Date: Wed Dec 19, 2001 7:54 pm

Subject: letter of encouragement

Hi Group,

Here is a letter from Carol that used to be one of our orginal members. She is now fully recovered and having a wonderful life.

Geraldine

Subj: My Story

Date: 12/18/2001 1:13:46 PM Pacific Standard Time

Hi Group,

Geraldine asked me to convey my benzo story, so that is what follows. I hope it will serve as encouragement for all of you going through this difficult ordeal. I was on Klonipin for 7 years, working over time to a dosage of 2 mg 5 x daily. I was originally prescribed it for a seizure from a head injury. My life was a mess on this drug¦ My judgment was very severely impaired.

When I look back on the mistakes I made, it still makes me cringe. Although, after careful prayer and repentance, I have learned to forgive myself and move on. I quit the Klonipin cold turkey on Oct 1, 1997 and have never taken it since. Let me qualify that I was also on Tegretol for the seizures, and had to quit that over a period of nine months to avoid having a seizure from the Klonipin withdrawal. Did the Tegretol make my withdrawal symptoms less? I don’t think so, it was hell. Looking back, I know I wasn’t strong enough to have made it through the ordeal alone. I still get tears when I read the poem Footprints.

I can’t say my withdrawal was short and sweet, or that it was easy and painless, but I CAN say that it was well worth it! I am so grateful for every day. I’ve gone back to school and am completing my degree in computer programming, I’ve remarried my husband and have a wonderful marriage (We had divorced over the Klonipin, mainly), I have a great relationship with my family (who had been forced to distance themselves during my worst times), and am active my church and community. I feel no anxiety, no panic, and am healthy.

What advice do I have? Eat a healthy diet, be patient with your body, and look to the future rather than the past. And, the most important thing is prayer and faith. You can make it though this, but it’s much harder alone. Also, if you’re stressing your body further by smoking or drinking, stop. I didn’t drink but I did smoke, and once I quit my recovery went much better.

To the women: In order to truly feel 100% I’ve had to straighten out some hormone issues (I’ve had a hysterectomy). I’m on compounded natural hormone replacement (bio-identical to what your body produced), which has to be prescribed by a doctor. It’s from natural substances, and once I got the right mix, it has made me feel significantly better. Also, I am taking armour thyroid ¾ grain daily. Having that small amount of thyroid has really been the last missing piece in the puzzle for me.

Do not lose hope! I cannot even begin to express the difference between my life then and my life now. It is so worth it!!!!

Have a happy holiday!

Carol