Posted by chinaroses on February 24, 2009, at 18:58:43
In reply to Re: 2-1/2 years later have permanent withdrawal sy, posted by chinaroses on February 24, 2009, at 18:12:12
This site/thread is incredible. The various points of view, combined with the level of intelligence and knowledge apparent in the posts, are evidence of the complexity of the topic. I really appreciate the discussion. Thank you, everyone.
I tried the Lorazapam. One at about 4:00 on Saturday, and again on Sunday. Felt a bit sleepy, and mellow, but I can't say it made a dent in the eye/head/balance symptoms. I just didn't care as much... !
Bleauberry mentioned the possibility that Effexor is not at fault. That is indeed possible. My best clue is simply that it feels so much like when I missed a dose of Effexor, although I will admit I don't recall having such balance problems when that occurred. But that may be simply because I would take one before the symptoms got worse. The fact that it tends to get worse with exertion led me to question my own assumption that Effexor was at fault, along with the fact that I have been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue (currently treating--the fatigue has improved). All I can say is I've been through just about everything my doctors in both the traditional and alternative medical communities can offer. The traditional docs did the MRI, EEG, and vestibular rehab therapy, and I had a couple types of chiropractic treatment, including NUCCA (I thought for a while my yoga headstands had been the cause. Either way, I no longer do them). One neurologist mentioned an isotope cisternogram, but I show no other symptoms of a dura tear, according to him that possibility is remote. On the non-traditional side, I had just about every test you could run, including Eliza/ACT food allergy testing, heavy metal testing, and a complete metabolic panel. In addition to the supplements I mentioned earlier, I tried accupuncture and hypnotism. Hypnotism showed me I could intensify the headache-type pain by focusing on it, and reduce it back down, but I couldn't drop it below that "base" level that I always have. Acupuncture made it worse. At first I thought that was either coincidence or potentially a good sign. I stuck with it for four treatments, with each bringing about a worsening of symptoms immediately upon rising from the table; the increase lingered for several days. The acupuncturist appeared disconcerted; I discontinued...
I do have an appointment in March with an ENT. (I was never directed to an ENT in the past, I suppose because I have no hearing symptoms, no vertigo (spinning), no nystagmus and the vestibular rehab therapy did not work.) I suppose it's worth a try.
About trying Effexor again for several weeks... I just can't bring myself to do it. I did try one 37.5XR, back in 2007. I felt horrible for hours, and stayed horizontal. Despite my current symptoms, I CAN make it through a day of work (although I miss my dance classes and my nearly new downhill skis in the basement wonder what they did to so offend me..). If I ended up with worsened ongoing symptoms via a longer Effexor challenge, I would never be able to forgive myself.
poster:chinaroses
thread:880481
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090223/msgs/882230.html