Need a support Buddie

[[JR...]]

I am now 50 days post jump off.  I thought I was doing better, but yesterday I got hit hard with a wave of neck pain, back pain and foggy brain (can not focus), It is still going on...I am in Hell again!

Need some words of encouragement, that I WILL GET THROUGH THIS HELL.  As my significant other is getting overwhelmed, doesn't understand what I am going through, and has no patience, she says I just need to snap out of it...I wish I could! 

[[pi...]]

Hello JRXanax,

 

I can tell you that what you are going through is pretty normal for withdrawal. No, it's not pleasant...  Healing from benzo withdrawal is not linear. There will be ups and downs and some times you will feel like you are taking one step forward and two steps back.

 

At 50 days off I was still very much in the thick of things. In fact, at about 4 months I got hit with a new symptom, the dizzy boaty feeling which persisted for quite a while.

 

You will get through this. The best way to deal is to find distractions, anything that will take your mind off withdrawal. I had a "bag of tricks" that I used every day and sometimes through the night. I watched light hearted movies, did puzzles, played Scrabble on the computer, did crossword puzzles and read Success Stories. 

 

You will get through this because you will survive each moment, each hour, each day believing that your body will recover.  You know, the nervous system wants to find balance again and will work towards that goal.

 

My symptoms gradually eased up, it took longer than I wished but it was well worth the wait.  Being benzo free and healed in amazing. Give it time, you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

pianogirl 

[[bl...]]

Hi Pianogirl!

I'm just wondering if you could tell me how long you had the dizzy/boaty feeling and how did it finally leave you?  Like did it fade away very gradually and slowly or was it just gone all of a sudden one day ?  It's one of my worst symptoms that I'm dealing with right now along with visual perception issues (I think they are connected) and it makes me so distressed that some days I feel totally hopeless.

[[pi...]]

Hi Pianogirl!

I'm just wondering if you could tell me how long you had the dizzy/boaty feeling and how did it finally leave you?  Like did it fade away very gradually and slowly or was it just gone all of a sudden one day ?  It's one of my worst symptoms that I'm dealing with right now along with visual perception issues (I think they are connected) and it makes me so distressed that some days I feel totally hopeless.

 

Hello,

 

The dizzy/boaty feeling persisted for several months in varying intensity.  Gradually it eased up. I can remember having to hold on to the counter at the grocery checkout because of this issue. It did go away, completely.

 

I know this is a difficult symptom to deal with. Benzos have a strong effect on the vestibular system and sometimes it takes a while for this symptom to ease up. You are right, I'm sure the visual problems are related as well.  While only time is the real healer, I did do some vestibular exercises. I'll see if I can find them and post a link for you.

 

PG 

[[pe...]]

I'm a few weeks ahead of you and I recognize the fears. 7-8 weeks I was having many good days. Hit with a 12 hour siege of anxiety and weakness last Sunday and it suddenly lifted and I went on with a fabulous day. I think it's so unpredictable and that keeps us off balance. Remember the waves come and go much as the xanax came and went. For me it does feel like such a success when it goes to just balanced and quiet for a few hours or a day. It does happen but outside stressors can really rock us back. REmember we were on xanax for a reason. if one of those "reasons" comes back in our conscious life then we must go thru it by our new selves.

Explain to your partner when you are feeling good so they see the rays of life and light. Then when it hits bad again tell them you are in a bad time and to be patient.

It's hard for them as well. They didn't know how much we suffered with things and how the xanax affected us and now we are trying to be a new person with only half the skills.

I believe it is here - in bits and pieces - and sometime in the future it will be there more and more.

We're all here for you as well.

pearlgirl

[[je...]]

Congrats on your 50 days post jump!!  As for waves/windows it's good to just keep in mind that the vast majority of us experience it and it's helpful to look at it as a sign of healing.  Muscle pain, joint pain, burning, bring fog, etc., is an annoyance of withdrawal but it does pass as stated by out other buddies.

 

I am glad you are on this board because you can count on us BBs to be here 24/7/365.  You are on a very good path to healing.  Stay the course.  Just remember you will get through it and that you are "in it" for YOURSELF.

 

Come back as often as needed for reassurance and to peruse other threads just to know you aren't alone (ever).  Take care.

[[bl...]]

Thanks so much!  I'm sure we coul all benefit from doing the vestibular exercises!  I know I'm game to try anything that might help !

[[pi...]]

Thanks so much!  I'm sure we coul all benefit from doing the vestibular exercises!  I know I'm game to try anything that might help !

 

Hi,

 

It appears that the link for vestibular exercises has been removed, it has been a long time since I've needed them. I did find this group of exercises which is similar to the ones I did.

 

http://www.brainandspine.org.uk/vestibular-rehabilitation-exercises

 

PG 

[[JR...]]

Thank you everyone for the support and words.  It is just very tough and rough times, right now.  Having to work going through this is extremely rough, but I have to do it...and each day comes with its tough challenges.  But, all I can do is take it, one minute, one hour and one day at a time.

 

Thank you.

JRXanax