Since mid-April, I have been on a schedule of gradually decreasing one of my medications (a prescription I have been taking for 19 years). It is a slow process, recommended by my physician, designed to minimize any symptoms of withdrawal. The first couple of weeks was no problem, and I thought, "this is going to be easy."
As May started, and my dosage was further reduced, life was a little more challenging. By the 10th of the month, I felt doubtful whether I could continue. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all? Or maybe I had reached a point where I could go no further? In other words, maybe I wasn't going to get to my goal of no longer taking the medication at all.
I felt exhausted and confused. Fortunately, a friend urged me to call my doctor. Talking with him helped to clarify my thinking, and I decided to stick with my plan of gradual decrease. That was May 12.
Ten days later, I am still on track to be completely done with this medication by June 1. Some days are going better than others, but I feel optimistic about accomplishing this goal.
I am grateful for a physician who is committed to helping patients find a treatment plan that works well for them. I am grateful for the support of the family and friends who know what I am working on. And, I am grateful for the inner guidance to do what is best for my health and the strength to see it through.
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