Withdrawal symptoms

[growler]

Doctors:

I have been a serious spirits drinker for some years. Latterly I have suffered two seizures of which I have no recollection till I awoke in ER. I am now undergoing treatment and the scare I have had may be the best incentive to quit. I have looked up info about these seizures on the Web and I find that they typically occur between 6 and 48 hours after the last drink, but can also occur later. My question is if I really manage to quit for good, what are my chances of having another seizure, and will there come a time at which I can reasonably say it won't happen again? Thank you for your time.

[Francoise]

I take it you're under professional medical care and already know this, but it won't hurt to repeat it.

If you've been consuming large amounts of alcohol every day, it can be fatal to just quit cold turkey. The suggested approach is to cut down an ounce a day. So if you've been drinking say 30 ounces of alcohol a day, take 30 days to detox yourself. It's the seizures you're attempting to avoid. They can be fatal.

I feel sure your doctors have told you this?

Francoise

[PS >>>>Annie]

Excuse me for interrupting here...eh hum!  I just want to take up a little space here to wish my "other" family(Cin, Bright, Tom, Thomas, JB,Spook, Dee, Pelle, Kerri, Pixie,Silicon, Jimi, Joec, Boo Kitty, Hope, HedH., The Chads, Francois, Doc Dan...oh,and Andy if your out there, and all the newbies!!!)..   a very HAPPY EASTER!.....AND if your jewish,etc. etc,...I wish you all the blessings that Spring can bring.
Be strong guys.......Try to have a great weekend.  Go out and smell the daisys......Spend time w/friends, and family. lol
Ok, Dee I'm getting corny again. lol

Love yall,

Annie  *****   (:

[PS >>>>Annie]

......You too Growler.

[cindi]

I hope you have a really really Happy Easter as well   when you said spend time with your family does that mean to go out and "FROLIC IN THE GRASS"  get it  LOL  if you don't get it refer to the thread I came clean and got shot down.....love ya    cin

[pelle1985]

Thanks very much, Annie. . .and my own Happy Easter/Blessed Spring greetings out to you all as well.  If anyone deserves the joy of this occasion (and, I believe, everyone does), then it is we who have experienced so much pain.  Remember that there is indeed hope for us all, and that we deserve to be happy.

Peace,
Pelle

[dee dee]

To Annie and everyone posting here from DeeDee,Happy Easter to you all. How's the healing going? My hand is doing great, healing like a young chicki, which i'm not any more. Mentally i still think young and that is what counts. Have a great weekend everyone. DeeDee

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Thank God you made it to the ER after your seizures!  And hopefully you were advised by medical professionals about alcohol abuse and the major health risks involved.  

My opinion is that you will be safe as long as you abstain from all alcohol in the future.  Your body is warning you of things to come.  J.B.

[spook]

NO more siezures,the END.

[PS >>>>Annie]

Where have you been?  Haven't heard from you in a while.  Now I know your still alive. lol  Speak to anyone lately>>>?  Taken any trips? lol  
Hope to hear from you soon!
  ~~
  @@
  __

Love,
Annie

[spook]

What is the status of your Pain and Pain relief situation?,are you still having problems getting relief or is the pain not so bad?.Or both as usual,what the hell(sorry)is happening with your dilemma
Sorry if I was not avail for chat when you posted,it is easy to lose threads.
               Luke®(the non-tripping version 2.01)©
C/O Spook.

[PS >>>>Annie]

See my post under Narcotics for chronic pain.

I have joined a few organizations.  I had posted my story as a newbie, and recieved an overwhelming response, one of which was a co-owner of a website.  My moderator emailed her my story.  She asked to display it.  They will do this from time to time.
I am actively involved in these chronic pain organizations now.  I am trying to stay informed of situations in my state.  I am shy like you, but I once saw a program where Christopher Reeves said we have to do our part, even if we don't feel like it.  So I am doing what I can, however small it may be.  I am almost fully recovered from the surgery, but now I know what was implant pain and what is not.  I have SI pain, hip socket pain, and this all results of the degenerative arthritis.  I am being discharged from my Ortho on the 25th.  Then I am on my own, during my search for a new doctor to treat my chronic pain.
I am almost out of meds, but not to worried.  I have been tapering down, and psyching myself out. lol  I will be winging it for awhile, but I'm tough.  Thank you for writing, and I always look forward to hearing from you.  I will ck/in at this forum from time to time, as I do not want to loose contact w/ my friends.  
Love,

Annie

ANNIE'S QUOTE
http://www.arronb.virtualempire.com/main/painpolitics/quote.html

Ps....I bought some L-tyrosine and B6.  It really helps.

[spook]

Just letting you know I have seen your post,I knew their was a reason for your suffering and I think I get the picture now.
God bless you.

[PS >>>>Annie]

You never cease to amaze me!

Love,

Annie

[cindi]

sorry to bust in on this thread but I have a problem that bugs the hell out of me,,,alot of times when i lay down my legs get really restless,,i guess it's called restless leg syndrome..they say it may stem from back problems which I do have...it gets alot worse premenstrual...I read where narcotic medicine can help with the uncomfortable feeling and also benzos..woudl anybody happen to know more about this condition and offer any suggestions re: treatment....I'd appreciate it...love cin

[spook]

Hello Cindi!
=================================================================RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

Restless leg syndrome, also called Ekbom’s syndrome, is characterised by an extremely uncomfortable sensation in the legs and lower extremities, often being described as a creeping internal itching. Movement will often relieve the symptoms temporarily, leading to sufferers being restless, constantly moving their legs. The symptoms tend to be worse at the end of the day when the patient is seated or lying in bed. Due to the restlessness at night, some patients can become very distressed and suffer severe sleep loss.

The condition is relatively common, primarily affects people over the age of 50 years, and tends to run in families.

The cause of restless leg syndrome is not really understood. It may be associated with renal colic (radiating pain emanating from the kidney) due to the passage or attempt to pass a kidney stone. It can also occur in diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and anaemia, and as a side effect of a number of medications including antidepressants, antipsychotic agents, and beta blockers.

A number of medications can be effective in the treatment of restless leg syndrome, all of which work by dampening nervous impulses in the central nervous system (brain and spine) or muscles. Not all medications are effective for all patients, however, so a number of trials may be needed to identify the agent which works best for a particular person.


SYMPTOMS Constant, creeping internal itch in the lower extremities, leading to reactionary movement of the legs.


DIAGNOSIS A medical history will be taken including questions on all symptoms (any aches, pains, etc. which may appear to be unrelated to the restlessness), amount of sleep being achieved, sleeping conditions, and any medications being taken.

A physical assessment will include examination of legs and gentle palpation of the kidneys.

Medical tests may include blood samples for glucose, thyroid hormones, and full blood count.


TREATMENT
Aim Reduce restlessness and increase amount of sleep.

Medical The first medication given is generally clonazepam (Brand name : Rivotril, both a sedative and antiepilepsy agent), which is taken one hour before retiring. If clonazepam is ineffective, then diazepam (Brand name : Valium, a sedative and antianxiety agent) will usually be trialled. Other medication which may be affective for some patients are codeine (analgesic), levodopa (antiparkinsons agent), baclofen (muscle relaxant), and propranolol (beta blocker or antihypertensive agent).

Other Measures Gentle stretching of the legs for about 5 minutes prior to retiring, particularly hamstrings and calf muscles, may reduce the symptoms.

It is also important to improve sleeping patterns by developing a night time routine, having a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine (tea, coffee and cola soft drinks) and alcohol from late in the day.


OUTCOMES Restless leg syndrome, if not caused by a disease or side effect of medication, tends to be life long. Treatment can reduce or completely relieve symptoms in a large number of sufferers.


IMPORTANT NOTES Medications which are generally ineffective in treating restless leg syndrome include carbamazepine, quinine, antipsychotic agents and antidepressant agents.


RELATED TOPICS Anaemia, Diabetes mellitus, Hypothyroidism


FURTHER INFORMATION Ask your doctor for further information.

[cindi]

Thanks Spook,  I am just so miserable when this happens,  now that I think about it my sisters both get it my aunt an my 2 1st cousins....it is a terrible sensation, i was up at 4 am doing jumping jacks..LOL  walking in cicles.....later tater    love cin

[bizziebe]

What is Restless Leg Sydrom?

[cindi]

Well, this is what happens to me.....I lay down to go to sleep and my legs get so uncomfortable like they are itching on the inside..I have to move them around or get up and walk..it is totally miserable....it has kept me up most of the night sometiems...I noticed that if I take a norco or something before I go to bed it does not happen....when I was pregnant it happened alot..and then I could not take anything for it.spook says it does have familial tendency i do know my cousin my aunt and now i find out both of my sister also suffer from it.....take care cindi

[PS >>>>Annie]

I had a similar problem back in January, only my leg wanted to curl up.  It sounds like your having circulation problems.  You may need to get this ck'd out.  I took flexryl, and had no more problems.  I must tell you though, you cant take this during the day.  It nocks me out cold.  The other medication I have taken is Skelaxin.  This is given to people who need to return to work, so it's pretty safe, but it still made me sleepy.  I don't know if any of this helps, but see a doctor.  You do have back problems....these symptoms could be related.  You can't imagine what injuries can do to other parts of the body.

Love Ya!

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Have you tried quinine for your restless leg problems?  I was prescribed quinine for leg and foot spasms at night and it has done wonders for me.  Maybe Spook knows more about this remedy but maybe you could try drinking Tonic Water which contains a bit of quinine.  Just a thought to try to be helpful!  P.S. my Dad tried it also and he said it worked for him, too(minus the Gin, hee, hee).  J.B.

[cindi]

i AM WILLING TO TRY ANYTHING THAT IS SUGGESTED TO ME,,I AM SO MISERABLE.THE OLDER I GET THE WORSE IT GETS....HOW IS MARTY?  AND HOW ARE YOU DOING MY FRIEND?   HOEP YOU ARE FEELING BETTER..PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF......LOVE CIN

[spook]

Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew.

<p><center><img src=http://hedweb.com/koalarq4.jpg  </a></center>

[Dee]

hello everyone, been having alot of problems with PC, works one day next day doesn't..Cindi, I also have restless leg symdrone..
some nights they are bad enough to make you want to jump out a window! I call them the 'heebie jeebies'I have severe PVD, I had angioplasty (3 balloons) in my right leg, they were unable to do that with the left leg, I need a bypass which Iam not willing to go through until there is no other choice.(dr agree's with me since it is a very major surgery)you all know that I had a heart attack,so CAD was added to the list of illnesses, lucky me..long story..over a year of me complaining to a number of dr's about having chest pains only to be told it was a pulled muscle inside the chest wall..until I had the heart attack, now they all know they screwed up big time, they just couldn't accept that a woman my age would have heart problems, doing my own research, I now know that any moron would put together, if a person has PVD to that degree than we better take her chest pains seriously! jeeze sorry to get off the subject of legs..I think if anyone has restless legs symdrome bad, they should check into their circulatory system..there is just no such thing anymore about having to be a certain age for these kinds of diseases, also WOMEN have to take there health into their own hands and do all the research that you can,it's very sad to think that if a man and a woman both go to the ER with chest pains, it is the man that will be looked at the first and the fastest! Spook, I read above that you mentioned having hypothyroid (sp) can be a factor in restless legs..I also have that..maybe it's a bit of both diseases..also, is it possible that xanax can have an opposite effect? I take two 0.5mg at night to sleep, once in awhile when I'm having a bad night going to sleep I will take another one, I find that when I do that it makes my legs worse..is that possible? I'm also on a ton of different meds,do you or anyone know of a site that I can go to. to look up my meds and read about side effects of them? take care all
Dianne

[PS >>>>Annie]

Cin, will be so happy to see that little critter.  I've loved them koalas since I was a baby (cute little tree climbing critter).  Do you see much of them??
Wow, you are something else.

Love,
annie

[PS >>>>Annie]

Spook, I just showed my 4yr old.  He wanted to know if he could bring him home and sleep w/ him.  LOL  He loved the picture.  Thanks.

[spook]

Dianne,it is possible that Xanax increases the Restless leg Syndrome(RLS),because it increases inhibition over many Dopaminergic Neurons.You would be best to switch to Klonopin and Sinemet.
As far as Medical information,I have tonnes of books and Manuals beside me,along with thousands of pages of photocopies.That does not help you,but I find using the search engine below is very good.

<a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_new">Google</a>.

{ABSRACT}
The differential diagnosis for RLS also includes the medical entities that are associated with RLS as noted above. Akathisia is a movement disorder that is in the differential. It is characterized by a restlessness that is usually felt throughout the body and is also throughout the day. Nocturnal leg cramps{benign leg cramps} are also in the differential.  
    There is no known prevention of RLS, but often regular sleeping habits, moderate daily exercise, avoidance of caffeine and alcohol will help decrease the symptoms and allow for less disruption of daily life.
    Treatment varies considerably, but we are seeing a general format being established for an organized treatment approach. Mild cases of RLS may be treated with nonpharmacological methods. Hot baths, massages, heating pads, ice packs, exercises, and eliminating caffeine and alcohol may all be of benefit.
    There are four groups of pharmacological medications that can be used for the treatment of RLS. They are benzodiazepines , dopaminergic agents, antiepileptics, and opioids. Benodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that will give some relief with the symptoms and will allow the patient to sleep. The most commonly used agent is Klonopin, used usually at bedtime and or with the evening meal. The dose is usually started at 0.5mg. and increased gradually, rarely going higher than 2.0mg. Valium is rarely used, but Transxene may be tried. Benodiazepines should not be used in patients with addictions, significant depression, or sleep apnea.
    Dopaminergic agents are of two kinds, Sinemet and dopamine agonists{DA}. Most use Sinemet as the first line drug. 25/100 dose can be used once a night and if more is needed can be spread to the evening meal. Immediate release or sustained release can be selected depending on the patient’s needs. Dopamine agents are also very effective. The longer half life DA may be somewhat more effecious and a study using Pergolide reported that 87% of patients as compared to 19% for placebo had improvement. Dr. Ondo reported that ropinirole in 16 patients in an open-label trial showed a 58.7% improvement in their symptoms. Bromocriptine, ropinerole, and pramapexiole can also be used. Some will use Sinemet and a dopamine agonist together.
    Antiepileptics such as Tregretol, Dilantin, Neuronitin, Gabitral, Depakote, and Topomax (topamax) have been tried with some varied success. Opioid such as Darvoset and codeine are of some benefit but use is limited because of the addiction potential.
    Most antidepressants exacerbate the symptoms of RLS. Wellbutrin may be an exception to that group because it has a dopamine agonist effect. Dopamine antagonist{neuroleptics } will also exacerbate the symptoms.
    Since RLS is a common syndrome, reportedly in 15% of the population, there is a great need for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. (Published 4/21/1999)

[spook]

Cindi,Did I ever tell you I really like you,oh well to bad then,
"restless leg syndrome"for want of a better name is really Akathisia,this is caused by Antipsychotics or any other drug that blocks Dopamine or depletes it or affects its reuptake tranporter protein etc,etc.(ie Opioids)
One of the side effects of Opioid withdrawal is Akathisia,so I an not surprised you suffer from this and it is relieved by Hydrocodone,however everytime you use that drug for this purpose,you are ULTIMATELY perpetuating the Symptom.
From the age of around 30 us(you) Humans lose around 10% per year of this `Exquisite` Neurotransmitter,it is the youth transmitter and makes you horny and Philosophical,it feeds the Ego and has a LOT of other Psychological and Physiological uses.
Now if you read it all again I said that Opioids both cause and block YOUR restless leg syndrome.
I do not know if you are up to it but lots of Introspection,exercise and stopping all drugs and eating lots of fresh vegetebles and avoiding reality(I will explain if interested,it relates to STRESS!!) really helps(CURES) me.
Maybe I can publish my book and give you a copy "Building a Better Human being-without Genetic Engineering",then again I am a lazy little **** and my life will probably amount to nothing.
n.b.this is not a copy and paste reply.what I say is TRUTH.

[cindi]

Hey you spooky, you have to know I really like you to, I'm sure you know that....I am always interest in everything you say and about escaping reality   tell me more.....have to get to work but I get off early  is your mail fixed?   Love cin

[spook]

My(our) email is "FIXED"(more like preserved) but not in the way I was hoping.
When you talked about escaping reality and having to go to work in the same sentence you really hit the nail on the head.
What about this science fiction scenario:it is the year 2001 and human life has become so stressful that normal mood elavating drugs do not work anymore,the people are living on the edge at any moment one can fall into the abyss of insanity,but in that world of insanity they find a TRUTH,and that is Society sent them mad,so why contribute to madness?,why go to work?.Because before you went insane and realized "insanity"is in many cases finding the truth within yourself,your brain was PROGRAMMED like we program computers(and bad humans) and now their is no turning back,as all the programming is really for the survival of Nation not individual and an individual relies upon their nation.
Are you following this as I post from our Monastry of Love complete with powerful Political and `MILITARY` -:POWER:-,POWER to destroy the entire planet if we desire,we give the governments of the world many chances and they are slowly improving,just as all of us should seek ,Knowledge and Wisdom,could we hope to ever have a Materialists Society based on such premises-NO.
No revolution,just gradual change tempered with wisdom and Knowledge,we are peacefull creatures,trust us.
Written on behalf of Luke Alias Spook,by Galactic Control Unit 1745/Quantum Dimension-Earth -1.