Housebound?

[[pe...]]

When people say that they are housebound is it becasue of physical symptoms (what kind) or mental symptoms (what kind)?    I am having a hard time doing the basic everyday stuff.  Can anyone shed some light on this.  Need help  :'(

[[li...]]

Hello.  I read your signature line, and even though it has been around a year you are off from a cold turkey, symptoms can linger for awhile.  for me, I was more housebound from mental symptoms than physical ones, even though I never felt to good and didn't want to be out in the world that way.  Withdrawal triggers many mental sensations including agoraphobia, which many experience.  I used to try to force myself out, but it was just easier to wait until the went away, which in time the completely did, unfortunately, healing is slow.  It is hard to do things that we used to do so natural, kind of like we have to regain stamina.  I know you are frustrated and fear comes along with withdrawal.  However, please know that what you are feeling is common and in time, I promise, it will go away.  Until then, pamper yourself and try to keep stress down at all costs.  It also really helps to watch what you eat.  Stay away from caffeine, sugar, and limit your carbs.  Some people even feel benefits from limiting dairy and gluten.  Good luck!

[[pe...]]

Thank you for your reassurance lislis

 

I am having alot of anxiety regarding the physical symptoms on top to the withdrawal anxiety and depression.  I find it very difficult to concentrate on anything because I am so stressed about the physical symptoms.  I am afraid that the zopiclone has made my withdrawal harder and that it will be longer and I just don't know if I can hang on much longer with the symptoms that I have.  (numbness, tightness, tingling in face, tingling in hands, tightness in diaphragm, cold lower legs and feet) these are the most bothersome.  I do not get many windows and my baseline is very difficult.  Any reassurance would be great and give me courage to carry on.

[[jo...]]

When people say that they are housebound is it becasue of physical symptoms (what kind) or mental symptoms (what kind)?    I am having a hard time doing the basic everyday stuff.  Can anyone shed some light on this.  Need help  :'(

According to a surgeon we know, he says that housebound is when you are unable to leave the home for what ever reason, bedridden is not being to leave the bed but for bathroom trips.

I wondered about this myself since I was unable to get off the sofa except for bathroom visits during my accute wd period, was very sick, then was housebound for about 4 months.

 

Not being able to do basic things may be common or not. For me that was the situation and I tried not dwell on it, accepted it for what it was and took my time, took care of myself, and took baby steps. Taking a shower was a major chore and maybe all I could do that day, other days I would do a load of laundry, etc.

 

From my experiance I would tell you not to push too hard, try for simple things and if you feel you can't finish them then don't. Take one hour at a time. This will go away a bit at a time and one day you will find your self feeling that you can take on more.

 

I know this is tough and can drain your motivation. Keep on keeping on. You will feel better.

Josephine

[[pe...]]

Thank you so much Josephine

 

That is exactly how I feel.  The anxiety is draining me and I just cannot stick to any task for long.  It is very disturbing and I really want it to pass.  I constantly need encouragement and my poor husband is getting tired.  I so much want to feel well again.  My life is on hold and I just do not like it at all.

Thank you again

[[pi...]]

Hi Pegasus,

 

You asked me how long I have been off benzos, it will be 9 months on March 11. 

 

When I was initially taken off ativan for a vestibular wellness test I was truely housebound and bed bound.  I was terrible ill and couldn't walk without holding on to the walls.  I was having anxiety attacks that were horrific and I didn't understand because I didn't have them before benzos.

 

As time progressed I was able to do more and go back to teaching.  Initially the clonazepam that I was put on helped and I was better but then tolerance and interdose withdrawal set in.  I avoided a lot of situations for a long time.  Its relatively recently that I no longer have to weigh the risks and benefits of a certain activity.  I no longer have to hurry through my shopping or feel strange driving in the car. 

 

Each of us is so different, but for me I just listened to my body and did what was comfortable. 

 

Your life will be yours again, what you hear and feel is the withdrawal.  It is not you.

 

Hugs,

 

piangirl