It's agonizing, but I'm a survivor

[[li...]]

Hello, I hope you're doing well.

 

I joined Benzo Buddies in search of post-withdrawal support.

I also want to help others who have been subjected to this atrocity.

 

Withdrawal will make you question everything; it is trying and those who haven't been through it will never fully know how awful it truly is. Mere words can't convey my level of devastation for the physical/mental anguish I've had to endure throughout my journey to be free of benzodiazepines. It's almost as if these benzos are designed specifically to make us develop an awful reliance on them. Without them, you are subjected to an array of hellish symptoms. My worse ones are compromised vision (visual snow, light sensitivity, etc.) and constant head pain/pressure/pulsating. But there's many more.

 

To clarify, I have gone to various doctors and done virtually every test imaginable to rule out anything pernicious at play. Sometimes it's hard to believe that it's the post-withdrawals waves that are still causing all these symptoms. Furthermore, all my test/results come back clear; therefore, it is evident that the cause of these horrible symptoms (although it seems baffling how something so small can do so much damage to our bodies) is benzodiazepine usage/withdrawal.

 

-Was prescribed Xanax (took for a several months), tapered using Valium (took about a year)

-Took my last Valium on May 30th, 2016 (and proud to have made it through)

-Still have symptoms, currently going through a "bad" wave

-Have had moments of feeling good in between and hopeful they will become permanent some day

 

Withdrawal can be very isolating. I would love to have some support and speak with people who understand what I'm going through during this time.

 

Thank you!

 

-L.S.

[Guest [Le...]]

Hello, lifesurvivor - welcome to BenzoBuddies, and congratulations on being benzo-free!

 

The symptoms really can hang on for quite a while - I jumped in June 2016, and still have plenty of them. Luckily, they fade over time, as you’re probably finding out too. 

 

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.

 

The following board may be a good place to begin posting your questions:

 

  Post-withdrawal Recovery Support

 

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

 

Looking forward to seeing you on the forum!

Leslie 

 

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative resource on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery. It provides information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations.

[[Ho...]]

Welcome! And congratulations. You WILL HEAL. I recommend Baylissa Fredricks book..Recover Road

 

[[ec...]]

Lifesurvivor,

I'm in the same state of devastation as you with visual symptoms too  (and hearing symptoms).

I'm a survivor as you and WE MUST GO ON.

 

[[Rx...]]

You have my empathy, lifesurvivor.