Epilpepsy/Benzo/Opiate/AD .. former ranked tennis player

[[Sp...]]

Very good tennis players as junior. Ranked in 18's. Quite playing, got engineering degree instead. Played recreationally then more seriously into my 20's. Had horrible tennis accident caused stroke and brain damage. Epilepsy kicks in. Major headaches, nerve death/pain kicked in .. Perscribed OxyContin in the late 90's (not addictive my a$$). Got hooked blah blah. Seizures .... 6mg Klonapin a day 3 morning 3 night. Doctors say you MUST be depressed with what you've gone thru. AD's started. Prozac real bad, hook shot into toilet. Paxil same Zoloft same. At least I just pitched them. Then came Seroquel which was per evil .. chucked it. Long story short. 25 years later, skill on K ... just kicked Oxy which was a bitch .... one left to go.

[[pi...]]

Hello Sparklzsamba,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! I'm so sorry to hear about your terrible accident, as a tennis player myself I can't imagine what kind of accident would cause such terrific damage. Of course, I'm strictly amateur, reached 4.0 level and then temporarily retired when I had shoulder problems resulting in 3 surgeries.

 

Congratulations on getting off oxocodone, I know that isn't easy especially after long term use.

 

Your dose of klonopin is very high.  Yes, benzos are often given to people who have seizure disorders so I would suggest you do work with your physician since you have an underlying condition that will need monitoring.

 

You've been on klonopin a long time and with your seizure history care must be taken when tapering. A slow taper can help to minimize withdrawal symptoms and in your case an even slower taper might be recommended. Generally a reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. it is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

You have a long and unfortunate medical history but you seem very dedicated towards being medication free. It may take a while so patience will be required. We will support and encourage you through this process so please do ask questions.

 

General Taper Plans   

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

 

[[Sp...]]

Thank you.

 

Tournament at a club that I did not know the layout (my bad). Brick wall one inch behind a curtain wall. Full speed ahead, ripped carotid. Stoke minutes later. Heh two points from match, won, then went down. Life and its twists. Needless to say, its been downhill since. Drugs have ruined me although needed then, I wonder now.

 

 

[[pi...]]

Thank you.

 

Tournament at a club that I did not know the layout (my bad). Brick wall one inch behind a curtain wall. Full speed ahead, ripped carotid. Stoke minutes later. Heh two points from match, won, then went down. Life and its twists. Needless to say, its been downhill since. Drugs have ruined me although needed then, I wonder now.

 

Hello again,

 

Gosh I am sorry, that was a very traumatic injury.

 

There's time to repair the damage created by drugs, it's never too late. I started my taper in my 60's and have been off benzos since 2011.  I feel so much better now than I did while on benzos, frankly I was very ill most of the time.  I also could not tolerate other medications and believe me, many were "tried" on me. 

 

PG