Fluoxetine :: My Journey With Prozac

I've decided to document my journey starting prozac/fluoxetine as a way to cope and record my progress, as well as possibly help others!

Day 1 (Wednesday, Oct. 28):

I was prescribed 10mg of prozac this day and took it early, around 8:30. I had been suffering depression and anxiety which came out of nowhere for 5 weeks and decided to start medication. This was a normal depressed day, but it faded 80% at 6:00 like usual. I went to dinner with a friend and felt somewhat good

Day 2:

Bad morning anxiety. I think I was depressed most of the day, it did gt better around 6:00pm.

Day 3:

​I woke up with my usual morning anxiety and bad diarrhea. But on this Friday I had an exam and noticed after that my intrusive thoughts had started to fade! They were still there but didn't scare me (fear of death, fear of time running out). I went home to visit my family this day and felt happier, though tired at times.

Day 4:

I was very busy Halloween day. Me and my siblings drove all around town to find last minute details for their costumes.I noticed around 2 that I was feeling down again. By 6:30, I had forgotten my worries and was in the moment! I enjoyed my night

Day 5:

Struggled to eat in the morning. Felt like gagging when I tried to take a bite, but I forced it down anyways. I was at a park trying to relax but the anxiety/butterflies feeling was strong. Throughout the day I had bouts of crying and hopelessness. At 4 I felt great again, not perfect but good! 

Day 6:

Monday morning I had to go back to my apartment and say bye to the family. I have to increase to 20mg on Wednesday so I did around 13mg today. Bad morning anxiety like usual, and around 10:30 I had a complete breakdown and cried driving back. My mom talked with me over the phone for awhile to help me get through. I went to class and around 2:30, I noticed something weird. I wanted to listen to my music! I love music but haven't been able to listen to anything these past few weeks. I felt 99%! I was so happy, I actually went out to my favorite restaurant alone for the first time in awhile. Great day, no relapse!

Day 7:

Today the morning anxiety was pretty bad. I took 15 mg to prepare for the 2 tomorrow. I had a major, major panic attack as bad as my first one ever, I started crying uncontrollably. It lasted 1 minute because I stopped myself and asked "Am I going to let anxiety do this to me?" I took .5mg of xanax (which never helps me) and much to my surprise, I felt soooo normal at 1:30! I even danced around the room. Later that night I went to a movie with a friend and noticed a small amount of anxiety, like a slight gagging feeling. It strangely didn't go away at night like usual, but today was still pretty great! No depression today.

Day 8:

Increased to 20mg today. I had really bad morning anxiety and went for m CBT, we did a meditation exercise where you breath and imagine an ocean and I literally was having more anxiety! SO around 10:45 I took a xanax... I thought I was going to pass out. I just wanted to sleep all day. It was very hard to go to class after being in bed so long. At home I just tried to watch TV and distract myself. Didn't feel better in the evening like I usually do which was strange. Heightened anxiety all day!

Day 9:

Horrible day. Morning anxiety and bad, bad diarrhea. I could barely eat today, I had a small piece of pizza, and later on a smoothie. I stayed in bed most of the day which is very strange for me, but luckily my friend came around 5. I still had low anxiety, but had a better time a night. 

Day 10:

I was on the verge of a panic attack in the car today, but I wanted to stay calm for my friend. I couldn't eat so I drank half of a smoothie. My friend left today around 10 am. When I got home, I had bad diarrhea and started crying.   I took .25mg of xanax. So I climbed in bed and started writing this which has helped, I do feel less anxious. But the intrusive thoughts are starting to depress me again, although they are manageable. 

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Cannabis Addiction :: My Journey To Stop Smoking Marijuana

I am 18 years old and have 1 semester left of high school. i started smoking marijuana when i was 15. i lived in a small town but made friends with a person that could get me whatever amount i could pay for as fast as he got the text asking. i now live in the next town over which is a very small city and have several people in my contacts that know to ask on a weekly basis how much i need without me texting them first. my parents are divorced and i live with my mom. my mom works out of state, so she gets up at 4 am and is home around 730-8 pm. so she is never around to know what is happening at home. she works with lawyers and makes excellent money so getting money for my addiction has never been a problem. iv been smoking close to non-stop since the time i've started,but have also been smoking cigarettes for the same amount of time.

i have tried several times in the past to stop (i say stop because out of the other times i have tried i have used the term "quit" which is a more permanent term and puts more anxiety on me when i think about weed on my attempts to stop). my most successful time was this past summer when i was working with my cousin that owns his own construction business. since my entire family shuns people like me who smoke anything or are not straight edge i did not do it before i went to work for him so he wouldn't know. and it was also easier to cut back because i was working for him almost every day, which put me around people that did not smoke and did not even talk about it. right now most of the people in my town and around me smoke (except for my mother which does not know about this addiction because i have tried to bring it up in the past but the way she handles it puts me in a position were im to stressed out and resort back to it) i can walk down my street and ask a random person if they know were i can get weed and can most likely get weed (i have done this several times and it has worked) so its been hard trying to find someone that can help me through the withdrawls without tempting me back into it.

im on my 3rd day without weed. i went cold turkey after the new year. the withdrawal symtoms that i can see right now is that my sleep is not what it used to be. i just can't fall asleep as peacefully as before when i smoked and i cant stay asleep either. my appetite is lower, though i eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that's not a concern. i also don't want to go out in public that much anymore or do things. and when i get into a stressful situation i don't know how to overcome that stress because i used to always resort to weed to help. i've tried reading and doing stress workouts but they don't seem to help calm that voice that says "hey everything will be better once you get weed" and the two biggest and hardest symptoms is that when i don't have something to do, or start thinking about the time that i have free now, i feel depressed and bored and worried. because smoking used to take up that time and i felt happy and relaxed even when i was just sitting there high. the second thing is that i know im addicted. but at times when people tell me that you cant get addicted to weed and i start to think of how fine i feel without it i feel as though they are right and that i can smoke this one time with that person without starting to do it constantly again. but that is how i kept getting back into it in the past.

i need to stop because i really want to join the army which would keep me out of smoking weed but the big step is to stop it now so i can join. i have started to talk to a recruiter and can be sent out for boot camp in 9 months. but if i don't find a way to overcome the willingness to smoke i won't be able to go. i would appreciate so much if people could share with me how they overcame the urges, especially around other smokers and on weekends when that was my get out and smoke with a lot of other smokers time. and other things that helped people out.

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Food Allergy Following Virus

Following a throat bug/allergy in the spring, my throat became irritated by certain foods. I also had a bad cough, which turned out to be hay fever, and settled when treated. I was subsequently IGE tested and was diagnosed allergic to all items tested; tomatoes, onion, sweet pepper, lemon, kiwi & strawberries. Symptoms are an unpleasant tingling/burning mouth which can take 24 hours to settle. Antihistamines do not solve the problem. I have been prescribed Zantac/Ranitidine which I don't think helps. During the week I am very strict with my diet, and the symptoms settle. Then at the weekend if I relax and inadvertently eat a small amount of anything unsuitable, and enjoy a glass of wine, the symptoms return. Has anyone else had this? any advice would be great, thanks.

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HIV Virus Can Survive In Salty Liquids And Water?

Edward hook 3 answered a question that hiv virus can survive in salty liquids can it survive in salt water too?

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Carrier Of Hepatitis B Virus With E Antigen Positive

I Know that she is highly contagious for that matter .. but can this be cured?

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Herpes :: Sex With Asymptomatic Virus Shedding Partner

I've been seeing this sweet girl for a month and a half now.

I know her background pretty well, as she's a friend of a friend.

She's a shy, quiet and reserved person with no history of STDs, and has only had one sexual partner before me.

Five days ago, we kissed and had protected sex using a condom.

Last night after dinner, I noticed a tingling/slightly burning sensation on a small part of my upper lip.

It's a sensation similar to when you have really dry and chapped lips, and the skin starts to recover, except perhaps a little more intense.
I'm really paranoid about having contracted HSV-1 orally, even though I have none of the other symptoms usually associated with an outbreak.

Because I'm a germaphobe, I live my life more carefully than most others; never really come into physical, skin-on-skin contact with other people (minus handshakes and hugs), and always pay close attention to what I do whenever my skin is damaged a little from being dry or cut.

Neither she (19 years old) nor I (23) have ever had an outbreak of cold sores, but I'm aware that you can carry the virus around all your life without ever knowing - that goes for the both of us.

Both her and my dad do get occasional cold sore outbreaks.

I guess what I'm after here more than anything, is a rough estimate on how likely I am to contract HSV-1 from her, with all the above details taken into account.

As a worst-case scenario, let's assume that she is carrying the virus, but is completely asymptomatic.

What are the odds of becoming infected from asymptomatic shedding?

In other words, what sort of transmission rates am I looking at for asymptomatic shedding?

If what I'm feeling on my lip is the beginning of a cold sore, at what point in time should I be able to SEE something on the lips at the spot? Because I've been up close with a magnifying glass and a flashlight and the area looks perfectly normal.

A related, but I guess more of a bonus question:

I called my doctor earlier this week, in an attempt to set up an STD screening as my new relationship becomes increasingly intimate - I'm confident that I'm clean, but it would be nice to have that confirmed.

I asked for an STD test and would like testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2 included as well, to which she replied, puzzled, why on earth I'd want that?

I explained my situation and that I'd like to know my herpes status, so I'd at least know where I stand in relation to my new girl.

She then said that she saw no reason to test for that at all, especially since I've never had an outbreak.

To be honest, this reaction from a medical professional kinda shocked me.

If a patient requests a specific test for a lifelong, incurable disease, why would a doctor stall like that?

At the very least, shouldn't she be interested in trying to prevent the further spread of the virus, by allowing me to know if I already have it - or if I don't have it, so that I'll be a bit careful about what I do?

Any input except "oh get over yourself, cold sores are so common, everyone has them!"

I'll take any fighting chance I can get, if it means I get to live out the rest of my life without having to constantly worry about infecting others and having blisters on my face.

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Post Viral Fatigue This Year Following A Bad Virus

I was diagnosed with post viral fatigue this year following a bad virus.   Before that I was pretty healthy, I walked to work everyday and was at the gym a few times a week.  Now, although I have recovered a lot from when it first hit, I still struggle day to day.  Something as small as walking up the stairs knocks me ill, and a few hours out can leave me aching for days.  Even cooking a meal isn't usually an option.

I'm getting frustrated because although I can accept that nights out and shopping centres are out of the question (I'm in my mid twenties, so what I usually did), I'm still working full time, even though this means that most of my time off is spent resting (in pain) to try and keep myself fit for work.  I can't quit my job because we need the money but I'm not coping very well.  My employer is usually good but because there is technically nothing wrong with me (my doctor thinks it will pass, and its not classed as a disability) they won't make any allowances or accommodations, which means that its not unusual for me to work very late nights or six days a week. My performance is suffering and I worry about dismissal.  I want to work part time to give myself more rest (and be better at my job) but I won't be able to pay the bills, and my family don't think this is an option for us.

I've tried going back to the doctors but although she has run blood tests etc, I kind of get the feeling that she doesn't see why I'm bothering her, as she just tells me that recovery can take several months, and it's not quite been six.

It just leaves me frustrated because I feel so guilty about being ill.  Although they tell me to rest and recover, it seems to be as long as I can manage pretty much as I did before.  I know I put too much pressure on myself, but I feel as though I'm doing something wrong by needing help now, even though I've worked my whole life.

Does anyone else feel this way?

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Epstein Barr Virus :: Experience A Pain In The Spleen?

I have been diagnosed 3 or 4 days ago with epstein barr virus.  I have a question, does any of you have experience a pain in the spleen? Did you get any medication for it or just let it be? I didn't go to the doctor as it doesn't hurt as bad but let's just say I can feel pain during the day. I am planning to see a doctor next week if it doesn't stop hurting.

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Herpes :: Asymptomatic Virus Shedding For Both Partners (no Symptoms)

My partner of 2yrs recently informed me that he tested positive for herpes and I subsequently did have a positive test. We both have no symptoms as this was only confirmed by blood test with mine having the higher positive value 1.30. We attended different doctors and he is currently taking valtrex as suppressive therapy since his is mild and my doctor recommended that I only take valtrex if I have an outbreak. I have been looking at alternative supplements as suppressive therapy could anyone share their experiences on the success of any alternative product. Personally I think valtrex is a bit expensive for daily suppressive therapy but I want to ensure that the infection is controlled or suppresses to avoid an outbreak of possible

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Herpes :: Asymptomatic Virus Shedding - Suppressive Therapy

I have read that episodic therapy does not have any real impact on asymptomatic shedding, which suggests there must be a number of days/weeks of continuous treatment (as in the case of suppressive therapy) before this is effectively reduced. Anyone know how long that period is?

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Genital Herpes Simplex :: Asymptomatic Virus Shedding (carrier)

I was tested positive for HSV2.

I've done the HSV 2 type 2 specific Elisa Euroimmun igg test

1st result is 43.5RU/ml July 28th 2015

2nd result is 23.9RU/ml Nov 4th 2015

3rd result is 54.9RU/ml Jan 29th 2016

Less than 16 RU/ml--Negative

16 and less than 22 RU/ml--Borderline

More than 22 RU/ml--Positive

I never have any visible symptoms, I understand that this is very common.

I would like to ask if I have itchy or tingling feeling at my scrotum or the base area of penis shaft. Is it every time I have this feeling it is Asymptomatic Virus Shedding?

Also I would like to know the best way to prevent passing this HSV2 to my gf if we would like to have sex.

I know wearing protection is a must, is there any ways that can further reduce the chance of passing it to her?

(She knows I am a positive, and she is not a positive.)

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Herpes :: Asymptomatic Virus Shedding - False Positive? Carrier?

I was tested positive for HSV2, but no symptoms

Also I would like to know the best way to prevent passing this HSV2 ...

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Herpes :: Asymptomatic Virus Shedding - Can I Catch Partners Hsv Strand Too?

I believe I am asymptomatic. I have never seen and outbreak, but I'm unsure if I have them inside. My gyno looked once and said she saw no sign of outbreak or scarring.

I dated a guy who has had hsv2 since birth and he performed oral on me. And bear with me here, but I may have just answered half of my question. I still see no sign of outbreak, but after we made out, and the a few days later on the back of my tongue near my throat I think I had an outbreak.

I've had a few since, for the most part I think; unlike the first outbreak, I see just one at a time. There may be one other time I've had a few at once. I've never thought to get it cultured, but I will next time I see them.

So my question is, could he have infected me with his strand orally?

Secondly, if do actually have them on the inside, would they hurt? I can't find any information about that online. It mostly just pulls up basic facts about herpes. I've had an odor and I can't seem to what it is. Maybe weeping sores? Doctor gave a visual exam, no testing, and he said I checked out for bv. He seemed bothered so I didn't push for cultures. I keep coming back with uti tests positive for leucocytes (sp?) and there was a culture done on that, but they said it was just probably on my skin or something. I think it didn't grow or something. I digress, sometimes the odor smells like amonia, other times it is yeasty. Not to be weird or anything, but I used to have kind of a nice odor, and since shorty after the herpes it changed.

I should also mention I haven't had periods since 2013. I know it's unrelated to herpes, but do you think since I don't have that to clean me out, that may be the cause of my odor issues?

And instead of making a third post, what's the deal with herpes and tanning beds?

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Hepatitis C :: Heroin Addicted - Elevated Enzymes Means Active Virus?

I'm a recovering heroin addict. For 7 or 8 Years I used heroin and participated in Many high risk behaviors, mainly sharing of needles and reuse of my own needles. I was tested last week to get on Accutane, and they said my test came back reactive and I had to go for a second test to see if I have the active virus. They also told me my liver enzymes were high. My question is, is with elevated enzymes, is that indicative of active virus? I'm going crazy waiting for results. And is there anything that could've made my levels high besides an active virus? And if I have the active virus, I've had it for at least 3+ years, because I haven't used or participated in that behavior or drank in 3 years, so what will be done to treat it?

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