Came Clean with my GP

[[Li...]]

I saw my GP today (new one as old GP retired). This was the 4th time I'd seen the new guy.

 

I'd not really explained what I was doing with the Xanax before.Today I did say I was tapering. He wanted to know how low I planned to go, and I said I wanted off - down to zero. He said he didn't think it was possible and that I'd always need to take it. I just said, "Okay."

 

But, he did ask the amount I wanted now. I said .5 two times per day (taper is now at .43 per day). He asked if I took it morning and night. I said "sort of" and that I was titrating. He didn't question that, but he knows I showed up at his office on 3 mg per day per script.

 

So, it worked out. I had a good feeling about this GP. I wasn't comfortable with a lot of detail (as some docs really are hard to work with), but he knows my general plan and is willing to let me take the lead on reducing thankfully.

 

On another great note, my A1C (blood sugar basically) is down from 8.7 to 6.6 with eating a lot of whole foods. I don't have to go on insulin.

 

I hope everyone finds a doctor who at least listens and does not block trying to get off benzos or even worse forces a c/t. Thought I'd share a good experience. New doc doesn't know much about benzos but is willing to work with me. That's a relief.

[[An...]]

I saw my GP today (new one as old GP retired). This was the 4th time I'd seen the new guy.

 

I'd not really explained what I was doing with the Xanax before.Today I did say I was tapering. He wanted to know how low I planned to go, and I said I wanted off - down to zero. He said he didn't think it was possible and that I'd always need to take it. I just said, "Okay."

 

But, he did ask the amount I wanted now. I said .5 two times per day (taper is now at .43 per day). He asked if I took it morning and night. I said "sort of" and that I was titrating. He didn't question that, but he knows I showed up at his office on 3 mg per day per script.

 

So, it worked out. I had a good feeling about this GP. I wasn't comfortable with a lot of detail (as some docs really are hard to work with), but he knows my general plan and is willing to let me take the lead on reducing thankfully.

 

On another great note, my A1C (blood sugar basically) is down from 8.7 to 6.6 with eating a lot of whole foods. I don't have to go on insulin.

 

I hope everyone finds a doctor who at least listens and does not block trying to get off benzos or even worse forces a c/t. Thought I'd share a good experience. New doc doesn't know much about benzos but is willing to work with me. That's a relief.

That is great Lily. It sounds to me like you have a found a good GP who is willing to let you comfortably taper at your own rate. You said you are eating a whole foods diet and was able to lower your A1C. Can you elaborate on your diet and what you eat? I also eat a WFPB diet and it has helped a lot.

[[Li...]]

Hi AntiBenzo,

 

The doctor being willing to work with me reduced a lot of stress. He has said he thinks I need to take some Xanax for life, but he also thought I would need insulin. In both cases he has given me time to make changes on my own. He was surprised at how well I brought down the A1C in a little over three months.

 

Yes. I am eating a lot of WFPB and vegan but not all. I eat some vegetarian foods/dishes and small amounts of meat but not too often.

 

My main dish meals are mostly soups and chilies with vegetable broth as the base. Oh - and I enjoy most all beans as main dishes. I do add small amounts of chicken or lean beef part of the time in the one pot dishes. I make big batches and freeze individual portions for quick meals any time. I like raw fruits and vegetables, so my breakfast is usually something like an apple (but will add more variety as the local produce comes in here in this rural area). I also love avocados and nuts but don't eat a whole lot of those due to high fat content.

 

In addition to the blood sugar levels coming down, my tri levels and bad fat levels dropped - not in the "good" range yet but not too far off.

 

An added bonus for during taper is that I'm starting to feel overall better both physically  and mentally. That may be due to getting the sugar and fat under control. I just know it's a blessing not to hurt as much and to be less confused as my Xanax goes down.

 

What are you eating WFPB? I don't know of anyone around here eating that way, so it's hard to get ideas and recipes other than online. Have you seen better health results and/or easing of benzo w/d/taper symptoms? 

[[An...]]

I am eating similar as you with a lot of beans and whole grains. Have you ever heard of Dr. Joel Fuhrman? I am eating the way he advocates eating. I do eat meat but only very small amounts and I avoid all dairy completely. What was your diet like before you switched to eating WFPB? It is nice to meet someone here who eats similar. 

[[Li...]]

I have heard of Fuhrman, but I've not read any of his books/articles. I watched Forks Over Knives and then clicked on a FaceBook post for a seminar for WFPB that lasted a week. Then I signed up for FoK on FB.

 

I had no idea if it would help, but I found the information in searching for foods with diabetes. It seemed it was worth a shot. If it didn't do anything, then it wasn't a loss. But, it certainly pulled my sugar, tri, and fat levels down.

 

Before shifting my diet, I got up with a can of Pepsi and a mini bagel or muffin. I don't drink coffee. Then I'd eat junk food or fast food but in small amounts like a Happy Meal lunch. Supper was better some days but often included home fried foods as I'm Southern.

 

I know. I know. That's really bad. Anyway, I am eating much healthier now. I do have favorite treats but very occasionally. Since January (when I got the 8.7 A1C) I've had fast food once (two soft tacos from Taco Bell, three mini cans of Pepsi, and homemade French fries from one medium potato). I'm good about a small treat and then getting back on track.