A typical middle aged American story.

I developed some depression as a teenager (seems to be a right of passage) and it has stayed with me throughout. In my late 40s my wife and I lost 7 immediate family members (parents & siblings) in separate incidents in less than a 18 month period so needless to say the elevator quit calling at the top floor. My doctor prescribed a daily dose of 100mg Zoloft/Sertraline which quickly went to 200mg. At the time I was 50. 

Around the same time I started Sertraline I was diagnosed with "borderline" Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the Big 3 as my doctor called it. So add a Statin and a high blood pressure medicine to the mix. The American Medical Society runs on tests (a whole other discussion that could be made) and I was also diagnosed with Fatty Liver so add another prescription into the fray. I highlighted "border line" Type 2 Diabetes because in the first class I attended the nurse giving a presentation asked me in a group discussion "why are you here with a 110 fasting blood level". And the typical middle aged American story was written.

I'm now 66 and taking the time to think about what most retired people do "life". So I quit all prescriptions cold turkey about 3 weeks ago. Now admittedly I'm stupid but not that stupid, I've gone to a well known Natural-path doctor and am take supplements that address each of my afflictions. My blood pressure rose slightly so I'm back to taking 1/2 of that Rx but no others. The plan is to monitor my blood level and pressure daily for a 3 month period then have the usual blood tests taken so a before and after comparison can be made. I do feel good about the blood work issues but the side affects I'm feeling from the Sertraline withdrawal is the obvious reason I'm on here.

I can relate to everything most people are reporting and confirm how bad it sucks. Because of the dosage strength and length of time I was on it I probably haven't even seen the beginning yet. I added my brief history in the hopes it explains why I'm going the route I am and not following a doctor's guidance as all the reports recommend. 

Please feel free to give me input or tell me how stupid I am but I know this is something I do need to do and the best way for me to do it.

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