1 reply to this topic

[CathyH]

Hi everyone, just wanted to post real quick that I've been off cymbalta for 30 days now, and am doing very well. I want to thank everyone who helped me when I needed it most. You guys are invaluable. GB, Houdi, AV, and everyone else.

I have finally hooked up with the group I talked about in other threads, the WRAP group. Wellness Recovery Action Plan. I start on August 4. It's an eight week long program, meeting on Mondays from 1-3. It's all about self-empowerment, and I'm very excited about it, as I want to learn some skills to LIVE my life, not just exist as a "sick person". These groups are all over the country, for anyone interested.

I had a few bad bumps during my Cymbalta withdrawal--the devil knows when you're down, doesn't he? But I have survived it all, so far, and plan to continue not just in survival, but living. I feel like I have some more of my life back. It took going off cymbalta, and going down drastically on another med, to realize just how overmedicated I was. How I was only functioning, and not doing well at even that. Yes, I think I need meds, because I have an illness, bipolar 2, OCD, and anxiety disorder, but my doc had me so overmedicated that it was literally stealing my "life blood". No more.

Just a mention: Since going off cymbalta, and decreasing seroquel by half, I have been able to do things I haven't done in years. Since early spring, I have been to three community events, gone out for dinner with my brother in law and his SO, been to the beach at least half a dozen times, even been IN the water (Lake Michigan), which I couldn't do before, because I was so afraid of germs and dead fish. I swim now. I walk on the beach. I go out to friends houses and have movie nights. I go for rides in my car.

This may not sound like a lot, but for me, these things are all ground-breakers. I'm going to continue breaking new ground.

For all out there struggling, it can be done. It sucks SO BAD coming off cymbalta, but it can be done, and IS being done by many. One thing that helped me so much, and I can't think of who said it, but they said that every day that passes is done, gone, and handled. You don't ever have to experience that day again. Thanks to whoever said that to me. It was literally one of the key things that kept me going and got me through.

Hugs,
CathyH

[Momoftwo]

Cathy,
Your story is an inspiration to me as I am just beginning this journey again. Thanks for sharing that there is life after Cymbalta! I hope things continue to go well for you.