Benzos & Surgery: A Journey of Anxiety, Recovery, Medication, and Success (Part 2 of 2)

Updated: Mar 12, 2023

What happens when you need surgery during protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND)? How do you manage the anxiety? Do you take meds? Benzos? Opioids? How do you handle recovery? Join D on his personal 14-day journey.

In part 2 of this 2-part series, the surgery is completed and D reviews his decision to be given a benzodiazepine for sedation. He monitors its effect on his symptoms, discusses his recovery and use of pain meds, and explores his improved outlook on life after his successful procedure.

Video ID: BFP109

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This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzos-and-surgery-a-journey-of-anxiety-recovery-medication-and-success-part-1-of-2-bfp108

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Chapters

00:00 INTRODUCTION

02:07 Listing Benzos As an Allergy (Day -1)

07:11 Morning of Surgery (Day 0)

09:28 Back Home Recovering

10:41 Deciding to Take a Benzo

14:14 Comedy of Errors (Day +1)

18:29 Post-Op Meds

20:09 Putting Weight on Foot (Day +2)

21:18 Positivity from Success

25:20 Symptoms Mild

26:10 Feeling Better (Day +3)

27:41 “The Midnight Library” / Perspective

31:05 Recovery Setback (Day +5)

32:38 Feeling Better Again (Day +6)

35:30 A Little Bit of Normalcy

37:42 Benzos, Hope, and Timelines

41:14 Better Life on the Other Side

43:39 Relaxation Videos (Day +7)

45:10 In Search of Something Profound

46:07 Success Breeds Success

48:50 Gratitudes

50:26 Final Benzo Update

51:07 CLOSING

Resources

The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.

SITE RESOURCES

Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://benzoaction.org
Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://benzoinfo.com
The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org

REFERENCES

Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual.
Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, CO: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book

The Podcast

The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).

WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com

MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx

DISCLAIMER

All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.

CREDITS

Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio

— https://www.storyblocks.com

Benzo Free Theme

— Title: “Walk in the Park”

— Artist: Neil Cross

PRODUCTION

Easing Anxiety is produced by…

Denim Mountain Press

https://www.denimmountainpress.com