From: pilgrim1@f...

Date: Fri Aug 4, 2000 10:42 pm

Subject: Update

Hi Everybody,

It has been a while since I have written to the group, but I want to let everyone know that I am doing just fine. For those of you that remember me, I was on Valium for 31 years and have been off now for two years. I had shocks or mini-seizures almost everyday of my life since I started tapering from Valium three years ago. I never thought I would be okay, but I am. I had extreme anxiety ever since I started taking tranquilizers in 1966. I never thought I would be okay again, but I am!!!!!

The last three years has been a real test for me in withdrawing from Valium. I accomplished the withdrawal and can tell you that I am doing great. I hardly ever get the shocks anymore, only once in a while if I am under stress. I work eight hours a day and work out at the YMCA three to four nights a week. I am feeling very good. I want to encourage all of you and tell you that you will be all right some day. I know you don't think you will, but you must hang on to the thought that you will be fine. It takes a lot of time and patience in getting well and all I can say is hang in there everyone,, you CAN do it!!!!

Our group started over a year ago and I want to say "hello" to all the old members and "hi" to all of the new ones. I know what a struggle it is to get well, but it can be done. Please take one day at a time and remember time is the healer here. Take good care of yourselves and get plenty of rest. Push yourself a little and determine that you are going to get better some day. A year ago, I could not even walk five minutes on the treadmill, now I can jog over a mile. I firmly believe that exercise has helped me. Drink plenty of water and put some lemon in it. This has helped me a lot.

Melatonin has helped me tremendously to sleep. Valerian root has helped me also, even in the most horrible times in my withdrawal. Be careful taking too many herbs, they are good for you, but can cause some problems with withdrawal symptoms. I have recently had a loss in my life and had to make a trip to go to my dad's funeral. It was a very stressful time for me, but I was able to make the trip alone, something that I could never have even done while on the Valium. I was just fine and I am so thankful that I am free of benzos. I have a clear head and I am off all of my drugs including all blood pressure medications. I a drug free and glad that I am. I never felt better in my life!!! I love you all....

Take care of yourselves,

Sandy