845 replies to this topic

[lady2882Nancy]

Oh Chimera my heart breaks for you

 

This is not what you need right now. I know how hard you have been trying to be strong and let me tell you - You Are Not Mad - You are a wonderful person going through an incredibly hard time and deserve to be treated better than that.

The withdrawals from this drug make us all feel inadequate and emotionally like children at times and some of us more often than others. It is a hard thing for us to understand what is happening to us never mind someone who has not experienced what we have. The anxiety and ill feelings make me feel so bad about myself at times that I feel insecure about my hubbie wanting me. I have questioned why he was going to town and staying away from me for so long at times so I understand how having your bf go out to a club without telling you would make you feel. I wish that I could reach out and hug you for real as I feel your pain and confusion.

 I also wish that I could reach out and slap your bf on the side of the head and ask him "Do you know what this poor girl has been through? How could you be so thoughtless and cruel to her?" I would probably say a bunch of other things to him as well but I can't type that on here.

Some people like to bully, insult, and be mean to people who are kind and gentle because it makes them feel strong. They are the ones that are dirt not you. You don't need to put up with people like that in your life.

 

You are a wonderful caring person Chimera and don't you forget that and in spite of the suffering you have been through and are still going through, you have helped and encouraged so many on the site including me. I am glad that I know you and consider you to be a wonderful friend that I know I can count on for a kind word.

Don't be hard on yourself dear, you have fought this battle too hard to think badly of yourself. We have to be survivors to have gotten this far so lets not give up the fight. This is not the way you wanted this to go but you can get through this. Keep posting on this site as you are very good at encouraging people and we would all be missing a special person without you.

 

I am so glad that I have been able to be friends with you here on this site. This isn't the greatest way to meet someone but I consider meeting you to be one of the benefits of getting off Crapalta.

 

Take care of you because I care

[ladybugz]

I'm sure my list is no different from anyone else's here, but:

 

Side Effects:

Anxiety

Intense "need" to binge and purge

OCD-like behavior

Paranoia (everyone is talking about me, out to get me, etc.)

Loss of interest in hobbies and life in general

Constipation

 

Withdrawal Symptoms (so far):

Lights and sounds are very intense for me--Lights seem not only to be too bright, but also have a strobe light quality to them

Anxiety/Agitation

Burning sensation followed by rapid cooling (upper body mainly)

Trouble digesting food/food sensitivities

!INSOMNIA!

Intense panic attacks (sometimes onset is due to simple things like needing to use the restroom or eat/drink)

Dizziness

Brain fog

Stiffness/pain in muscles

Restless legs

Tingling/numbness/twitching in face and around mouth

Crying spells

[jolomb]

Hi Everyone:

 

I am new to this site and am sick as a dog while I am typing this forum.  My story starts as one that began with my diagnosis of severe fibromyalgia and finding the right medicine to help the pain along with the depression that occurs while suffering with this disease. I tried alot of different avenues until Cymbalta was recommended to me as a terrific drug for fibromyalgia pain.  I began taking the medication and found it to be effective in taking the "edge off" of my pain and making it bearable all the while keeping my depression in check.

 

I am 60 years old, disabled, without health insurance, & was supplied by my health providers with Cymbalta samples up until my samples ran out 5 days ago and was informed that no more samples would be made available by the company in the future to my doctor.  Cymbalta without insurance costs me $242.00 for one months worth of capsules which I can not afford because I have been disabled by the fibromyalgia and have no money left to pay for the prescription and my husband is disabled and in need of medication as well. 

 

So now here I sit in my sickened state, unable to understand why no one told me that the reason I have been so sick for the past 4 days is because I am suffering from Cymbalta withdrawal.

 

I am having:

 

Severe Headaches

Nausea (which brings me close to vomiting)

Nerve Pain in my right eye and right side of face

Tightness across my chest

Severe dizziness

Nightmares

Sweating/Coldness

Pain in my eyes and across my forehead

Irritability

Light Sensitivity

Diarrhea

Brain Fog

Short term memory fog

Crying spells

 

THIS HAS ONLY BEEN 4 DAYS-----------WHAT ELSE CAN I EXPECT????????????

 

Thanks for listening

 

Joanne

[ladybugz]

Joanne,

My heart is aching from your words. These dr.s and pharm. companies are criminals and drug pushers. Can I ask what your dosage has been up until 4 days ago?

[fishinghat]

You don't need things like that in your life, esp now. You have to move past the people problems. If they can't act like rational adults then you don't need them in your life. I know that seems awful cold hearted but life is too short and filled with enough problems you CAN"T avoid you sure don't need to take on any people in your life that aren't an asset to your well being. These kind of short-sighted short-minded people are so .... Oh well you get the idea. Life is dealing you a lot right now and I just don't know how to make it any better for you. I wish I could make all the problems go away but I am sorry I can't. The best of luck with the eviction problem as well. Things have to improve!! God bless.

[fishinghat]

You know Chimera. I am sorry but the more I think about your old "bf" the more it bothers me. The world is full of what I call "boys" and not "men". Even if he interpreted things that way and felt strongly about it ...be a man. You don't need to, have to or even should reach out in a cruel way and hurt someone. There is a always a manly quiet peaceful non-destructive way to deal with it. And anyone who is over 10 years old should realize you are in a vulnerable position right now. It just gets my blood boiling when people just don't have the maturity or pride to do the right thing and not act like a selfish child. Hang in there...just had to vent a little.

[lady2882Nancy]

Hi Everyone:

 

I am new to this site and am sick as a dog while I am typing this forum.  My story starts as one that began with my diagnosis of severe fibromyalgia and finding the right medicine to help the pain along with the depression that occurs while suffering with this disease. I tried alot of different avenues until Cymbalta was recommended to me as a terrific drug for fibromyalgia pain.  I began taking the medication and found it to be effective in taking the "edge off" of my pain and making it bearable all the while keeping my depression in check.

 

I am 60 years old, disabled, without health insurance, & was supplied by my health providers with Cymbalta samples up until my samples ran out 5 days ago and was informed that no more samples would be made available by the company in the future to my doctor.  Cymbalta without insurance costs me $242.00 for one months worth of capsules which I can not afford because I have been disabled by the fibromyalgia and have no money left to pay for the prescription and my husband is disabled and in need of medication as well. 

 

So now here I sit in my sickened state, unable to understand why no one told me that the reason I have been so sick for the past 4 days is because I am suffering from Cymbalta withdrawal.

 

I am having:

 

Severe Headaches

Nausea (which brings me close to vomiting)

Nerve Pain in my right eye and right side of face

Tightness across my chest

Severe dizziness

Nightmares

Sweating/Coldness

Pain in my eyes and across my forehead

Irritability

Light Sensitivity

Diarrhea

Brain Fog

Short term memory fog

Crying spells

 

THIS HAS ONLY BEEN 4 DAYS-----------WHAT ELSE CAN I EXPECT????????????

 

Thanks for listening

 

Joanne

 

Hi Joanne

How awful for you to have to suddenly go through withdrawals. Your doctor could have at least given you something to help get through this. I would go an ask your doctor for something to help as he/she like so many doctors probably doesn't know about the side effects of stopping cold turkey.

If you can't get anything the worst of the side effects will last for 14-18 days. Drinks lots and lots of water and if you can get Omega 3 supplements that will help too and a good vitamin/mineral supplement. The L-theanine I listed above will help with the headache and irritablility.

I'm so sorry that you have to go through this and here on this site we really understand how you are feeling.

Take care and let us know how you are doing when you can

[linamb]

Diagnosed with osteo arthritis at 34 years of age and at 52 diagnosed also with fibromyalgia and nerve pain (in my feet).   Have tried tons of different meds.  I am on prednisone and gabapentin and for the past 6 months I also tried Cymbalta.  It did not change any of my pain except increase my feet pain unbelievable.  I can barely walk the balls of my feet are so tender and hurting.  I was on 60 mg of Cymbalta (capsule).  Instead of lowering my dose everyday my doc had me take 60 mg every other day for 20 days and then stop completely. Since stopping I have had the following:

 

Mood swings

upset stomach

vomiting

headaches (lots of them)

dizziness/lightheadedness

difficulty concentrating

periods of extreme fatigue

periods of being very active = can't sit still

weird pains down arms and legs

not interested in sex

depressed (never depressed before this)

hot flashes and sweating

Ear pain (diagnosed as ear infection while tapering down on my Cymbalta).  Took antibiotics but still have ear pain, can't unclog my ear and it just feels weird.  also sounds weird when touching my neck below my ear.

 

Took last Cymbalta 8 days ago, hoping this goes away.  My doc wants me to start lyrica already, but am hesitant since I am still not feeling well.

 

 

[fishinghat]

Hate to hear what you are going through with the cymbalta withdrawal but it should start getting beter in 2 to 4 weeks. I am deeply concerned about hte fact you are taking gabapentin. Nearly every doctor n our area has stopped prescribing gabapentin (generic neurontin) because of its strong link to pancreatic and other cancers. There was a historical study done that suggested those taking gaba were at a 11% risk (if my memory serves me corectly) on pancreatic cancer. Several studies are under way by the FDA to evaluate the cancer risk. The few early results suggest the risk of cancer may even be higher than that. I really suggest you google gabapentin cancer and read the info. No one here uses it anymore.Good luck with the withdrawal, doing that sudden a stoppage instead of bead counting is tough.

[GypsyGail]

On Cymbalta:

Zero sex drive 

Inability to orgasm

Extreme anger at little things (smashing cellphone when it isn't working)

When combined with alcohol (I know, not advised), suicidal thoughts, semi-attempts, outlandish behavior and violent outbursts

Numb, careless feelings a "not give a shit" attitude

 

After Cymbalta (cold turkey, 30 mg 7 years) :

Brain zaps causing ringing of the ears and disorientation

dizziness

fatigue

feeling like I am going to pass out upon standing (low blood sugar feeling)

Increased sex drive

feeling of hopelessness

suicidal idealization (actually googled how to tie a noose today)

angry

irritable, short temper and lashing out at the ones I love

feeling like i cannot hold my own head up (muscle weakness)

Nightmares

Shakiness

blurry vision 

stomach pain

intense diarrhea (soiled myself on several occasions)

nausea

depression

hot flashes

so much anger I will break things 

Easily caused crying

Desire to yell at people 

Hunger

Indigestion

Memory Problems (every day seems to run into the next)

Slower thought process 

And I am sure I will think of more later. BTW I am 22 years old and it is my fifth (or sixth?) day off of the drug. 

Been jogging when I can and walking when I cannot. Taking ground flax seed and fish oil for brain shocks but have yet to see any improvement. 

[ladybugz]

GypsyGail,

 

I have the increased sex drive too! Weird. I think it stems from anxiety and agitation. Only problem is when I have a "finale" my agitation becomes 10x worse. I've learned it's better to just lay off. No more casual hookups for now.

[GypsyGail]

I am afraid that my aggression towards my bf will cause him to leave me. All we do is argue which was never a factor before all of this. I know that my stubbornness and anger will eventually ruin our relationship. I highly doubt we make it through this since it is only day seven (or six) and he is already losing patience with my issues. He lost his job due to the fact that my actions have been causing him too much stress. I know this is a long road and I just am having lots of trouble finding hope. New symptom of never sleeping and I have never had a problem sleeping. Can't wait to see what else this wonderful thing has in store for me. life=ruined

[fishinghat]

I know it is tough gypsygail but once this withdrawal is over hopefully you will be a lot more settled and stable.It has to be better than right now. But things should start geting better ina week or two. Hang in there.

[lady2882Nancy]

Hello Gypsygail and Linamb

For those mood swings and the irritablity try some L-theanine (make sure it is suntheanine) 200mg first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. This is a supplement and is a natural occuring amino acid in the brain that unfortunately is in short supply when stopping Crapalta. You can take this 3 times a day. 

I started using it when I was 2 weeks off for headaches and it really helped with that. I discovered at that time that if I forgot to take it I was super witch with a B and all caps lol and when I take it I have way more control over my temper and not so irritable.

It's a really tough road getting off and side effects usually last 4 to 6 weeks for most people. Somehow the people around you need to realize that this is the drug causing you so much trouble and it's not like you want to feel this way.

 

The low blood sugar feeling may not be just a feeling as Crapalta keeps your blood sugar higher than normal so now that you are off it your blood sugar levels are returning to normal which for a while feels like it is too low to your brain. To help moderate your blood sugar levels make sure to have a source of protein with those veggies for every meal. Staying away from overprocessed, starchy or fatty foods will also help.

 

Hang in there, you will get through this.

 

Take care

[chimera]

Nancy and Fishinghat,

both of you, thank you so much. I missed all of you too for the last few days, it's been quite a ride to say the least, I have good news to report at the end of it though, very good news so it will explain my absence on here since that night. as you know, I was at my lowest ebb, I couldn't see a way out, anywhere. I could not function, I could not breathe, couldn't sleep. the next day he texted me to say he hoped I was ok, despite everything he still cared. I was shocked, I didn't expect to ever hear from him again. I said I was ok (though I wasn't) and that I hoped he was too. he asked what is going on? 

I took a deep breath and explained as best as I could, calmly. by that time I had nothing to lose. no pussyfooting, no trying to make it better than it was, just honestly plain facts about how I had been feeling. I hated having to be so open, when I thought he knew already, but by that point I simply didn't care any more how I appeared, the damage had already been done. after asking 'and is pushing me away the best way to help the situation?' he said to let him know if I needed anything, I thanked him and said I would just take it day by day. 

in the evening I received an email from him, asking was I absolutely sure I wanted this over, as he loved me. I replied with 'read this, then decide what you want to do, and whether it changes anything'. I more at length explained everything in detail, like I do with you guys. all the things you know, he now knows about what happened. I was terrified after in case he thought I was mad. he said he was proud of me, and that he wanted to be in a relationship with me still. lots more was said, and I also admitted yes I do need him. not just because of the situation, but just because of him. before all this, we had a wonderful relationship. that helped, I think much as I detest being 'needy' in any way, sometimes admitting that you need someone can help. he said it was not a weakness to do this, and he came to see me the next day. 

by sheer chance, the landlord came round simultaneously, saying we have til 31st July instead of 31st August to get out. I was in the garden, but my bf heard the shouting (I was caught off guard and was terrified of now suddenly having a month less to prepare to go). luckily the landlord backed down when he saw how heated it was getting, and said look you don't have to go, just pay the month's rent now and you can stay (due to several unforeseen expenses- medical bills, vet's bills, we'd been slowly getting deeper into debt since Xmas). 

I explained to bf what was going on. he helped liaise with the landlord an agreement, paid the month's rent and will pay the next to get us back on track, and helped me ring the bank/set up a financial plan for the future. I would never ever have asked him for any money, ever. had the landlord not come round when he was there, I still would not have. I will pay him back when a legacy comes through we have been waiting for, so he knows it will be returned to him asap. 

the relief was so great, I cried for 2 hours. I had not been able to think straight with the worry for so many weeks, it was a miracle. also counselling assessment was good, they have referred me to an online counselling site where you can have free therapy sessions for 6 weeks via your dr- and also interact with others also. I registered today, and have my first session on Tuesday. 

however the greatest help, the thing that has kept me going through all this, is the kindness of you both, which I will never forget. thank you xx

[fishinghat]

Wow!! That is great news and lifts my heart, Chimera. I am so glad by the way he came back and approached things the way he did. He willingly stepped up and helped with the flat without being asked....that was a great thing for him to do.

As fr as you thinking he already new the situation you were in...Well let me tell you about us guys. Sometimes (usually) us men are a little (a lot) thick headed and don't always (usually) see the things that are in front of us looking directly at us. So don't be afraid to repeat yourself about your problems. Don't be hesitant to not only tell him about your problems but tell him directly how he can help. Most people are uncomfortable with mental health issues and men are really lost, He would probably appreciate knowing exactly how he can assist. I can tell you after 30 years of marriage, there is NOTHING more important than communication. Don't leave things unsaid or assume the other one knows how you feel. Make it easy for him to be your best freind and help.

 

I am really glad things are a lot less stressful now. You just keep hanging in there girl and eventually you will get there.

[chimera]

Wow!! That is great news and lifts my heart, Chimera. I am so glad by the way he came back and approached things the way he did. He willingly stepped up and helped with the flat without being asked....that was a great thing for him to do.

As fr as you thinking he already new the situation you were in...Well let me tell you about us guys. Sometimes (usually) us men are a little (a lot) thick headed and don't always (usually) see the things that are in front of us looking directly at us. So don't be afraid to repeat yourself about your problems. Don't be hesitant to not only tell him about your problems but tell him directly how he can help. Most people are uncomfortable with mental health issues and men are really lost, He would probably appreciate knowing exactly how he can assist. I can tell you after 30 years of marriage, there is NOTHING more important than communication. Don't leave things unsaid or assume the other one knows how you feel. Make it easy for him to be your best freind and help.

 

I am really glad things are a lot less stressful now. You just keep hanging in there girl and eventually you will get there.

thank you:) yes it was a truly wonderful thing, as it has given me the space and time to concentrate on getting better in peace, without having to have additional stress that was severely hampering progress. 

you are so right about guys! much as many of us have read 'Men are from Mars', we think we've taken it on board, sometimes there are instances where we just forget how differently our brains can work  where I went wrong was in by trying not to be a burden I thought a one time/two time explanation would be enough. any more explaining just seemed 'attention seeking' to me, and I was too proud to do it, never mind go into the details I had to in the end. I didn't want to scare him off, but in keeping it in like that, I almost did by reaching total frantic frustration point but keeping it inside. 

neither sex's way of handling things is better than the other, just different. I know now he is good with practical support, even emotional support but the same kind I get from you all here. it's just the way he is, it doesn't mean he thinks any the less of me, it's just not his strong point to want to delve too deeply into emotional stuff. he is pleased I am getting support from different areas now, and that in turn means he doesn't feel he has to be my 'everything'. he encouraged me to say openly 'yes I need you, I am struggling'. I don't even need to go into detail, just to say I need him to come or need a bit of extra shielding from some things right now. in return, I will cut him more slack as requested. where the other site is concerned, I will continue to stay off that, until I can get to the point where any comments simply don't bother me. he understands better why I need to do that now. 

so yes you're right, directly saying how he can help is the way to go, it's more man-friendly. he then can feel good at having assisted, and I feel better, win win!

[chimera]

Diagnosed with osteo arthritis at 34 years of age and at 52 diagnosed also with fibromyalgia and nerve pain (in my feet).   Have tried tons of different meds.  I am on prednisone and gabapentin and for the past 6 months I also tried Cymbalta.  It did not change any of my pain except increase my feet pain unbelievable.  I can barely walk the balls of my feet are so tender and hurting.  I was on 60 mg of Cymbalta (capsule).  Instead of lowering my dose everyday my doc had me take 60 mg every other day for 20 days and then stop completely. Since stopping I have had the following:

 

Mood swings

upset stomach

vomiting

headaches (lots of them)

dizziness/lightheadedness

difficulty concentrating

periods of extreme fatigue

periods of being very active = can't sit still

weird pains down arms and legs

not interested in sex

depressed (never depressed before this)

hot flashes and sweating

Ear pain (diagnosed as ear infection while tapering down on my Cymbalta).  Took antibiotics but still have ear pain, can't unclog my ear and it just feels weird.  also sounds weird when touching my neck below my ear.

 

Took last Cymbalta 8 days ago, hoping this goes away.  My doc wants me to start lyrica already, but am hesitant since I am still not feeling well.

Hi Linamb

you'll be through the worst of it by 3 weeks, hang in there. the symptoms you're experiencing sound definite withdrawal ones. re the ear, in withdrawal I also had clogging and random popping and filling feelings. much more noticeable than my usual general blockedness, more 'active', like something was on the move with a purpose! with ear infections in general, it can take a few weeks for it to settle down also.

I have M.E., similar to fibro, and the Cymbalta didn't help my pain either. it's too soon to start Lyrica, you need to be out of withdrawal for a good few weeks to 'clean out', it's best as Cymbalta hangs around in the body so long (6 weeks), or possibly longer if the person is overweight. (it lives in fa tissues )

the burning feelings will start to subside if they are connected to withdrawal, gradually over the next few weeks. then reassess whether it's better, the same, and go from there

[chimera]

I am afraid that my aggression towards my bf will cause him to leave me. All we do is argue which was never a factor before all of this. I know that my stubbornness and anger will eventually ruin our relationship. I highly doubt we make it through this since it is only day seven (or six) and he is already losing patience with my issues. He lost his job due to the fact that my actions have been causing him too much stress. I know this is a long road and I just am having lots of trouble finding hope. New symptom of never sleeping and I have never had a problem sleeping. Can't wait to see what else this wonderful thing has in store for me. life=ruined

Hi GysyGail

wow, this is an identical situation to the one I have been in. I am nearly 3 months off, and it all pretty nearly ruined everything for me. if you see my posts to Fishinghat and Nancy in this thread, you'll see how similar it was (and how difficult communication can be between partners in this). don't give up hope, please. you've done the right thing to come here, maybe tell your partner you have, so he can see you are trying so much to help yourself (and get support from others). 

my bf read a few posts when I told him, and it gave him a far better idea of it all at the time. as Fishinghat just said to me, you may have to remind him periodically where you're at, but none of this is your fault. you're right in the middle of the worst of withdrawal now, and any problems between you MUST temporarily be suspended until you are a bit better, otherwise it's simply not fair on you or him. maybe agree that it will be sorted out as soon as you are more yourself, but now is not the time, you need all the energy to get through this. don't lose hope, right now you'll be feeling too awful to see any light at the end of this tunnel, but there will be. it's just very early days yet. 

if the sleep lack gets too distressing, a sedating antihistamine can be helpful, the more sleep you can get right now the better. lack of sleep=totally understandable irritability and rage, at a time when we feel irritated enough as it is 

[lady2882Nancy]

Nancy and Fishinghat,

both of you, thank you so much. I missed all of you too for the last few days, it's been quite a ride to say the least, I have good news to report at the end of it though, very good news so it will explain my absence on here since that night. as you know, I was at my lowest ebb, I couldn't see a way out, anywhere. I could not function, I could not breathe, couldn't sleep. the next day he texted me to say he hoped I was ok, despite everything he still cared. I was shocked, I didn't expect to ever hear from him again. I said I was ok (though I wasn't) and that I hoped he was too. he asked what is going on? 

I took a deep breath and explained as best as I could, calmly. by that time I had nothing to lose. no pussyfooting, no trying to make it better than it was, just honestly plain facts about how I had been feeling. I hated having to be so open, when I thought he knew already, but by that point I simply didn't care any more how I appeared, the damage had already been done. after asking 'and is pushing me away the best way to help the situation?' he said to let him know if I needed anything, I thanked him and said I would just take it day by day. 

in the evening I received an email from him, asking was I absolutely sure I wanted this over, as he loved me. I replied with 'read this, then decide what you want to do, and whether it changes anything'. I more at length explained everything in detail, like I do with you guys. all the things you know, he now knows about what happened. I was terrified after in case he thought I was mad. he said he was proud of me, and that he wanted to be in a relationship with me still. lots more was said, and I also admitted yes I do need him. not just because of the situation, but just because of him. before all this, we had a wonderful relationship. that helped, I think much as I detest being 'needy' in any way, sometimes admitting that you need someone can help. he said it was not a weakness to do this, and he came to see me the next day. 

by sheer chance, the landlord came round simultaneously, saying we have til 31st July instead of 31st August to get out. I was in the garden, but my bf heard the shouting (I was caught off guard and was terrified of now suddenly having a month less to prepare to go). luckily the landlord backed down when he saw how heated it was getting, and said look you don't have to go, just pay the month's rent now and you can stay (due to several unforeseen expenses- medical bills, vet's bills, we'd been slowly getting deeper into debt since Xmas). 

I explained to bf what was going on. he helped liaise with the landlord an agreement, paid the month's rent and will pay the next to get us back on track, and helped me ring the bank/set up a financial plan for the future. I would never ever have asked him for any money, ever. had the landlord not come round when he was there, I still would not have. I will pay him back when a legacy comes through we have been waiting for, so he knows it will be returned to him asap. 

the relief was so great, I cried for 2 hours. I had not been able to think straight with the worry for so many weeks, it was a miracle. also counselling assessment was good, they have referred me to an online counselling site where you can have free therapy sessions for 6 weeks via your dr- and also interact with others also. I registered today, and have my first session on Tuesday. 

however the greatest help, the thing that has kept me going through all this, is the kindness of you both, which I will never forget. thank you xx

 

Yeah Chimera

Reading your messages it literally felt like the sun started shining it gave me such a happy feeling in my heart knowing that you were okay and back better than even with us again.

I'm so happy that so much has turned around for you in the last few days. Now you can concentrate on getting well again.

Some of life lessons are sure hard to learn and both you and your bf learned much and have grown from this I'm sure.

 

The online counselling sounds like it would be a great thing. I would find that very helpful too and am going to ask about that when I meet my therapist. Not sure when that will happen as the wheels of healthcare tend to move very slowly here in Canada.

 

I'm so glad that you are back with us and happy that I could offer some comfort during this time.

 

Take care of you dear, you know that I care

Nancy

[GypsyGail]

Thank you all so much for your continuous support I don't know what I would do without this site!

[chimera]

Yeah Chimera

Reading your messages it literally felt like the sun started shining it gave me such a happy feeling in my heart knowing that you were okay and back better than even with us again.

I'm so happy that so much has turned around for you in the last few days. Now you can concentrate on getting well again.

Some of life lessons are sure hard to learn and both you and your bf learned much and have grown from this I'm sure.

 

The online counselling sounds like it would be a great thing. I would find that very helpful too and am going to ask about that when I meet my therapist. Not sure when that will happen as the wheels of healthcare tend to move very slowly here in Canada.

 

I'm so glad that you are back with us and happy that I could offer some comfort during this time.

 

Take care of you dear, you know that I care

Nancy

thank you now we can both- me and you- hopefully concentrate on getting better. I wish the wheels of healthcare in Canada moved even a little bit more quickly, yes do ask your therapist about it. as we're in similar situations re not being able to get out to see one easily, it would be ideal

[chimera]

Thank you all so much for your continuous support I don't know what I would do without this site!

this site is a total godsend lol, it was only thing that kept me vaguely on track throughout and still! 

[chimera]

update on how my first Skype therapy session went:

really nice therapist, I feel I will work well with her. she wasn't up to date on Cymbalta so explained it, but she did have good knowledge about withdrawal

off antidepressants in general, so that's the main thing.

I told her about you guys, ie how our side effects and withdrawals followed similar paths (albeit individual responses). she gave me permission to be angry

lol. which was a weight off, as you know I've felt I've had to suppress it a lot. as long as it is expressed with no harm to myself or others, then it's ok to be so.

so she suggested some ways to express it before next week's session, and understood that emotions will be raw for some time for anyone who is off meds

completely after being on them a long time. so was happy with it:)

[lady2882Nancy]

Hi Chimera

Glad your first session went well. Makes a difference when you are comfortable with the therapist.

Also good to know that the anger issue really is from discontinuing.

Best part is that you are happy with the session.

Take care

[fishinghat]

Sounds promising Chimera. It will take a little time but she should be able to help you get those emotions in check a little quicker. Keep us posted.

[chimera]

thank you both I shall let you know how it goes, as obviously the same things that are discussed with her about Cymbalta, will apply to you all too. so any tips, I will share

[girlcat]

I am new to this forum.  I really wasn't aware of side effects when I began taking cymbalta for the pain of fibromyalgia, but someone mentioned terrible foot pain.  In thinking back, it was about a year ago, the foot pain didn't start until I started cymbalta.  I did have the severe sweating.  I had to change clothes three and four times daily.  I live in the south and spend a lot of time outside gardening, so that doesn't help.  I've been tapering off for months, and the pain is completely gone.  The pain was so bad I considered asking for a handicapped sticker.  I just assumed it was part of fibro.  I also went off all articial sweeteners and thought that was why my foot pain went away.

 

I think I have had all the withdrawal symptoms listed, but I was thinking about it today and wondered if anyone has lost dexterity in their hands.  I constantly drop things.  They slip from my hands.  I have a hard time opening things.  Anyone else have that problem?

[sk8mom]

Hi Chimera,

I am sooo happy for you, I hope you continue to have good sessions with your therapist, you deserve to be happy

[chimera]

I am new to this forum.  I really wasn't aware of side effects when I began taking cymbalta for the pain of fibromyalgia, but someone mentioned terrible foot pain.  In thinking back, it was about a year ago, the foot pain didn't start until I started cymbalta.  I did have the severe sweating.  I had to change clothes three and four times daily.  I live in the south and spend a lot of time outside gardening, so that doesn't help.  I've been tapering off for months, and the pain is completely gone.  The pain was so bad I considered asking for a handicapped sticker.  I just assumed it was part of fibro.  I also went off all articial sweeteners and thought that was why my foot pain went away.

 

I think I have had all the withdrawal symptoms listed, but I was thinking about it today and wondered if anyone has lost dexterity in their hands.  I constantly drop things.  They slip from my hands.  I have a hard time opening things.  Anyone else have that problem?

Hi Girlcat

yes I also had the foot pain, seen a few mention it I think also since I've been here. Cymbalta really messes with the nerve endings, and I am assuming as all the load of our weight is on our feet, that is why the pain is so bad with the nerve endings there. (seeing as this med is meant to help with nerve pain, it's pretty messed up!) I still have it a bit, so wear slippers a lot where I can. my bf looked at me like I was mad yesterday, as I said 'the ground's too hard, I need to put my slippers on'. I explained but it is a horrible lingering side effect that eases but takes its time to go.

lol yes, during withdrawal I was banned from cooking, and many many things were dropped. my hands felt weaker and the dexterity suffered. I am clumsy at the best of times, but it got to ridiculous levels. now it's just bad when I am overtired