Zopiclone previously, but as soon as my Specialist saw that she freaked and said I had to change to the lesser of the evil sleeping aids.  I wonder if it too has helped me with my anxiety and depression as like Prozac, it is an SSRI.  No way to know for sure but I believe these 2 meds have been helpful during my taper.  Hang in there! ❤

[[va...]]

I haven’t slept and feel like I’m going crazy. Yesterday I was going to cave with the taper because of the destruction of my life. I took a small dose of mirtz which I’m not doing again.  I can’t listen to any sound as I’m completely frazzled in nerves. With ever day of this I get weaker. Any ideas in habits? Should I just take a walk at 4am? I have to do something different. Lying there shaking in agony watching the sun come up I is not sustainable. There are childhood abandonment issues at play here.

 

When I was like that (or what I think is like that, because really none of us knows exactly what another is going through), I paced the living room as this is an apartment, some buddies have paced their drive way. However even if  you don't sleep, you must try to lie down at least for five hours, even if they're not straight. Your body needs the rest. I know of your SI thoughts so walking helps with that even inside the house. For me TELEVISION was essential. I had it on 24/7 and mostly reality TV with a lot of people arguing, crying, etc, it kind of distracted me a tiny little bit from my misery. This is very tough Magnolis I know, but you have to focus on making it one more day. Just think you have to make it through tonight, and tomorrow you focus on tomorrow. Don't allow yourself to think long term because it's worse. There's only two things that work: acceptance and distraction. And the only thing that will make you feel better is time. It's very very hard but other people have done it and you will do it too. Have you been listening to the Baylissa videos? I really think they help.

[[Ma...]]

I haven’t slept and feel like I’m going crazy. Yesterday I was going to cave with the taper because of the destruction of my life. I took a small dose of mirtz which I’m not doing again.  I can’t listen to any sound as I’m completely frazzled in nerves. With ever day of this I get weaker. Any ideas in habits? Should I just take a walk at 4am? I have to do something different. Lying there shaking in agony watching the sun come up I is not sustainable. There are childhood abandonment issues at play here.

Magnolia,

I totally get the haven't slept, going crazy thing.  I am not going to suggest anything but tell you what I chose to do.  I was offered Gabapentin for my SX's but read on here it was pretty hard to get off of so refused that for treatment.  I was offered Prozac 40 mg to help me with my acute anxiety and the depression from this all happening to me and fearing I had no future, so I opted to take it to try to help stabilize me psychologically.  As well, I was offered 50 mg Trazedone which is a SSRI known to have a sedating effect for my chronic insomnia.  Yes I will have to ween from it but it has helped me tremendously! With sleep, everything didn't seem so 'bad' and so I think I was able to deal with all the SX's better than having no sleep at all.  It is totally up to you if you choose to add something into your regime and totally respect that that may not be in the cards for you.  I was on Zopiclone previously, but as soon as my Specialist saw that she freaked and said I had to change to the lesser of the evil sleeping aids.  I wonder if it too has helped me with my anxiety and depression as like Prozac, it is an SSRI.  No way to know for sure but I believe these 2 meds have been helpful during my taper.  Hang in there! ❤

 

You have given some great advice and support today BLL,  :thumbsup:

[[Bl...]]

I haven’t slept and feel like I’m going crazy. Yesterday I was going to cave with the taper because of the destruction of my life. I took a small dose of mirtz which I’m not doing again.  I can’t listen to any sound as I’m completely frazzled in nerves. With ever day of this I get weaker. Any ideas in habits? Should I just take a walk at 4am? I have to do something different. Lying there shaking in agony watching the sun come up I is not sustainable. There are childhood abandonment issues at play here.

Magnolia,

I totally get the haven't slept, going crazy thing.  I am not going to suggest anything but tell you what I chose to do.  I was offered Gabapentin for my SX's but read on here it was pretty hard to get off of so refused that for treatment.  I was offered Prozac 40 mg to help me with my acute anxiety and the depression from this all happening to me and fearing I had no future, so I opted to take it to try to help stabilize me psychologically.  As well, I was offered 50 mg Trazedone which is a SSRI known to have a sedating effect for my chronic insomnia.  Yes I will have to ween from it but it has helped me tremendously! With sleep, everything didn't seem so 'bad' and so I think I was able to deal with all the SX's better than having no sleep at all.  It is totally up to you if you choose to add something into your regime and totally respect that that may not be in the cards for you.  I was on Zopiclone previously, but as soon as my Specialist saw that she freaked and said I had to change to the lesser of the evil sleeping aids.  I wonder if it too has helped me with my anxiety and depression as like Prozac, it is an SSRI.  No way to know for sure but I believe these 2 meds have been helpful during my taper.  Hang in there! ❤

 

You have given some great advice and support today BLL,  :thumbsup:

Thanks Mary!  How is your taper going so far.  I know you were holding and going to switch all to liquid I believe.  Then I think you may have started tapering again?  Regardless, I hope you are doing well! ❤

[[...]]

Hi!

SO sad to hear that people are suffering from insomnia. Falling asleep has always been an issue for me, but for the last years, the combination of Clomipramine(which is very sedating) and Prozac(which augments the Clomipramine), and Mirtazapine has helped me fall asleep much easier. This is NOT something I recommend though, because although it may help in that way, it is crazy to be on three different antidepressants at the same time(deadly for some even, but my body seems to tolerate the combination), and in my opinion, they do much more harm than they(might) do good. I am not looking forward to tapering off them as the insomnia will probably become a big problem.

 

Blacklablady, happy to hear that you refused the Gabapentin!!! I was on maximum dosage of Lyrica(Pregabalin, which is a more potent version of Gabapentin) for two years, and it did nothing for the anxiety and sleep. It made me gain 20 kgs, and was awful to taper off. It took me 1 and 1/2 to get off the Lyrica, and it was almost as bad as the benso taper. Those drugs are poison too, and is very addictive, which most doctors seems to deny.

 

Right now I am having a hard time. I have reduced 0,25 mg three weeks in a row, and the last days has been awful. So many intrusive thoughts and the anxiety is unbearable. I wake up at 5 every morning, because either I have had nightmares, or intrusive thoughts(OCD thoughts) in my sleep. I am realizing that I wont be able to taper off the last 1,125 mg as fast. At the same time I am just dying to get it over with.

Maybe I could taper 0,125 mg per week. Anyone that have some advice?

 

Sending you all my support and thoughts!!!

[[Ba...]]

Wow I am someone who mirtazapine started this whole abomination... and know Trazadone makes me feel weird, even just trying it now and again for sleep... and guess gabapentin or lyrica my only alternative option.

 

I got sick last week (cold going quickly into bronchitis) so did take 50 mg lyrica to sleep.  OMG, to sleep is so wonderful!!  But then after a few days, stop it, as was a bit dizzy (which can be usual but this worse).. but then without it, today, vibrating like crazy and cannot focus on anything.... not TV, not nothing.  Braindead.  It might also be that am down crumb of clonopin and thought I could halve it and get off.  That was 3 days ago so maybe I can't do it?  went from .09 by weight (.5 mg pill) to .04 or .05).

 

Meanwhile I feel distraught am still on ambien and is that not a problem?  My dr. is nice guy but it is like well we can try this, we can try that, up on ambien, down on valium..... and I don't like adding in anything else but can't continue this way.

 

Maybe another dr?  Just so miserable and over this and 3 years and still on this crud and I was not on that much more at the time.  But the mirtazapine plunged me into this that was the biggie.  Well, felt bad on it and CT it and then it was disaster for me.

 

?

 

Poor Mary has heard all this about a million times...

[[...]]

Wow I am someone who mirtazapine started this whole abomination... and know Trazadone makes me feel weird, even just trying it now and again for sleep... and guess gabapentin or lyrica my only alternative option.

 

I got sick last week (cold going quickly into bronchitis) so did take 50 mg lyrica to sleep.  OMG, to sleep is so wonderful!!  But then after a few days, stop it, as was a bit dizzy (which can be usual but this worse).. but then without it, today, vibrating like crazy and cannot focus on anything.... not TV, not nothing.  Braindead.  It might also be that am down crumb of clonopin and thought I could halve it and get off.  That was 3 days ago so maybe I can't do it?  went from .09 by weight (.5 mg pill) to .04 or .05).

 

Meanwhile I feel distraught am still on ambien and is that not a problem?  My dr. is nice guy but it is like well we can try this, we can try that, up on ambien, down on valium..... and I don't like adding in anything else but can't continue this way.

 

Maybe another dr?  Just so miserable and over this and 3 years and still on this crud and I was not on that much more at the time.  But the mirtazapine plunged me into this that was the biggie.  Well, felt bad on it and CT it and then it was disaster for me.

 

?

 

Poor Mary has heard all this about a million times...

 

Sorry to hear about the insomnia and that you are feeling worse. Unfortunately I don't have any good advice regarding the sleep-issue, since it has never been my biggest problem. I guess you have tried melatonin and the antihistamines that makes you sleepy(like Atarax)? That has helped me some when I have had trouble sleeping. And I would really try to stay off Lyrica, because it can really be hell on earth to taper off if you get addicted to it(from my own experience). I understand that can be hard, especially if it gives you a good nights sleep! Have you tried any other therapies for your insomnia? Like hypnosis, herbs or anything like that?

[[Ma...]]

I haven’t slept and feel like I’m going crazy. Yesterday I was going to cave with the taper because of the destruction of my life. I took a small dose of mirtz which I’m not doing again.  I can’t listen to any sound as I’m completely frazzled in nerves. With ever day of this I get weaker. Any ideas in habits? Should I just take a walk at 4am? I have to do something different. Lying there shaking in agony watching the sun come up I is not sustainable. There are childhood abandonment issues at play here.

Magnolia,

I totally get the haven't slept, going crazy thing.  I am not going to suggest anything but tell you what I chose to do.  I was offered Gabapentin for my SX's but read on here it was pretty hard to get off of so refused that for treatment.  I was offered Prozac 40 mg to help me with my acute anxiety and the depression from this all happening to me and fearing I had no future, so I opted to take it to try to help stabilize me psychologically.  As well, I was offered 50 mg Trazedone which is a SSRI known to have a sedating effect for my chronic insomnia.  Yes I will have to ween from it but it has helped me tremendously! With sleep, everything didn't seem so 'bad' and so I think I was able to deal with all the SX's better than having no sleep at all.  It is totally up to you if you choose to add something into your regime and totally respect that that may not be in the cards for you.  I was on Zopiclone previously, but as soon as my Specialist saw that she freaked and said I had to change to the lesser of the evil sleeping aids.  I wonder if it too has helped me with my anxiety and depression as like Prozac, it is an SSRI.  No way to know for sure but I believe these 2 meds have been helpful during my taper.  Hang in there! ❤

 

You have given some great advice and support today BLL,  :thumbsup:

Thanks Mary!  How is your taper going so far.  I know you were holding and going to switch all to liquid I believe.  Then I think you may have started tapering again?  Regardless, I hope you are doing well! ❤

 

Hey BLL, sorry I missed your post.  All on liquid but holding until after holidays, just in case I might happen to feel well enough to enjoy some  . 

[[Ba...]]

Wow I am someone who mirtazapine started this whole abomination... and know Trazadone makes me feel weird, even just trying it now and again for sleep... and guess gabapentin or lyrica my only alternative option.

 

I got sick last week (cold going quickly into bronchitis) so did take 50 mg lyrica to sleep.  OMG, to sleep is so wonderful!!  But then after a few days, stop it, as was a bit dizzy (which can be usual but this worse).. but then without it, today, vibrating like crazy and cannot focus on anything.... not TV, not nothing.  Braindead.  It might also be that am down crumb of clonopin and thought I could halve it and get off.  That was 3 days ago so maybe I can't do it?  went from .09 by weight (.5 mg pill) to .04 or .05).

 

Meanwhile I feel distraught am still on ambien and is that not a problem?  My dr. is nice guy but it is like well we can try this, we can try that, up on ambien, down on valium..... and I don't like adding in anything else but can't continue this way.

 

Maybe another dr?  Just so miserable and over this and 3 years and still on this crud and I was not on that much more at the time.  But the mirtazapine plunged me into this that was the biggie.  Well, felt bad on it and CT it and then it was disaster for me.

 

?

 

Poor Mary has heard all this about a million times...

 

Sorry to hear about the insomnia and that you are feeling worse. Unfortunately I don't have any good advice regarding the sleep-issue, since it has never been my biggest problem. I guess you have tried melatonin and the antihistamines that makes you sleepy(like Atarax)? That has helped me some when I have had trouble sleeping. And I would really try to stay off Lyrica, because it can really be hell on earth to taper off if you get addicted to it(from my own experience). I understand that can be hard, especially if it gives you a good nights sleep! Have you tried any other therapies for your insomnia? Like hypnosis, herbs or anything like that?

 

Yeah, I have tried many herbs, tried hypnosis ages ago, and I listen to everything on youtube re sleep meditations, hypnosis, yoga nidra, etc.  Can't take vistaril or propanalol or benedryl, all the ones generally suggested as they dry me out terribly.  Melatonin have tried over the years a bit, and occasionally I sleep but generally makes me depressed.  I guess could try another brand?  Yes I wound up on benzos for sleep and becaue there is so much else I just cannot tolerate at all.  Not a good situation.  Thanks for your input!  Oh, I have not tried sleepio which is CBT for insomnia.  My schedule is reversed-- but it always has tended this way.

[[...]]

Wow I am someone who mirtazapine started this whole abomination... and know Trazadone makes me feel weird, even just trying it now and again for sleep... and guess gabapentin or lyrica my only alternative option.

 

I got sick last week (cold going quickly into bronchitis) so did take 50 mg lyrica to sleep.  OMG, to sleep is so wonderful!!  But then after a few days, stop it, as was a bit dizzy (which can be usual but this worse).. but then without it, today, vibrating like crazy and cannot focus on anything.... not TV, not nothing.  Braindead.  It might also be that am down crumb of clonopin and thought I could halve it and get off.  That was 3 days ago so maybe I can't do it?  went from .09 by weight (.5 mg pill) to .04 or .05).

 

Meanwhile I feel distraught am still on ambien and is that not a problem?  My dr. is nice guy but it is like well we can try this, we can try that, up on ambien, down on valium..... and I don't like adding in anything else but can't continue this way.

 

Maybe another dr?  Just so miserable and over this and 3 years and still on this crud and I was not on that much more at the time.  But the mirtazapine plunged me into this that was the biggie.  Well, felt bad on it and CT it and then it was disaster for me.

 

?

 

Poor Mary has heard all this about a million times...

 

Sorry to hear about the insomnia and that you are feeling worse. Unfortunately I don't have any good advice regarding the sleep-issue, since it has never been my biggest problem. I guess you have tried melatonin and the antihistamines that makes you sleepy(like Atarax)? That has helped me some when I have had trouble sleeping. And I would really try to stay off Lyrica, because it can really be hell on earth to taper off if you get addicted to it(from my own experience). I understand that can be hard, especially if it gives you a good nights sleep! Have you tried any other therapies for your insomnia? Like hypnosis, herbs or anything like that?

 

Yeah, I have tried many herbs, tried hypnosis ages ago, and I listen to everything on youtube re sleep meditations, hypnosis, yoga nidra, etc.  Can't take vistaril or propanalol or benedryl, all the ones generally suggested as they dry me out terribly.  Melatonin have tried over the years a bit, and occasionally I sleep but generally makes me depressed.  I guess could try another brand?  Yes I wound up on benzos for sleep and becaue there is so much else I just cannot tolerate at all.  Not a good situation.  Thanks for your input!  Oh, I have not tried sleepio which is CBT for insomnia.  My schedule is reversed-- but it always has tended this way.

 

I should have figured you would, having that problem for so long. Honestly, I cannot even imagine having insomnia on top of all this other shit that I am dealing with. I do have trouble with disrupted sleep. Especially after making a cut I wake up really early and cannot go back to sleep, or my sleep is very vivid, or I tend to wake up all the time. But if I haven't slept for one or two nights the anxiety is ten times worse at least. Not being able to sleep would probably push me over the edge very fast.

Is your plan to taper off both the Valium and Ambien, or just Valium?

[[Ba...]]

I originally thought I'd get off everything, since I am stubborn and disciplined.  However, that and no support and isolation I don't see it happening.  In fact, wonder if I had not started to cut klonopin would I be in this mess at all.

 

That being said, would like to get off the crumb of klonopin am on at least.

 

But yeah I don't know what to do with the not sleeping unless I do take something and then it is only a few hrs.  But this is not living, is the problem.  I am so fearful.

[[Bl...]]

I haven’t slept and feel like I’m going crazy. Yesterday I was going to cave with the taper because of the destruction of my life. I took a small dose of mirtz which I’m not doing again.  I can’t listen to any sound as I’m completely frazzled in nerves. With ever day of this I get weaker. Any ideas in habits? Should I just take a walk at 4am? I have to do something different. Lying there shaking in agony watching the sun come up I is not sustainable. There are childhood abandonment issues at play here.

Magnolia,

I totally get the haven't slept, going crazy thing.  I am not going to suggest anything but tell you what I chose to do.  I was offered Gabapentin for my SX's but read on here it was pretty hard to get off of so refused that for treatment.  I was offered Prozac 40 mg to help me with my acute anxiety and the depression from this all happening to me and fearing I had no future, so I opted to take it to try to help stabilize me psychologically.  As well, I was offered 50 mg Trazedone which is a SSRI known to have a sedating effect for my chronic insomnia.  Yes I will have to ween from it but it has helped me tremendously! With sleep, everything didn't seem so 'bad' and so I think I was able to deal with all the SX's better than having no sleep at all.  It is totally up to you if you choose to add something into your regime and totally respect that that may not be in the cards for you.  I was on Zopiclone previously, but as soon as my Specialist saw that she freaked and said I had to change to the lesser of the evil sleeping aids.  I wonder if it too has helped me with my anxiety and depression as like Prozac, it is an SSRI.  No way to know for sure but I believe these 2 meds have been helpful during my taper.  Hang in there! ❤

 

You have given some great advice and support today BLL,  :thumbsup:

Thanks Mary!  How is your taper going so far.  I know you were holding and going to switch all to liquid I believe.  Then I think you may have started tapering again?  Regardless, I hope you are doing well! ❤

 

Hey BLL, sorry I missed your post.  All on liquid but holding until after holidays, just in case I might happen to feel well enough to enjoy some  .

 

Mary, it sounds like a great plan!!! If you are feeling reasonably good, then I totally get holding, as it such a joyous time of year to be able to spend it with family and friends.  I would not rock the boat either if I were in your shoes!!! We have to live life still!!!! And the holidays are such a special time of year!! Good for you!❤

[[To...]]

Well, down to 2.6 now. Having worse mornings with fearful intrusive thoughts and difficulty prying myself out of bed. Also having extreme sound sensitivity and aversions to public situations. Sometimes I wonder what are considered acceptable symptoms for continuing a taper versus holding. I suppose that's different for everyone though. It seems like one of our challenges is finding that balance between wanting off the poison and not going so fast that we take longer to heal once off.

[[Bl...]]

Well, down to 2.6 now. Having worse mornings with fearful intrusive thoughts and difficulty prying myself out of bed. Also having extreme sound sensitivity and aversions to public situations. Sometimes I wonder what are considered acceptable symptoms for continuing a taper versus holding. I suppose that's different for everyone though. It seems like one of our challenges is finding that balance between wanting off the poison and not going so fast that we take longer to heal once off.

Tom, hang in there! Congrats on getting to 2.6!  I know that not wanting to get out of bed feeling and not wanting to see or be around people.  It was strong many times throughout my taper!  I found that I didn't even want to get together with family or friends, but once I was in those situations, I was so thankful I was. It made me feel alive again.  I didn't do it too often, every month I tried to do something and I think it helped me immensely.  The balance is definitely hard to find, so when you feel like you're up for something you should seize that moment! For me as well, I couldn't watch tv for months! The noise, the flashing blips of light would set me off into headaches and feeling sick.  I was able to gradually read a bit more, which was quiet, and if I started to feel dizzy or off I just closed my book and my eyes and rested, or daydreamed/tried to take a nap.  Just keep on doing what you're doing, and keep working on the balance.  Sometimes you will be off balance, maybe even for a while, but our bodies naturally crave that equilibrium, and you will get there! ❤