[liveweyerd]

Runvs....thank you immensely...I will be reading and re-reading that post. I have a feeling it is going to be a lifeline!
Right now I feel great and feel like the Ashton taper is slower than I need. But...it has only been a week. (On valium...I had started xanax taper a week before and that is what brought me here) But I cannot repeat often enough how much better and instaneously I began to feel better as soon as I stopped the xanax. I deviated from the taper recommendations in that respect, I substituted valium completely...NO XANAX. Haven't pinned down the correct amount of valium for the taper tho.....but have been taking, even on the two days after I went into dangerous withdrawal and took as many as it took to get me out of it, considerably less than recommended.
I can't seem to shake the constant headache...but I think that is a matter for my chiro. I have an old neck injury...but with the muscle tension, stress and withdrawal I think I need it put back in place again. However, part of it is I know, from the withdrawal.
The biggest decision I must make now is whether to return to work Tuesday. I have mixed feelings about that.

Barto, WHY would you want to go back to caffeine? If you research what that drug does to you, you might just change your mind. There is a caffeine withdrawal thread in mental health, just in case you are interested. I have a friend there who is struggling with the caffeine just as much as we are struggling with the benzos.
The only caffeine I am ingesting is in goody's powders which I have used for my headaches and surprisingly it is the equivalent of one cup of coffee, so I am sparing using them only when the headache is really getting to me. I try to use ibuprofen and cold packs. But then, I have been sensitive to caffeine for years. Maybe this does not even apply to you. I am drinking de-caf now which contains a minute amount...and it still stains my teeth. Think I will have a glass of milk next.
Thanks everyone for all your help, information and support.
I will be taking the charts to the Dr today.