From: yday548715@a...

Date: Wed Apr 19, 2000 8:09 pm

Subject: I FEEL GOOD!

Hi Gang!

I hope everyone is hanging on and getting a much-deserved break from the benzo madness. I am happy to report that I am feeling better and better each day with only a few symptoms right now. Since I finished my taper I am now noticing significant improvement and it feels SO GOOD!!

What remains is anxiety upon awaking which leaves in about a half hour, sleepiness and a vibrating feeling in my teeth. I went to the dentist today to get my teeth cleaned and he said that he hardly recognized me -- I looked so good. He said my eyes are clear and bright, my skin color is good and I am no longer that frail, weak person he saw just 6 months ago. He told me that the vibration in my teeth is definitely a withdrawal symptom...that our teeth actually really do move and vibrate but a "normal" person would not notice this. He told me how proud he was of me for getting off the xanax and wondered why a physician would prescribe benzos for more than a couple of weeks. Made me wish I had originally went to see HIM after my father died instead of the psychiatrist who kept telling me I was chemically imbalanced and needed to take xanax for the rest of my life. Oh well...another life lesson learned and time to keep moving forward.

Please try not to dwell on negatives...you all will reach a point where you wondered why you ever did! We ALL are precious and as we heal, life gets better and better. I know that if can happen for me, it can happen for anyone. I was such a mess on xanax and not only was I physically sick, I became mentally sick. I have made tremendous progress in a mere six months and I have no doubt that I will continue to improve. I am still following my diet, getting plenty of exercise, being good to myself and thinking those POSITIVE thoughts that are so important!

Each and every one of you will make it -- you will beat the benzos -- I have no doubt! You are a great group of people and we will succeed in this battle together. I could not have done this without the support of the people in this group. Wishing you all a happy Easter, I send much love!

Yvonne

P.S. My teeth are in excellent condition and all TMJ symptoms are gone. I feel so good. I am celebrating!!!