Not Eating

[[Br...]]

I have been talking Valium for about 5 Years for my Back.

I fractured my L4 and L5 and now I have for Titanium rods and screws holding it together.

A year before my operation and ever since I've been taking Valium, for the past 12 months I've been tapering down myself I'm at the Point now where I don't Sleep much, I don't talk, just fell Sad and continue to think about how much this has all cost me, is it normal not to eat have no appetite at all.

I noticed people saying food they cannot eat after tapering down off, Chinese food due to the MSG content but does this apply to coffee chocolate bread tomato soup? So far this is becoming a list of Food I can not stand the smell and taste of Unfortunately..

 

 

[[ma...]]

Hello Broken Back Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

I am very glad you joined our community.  I am sorry for your back problems, wow, it sounds painful.  And now dealing with benzodiazepine withdrawal, you’ve had a rotten time of it.  I would try and avoid coffee, and cut down on sugar as well if you can.  You must eat something, you need your strength, I also struggled with food, I treated  it as fuel,  small meals often.  I know this is tough, try not to think of the past, let go of anger, onwards and upwards, you will come through this!

 

Slow is the way to go when tapering off these drugs. Well done on your taper so far.  In general it’s advised to cut your daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  It’s okay to go slower than this, whatever feels comfortable, the aim is to try to keep symptoms manageable. 

 

I would suggest that you familiarise yourself with the Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

 

You will find some very valuable support and information on the forum.  Our members are happy to share their personal experiences with you and support you.. Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

 

I think insomnia is one of the worst  symptoms, for so many of us, you might find something that will help you on this board.

 

Insomnia 

 

Please take time to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  Go to the top of the page and select PROFILE then choose forum profile then insert drug history into the text box and remember to click change profile

 

Welcome aboard

Magrita

 

 

[[Br...]]

Thank you for your reply I honestly appreciate any help and advice.

Today I have started to do what you suggested doing with eating, a piece of toast was enough to fill me, but I am going to do this as much as possible. I am trying to look past the pain I am in and have slowed down taking it by the minute at the moment. I am now into my third week of taking no Valium at all,  and it hurts but I need to stay positive keep my head above water. I am going to have a look around the entire forum now, I have noticed a few things on sleeping I'm happy to be here so thank you very much.

 

[[ma...]]

Thank you for your reply I honestly appreciate any help and advice.

Today I have started to do what you suggested doing with eating, a piece of toast was enough to fill me, but I am going to do this as much as possible. I am trying to look past the pain I am in and have slowed down taking it by the minute at the moment. I am now into my third week of taking no Valium at all,  and it hurts but I need to stay positive keep my head above water. I am going to have a look around the entire forum now, I have noticed a few things on sleeping I'm happy to be here so thank you very much.

 

Thats great, a piece of toast is a start, small and often is fine  

 

I am sorry i didnt realise you were completely off the valium, here is a link to a support board

 

 

Post withdrawal recovery support.

 

You are going to be okay, it will get better with some time

 

Magrita

 

 

 

[[Bl...]]

Ow ow ow, re: your back! 

 

Yes, food gets weird - which makes sense due to GABA, right?  I have weird hunger cues, either I can't tell if I'm hungry or not, or if I think I am - I'm not, or I'm actually hungry. 

 

I also get weird cravings - like cereal.  I haven't eaten cereal in FOREVER.  So, right now, I'm eating cereal.  There is a lot of talk about MSG and Chinese food, but I think it's a bunch of fake scare.  A lot of places have stopped cooking with it or you can ask for it without it.  Or eat your favorite dish and see how that goes.  Keep in mind what is ok once week may not be the same next month.

 

If you aren't sure what foods are bothering you - keep a journal (I track my symptoms, the good things, things I've noticed, etc).  I have unfortunately realized that I've had to cut down on my coffee.  Sad day.

 

Everyone is going to be different.  I suggest keeping to your normal way of eating and go from there.  We've got enough to deal with, right? 

 

The other thing I am going to say when tapering is LOW AND SLOW.  Go so low and slow you are BORED.  It's a marathon.  I've been on the same 5% cut of klonopin for 6 weeks now and my dr said to move to the next ONLY if I agree to take gabapentin to help with my BWS.  (Try to find a Benzowise dr if you can).  If you are anywhere near NC, I can recommend one.

 

BB

 

 

[[Ca...]]

Hey Broken Back..

 

Just a quick welcome..

 

Sorry for the spinal.. I guess I can relate perhaps..

 

Eating has also been odd for me, -I tend to graze all day.. Then at one stage I just lost all interest and lost 30kg in 3mths, then back up again..  Lots of crazy stuff as you describe, but you will get there in time...

 

Best wishes...

 

 

[[Br...]]

Thank you so much for everybody's words of comfort, seems I'm not the only one with bizarre eating habits which does make me feel better knowing it's all part of the shity journey. 

BUT TODAY I Snapped and Give up after 3 weeks and 4 days of being Free, I had 5mg Valium because I was just going out of my mind it seems as if symptoms will not Give up.             

I cannot continue to take them, does this mean it all starts over again or do I pick up where I was last at :-[ :-[ super embarrassed and so disappointed in myself.

Maybe after so long on them I should have looked for a place like this to start with the Help and Advise is unbelievable.  unfortunately where I live there is very little help and support for anything like this.

I honestly have never been one to talk about my issues but have realised keeping them all to myself is very unhealthy as well.

[[ma...]]

Thank you so much for everybody's words of comfort, seems I'm not the only one with bizarre eating habits which does make me feel better knowing it's all part of the shity journey. 

BUT TODAY I Snapped and Give up after 3 weeks and 4 days of being Free, I had 5mg Valium because I was just going out of my mind it seems as if symptoms will not Give up.             

I cannot continue to take them, does this mean it all starts over again or do I pick up where I was last at :-[ :-[ super embarrassed and so disappointed in myself.

Maybe after so long on them I should have looked for a place like this to start with the Help and Advise is unbelievable.  unfortunately where I live there is very little help and support for anything like this.

I honestly have never been one to talk about my issues but have realised keeping them all to myself is very unhealthy as well.

 

 

Hi BB

 

Dont feel embarrassed!  its a shame after tapering for 12 months, but try not to worry about it.    If you have only taken one single does ?  I would carry on where you left off, unless you feel you jumped off too soon?  then i would suggest a quick taper!    The withdrawal symptoms are going to take a while to resolve,  you have to give it time,  allow the time required and don’t give up. 

 

Symptoms will ease off and you will start to feel better at some point.

 

Magrita

 

[[de...]]

Just to welcome you Broken Back. 

 

Same for me with the food.  I have lost so much weight.  Slice of toast sounds like my diet at the moment. 

 

We'll get there.  Hang in. 

 

Dee

[[An...]]

Some ppl say w/d causes them to overeat, but it tends to kill my appetite. When really bad, I have to literally force myself to eat.

[[Do...]]

Welcome Broken Back,  Just wanted to comment that MSG is not a 'fake scare' as a poster indicated.  For whatever reason, Most have an adverse effect to this additive.  Just be aware because it is used as a flavor enhancer in lotsa processed foods.  Avoid any extra pain you can!