[Flippin]

Hi guys and thanks for having me here!

I'm 58, married and have a great dog. In 2000, I was running a fledging business out of the house that sort of "took off" and was supporting us nicely. Then I got "sick". I don't know how else to say it. I just started feeling wretched and no one could figure out what it was.

Unfortunately, I was started on Xanax for muscle pain. Huge mistake. A couple of years ago, I read Robert Whitaker's "Anatomy of an Epidemic" and realized benzos could be causing at least some of my problems. So I quit and turned into a raging psychopath! Reinstated and started a l-o-n-g, slow taper. I'm almost done.

I went from zero health problems to having sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, celiac, Lupus (maybe - that one is still elusive), major arthritis in hands, Dupuytrens contracture (a weird fascia tissue problem in hands that causes the fingers to curl inward), celiac, generalized anxiety, depression and in the last couple of weeks a new ddx of PTSD. Well, who wouldn't have PTSD, right? There is some old trauma, but I've dealt with it.

I haven't shopped at a grocery store in about 3 years. I used to slide down to the store half drunk to get more beer but I haven't had alcohol for 21 months. Thank God!

So I'm learning the forum and looking for insight. I'm hopeful. And lonely. Looking for connection with others who suffer these odd, life changing mental symptoms.

Again, thanks for having me here. I look forward to getting to know people.

Flip