MICHAEL

Age: 35 | US

"In 2018, l was prescribed the SSRI antidepressant Paxil (Paroxetine). Within an hour after I took the first pill, I lost almost all feeling in my genitals, and then experienced completely mute/numb orgasms. Shortly thereafter, I also began experiencing severe cognitive impairment and debilitating chronic fatigue, as well as gastrointestinal issues and autoimmune issues.

Despite discontinuing Paroxetine a couple of months later, these symptoms persisted and escalated.

In 2020, I consulted a urologist for persistent genital numbness and associated urinary difficulties. Despite various treatments, relief remained elusive. Over time, additional symptoms manifested, including tingling and burning sensations in my extremities. I also have temperature intolerance, and manifestations reminiscent of autoimmune disorders. These symptoms progressed, culminating in full blown peripheral neuropathy.

In 2023, I connected with fellow sufferers of PSSD online, many of whom had also been diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy (SFN). I then made an appointment with a Neurologist. Initially met with skepticism regarding SFN, the neurologist eventually agreed to investigate further after ruling out alternative conditions via brain and spine MRI and EMG tests. Subsequently, a punch biopsy confirmed my diagnosis, revealing nerve density comparable to someone over 80 years old.

I have now been off the drug for six years. Navigating my illness has been a challenging journey of self-advocacy and extensive research. The profound physical and mental toll-marked by severe neuropathic pain, debilitating exhaustion, cognitive dysfunction that I can only describe as feeling like dementia, and an almost total loss of sexual function has left me hopeless and broken. I am a shell of what I use to be.

This is how PSSD impacted my life.