Are you like me?

[[Ni...]]

Hi,

 

I'm hoping to find people with cases similar to mine. I've been on Benzodiazepines for over 10 years (now) and about 14 months ago I began feeling many of the symptoms of benzo use. For example, brain fog, confusion, dizziness, depression, vertigo. Then I did some research and thought I may have Lyme disease and when I tested my CD57 (fighter gene that is a common determinate for lyme) and it came back low. This told my lyme literate doctor that I do in fact have it. But some of my research on benzos show that symptoms are similar and can mimic lyme. Has anyone thought they had Lyme and been tested while having a long history of taking benzos?

[Guest [Le...]]

Hello, Nico1187 - welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

It's certainly possible that the problems you are experiencing could be triggered by benzo use - benzodiazepine related symptoms often mimic those of a number of diseases. Some of our current members are also positive for Lyme, as well as having symptoms from benzo tolerance and/or withdrawal, so you'll be able to start a discussion and they will be happy to join in.

 

I'm so glad you decided to join the forum - you'll find plenty of information and support here. Our members have gone through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, so you'll be able to connect with others who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.

 

Please feel free to post to any of the specialized boards, which can all be accessed from the BenzoBuddies Community Forum homepage. Based on the information provided in your introduction, the following links may be a good starting place for you. I'm not sure if you are planning to taper from your benzo at this time, but there's quite a lot of information to be found to help you determine a course of action.

 

  General Taper Plans

 

  Withdrawal Support During Your Taper

 

When you have a chance, we highly recommend that you take a look at The Ashton Manual, which is an authoritative source on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery, authored by Dr. C. Heather Ashton, who is an expert in the field. It provides a great deal of information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations on the reasons for their existence.

 

For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days, and some taper even slower than that. One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that. 

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature. This will allow members to see where you are in the process, so that they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!

Leslie