Date: Mon Jul 3, 2000 8:26 am

Subject: 8 Months

Good Morning,

And it is a very good morning. For those that don't know me here I have been

off ativan for 8 months now after a years nightmare at least. Those that

know me probably never thought I'd make it out alive. Well I did and I want

to check in every now and then and let you know how wonderful it is here out

of benzo Hell.

I'll give you a very brief sumary. Was on ativan .5mg 3 x a day for 5 years.

Took me 4 months to find someone to help me off. 6 months of tapering. One

more month of pure agony. About 4 months of severe muscle pain, quivering,

MS type symptoms. Had every symptom plus some!! Finally this week my head

pressure and involuntary eye muscle movements are subsiding. That along with

the inner tremor was all I had left the past few months. Still have the

slight inner tremor daily.

I am well, living a very full life. Jumping on a cruise ship out of Boston,

Sunday to Bermuda. That is how well I am. I have noticed that I pop in an

out of derealization into crystal clear. I can almost feel my brain healing.

I haven't had clear thoughts and images in over a year. I am jumping for

joy.

I write this to let you know there is a whole new wonderful world after

withdrawal. And please feel free to write me anytime. I came off the list

of receiving mail as I couldn't keep up and I'm busy trying to educate people

to the dangers of these drugs. My article and picture come out in next

Sunday's city newspaper here in NH, USA. I'm so excited.

Keep going forward, slow and steady, baby steps. Never, ever turn back!!!

My love and prayers to you all,

Sheila