6 replies to this topic

[tucsonC]

I've been reading all your helpful posts for weeks now.  I started my taper from 30mg on April 1st.  Was on the large beads so decided to try removing one, which brought me to 25.  Had a little dizziness/headache the first week and a little crying the 2nd and 3rd...and an on and off upper back ache.  Stayed at 25 thru May....BUT mid May my legs became "heavy"...not numb, not asleep, not hurting---they just don't walk right.  I feel like I am walking in pool....or walking like Frankenstein...My upper back occasionally is sore but stretching it out helps.

 

May 31st went to PC doc.  Told her it could be Cymbalta Withdrawal and she said she'd run all kinds of tests...I have hyper-reflex and my bloodwork (8 vials!) show slightly high B12 but everything else good.  

 

I had 3 neck vertebra replaced in my neck in 2010 so next she ordered an MRI on lower back (that's where leg nerves are), and x ray on mid back and neck June 7th.  Report came back that I have 2 slight disks bulging in low back with no spinal cord compression...There should be no leg numbness from this---but she does want me to follow up with a neurologist.  Called for appointment and can't get in till AUGUST 2nd!!!  I am on the "waiting" list and marked as urgent.... 

 

So--in the meantime--I started back up--first to 27mg 6/13 (because now I switched pharmacy to get the microbeads) and now to 30mg since 6/16.  Also started on Omega 3, Magnesium, and the ACV.  Tried Jacuzzi and CBD oil and am VERY impatient to have this resolve and start tapering slowly.... Advice?  Time frame?  

 

Thanks for all the time you put into answering all these questions---great info site!  

[fishinghat]

Welcome TC

Sorry about the personal trauma you went through but am glad you are better now.

Cymbalta has a lot of effect on pain and muscle function but what we see is mostly cramps, muscle pain and peripheral neuropathy like burning, tingling, etc of the skin. My wife has had one artificial disc implanted and one fusion and 2 discectomies so I know a little about back issues and am concerned about the bulging discs. I know on one of her herniated disc two drs couldn't find anything in the MRI but 3 third dr saw it. The three drs consulted and finally agreed that it was there. All this from the same set of images. All I can add is to continue to see the specialists and don't be afraid of a second opinion.

I am glad you are on the small beads now as that should make your weaning a little smoother in the future. No hurry though. Take care of yourself first. You don't want to fight the back/muscle issues at the same time as the withdrawal.

[fishinghat]

I took a quick search on this site and the only references to difficulty walking was from excessive pain or during and right after seizures. It doesn't sound like that is tour case.

[tucsonC]

thank you.  unfortunately I have to wait till Aug 2nd to even see the first neuro.  Is that the kind of doc your wife went to? 

[fishinghat]

No she saw 2 orthopedic surgeons and one orthopedic dr. They may be sending you to the neurologist so that they can do nerve conduction tests which will indicate the area of origin.

[tucsonC]

**UPDATE** It was not Cymbalta Withdrawal--an MRI showed compressed spine at C6 disk requiring emergency surgery on July 7th (after I called and insisted I would see ANYONE at the Neuro office since I now could barely move my legs and a Nurse Practitioner agreed to see me--and she went and got a doctor!).  So now recovering from the surgery and having to go physical therapy and still not "waking right" but getting closer each day!  Am holding at the 30 mg Cym for now but hope to start reduction on Sept 1st if I am recovered enough to feel no more stress from this..... THANK YOU for your suggestion that it probably wasn't a Cym Withdrawal!  You really know your stuff!!!   

[fishinghat]

I would normally say 'Great News' but back problems are never great news. lol I am very glad you had it checked out and were able to take are of the issue. There will be time enough to address the Cymbalta when you are back (pun) in shape.

 

Keep us posted please.