Ativan freeeeee!

[Callie67]

It’s been a long time since I’ve written but I’m excited to say that I’ve been Ativan free for 3 days, 4 if you count so far today. It’s been a long journey but it’s been so worth it. I know I’m not out of the woods yet, I’m anticipating some withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety, but I’ve made it through the other cuts so I KNOW I can make it through this last one.

The Remeron has really been helping and I’ve been trying hard to eat better, stay hydrated and workout somewhat consistently. I also try to make time each day to journal/meditate/pray.

The concussion healing has been slow going but overall I’ve been feeling better. Hoping to see a headache specialist soon. (although I’m nervous they’re just going to junk me up with medication!)

I hope the few people I was talking to on here are doing well! ❤️

[Sillysausage234]

Well done

[Callie67 in reply to Sillysausage234]

Thank you!

[Gwizzy]

This is great news, I hope everything continues to progress I n the right direction 😊

[Callie67 in reply to Gwizzy]

Thank you so much!

[Agora1]

Oh Yes Callie I remember the day (7 years ago) that I became

Ativan free

You did it, congratulations. Find other methods or tools to use

whenever there is a bump in the road. Wishing you smooth sailing xx

[Sillysausage234 in reply to Agora1]

Me too methadone went from 100mg a day to 5 ml ....that 5 mg was so hard to stop ...it was around the same time haha we must of been wide awake night times together 😊

[Agora1 in reply to Sillysausage234]

Oh I'm sure

[Callie67 in reply to Sillysausage234]

Wow that is a lot to stop taking! Are you glad to be off?

[Sillysausage234 in reply to Callie67]

Oh yeah it was torture being an addict for 25 years never thought ide come off it ,so glad now

[Callie67 in reply to Sillysausage234]

That’s a very long time, all the more amazing you turned your life around. That couldn’t have been easy at all.

[Sillysausage234 in reply to Callie67]

thanks..great to be freeeeee though .and now you can address your reasons for needing benzos but in a more holistic approach maybe best wishes ,give us a progress report...I come off diazepam as well I know how that is too

[Callie67 in reply to Sillysausage234]

Long story short I developed (undiagnosed) post concussion syndrome and that led to even worse anxiety/panic than I normally have. So one ER doc blamed it all on stress and junked me up on the Ativan. I tried to come off on my own which made it worse. Finally found a great psychiatrist and she basically saved me! Diazepam is Valium right?

[Sillysausage234 in reply to Callie67]

Yeah diazepam is Valium 🙏 best wishes

[Callie67 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you! I’m hoping with the Remeron and taking better care of myself in other ways I can manage the anxiety. I never want Ativan or another benzo again in my life!

[Agora1 in reply to Callie67]

Ditto Callie... xx

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Congratulations 👍

[Callie67 in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Thank you!

[Dolphin14]

Great job. A lot of hard work. Good for you

[Callie67 in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you! Hard but more than worth it. I actually think I had it a lot easier than most people, thank god!

[Dolphin14 in reply to Callie67]

That's awesome. I'm so happy for you.

[Hidden]

Very awesome, great news. Seriously, there aren't enough positive adjectives and sayings to send your way. It can be hell for some and you did it. Enjoy that freedom and keep on keeping on!!! It's great to see things like this. Happy for you and take care!

[Callie67 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much! I’m incredibly grateful because I only had a few rough days here and there. I think I felt worse while on the Ativan. But it’s definitely worth whatever you have to go through.

[Needtovent]

Hi Callie, it’s been a while for me but I’ve been checking in these last few days and so glad to read your news. Congratulations! You’ve worked so hard and struggled so I am glad to learn you pulled through. I’m glad the Remeron is helping. How are the headaches coming along. Still seeing that specialty chiropractor? I’m curious to know what your highest daily dose of Ativan was, if you don’t mind. No worries if you’d rather not share... I still have it as an as needed medication of .5 mg. I rarely use it but for when I go on a plane or I’m particularly anxious (less than once per month). I never realized how addictive it could be and how difficult the withdrawal could be. So glad you’re doing better.

[Callie67 in reply to Needtovent]

Hi! I’d actually been meaning to message you and see how things were. I was at my highest in January, I was taking 1.5mg broken up throughout the day. That’s great you don’t feel the need to use it that often. My aunt’s been taking .25mg every night for years and I’m hoping she’ll stop.

The concussion’s improving. I couldn’t afford to keep seeing the chiropractor but I’m going to a headache center next month.

[Charl-]

Well done you x

[Callie67 in reply to Charl-]

Thank you!