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

Welcome to neurotalk. Congratulations on your 21 months sober, I'm a friend of Bill W. myself (also 58, also married, also with a great dog).

There are specific forums on anxiety, depression, addiction/alcoholism, and general mental health and emotional support. I'm sure you will find others who can relate and provide supportive advice.

Welcome Flippin,

I am sorry you are going through such a difficult time. When we get sick we go through such a struggle and yes I agree that sometimes when you treat one thing it can actually cause other issues. Please check out autoimmune disorders and PTSD. (or depression) feel free to ask questions, rant, rave, or just answer others. We are all friends here.

Thanks, Alt!

I'm beginning to look around a bit. It looks like a very friendly forum. Just what I need.

Flip

Welome to NT!!

Glad you found us! Make yourself right at home.
This is a very down-to-earth place and people are very caring and supportive.

It's great to have you

Rae

Flip,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thanks for the welcome, Lightrail!

We have some things in common! But I wasn't walking across the street and hit by a train. How terrible for you. I'm really sorry.

It's great to know that your neuropsych eval shows recovery. I actually have one of those scheduled next week. My first. I'm looking forward to a baseline and then much improvement in the following year.

I'll hunt around and try finding the different boards you mentioned.

Again, thanks for the welcome.

Flip

Hi there.
Welcome to Neurotalk.

And guess what? I actually know what Dupuytrens contracture is because I was diagnosed with that YEARS ago.

I had been putting some lotion on my left hand when I noticed this nodule or something like that. I said to my husband 'what the heck is this?" He said 'I have no idea". So my doctor referred me to a hand surgeon.

I will never forget the guy. He spoke French. (I speak a little). And we were chatting back and forth and my husband looked at the both of us like we were nuts. lol

The doctor told me the following:

"This is genetic and one of your parents probably had it and their parents". (Can't find this out because they have all passed)

He then said "If it ever happens that your hands start to curl, it's a simple operation and I can snip it and you'll be fine"

That was over 10 years ago. My hand never changed. I have full movement (and I have no idea why but thank god for that). I can open my hand fully. No contracting. He told me it's named after a french doctor.

And the funny thing is that because we were speaking french he pronounced it in a french accent. So I have no idea how it's pronounced in English but i always remembered it as

Du Puy TRANS Contracteur!!! With the emphasis on the last syllable of the last word.

Anyway, enough about me. Nice meeting you and I hope you get some answers in your posts.

Take care

Melody