Weaning Off Cymbalta

I had been taking 60 mg of Cymbalta daily for approximately four years.  It was the first drug that I received a prescription for after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I remember the side effects the first few weeks were terrible, but I felt okay/good most of the time. The side effects lessened and the symptoms were under control.  After four years I was just tired of the never ending cycle.  The cycle is known to anyone dealing with a chronic illness: have a good day, overdue, pay for it the next day (or week).  The flip side of this cycle is have a bad day, feel guilty, push through it, and pay for it the next day (or month).  

I felt that it was time to do a self evaluation.  I wanted to stop taking the Cymbalta and find out how my body would handle the Fibromyalgia on its own. Okay I have heard and read a lot of horror stories about coming off of Cymbalta (and other similar drugs). I wanted to do this the safest way possible, so I checked in with my doctor.  This is not the original doctor who prescribed Cymbalta to me, but my current general practitioner. I have been seeing this doctor for maybe six months. At first she suggested that I could just cut the pills in half. Ha ha ha, see photo at top of page. Okay, a short discussion and computer reference later, she sent a prescription to the pharmacy for 30 mg Cymbalta qty 14,  and gave me a written prescription for 20 mg Cymbalta qty 20. The instructions were 30 mg daily for two weeks, 20 mg daily for two weeks, and then 20 mg every other day for two weeks.  Mission accomplished.

The main problem I have encountered is SLEEP.  My sleep cycle is not like anyone else's that I have ever heard of.  A typical example follows:

Go to bed at 10 pm and fall right to sleep.

Wake up at 11:30 pm -- wide awake.

Do quiet activity such as reading, crocheting, word search puzzles.

Tired again (finally) at 4:30 am.

Sleep til 9 am alarm.

This is rather aggravating. I have started skipping the going back to sleep part.  I was hoping that It would help me sleep longer, but so far no such luck. 

 I do have days that I can't stay awake:

Go to bed at 10 pm and fall asleep within a half hour.

Wake up at 9 am to the sound of a whining dog who needs to go outside.

Let dog out. Feed fish. Take medicine.

Back in bed asleep by 9:30 am.

Awake at 1 pm by bladder.

Wake up between 5 pm and 7 pm starving.

Eat dinner and wander around in a daze (fog).

Go to bed at 10 pm and fall right to sleep.

Sleep all night.

I am trying the Fit Bit Flex to track my sleep habits as well as my activity levels. I am hoping that this will lead to discovering ways to improve my sleep.  More time is needed to work on this.

After only a few days since my last dose of Cymbalta, I am noticing an increase in the pain in my legs along with an overall achy feeling.  I prefer to stay off of the medication indefinitely, but have set a minimum of one month for myself.  I will try supplementing natural minerals and herbs before going back to a chemically produced solution.  I am also still working on the reduction of processed foods and sugar in my diet.

More updates after the first of the new year.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please comment or contact me.
Rebecca

Traits for Self Healing Part 7: Acceptance

Part  7 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). This week we are focusing on Acceptance.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:

• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Acceptance
Releasing is only part of the healing process.  The other part is to accept who we really are.  Can we accept who we are? Likewise, can we receive the goodness life has to offer?  Accepting ourselves without judgment can be cathartic; accepting our true nature, and therefore real potency, is empowering.  How is your mastery of self-acceptance?--John Kroneck

Do you focus on the negative or the positive? Do you worry that you can't do enough or do you accept your abilities?  For some people it is more difficult to accept their talents than their weakness.  Body image may also be a large part of acceptance. Society portrays that we should all be thin and athletic, but the majority of society are not.  Do you accept yourself as you are, or do try to change who you are?

Traits for Self Healing Part 6: Beginners Mind

Traits for Self Healing Part 6: Beginners Mind

We are on week 6 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). This week's topic is Beginner's Mind.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Beginner's Mind
This trait has to do with a belief that anything is possible that even preconceived ides, rules, or standards can change.  Once we think we know "the way things are" and that this cannot change, we block ourselves from recognizing other opportunities that may evolve with an issue. A beginner's mind is open to untold possibilities and is willing to give the creative process and opportunity to play itself through without rushing to a final resolution.  In the emptiness of the beginner's mind is found fertile ground for the unfolding of creative ideas, adventures, and even new life.  How is your mastery of the beginner's mind?--John Kroneck

 Have you ever heard someone say, "We've always done it that way."?  I believe that is the furthest you can get from a beginner's mind. I hope to always be a student; willing to learn new ideas.  What ways do you use to keep things from becoming stagnate?

Traits for Self Healing Part 5: Nonjudgment

We are on week 5 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonjudgment, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonjudgment
The ability to accept what we see in ourselves, without casting judgment, is also an important trait. Once judgment is cast on a feeling, thought, or intention that emerges from within during a healing process, there is a tendency to easily slip into self-shaming. Human beings are capable of a wide range of feelings, thoughts, and intentions, but some of these are not always considered "holy" in their nature. Having the ability to own these and to accept these as indicators of an issue on our journey, without casting judgment, allows for us to move beyond these dynamics, releasing the misqualified energies and reintegrating in a healthier manner.  Although we are always responsible for our actions toward others, the inner healing process must have room for us to be honest with how we interpret the world we live in.  This room expands when we understand the benefits of nonjudgment, then practice it well.  How is your mastery of nonjudgmental thinking?--John Kroneck

Traits for Self-Healing Part 4: Nonresistance

This is the fourth in a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonresistance, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonresistance
There are times when the tendency to protect ourselves from the perceived danger of revealing a truth about ourselves can take precedence over the desire for seeing the truth.  This resistance to what is occurring can frustrate a client's progress.  Nonresistance is the willingness to experience whatever dynamic may show itself.  It includes having the courage to directly face fear, pain, and shame without shrinking from the experience.  It is also a critical tool in moving through what we fear in the quickest, most efficient manner possible.  How is your mastery of nonresistance? -- John Kroneck

I interpret this as denial. A client may not want to tell their massage therapist  all of their recent activities or even admit to themselves that they spent 5 hours playing video games the day before their massage. This information could help quickly pinpoint the source of a client's pain, anything from poor posture to repetitive motion injury. This can also come in the form of an injury that may not be something massage can effectively treat, but the client not wishing to visit their doctor and have diagnostics done schedules a massage instead.
I would also consider guarding in this category. I find this most often in shoulder range of motion. As I move the arm upward the client will tighten up to avoid previously felt pain. This action prevents the therapist from observing where the limitations are and to what degree. Communication is crucial at this point as well as trust.

How do you interpret this trait?  How would you try to improve your own nonresistance and encourage it in others? 

Traits for Self-Healing Part 2: Present Moment

This is the second in a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). These traits are important for self healing as well as helping others:

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Present Moment
The only reality that we function in is the present moment. To be fully present with what is occurring at this moment leads to clarity of understanding, choices, and actions. All life exists in the present moment. Our past has been altered by our changing memories; even the original perceptions may have been skewed to protect our ego. What is real is what is happening only in the moment. Therefore, it is by being present in this moment that we can effect change in our lives. How is your mastery of being fully present in the moment? -- John Kroneck

Do you live in the present? Or do you spend more time in the past or future? While on your morning commute are you paying attention to the traffic around you? or dwelling on the argument you had with someone the night before? or are you thinking about what you need to do at work that day? Multitasking has it's benefits; one of which is to save time so that you can live in the present moment. While having dinner with your family are you intent on the conversation and interacting with them?

As a therapist are you in the present moment with your client? Do you feel when the tension leaves their body? Do you notice from their body language when you hit a tender area even if they don't tell you? Or do you let your mind wander away from the present? Are you thinking of what to wear to dinner later instead of how you are draping your client?

As a massage client do you stay in the present moment during your massage? Do you give feed back to your therapist? Or do you let your mind drift? 

I invite everyone to leave comments answering how well you live in the present moment and what things can we all do to focus on the present moment? 

Traits for Self-Healing Part 1: Stillness

I recently read the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork').  In it he lists 8 primary traits necessary for healing; two of which are subdivided further into 2 more specific traits:

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

I believe that each trait deserves attention and would make great discussion. So, over the next ten weeks I hope that you will all join me in focusing on them one at a time.  I will start with a quote from the article:

stillness
For a majority of people, one of the most difficult things to do is to be still.  This could be because the mind has so many stimuli today, but it may also be that being still is frightening.  To be still means that pain has time to show itself without the distractions of life.  Being still within our consciousness opens healing avenues as it stimulates an alignment and integration of the body and its systems.  How is your mastery of stillness? -- John Kroneck

Think about how this applies to you. When are the times you are still?  If you can't think of any, try it now. Find a quiet place, turn off the electronics, and calm your mind.  What occurs during that time?  

If you are a therapist, how do you help your clients in this aspect?

I will start the discussion by leaving my thoughts as the first comment.  I can't wait to hear what everyone has to report.  

Remember to come back next week for the second trait: present moment.