MipsI've been prescribed 4mg Ativan per day for years. Have taken Ativan at varying dosages for over 10 years. New Dr. reduced Ativan from 4mg to 1mg per day. I'm having a terrible time with it.
Having crisis with elderly parents. I am only child with no relatives to help. Have all the state help they qualify for but in the end they are my responsibility.
I can't make decisions, am extremely nervous, ignoring my friends, everything seems distorted, and generally not coping well.
I am on Medicaid. I ask for a new Dr. but there is not one available. Actually this one probably isn't going to refill the 1 mg a day. I was put on it for PTSD and severe anxiety. I know it is important to get off of it but think this has been too fast and caused unnecessary problems. I am on my own with this.
Please don't suggest new Dr. as State run programs have very limited resources and are losing what they have .
Actually I did see a replacement Dr one time (she was quitting so only saw her the one time). She said she doesn't prescribe Ativan at all. So I may be really going from 4 mg to 0mg.
I can't sleep, have Migraines so intense head feels like on other planet. Driving my 80 yr old Dad w/dementia to Urgent Care yesterday and felt like I was driving under the influence. I needed Urgent Care. Next time he will have to go by Ambulance.
I have an EEG in two days as my PCP thinks I have dementia. I'm 46 and this terrifies me. My brain is in a terrible state to be tested. My Dad has dementia from many strokes and TIA's and my 88 yr old mother has Alzheimer's so I know I have a good chance of getting it but I am horrified and feel life over if I have it so young. I think it is long term depression, rx use; anti-depressants,Lyrica for fibromyalgia,pain killers, head trauma from 9 yrs of abuse by ex-husband, long-term unrelenting stress, migraines, and intractable insomnia. But if I am dx'd with dementia that will be forever in my record and I will be so embarrassed I will withdraw from everything even more.
I know I'm rambling. Immediate question is how to deal with sudden reduction in Ativan. It has been about 2 months already but still feel like I'm in hell.
Would really appreciate any help and experience you have.
LaurieShay
verve
Hello Mips,
we have a lot in common, I have chronic pain and caught a fall in January and one in February, My father has been deceased since 1991, after he passed (after having Polio myself with complications) I cannot work am disabled but moved back with my mother, she has bone on bone (she needs knee replacements but at age 93 this just is not feasable. I agree with Laurie,
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just to set down and to make yourself of a written list including all the health symptoms along with the other things that are affecting you daily life you doctor needs to see this,in order to help them you are going to have help from him/her, really lay it on the line, I know how the Medicaid system works and I surely understand this is not something that you are up to but take time and just write it out, I don't think length matters it's about what you are having to cope with. I do not have brothers or sisters, this is a job that I am glad to be able to do but your situation is not that you don't want to do it's that you have to have appropritate care in order to deal with this. Please as Laurie says Post on here as many times as you need to! there are sone knowledgable people on her and suggestions may further empower you and make this load easier. people are on here because they want to be a source of help and encouragement and information for you.Please continue to allow us to try and be of help
As an elder law lawyer for the last 20 years elderly parents usually create this type of response. I am not a psychologist. I see you going from one abusive relat., your ex=husband, to your parents.
Try finding a meditation tape or cd and work your meditation. use deep breathing exercises to fight anxiety attacks. Sit up straight. Breathe as deeply as you can through your nose and then exhale through pursed lips. 10 times. Work on this a couple of times a day, so you may easily do this exercise when you need it. And yes it will make you feel light headed. Don't worry bout that.
I can merely restate Laurie. You have alot on your shoulders. I will pray for you and please feel free to post as much as necessary. We are here for you and really do care.