The Long Hold Support Group

[[ki...]]

Hi everyone,

Had a panic attack last night.. oh well what can ya do I guess they don't go away forever.

Peace and healing people

Trish

 

Ugh, I’m sorry to read this Trishy. Panic attacks are awful, but they do end and that is something to be grateful for. 

[[Tr...]]

Hi everyone,

Had a panic attack last night.. oh well what can ya do I guess they don't go away forever.

Peace and healing people

Trish

 

Ugh, I’m sorry to read this Trishy. Panic attacks are awful, but they do end and that is something to be grateful for. 

Thanks kit. Thankfully they are few and far between. I'm pretty sure it was related to my recent cut. I used to get them constantly before wd but since I've gotten lower in dosage they have thankfully trailed off. I guess one good thing to come from tapering.   :smitten:

[[De...]]

Hahaa tt, they do suck, bet >:Dtween the palps and panic attacks its depressing. Every day of this crap. Sorry. Some days I think of it and get so pissed off. At least when your out it seems your so distracted the sx are not as bad. When I'm alone with my head it's over. I hope you dont have anymore. I'm just laying her like a slugger, lol. I d9nt know how your babysitting, but kids have a way about them, they are so cute and funny, they cheer you up. Ly dd

[[Tr...]]

Hahaa tt, they do suck, bet >:Dtween the palps and panic attacks its depressing. Every day of this crap. Sorry. Some days I think of it and get so pissed off. At least when your out it seems your so distracted the sx are not as bad. When I'm alone with my head it's over. I hope you dont have anymore. I'm just laying her like a slugger, lol. I d9nt know how your babysitting, but kids have a way about them, they are so cute and funny, they cheer you up. Ly dd

I'm with ya DD when I'm just in my head it's all over. That's why I try to stay as busy as I can to stay out of my head, it's very scary in there  

Yeah, my grandkids are great they are definitely a distraction. My granddaughter is the one I babysit for and she's an angel. She plays so nice and she's no trouble at all otherwise I don't know how I would be able to do it.  When my grandson is here with her.. Well that's another story there's a whole lot of energy going on when those two are together 

So busy is what works for me. But today.. Well Uhggg just one of those crappy days , hopefully tomorrow will be better for both of us     :smitten:

 

[[ki...]]

Hi everyone,

Had a panic attack last night.. oh well what can ya do I guess they don't go away forever.

Peace and healing people

Trish

 

Ugh, I’m sorry to read this Trishy. Panic attacks are awful, but they do end and that is something to be grateful for. 

Thanks kit. Thankfully they are few and far between. I'm pretty sure it was related to my recent cut. I used to get them constantly before wd but since I've gotten lower in dosage they have thankfully trailed off. I guess one good thing to come from tapering.   :smitten:

 

Silver linings. 

[[Gi...]]

Hello all,

My goodness, this sounds like a blah day for a good many of us.  You can include me in that group.  Poor sleep for nearly a week.  I wake up at 3 am with my heart pounding even worse than it does all the time.

 

This morning I slept until 3:30 am to, a smidge better.  I'm so tired.  I donated blood yesterday evening.  Today I've had headache, head pressure, dizziness, nausea and an assortment of other digestive issues.  I'm barely eating three small bland meals each day.  Not sure if the blood donation had anything to do with feeling worse today.  It has  never affected me in the past. What do you think Stut? It was nice to have you post.  Your memory astounds me.  How do you remember everyone?

 

Trishy, like you I have done very little today.  An ortho appt and foot injection this morning, picked a few beans and cooked them.  Just tv and music, some yoga for heart palps and anxiety.  Sorry to hear about your panic attack.  Bwd, the gift that keeps on giving.

 

DD, Mary,  yes the palps suck.  (Glad you're having your heart checked out Mary, it never hurts.)  Jasmine, you're having some good days.  That is a very good sign.  Please don't  jump the gun and try to taper, even a tiny amount yet.  More time is needed and you will be much stronger and better able to withstand tapering if you give yourself weeks, or months to stabilize.

 

See you all tomorrow.  I'm heading to bed early and hoping for more than five hours of sleep. G

[[De...]]

Hi Gingermint,

I wake up in the middle of the night too. I'm sorry your sx were so bad today. This whole thing sucks. Seriously, but we have no choice but to keep going. I never in my life thought I would have to be doing something like this. None of us did. I hope you get some rest and have a better day tomorrow! Dd

[[ja...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

[[Fr...]]

Hey everyone hope the day is going as good as can be expected and you have a relaxing weekend ahead.

 

How many of you are on an antidepressant and found it helped during benzo withdrawal? I am really wishing I didn’t taper them both at the same time and tried to jump the AD. I can see now it was helping me with my taper. Also my benzo story probably would have been a lot easier had I not been doing two at once. I don’t know what I was thinking but I am paying dearly now. I did reinstate the AD at 1.5mg for SI and it took it away but seriously considering going back on it and tapering again in a few years when things are better. I just don’t know if my nervous system is to sensitive now to be able to take it again.

[[...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

 

That's wonderful Jasmine. Like I said this whole shitty thing is up and down, windows and waves. You never know what the next day will be like so don't get discouraged when you have a bad day. You can taper without panic attacks and cortisol surges. Those are signs you're going too fast or haven't held long enough.

[[...]]

Hey everyone hope the day is going as good as can be expected and you have a relaxing weekend ahead.

 

How many of you are on an antidepressant and found it helped during benzo withdrawal? I am really wishing I didn’t taper them both at the same time and tried to jump the AD. I can see now it was helping me with my taper. Also my benzo story probably would have been a lot easier had I not been doing two at once. I don’t know what I was thinking but I am paying dearly now. I did reinstate the AD at 1.5mg for SI and it took it away but seriously considering going back on it and tapering again in a few years when things are better. I just don’t know if my nervous system is to sensitive now to be able to take it again.

 

Hi J. When I started tapering in 2015, I was advised to taper my Paxil first but some people feel it helps to taper the benzo first. I suppose it's a individual choice. I would definitely not taper both at the same time. SSRIs keep the serotonin from being reabsorbed by your brain cells but like benzos it can lead to down regulation where the body says "I've got too much serotonin so I'm going to produce less".

[[Gi...]]

Hi Gingermint,

I wake up in the middle of the night too. I'm sorry your sx were so bad today. This whole thing sucks. Seriously, but we have no choice but to keep going. I never in my life thought I would have to be doing something like this. None of us did. I hope you get some rest and have a better day tomorrow! Dd

 

Hi, much better day today.  Slept until 4:00 am this morning.  I've had some nausea and mild dizziness today but nothing to slow me down.  I have come to believe that at least some of my heart palpitations are due to GERD, it's one of my benzo sx.  I'm taking DGL and Mastic gum, in small doses they help plus eliminating some foods altogether.

 

Anxiety is another story, I don't want to add another med so I use meditation, yoga including yoga mudras and they seem to help anxiety and the palpitations.  Endure and press on, that's what we all do.  Thank you for yoir kind words. G

[[Gi...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

 

Jasmine,

 

After my concussion every specialist I saw, my sports medicine dr, neuro-optometrist,  neuro-psychologist and vestibular therapist told me to be very patient with myself.  Each of them stressed that the injured brain does not heal linearly,  but rather in fits and starts.  Good days followed by not so good and that this can go on for quite awhile.

 

Benzo brain injury is very much like concussion, many of the same sx.  My cortisol surges began the night after my injury and of course there was nausea, dizziness, headaches, DR, vision issues, blood pressure spikes, all of which I have with benzo withdrawal.

 

So be patient with your brain and body.  They are trying mightily to heal,  give them time.  On the days I feel the worst I think the most healing is taking place.  That thought gets me through.  I also use positive affirmations.  My favorites are "I am strong, I am healthy, I am blessed", I am full of vim, vigor, vitality, energy and strength" and "I am free, free from sickness, poverty, lack and every kind of bondage or stronghold".  I repeat them everyday.  Benzo dependency is truly a kind of bondage but one we can overcome. 

 

I am happy to hear of your good days, hours, moments. G

[[De...]]

Hi Gm,

That is good. I slept till 530, lol. I hug ave gerda too. It was never really bad. But with the digestive issues and benzo belly it's been terrible. That must be what causes the nausea.  I get that when I drift off the sleep along with the great inner trembling.  This stuff is scary! Sorry your feeling sick. I'm so so. We will get there eventually! ❤❤

[[Fr...]]

Hey everyone hope the day is going as good as can be expected and you have a relaxing weekend ahead.

 

How many of you are on an antidepressant and found it helped during benzo withdrawal? I am really wishing I didn’t taper them both at the same time and tried to jump the AD. I can see now it was helping me with my taper. Also my benzo story probably would have been a lot easier had I not been doing two at once. I don’t know what I was thinking but I am paying dearly now. I did reinstate the AD at 1.5mg for SI and it took it away but seriously considering going back on it and tapering again in a few years when things are better. I just don’t know if my nervous system is to sensitive now to be able to take it again.

 

Hi J. When I started tapering in 2015, I was advised to taper my Paxil first but some people feel it helps to taper the benzo first. I suppose it's a individual choice. I would definitely not taper both at the same time. SSRIs keep the serotonin from being reabsorbed by your brain cells but like benzos it can lead to down regulation where the body says "I've got too much serotonin so I'm going to produce less".

 

Thank you! I may slowly try to increase the dose and see what happens.

[[Ma...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

 

 

 

Jasmine,

 

After my concussion every specialist I saw, my sports medicine dr, neuro-optometrist,  neuro-psychologist and vestibular therapist told me to be very patient with myself.  Each of them stressed that the injured brain does not heal linearly,  but rather in fits and starts.  Good days followed by not so good and that this can go on for quite awhile.

 

Benzo brain injury is very much like concussion, many of the same sx.  My cortisol surges began the night after my injury and of course there was nausea, dizziness, headaches, DR, vision issues, blood pressure spikes, all of which I have with benzo withdrawal.

 

So be patient with your brain and body.  They are trying mightily to heal,  give them time.  On the days I feel the worst I think the most healing is taking place.  That thought gets me through.  I also use positive affirmations.  My favorites are "I am strong, I am healthy, I am blessed", I am full of vim, vigor, vitality, energy and strength" and "I am free, free from sickness, poverty, lack and every kind of bondage or stronghold".  I repeat them everyday.  Benzo dependency is truly a kind of bondage but one we can overcome. 

 

I am happy to hear of your good days, hours, moments. G

 

Great post GM, I truly think everyone's anxiety is higher right now.  I read a lot on bb and most discuss anxiety.  I know mine is higher, just a sucky time to be in wd and hearing all the stuff on the virus.  Even Michelle Obama was discussing anxiety and depression.  If there was one woman I just wouldn't have thought about being anxious, it's her.  You are a great addition to this thread.  We are glad to have you!    Mary 🙋🏼🙋🏼🙋🏼.  😘😷🙏🙏🙏😷😷😷😷

[[ja...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

 

Jasmine,

 

After my concussion every specialist I saw, my sports medicine dr, neuro-optometrist,  neuro-psychologist and vestibular therapist told me to be very patient with myself.  Each of them stressed that the injured brain does not heal linearly,  but rather in fits and starts.  Good days followed by not so good and that this can go on for quite awhile.

 

Benzo brain injury is very much like concussion, many of the same sx.  My cortisol surges began the night after my injury and of course there was nausea, dizziness, headaches, DR, vision issues, blood pressure spikes, all of which I have with benzo withdrawal.

 

So be patient with your brain and body.  They are trying mightily to heal,  give them time.  On the days I feel the worst I think the most healing is taking place.  That thought gets me through.  I also use positive affirmations.  My favorites are "I am strong, I am healthy, I am blessed", I am full of vim, vigor, vitality, energy and strength" and "I am free, free from sickness, poverty, lack and every kind of bondage or stronghold".  I repeat them everyday.  Benzo dependency is truly a kind of bondage but one we can overcome. 

 

I am happy to hear of your good days, hours, moments. G

 

Thank you Ginger for your encouraginformation words

[[Tr...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

 

Jasmine,

 

After my concussion every specialist I saw, my sports medicine dr, neuro-optometrist,  neuro-psychologist and vestibular therapist told me to be very patient with myself.  Each of them stressed that the injured brain does not heal linearly,  but rather in fits and starts.  Good days followed by not so good and that this can go on for quite awhile.

 

Benzo brain injury is very much like concussion, many of the same sx.  My cortisol surges began the night after my injury and of course there was nausea, dizziness, headaches, DR, vision issues, blood pressure spikes, all of which I have with benzo withdrawal.

 

So be patient with your brain and body.  They are trying mightily to heal,  give them time.  On the days I feel the worst I think the most healing is taking place.  That thought gets me through.  I also use positive affirmations.  My favorites are "I am strong, I am healthy, I am blessed", I am full of vim, vigor, vitality, energy and strength" and "I am free, free from sickness, poverty, lack and every kind of bondage or stronghold".  I repeat them everyday.  Benzo dependency is truly a kind of bondage but one we can overcome. 

 

I am happy to hear of your good days, hours, moments. G

Hi Ginger,

I had a concussion too.. Pretty sure you know that though. As I read your post to jasmine about your concussion sxs I realized I had the same ones. I suffered through hell with my concussion. You're so right though concussion sxs are very similar to bwd. I had a concussion the summer before bwd and I swear every summer since has been one hell storm after another. Concussion's are wicked I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy.

Great post to jasmine

Love and hugs,

Trishy ❤️

[[Ma...]]

Trishy, I didn't know you had a concussion, what happened? 

[[Gi...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

 

 

 

Jasmine,

 

After my concussion every specialist I saw, my sports medicine dr, neuro-optometrist,  neuro-psychologist and vestibular therapist told me to be very patient with myself.  Each of them stressed that the injured brain does not heal linearly,  but rather in fits and starts.  Good days followed by not so good and that this can go on for quite awhile.

 

Benzo brain injury is very much like concussion, many of the same sx.  My cortisol surges began the night after my injury and of course there was nausea, dizziness, headaches, DR, vision issues, blood pressure spikes, all of which I have with benzo withdrawal.

 

So be patient with your brain and body.  They are trying mightily to heal,  give them time.  On the days I feel the worst I think the most healing is taking place.  That thought gets me through.  I also use positive affirmations.  My favorites are "I am strong, I am healthy, I am blessed", I am full of vim, vigor, vitality, energy and strength" and "I am free, free from sickness, poverty, lack and every kind of bondage or stronghold".  I repeat them everyday.  Benzo dependency is truly a kind of bondage but one we can overcome. 

 

I am happy to hear of your good days, hours, moments. G

 

Great post GM, I truly think everyone's anxiety is higher right now.  I read a lot on bb and most discuss anxiety.  I know mine is higher, just a sucky time to be in wd and hearing all the stuff on the virus.  Even Michelle Obama was discussing anxiety and depression.  If there was one woman I just wouldn't have thought about being anxious, it's her.  You are a great addition to this thread.  We are glad to have you!    Mary 🙋🏼🙋🏼🙋🏼.  😘😷🙏🙏🙏😷😷😷😷

 

Thank you Mary.  Hugs❤

[[Gi...]]

Hi all,

Sorry I am not yet familiar with everyone so can't respond individually.  Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group.

I didn't have panic attacks last night, nor cortisol surge this morning.  Thought when it started a bit, I drank a decaf tea a and caffein in it was enough to get me out of bed and go downstairs to clean the house a bit.

Yesterday I had panic attacks constantly the whole day and thought that I wouldn't be able to go on like this.

Amazing how one day to the next can change, even this afternoon might go sour. Waiting for stabilization.

 

I have heard that some people can taper without experiencing panic attacks and cortisol surge. Oh I pray god that it is possible. No tapering for me for a while.

 

Jasmine,

 

After my concussion every specialist I saw, my sports medicine dr, neuro-optometrist,  neuro-psychologist and vestibular therapist told me to be very patient with myself.  Each of them stressed that the injured brain does not heal linearly,  but rather in fits and starts.  Good days followed by not so good and that this can go on for quite awhile.

 

Benzo brain injury is very much like concussion, many of the same sx.  My cortisol surges began the night after my injury and of course there was nausea, dizziness, headaches, DR, vision issues, blood pressure spikes, all of which I have with benzo withdrawal.

 

So be patient with your brain and body.  They are trying mightily to heal,  give them time.  On the days I feel the worst I think the most healing is taking place.  That thought gets me through.  I also use positive affirmations.  My favorites are "I am strong, I am healthy, I am blessed", I am full of vim, vigor, vitality, energy and strength" and "I am free, free from sickness, poverty, lack and every kind of bondage or stronghold".  I repeat them everyday.  Benzo dependency is truly a kind of bondage but one we can overcome. 

 

I am happy to hear of your good days, hours, moments. G

Hi Ginger,

I had a concussion too.. Pretty sure you know that though. As I read your post to jasmine about your concussion sxs I realized I had the same ones. I suffered through hell with my concussion. You're so right though concussion sxs are very similar to bwd. I had a concussion the summer before bwd and I swear every summer since has been one hell storm after another. Concussion's are wicked I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy.

Great post to jasmine

Love and hugs,

Trishy ❤️

 

Trishy,

 

Yes concussions are awful.  Mine was five years ago today.  I'm still noticing improvement.  This year I can finally drive more than an hour without having to stop and be still and quiet.  I drove 2 1/2 hours to the lake and then back without the need to find a quiet place.  First time in five years. 

 

I still have problems when conversing with people who talk fast and use hand gestures a lot.  My brain still has a bit of trouble processing that.  After a time I need to excuse myself and lay down in a quiet dark place.

 

I agree I would not wish a concussion on my worst enemy. I hope you're feeling better, no more panic attacks. G

[[Gi...]]

Hi Gm,

That is good. I slept till 530, lol. I hug ave gerda too. It was never really bad. But with the digestive issues and benzo belly it's been terrible. That must be what causes the nausea.  I get that when I drift off the sleep along with the great inner trembling.  This stuff is scary! Sorry your feeling sick. I'm so so. We will get there eventually! ❤❤

 

You slept until 5:30?  Show off. 😊 Maybe I'll  make it past four tomorrow morning.  I feel much better today except I spiked a low grade fever this afternoon.  I'm drinking ice water, taking my Chinese anti-viral.  I made ginger water today to help with the benzo belly. Glad you're doing fairly well. G

[[ja...]]

Ginger and trishy, how did you both get a concussion?

[[Gi...]]

Ginger and trishy, how did you both get a concussion?

 

Mine happened at work.  It was a busy morning, I was admitting a patient.  I had taken the first dose of escitalopram that morning for some depression.  I began to feel nauseated and lightheaded.  I went into the restroom and passed out, hitting my head on the tile floor.

I do not know how long I was unconscious.  The other nurses were busy with patients.  I woke up, got up and lost consciousness again, hitting my head a second time.

 

It was three months later when I  finally went back to work very very part time. My concussion doctor did not want me to go back that soon, but I was afraid I would lose my job.  I had a hard time, so my primary prescribed Ativan.  The rest is history.  It's not been a fun five years.  I figure another year to go to be free of ativan and wd sx. Ginger

 

 

[[Ma...]]

Ginger and trishy, how did you both get a concussion?

 

Mine happened at work.  It was a busy morning, I was admitting a patient.  I had taken the first dose of escitalopram that morning for some depression.  I began to feel nauseated and lightheaded.  I went into the restroom and passed out, hitting my head on the tile floor.

I do not know how long I was unconscious.  The other nurses were busy with patients.  I woke up, got up and lost consciousness again, hitting my head a second time.

 

It was three months later when I  finally went back to work very very part time. My concussion doctor did not want me to go back that soon, but I was afraid I would lose my job.  I had a hard time, so my primary prescribed Ativan.  The rest is history.  It's not been a fun five years.  I figure another year to go to be free of ativan and wd sx. Ginger

 

Wow,GM,that's just horrible.  I am so sorry that happened to you.  Since wd,I get nervous in the shower for some reason.  I have a shower chair now, I don't sit in it, I use it to balance myself sometimes and put my shampoo, shower wash etc; .  Falling and hitting my head is a fear and the chair gives me some security.  That had to be a terrible time.  Glad you are here with us. 

Mary 🙋🏼🙋🏼😘😘🙏🙏😷😷♥️♥️