3 hours ago, Nemina said:

I would always prefer a day with a UTI to a day in a wave! 😅

Truth....

3 hours ago, Nemina said:

realized this pattern that when I have something going on that takes my attention or that is very stressful like a seminary, a family visit or even a vacation my symptoms subside for the moment. It seems like the brain understands that it’s repair work has to be slowed down for the moment.

I have the same thing happened...when my daughter was dealing with colon cancer I was pretty together, or when hubby had to go to the ER, etc. It like the brain was able to prioritize. It's quite fascinating.

3 hours ago, Nemina said:

as long as I get out of this without antibiotics,

Just watch for blood in the urine, chills, vomiting or fever.

Have you heard of these:

Methenamine salts: These turn into formaldehyde in the urine to help kill bacteria. While they are a non-antibiotic antiseptic, they are usually recommended for preventing recurrence rather than treating an acute infection.

D-Mannose: A natural sugar that may prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Some studies suggest it is promising for preventing recurrent UTIs, but more research is needed for treating an active infection.

I don't know anything about them but might be worth some research.

❤️🙏

Hello @Nemina, I'm just catching up with your story. I have also managed to beat a UTI with cranberry juice and lots of fluids so I'm hoping that works for you as well. Totally agree that I would take a day with a UTI over a day in a wave anytime! 😁

I also have really debilitating fatigue, so much that I basically plan my day around my afternoon lay down (I am retired so fortunately for me that works). I've been used to being very active in my life, so that's been a real mental adjustment. It's been going on for a long time though, before I began to taper, so I wonder if in my case it has more to do with the SSRI itself rather than withdrawal. But tapering is such a physically demanding process that fatigue seems likely to be a part of it.

Hoping your weekend seminary goes well and that there are no issues with your supply of your SSRI!

30 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Methenamine salts: These turn into formaldehyde in the urine to help kill bacteria. While they are a non-antibiotic antiseptic, they are usually recommended for preventing recurrence rather than treating an acute infection.

D-Mannose: A natural sugar that may prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Some studies suggest it is promising for preventing recurrent UTIs, but more research is needed for treating an active infection.

Thank you so much! I will definitely do research on this.

And thank you for all your advice! ❤️

17 minutes ago, Treefrog said:

But tapering is such a physically demanding process that fatigue seems likely to be a part of it.

Absolutely, and let’s hope that we will regain our strength after this terrible process.

Thank you for checking in on me!

3 hours ago, Nemina said:

Thanks @Chippy , @Fullhealing , @LostinCanada and @Catbird for your friendly answers and for your advice! I am so glad not to be alone in this!

Update: I am still struggling with the UTinfection, but so far I made it without antibiotics. I’m drinking very very much and taking all kinds of teas and herbal medicines and also working with homeopathy. Also cranberry juice of course. I really want to avoid the antibiotics.

I have been extremely tired and weak, but I still kept working. I have been working feeling much worse - so I thought I just keep going. Maybe that was a mistake. The last two days I tried to stay in bed as much as possible and it seems to help. We are so used to plodding on, regardless how we feel, I did not realize that lying in bed might help the healing. Well, but it’s an infection not withdrawal, so here we have to follow different rules. I think it also took me way too long until I even realized that I had this infection. I have all the time so much pain all over my body and I ignore it. Having abdominal pain and running to the toilet a lot could just be part of withdrawal, couldn’t it? But when I finally made a test, it was clear.🙄

I have realized this pattern that when I have something going on that takes my attention or that is very stressful like a seminary, a family visit or even a vacation my symptoms subside for the moment. It seems like the brain understands that it’s repair work has to be slowed down for the moment. This pattern seems to be in action even though during the infection. I slept a lot. I had less anxiety. And even my mood was not very doomed or suicidal. I would always prefer a day with a UTI to a day in a wave! 😅

So as long as I get out of this without antibiotics, that might throw me back in my healing process concerning the withdrawal, I won’t complain. But I’m not there yet. Also, I am concerned because my SSRI Medical brand (abz pharma) cannot be ordered anywhere. It will last a couple more weeks, three or so, and I hope until then it will be back on the market. Otherwise, I will have to switch, which I would like to avoid.

Tomorrow and Saturday I will have another seminary. We will see how this will go.

Take care, friends, slow and steady we will all get through this!

Very interesting indeed to see how the system still has priorities and knows how to put the symptoms on the back burner when something new pops up, which can definitely feel like a relief.. the lesser of two evils I would say..

I really hope the infection continues to improve naturally, it seems like you're doing everything in that direction, apple cider vinegar for external use btw can also be helpful if you haven't tried it yet but it needs to be done very carefully as it's very strong.

I hope your seminary will go well my friend!

sending you lots of health, peace and love @Nemina take good care 🙏🩷

I also have really debilitating fatigue, so much that I basically plan my day around my afternoon lay down (I am retired so fortunately for me that works). I've been used to being very active in my life, so that's been a real mental adjustment. It's been going on for a long time though, before I began to taper, so I wonder if in my case it has more to do with the SSRI itself rather than withdrawal. But tapering is such a physically demanding process that fatigue seems likely to be a part of it.

@Treefrog I've felt pervasive tiredness for years and never realised it was due to SSRIs. Looking back I can see I was tolerant to the drug. I had a workplace psychological incident about 6-7 years ago. When it happened I was already very depleted. Fatigue and tiredness have been omnipresent throughout my taper with I commenced end 2023. Like you I have to plan activities around my time for rest and if I'm lucky a nap here and there. It's so draining 🥱

Thinking of you @Nemina How your seminary went or still going? any improvement with the infection? hope you're doing well 🙏 💞

Thanks @Catbird , @Fullhealing and @Treefrog for checking in on me!

I am still struggling with the infection, but I think I am making progress.

I made it through the seminary. I summoned all my strength.

Now I am very, very exhausted, working today was painful. I was shaking inwardly and the smallest things like not immediately knowing how to respond to an email made my inner stress level go through the roof. I have to finish something on time (until the end of the week) and it looks like I won’t make it. I’m so stressed. I cannot handle stress in this state I am in.

It is a blessing if you can work (part time ) during withdrawal, it means you’re functioning and you can earn money and have a structure. But sometimes it is just painful and way too much.

I am stressed and wired and at the same time extremely tired. At noon, I had to be in an online meeting, and I fell asleep, which was embarrassing. I felt that I couldn’t keep my eyes open, I just couldn’t, and quickly switched the video off before my body switched me off. There were not many people in this call, and I’m sure they were wondering what was happening.

Phew…

My window that I had during the infection seems to close. Anxiety, sadness, inner tension and dread are returning, but not too severe, more like wd normal, not a wave.

Thanks for being with me through this. I am so grateful not to be alone!💙🥹

Sending some love @Nemina!

You are doing amazingly well working through this. When the work stress comes, it must very hard to deal with too, I’m impressed!

Hope things settle a little more for you soon, and this infection goes. Such a challenge life some times. You are not alone. Xxx

8 hours ago, Nemina said:

Thanks @Catbird , @Fullhealing and @Treefrog for checking in on me!

I am still struggling with the infection, but I think I am making progress.

I made it through the seminary. I summoned all my strength.

Now I am very, very exhausted, working today was painful. I was shaking inwardly and the smallest things like not immediately knowing how to respond to an email made my inner stress level go through the roof. I have to finish something on time (until the end of the week) and it looks like I won’t make it. I’m so stressed. I cannot handle stress in this state I am in.

It is a blessing if you can work (part time ) during withdrawal, it means you’re functioning and you can earn money and have a structure. But sometimes it is just painful and way too much.

I am stressed and wired and at the same time extremely tired. At noon, I had to be in an online meeting, and I fell asleep, which was embarrassing. I felt that I couldn’t keep my eyes open, I just couldn’t, and quickly switched the video off before my body switched me off. There were not many people in this call, and I’m sure they were wondering what was happening.

Phew…

My window that I had during the infection seems to close. Anxiety, sadness, inner tension and dread are returning, but not too severe, more like wd normal, not a wave.

Thanks for being with me through this. I am so grateful not to be alone!💙🥹

You are fighting bravely which draining a ton of energy, totally understandable, take some time to gain some back, you deserve it! Hopefully the infection goes away soon and you feel much better @Nemina

Lots of love and health your way 🩷

thank you so much, @Chippy and @Fullhealing !

The healing process is really a strange journey. I think I have managed to get rid of the infection. phew. It was not too terrible, but I really didn’t want to take an antibiotic. I have wrestled with it for Two and half Weeks, and had

extremely fatigued days. all the other symptoms were better so actually it was not a really bad time. But I know that my brain had to put some of its repair works on hold.

I also had some stress, which seems to knock me off my feet so easily at the moment.

yesterday, the stress flared up and immediately my body reacted. Or should I say my brain? Anyway, I woke at 4 o’clock and the chemical anxiety was strong again. I was shaking, lying in my bed. this stupid deadline is coming up and also I have a conflict with my neighbor. I’m scared of his dog, usually I love dogs, but this one is aggressive and doesn’t follow what he says at all. The fence is so low that the dog can easily jump into our garden and I want a higher fence so that I can relax and not have to be on alert in my own garden, whenever the dog is around. it doesn’t happen often, but it happens. it’s not a big deal, probably, but for me in my health state it is a big deal. well, I will build a fence myself and hope that the neighbor won’t tear it down because he does not like fences…. anyway, so I have been laying awake tonight. I have printed out a post about acceptance, positioned next to my bed. So I read this and then I prayed. I decided not to try to sleep, but just to relax and picture myself in the hand of God. This really helped. The night could’ve been much worse, even though it was a bad one. I think I’ve learned a lot on this Forum! Thanks to all of you. ❤️. The day at work was then not that bad at all. Isn’t that amazing? The days before I have slept much better, but I had zero energy. but when I have to go to the office, the energy is there, repair work being put on hold again. What a journey.

You're so incredibly strong for working through withdrawal @Nemina . Not many can achieve what you are doing.

Sound like slow and steady progress @Nemina 🤗🧡

7 hours ago, Nemina said:

thank you so much, @Chippy and @Fullhealing !

The healing process is really a strange journey. I think I have managed to get rid of the infection. phew. It was not too terrible, but I really didn’t want to take an antibiotic. I have wrestled with it for Two and half Weeks, and had

extremely fatigued days. all the other symptoms were better so actually it was not a really bad time. But I know that my brain had to put some of its repair works on hold.

I also had some stress, which seems to knock me off my feet so easily at the moment.

yesterday, the stress flared up and immediately my body reacted. Or should I say my brain? Anyway, I woke at 4 o’clock and the chemical anxiety was strong again. I was shaking, lying in my bed. this stupid deadline is coming up and also I have a conflict with my neighbor. I’m scared of his dog, usually I love dogs, but this one is aggressive and doesn’t follow what he says at all. The fence is so low that the dog can easily jump into our garden and I want a higher fence so that I can relax and not have to be on alert in my own garden, whenever the dog is around. it doesn’t happen often, but it happens. it’s not a big deal, probably, but for me in my health state it is a big deal. well, I will build a fence myself and hope that the neighbor won’t tear it down because he does not like fences…. anyway, so I have been laying awake tonight. I have printed out a post about acceptance, positioned next to my bed. So I read this and then I prayed. I decided not to try to sleep, but just to relax and picture myself in the hand of God. This really helped. The night could’ve been much worse, even though it was a bad one. I think I’ve learned a lot on this Forum! Thanks to all of you. ❤️. The day at work was then not that bad at all. Isn’t that amazing? The days before I have slept much better, but I had zero energy. but when I have to go to the office, the energy is there, repair work being put on hold again. What a journey.

Strange/challenging/hellish journey indeed but with all the surprises that always seems to catch us somehow you are navigating and coping so well!

Glad to hear the infection has gone and hopefully your neighbor gets some sense and doesn't stir up trouble, we had a similar scenario with 2 giant sibling dogs that kept getting loose coming to eat at my place as there is always food outside for stray cats and I was in constant fear that they would attack my little dog, no talk helped but finally, after the entire street got together they were given away, seems there are always one or two of those neighbours wherever you are..

Take good care @Nemina

10 hours ago, Nemina said:

I think I have managed to get rid of the infection. phew.

So happy to see. Well done for avoiding the Antibiotics.

Sorry about the work stress, and in particular the neighbour stress, that is always a tough one. They can be so, inconsiderate sometimes. I have a lovley neighbour and we get on great. But since WD their behaviour, which is certainly a bit anti social at times, and didn't bother me before WD, is now a real issue for me. I don't like it. I don't think most wouldn't tbh, I was just way too chill before all this! I have had to learn to try to manage my stress about it all, it seems to be working and in time they have settled down, a bit, and it's not all the time, the summer is the worse. I impoved our fence to help with this, it worked for us. Privacy seems to be so important to us when recovering. Makes sense I guess. Plus a bit scary dog jumping over the fence would be of concern to most, let alone a fragile nervous system!

10 hours ago, Nemina said:

What a journey.

Isn't it!

22 hours ago, Kahran said:

You're so incredibly strong for working through withdrawal @Nemina . Not many can achieve what you are doing.

aaww thank you, what a nice compliment! I am working part-time , about four hours every day and I do have to go to the office only once a week. That really helps. Also I have a fantastic job which I really love. between age 30 and 50 I had a very different job and I could never have done it during withdrawal.

but thank you, I will take the compliment, feels good 😌

15 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

Strange/challenging/hellish journey indeed but with all the surprises that always seems to catch us somehow you are navigating and coping so well!

Glad to hear the infection has gone and hopefully your neighbor gets some sense and doesn't stir up trouble, we had a similar scenario with 2 giant sibling dogs that kept getting loose coming to eat at my place as there is always food outside for stray cats and I was in constant fear that they would attack my little dog, no talk helped but finally, after the entire street got together they were given away, seems there are always one or two of those neighbours wherever you are..

Take good care @Nemina

oh , terrible scenario. i’m happy you understand, since I know that you love animals. I have neither a dog nor a cat since my husband is allergic to both kind of animals. but i easily fall in love with them when I visit friends. in the office, we have a wonderful dog. he’s so sensitive, one day I got an email that really hit me emotionally. I did not say a word, just read it in silence, but the dog got up from where he was and laid down to my feet. He could feel my emotions. That was so sweet.

I hope and pray for you @Fullhealing that you’re going to feel better soon!❤️

12 hours ago, Chippy said:

So happy to see. Well done for avoiding the Antibiotics.

Sorry about the work stress, and in particular the neighbour stress, that is always a tough one. They can be so, inconsiderate sometimes. I have a lovley neighbour and we get on great. But since WD their behaviour, which is certainly a bit anti social at times, and didn't bother me before WD, is now a real issue for me. I don't like it. I don't think most wouldn't tbh, I was just way too chill before all this! I have had to learn to try to manage my stress about it all, it seems to be working and in time they have settled down, a bit, and it's not all the time, the summer is the worse. I impoved our fence to help with this, it worked for us. Privacy seems to be so important to us when recovering. Makes sense I guess. Plus a bit scary dog jumping over the fence would be of concern to most, let alone a fragile nervous system!

Isn't it!

yes, it’s just inconsideration, but a big deal for me since I feel so shaky at the moment. I hope I can have a higher fence soon. The problem is the fences are only allowed higher than 150 when the neighbors agree to it. And the fence is already 150 and that is too small for the dog so I have to either risk it or try to get his approval, which will be very difficult. I put way too much emotions and thought in the whole thing….

exactly, privacy and peace get so important when you have an injured nervous system. thanks for all your understanding. @Chippy !

update: I had another bad night, woke up after five hours (not four so a bit better). all morning and noon lots of chemical anxiety. Feels just so awful. But more energy than the two weeks before so I could go for a walk through the forest with a friend. This helped immensely! this spring is so beautiful in Germany right now. The green leaves are coming out with an incredibly fresh color, wild flowers everywhere, the birds are singing, butterflies, and the air is luminous. you can see, I was able to enjoy it! I am very thankful for how well my day unfolded.

thinking of you guys!

22 hours ago, Catbird said:

Sound like slow and steady progress @Nemina 🤗🧡

indeed , in this month, it’s month 19 now, I feel like I’m seeing improvement. my Windows are clearer, and the waves seem to be shorter.

35 minutes ago, Nemina said:

oh , terrible scenario. i’m happy you understand, since I know that you love animals. I have neither a dog nor a cat since my husband is allergic to both kind of animals. but i easily fall in love with them when I visit friends. in the office, we have a wonderful dog. he’s so sensitive, one day I got an email that really hit me emotionally. I did not say a word, just read it in silence, but the dog got up from where he was and laid down to my feet. He could feel my emotions. That was so sweet.

I hope and pray for you @Fullhealing that you’re going to feel better soon!❤️

35 minutes ago, Nemina said:

oh , terrible scenario. i’m happy you understand, since I know that you love animals. I have neither a dog nor a cat since my husband is allergic to both kind of animals. but i easily fall in love with them when I visit friends. in the office, we have a wonderful dog. he’s so sensitive, one day I got an email that really hit me emotionally. I did not say a word, just read it in silence, but the dog got up from where he was and laid down to my feet. He could feel my emotions. That was so sweet.

I hope and pray for you @Fullhealing that you’re going to feel better soon!❤️

Aww that's so sweet @Nemina I think you could be such a good mother to some furries, they can definitely feel strongly but they won't come close if they don't feel kindness! Sorry it's impossible for you, at least you have such adorable dog at work that can share some love.

Btw, I also suffer from allergies to both and I have 5 at home, I tried without for a while and although my allergies were gone I was miserable so I'm willing to pay 😸🐶

Edited April 24Apr 24 by Fullhealing

58 minutes ago, Nemina said:

update: I had another bad night, woke up after five hours (not four so a bit better). all morning and noon lots of chemical anxiety. Feels just so awful. But more energy than the two weeks before so I could go for a walk through the forest with a friend. This helped immensely! this spring is so beautiful in Germany right now. The green leaves are coming out with an incredibly fresh color, wild flowers everywhere, the birds are singing, butterflies, and the air is luminous. you can see, I was able to enjoy it! I am very thankful for how well my day unfolded.

thinking of you guys!

Oh @Nemina so sorry to hear but you are so strong in how you are dealing with this, glad that despite you were able to enjoy the spring outside, I am full of admiration!

This will pass as we only know just hopefully very soon.

Just keep doing what you are doing which is great! 💕

7 hours ago, Nemina said:

yes, it’s just inconsideration, but a big deal for me since I feel so shaky at the moment. I hope I can have a higher fence soon. The problem is the fences are only allowed higher than 150 when the neighbors agree to it. And the fence is already 150 and that is too small for the dog so I have to either risk it or try to get his approval, which will be very difficult. I put way too much emotions and thought in the whole thing….

exactly, privacy and peace get so important when you have an injured nervous system. thanks for all your understanding. @Chippy !

Hope you can navigate the fence situation ok with the neighbour. Crossing my fingers he’s reasonable.

@Nemina has the UTI cleared?

@LostinCanada

yes, my dear, thank you for checking in! I made it without antibiotics which I am very thankful for. thanks for all your advice! I bought the d-mannose, and I also took a host of herbal remedies. A friend of mine who is a homoeopath gave me some globuli. Of course I also had cranberry juice.

Whatever it was, I made it! I will finish the bottle of cranberry juice to make sure it won’t come back.

I hope you are doing OK these days?