Tbis is my life right now...

[[Tw...]]

Just an update at where I'm at for anyone that might be in my shoes as well. 9.7mgs of Valium from original dose of 3mgs of K for around 10 years. Liquid micro taper=reducing 1mg a month. My current major symptoms are fatigue, weight loss, muscle and joint pain (severe in shoulders and ribs), hair thinning, emotionally blunt, GI issues and frequent urination, vision is blurry and out of focus, concentration is extremely difficult, depression, difficult being social but still try, anxiety, chest pains and muscle spasms. My withdrawal sxs's match MS and Lymes to a T. Haven't been tested for either bc this all started coming off benzos and unless they were masking something I'm just in the same boat as other fellow benzo buddies. I'm working a full time job but struggling to. I will be starting college again in a few weeks for the first time in 7 years. I'm at the point now where people notice my weight loss and I just look beat up. I constantly think about going cold turkey now. I sleep pretty well thank God but once I wake up it's game on symptoms. My coping skills are weed, surfing, playing with my dogs, and trying to advance in life even during this nightmare. The lower I get, even in a micro taper, the harder it is becoming. Can anyone relate or even words of wisdom? I'll have been around 2 years tapering when I come off according to schedule. The worst part of this is that I'm lonely. I used to date and be way more active and social and now I have a few friends I can see and feel ok around. Better than none I suppose. Love to all that are suffering and push forward towards future goals during this. I just hope I make it out more than just a bag of bones.

[Guest [re...]]

I'm sorry you're struggling right now. I know I'm on a very similar dose as you and I had to hold for the first time during my taper. It seems the lower we go, the worse we feel as we cut. I'm so happy that you can work and surf! Having distractions are very important. I'm housebound so my distractions are simple ones, but necessary. I can say that what keeps me going is the determination to get my life back and not let this drug beat me! Please stay strong and try to focus on the finish line. You've come so far! Just remember although we feel terrible right now it's temporary and we will feel better with time. Take it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute if necessary. We're here with you and you're not alone. Your dog is so pretty, btw! Sending hugs 

[Guest [ch...]]

I know you're feeling like crap but you are doing the right things and you are doing well. The fact that you can sleep, surf, and function well enough to go to school, those things are good. It took me about 2 years of suffering through a taper, but mi aright now I assure you there is real life at the other end. Don't cold turkey. Stay the course with your taper. Loneliness, yeah that's a problem. People not going through this find it hard to relate. If you're ever in the Boston area, come to the in-person support group I belong to. Or start your own group in your area?

 

Stay strong,

 

CP