Hi James,

Pls. check the email I was given; I'll reset when I hear back. Thanks, Mic

DAY 23 - Well we got back from Mexico last night. David was given his booster dose and we sat around and waited until he was given the ok to go home. He sat very quietly reading a book, which I found unusual for him. I've never really known him to read much, lol.

I brought my only other son in to speak with Clare regarding treatment for him as well. He does not have an opiate addiction, but David feels that the tx would be very helpful to him and I have to agree. He will be returning for tx on Feb. 22. He may be more willing to post about his experience than David has been, but we'll see. I have decided that I, too, will be receiving tx in the coming months. I want to quit smoking and deal with my own issues. Will have to wait to see how that goes.

David seems to be coming out of his solemn state and is returning to the joyous, vibrant young man that I remember pre-addiction. It is simply a joy to be around him again!! I give thanks to God for these past few weeks and can only pray that he will continue this path from here on.

Sharon

So great to hear he is doing so well Sharon....

I am preparing for my tx for this coming tuesday myself. I will have a few weeks off work and looking forward to the time off work. I have small house projects planned for if I cant sleep like last tx. I will try and post my experience... see how it goes.

I am glad your thinking about the tx yourself. I think it will benifit you well.

Bless,
Bonita

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Aahh Dear Bonita,

So happy to hear from you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers (as always) and I look forward to hearing about your experience.

I am actually finding myself getting excited about getting the tx myself as well. First, I look forward to my other son's tx and hope that he benefits as much as David has thus far.

Sharon

DAY 31 - So far so good. David is having some problems with depression-like symptoms, but he is hanging in there. I am so very proud of my son at this point. He went in to see and speak to our family doctor and update him as to the tx he went through. He still needs Valium to help him sleep, but my bigger concern for him is this darn depression. I've read so much on ODR about just how hard this stage of recovery is.

He is going to take Rhodiola Rosea today to help with his lethargy. His concern about taking this is that it will bring his anxiety back. Does anyone have any personal experience with taking this?

I have planned a snowboarding trip for us all for next week. Plenty of snow fell on Big Bear Mnt. last week and we may be getting more at the end of this week so I wanted to give my sons and myself a little get-away after all that we have been through these past few months. I am hoping that David will be able to enjoy the time away to have fun and relax. I have rented a beautiful cabin from Tue - Fri of next week and just hope that the roads are not blocked to us and that we have to reschedule.

Sharon

Sharon,
Is David following up therapy for his depression? I thought you said he would be.. can they help in this area? Do you think the depression is due to PAWS or has he always had some depression in his life?

Your trip sounds like a blast! I hope you all can take those days and just enjoy!
K

Hi K!

Not quite sure where this depression is coming from. I do know that it seems to be a common part of recovery though and hopefully "this too shall pass". He seemed much better today though (YAY).

Really excited about the Big Bear Trip!! The cabin looks like it is just awesome!! We found it on a website, so we will see!!

Sharon

Valium can cause depression in itself, not to mention that it's a mood altering drug so is very dangerous for an addict to be taking. Opiate detox is nothing compared to benzo withdrawals. There are just too many natural sleep aids out there for him to risk taking valium.

The body and brain has a remarkable way of self rejuvenating without chemical help. I am convinced that the main ingredient he needs is "time". He is young and hasnt been using all that long... He will bounce back sooner than you think if the process isnt delayed because of mood-altering chemical help.

Just my opinions..

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Hi Sharon,

Just in case...please know that I always mean well and never intend to offend.

I hope I didnt offend you in any way or cause you any un-needed stress. You have quite enough on your shoulders as it is. I wanted to emphasize that those above are "my opinions".

Now that I've said that...how are things going with your son since his booster dose?

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Sharon........... how are things going? Is your son still sneezing his butt off?

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Spring - no offense taken. As a matter of fact I really do appreciate your opinions and insight!

Bonita - no sneezing, his prob was more of depression. How are you doing?

How is your son doing? You've been so diligent in documenting your journey with him...and I'm wondering why you've stopped.

Is he still experiencing anxiety? still on meds? had any cravings? does he still go to church with you?

also...how are you?

Please don't disappear...his journey is continuing....as does our journey with you.

much love
janice

Did he ever get the sneezing? Like Sluggo.... very interested. Has he talked to Clare?

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Sharon............ cant get you off my mind. Please give us an update or call me.

Or may I call you? I just want to know all is ok. Your ok? David Ok?

If he went back to using no shame in letting us know..... Prayers out to ya chic..

Bonita.

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Well, I am back. David used again, although not to the extent that he was at prior to his tx with Ibogaine. Very frustrating, but I am still hopeful. I asked him whether or not he felt the Ibogaine tx did any good at all and he told me that his using "was different" this time. He further said that his "experience" crossed his mind the whole time and that he didn't feel the same. Now, he could just be handing me a line again. Don't know for sure.

I do know that he 'chose' to use this time. I do know that his spirituality has grown tremendously since his tx. These are things that I know. We will be going to Mexico this upcoming Monday to take his brother in for tx and talk to Clare. If she thinks it is ok, David will get another booster dose of Ibogaine at that time as well. David says that he truly believes that the booster doses help him. We'll see.

On a lighter note, I have been extremely busy with the non-profit that I started last year. We are trying to help our City animal shelter to become a low-kill shelter instead of the high-kill shelter it is right now. David has been very active with our group and has such a passion for dogs in particular. He also started his classes at the local college. His hope is to get the credits he needs in order to graduate from the University that he attended till his junior year. Again, we will just take it one day at a time. He has looked great these past few days and he looked wonderful during our Big Bear trip. We had some serious conversation when we were up there. Very sincere and honest conversations about his life, my life and his using.

As I have mentioned before, I know that Ibogaine is not a magic pill. I know that his recovery will be a process and that he will stumble and sometimes may even fall. But I am still grateful for the tx. It seemed to give him a perspective that he didn't have before. I will keep you all updated on our second booster dose and how my other son does with the tx.

Sharon