Benzo Stories: Paul

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  • Опубліковано 15 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @BzInfoCoalition
    @BzInfoCoalition  Рік тому +11

    DONATING is HELPING! We depend on the support of those who care about prescribed benzodiazepine harm to continue our work. If you are someone who has benefited from our awareness efforts and you’re able to help support this channel, please donate today. Thank you for making a difference and helping us to keep our work going. www.benzoinfo.com/donate/

    • @Pocketpowerplant
      @Pocketpowerplant Рік тому +7

      Thank you for doing what you have been doing! You are making history! You are the most important staple to the Benzo community ❤

    • @BzInfoCoalition
      @BzInfoCoalition  Рік тому +3

      @@Pocketpowerplant Thank you!

    • @gareth3857
      @gareth3857 Рік тому

      These would take your bezos off you then let u kill your self because of mental health bezos have helped a lot of people but they don't want to that

    • @dmj731
      @dmj731 8 місяців тому

      I am 70 & FINALLY became a grandmother 2-1/2 yrs ago. My grandson is 2-1/2 &
      my grand-daughter is 15mos old. They are obsessed with me, as I am with them AND that is my reason for “not wanting” to come off of my 1.5 Klonopin. Whatever life I have left, I just want to enjoy being with them and not SICK IN A BED.
      The Dr tried tapering 2yrs ago. I was doing 1.5 & 1.25 every other day for 3 weeks. Then 1.25 & 1.12(5?) every other day. Dr wanted me off in 2mos, or no more scripts. By the 4th week, I couldn’t stand the nauseating migraines. I found another Dr.
      I am not going through that or WORSE, unless they put me in an INDUCED COMA!!!!
      My poor daughter went through hell to become a Mom. She lost 2 babies & finally went through IVF. That was 7yrs ago & that is when my Psych Dr switched me from Lorazepam to damn Klonopin.
      I could not handle the stress of what she was going through and my Moms Alzheimer’s worsening.
      I also take 300mg of Wellbutrin & 25mg of Escitalopram, along with Asthma inhaler, Prilosec for GERD (I’ve had this for 50yrs). I also receive monthly Gammagard Infusions for Hereditary Immune deficiency (always sick with Sinus infections and Bronchitis in my 20’s).
      My Dad passed away 34yrs ago from massive heart attack at 70yrs old (hence my panic attacks).
      I was put on Xanax (as needed) after his sudden death. Stopped 6 mos. later, as I was pregnant.
      My Dad was my Pillar of Strength & I still cry for him💔. My Mom passed away 3yrs ago (6mos shy of her 100th Birthday, from Alzheimer’s.
      PLEASE….there has to be an easier way to get off of this. 😢

    • @JamesDensin
      @JamesDensin 5 днів тому

      This kids cool I respect him even if he's a homosexual I don't judge 😊​@@BzInfoCoalition

  • @philosophicalfishing
    @philosophicalfishing Рік тому +38

    Way to tell your story, Paul! This takes courage and strength.

  • @johnblood10
    @johnblood10 Рік тому +13

    Had to rewind the first couple seconds to make sure I heard you correctly when you said were 57! I’m a “weathered” 35 (due largely to past substance dependencies of my own) & you got me thinking I look like Father Time over here. In all seriousness though, you do look healthy & happy, which I believe is a majorly inspiring thing to see from a person who has battled the benzo horror. It’s so comprehensively bad, so world-crushingly dark & heavy, that even the most fleeting glimpses of genuine enjoyment & ease are major positive hallmarks of recovery.

  • @Josh_James76
    @Josh_James76 Рік тому +33

    I really appreciate these stories. It just vilifies when I'm still going through. And some things that I've gone past. Awesome Paul thank you for your story. 24 years on. 4 years off. Sometimes you just need to hear other people that have gone through this and that are going through this. It helps with the sanity part. Because it's impossible to explain this to other people that haven't experienced it.

  • @christinesaunders879
    @christinesaunders879 Рік тому +32

    Thank you, Paul for sharing your story. I too was on long term and went off cold turkey in a detox center. Was the most terrifying time of my life. Spent six days in a Crisis Unit and then came home. I am now three and a half years clean and have no lasting side effects. I experienced many side effects for about 4 months but they subsided after that. I know I am one of the very lucky ones because what I read in Benzo Buddies are that there are lots of long term symptoms that are debilitating. During my withdrawl, there were times I thought I was not going to make it and that I had lost my mind. So grateful that has all passed and I am leading a happy and healthy life today!

    • @PAHinCHGO
      @PAHinCHGO Рік тому +2

      So sorry you went through that!

    • @CBT5777
      @CBT5777 Рік тому +2

      You must have been unemployed.

    • @aveshtiratram
      @aveshtiratram Рік тому +1

      Hi Christine , please can you tell me what helped you after you got off the Benzo. I am almost 4 weeks off.

    • @marleneholik-ls9wr
      @marleneholik-ls9wr 6 місяців тому +1

      Did the detox center teach you to use terms such as “clean” rather than “I finished my taper then jumped?” Otherwise we get called an addict.

    • @brandonstephens1447
      @brandonstephens1447 Місяць тому

      How long were you on the benzos and what were they/disages?

  • @tashaandjacob6836
    @tashaandjacob6836 Рік тому +21

    Holy hell, 57? I wouldn’t have guessed that. Maybe barely 40.

    • @corvettedm1
      @corvettedm1 Рік тому +5

      I thought the exact same thing!

    • @moontribetarot5343
      @moontribetarot5343 8 місяців тому +1

      I literally thought he was in his late 30's, my dad is his age and looks 4x older than him!

  • @beautifulspirit2973
    @beautifulspirit2973 Рік тому +5

    This is so on point. It takes huge courage to beat benzo’s, reclaim our nervous systems and lives again. This is inspirAtional

  • @thek-man5079
    @thek-man5079 Рік тому +23

    Well done Paul. Extremely difficult to talk about. Takes a lot of courage. I've said it many times, all medical and psychiatric doctors should be put on a benzoid for 6 months and then forced to stop. Let's see how many times they prescribe it after that.... Stay strong, seems like you are doing better. Your symptoms are horrible but shared by most of us. The OCD thoughts are a part of it as well. You will get there. Enjoy every good moment that you get.

  • @Lela.Martin
    @Lela.Martin 3 місяці тому +4

    Omg you just explained what I've been trying to tell people for 14 years. I just put all of these side effects together like 5 days ago. How did I go this long thinking it was always something else and doctors telling me to take more because you are just anxious and everyone eventually labeling me as a hypochondriac. Thank you for telling this story. It's so hard going through this in the dark. I'm currently trying to withdrawal without much guidance as I read this and you have been a light on my path. Thank you❤❤

    • @juliemauger6183
      @juliemauger6183 3 місяці тому

      It's always helpful to hear other people's stories. Dr Josef is another great resource on UA-cam, I think his channel is called Taper Clinic.

  • @marleneholik-ls9wr
    @marleneholik-ls9wr 6 місяців тому +3

    Paul I tried to get help in the Chicago area and it was a disaster
    Your testimony was awesome, thank you!

    • @PAHinCHGO
      @PAHinCHGO 4 місяці тому

      How are you doing now?

  • @peterneate607
    @peterneate607 Рік тому +8

    Been there and it was absolute hell. I lost everything, my family, friends and career etc Most Doctors know nothing about getting people off Benzos, it's not part of their training. Be well fella.

  • @Pocketpowerplant
    @Pocketpowerplant Рік тому +23

    Thank you Paul💜 for sharing 🙏 I am coming of 6mg of Alpraz after nearly 20 years. The medication works for me after trying many different medications. It was a miracle to find something that worked for me. I agree sometimes the Facebook groups can be scary because people are simply reporting what they are going through. And you think is this what I will deal with?It is not our fault doctors did not inform us as there sworn duty.IMO I think it's ridiculous that all it takes is a few rap songs and other music to glorifying the misuse of this medication so now it's hard for people who really NEED this medication to obtain it. Especially, for people who have been taking as prescribed the medication for a long time before all this negative press.
    I am down to .75mg Alpraz and 50mgV, so YES, I understand the pain. It's a battle every day. Tinnitus, oh yeah, BENZO belly yeah depersonalization as you know, Paul, the list goes on. My heart goes out to everyone in the world not only dealing with this awful situation.
    " Really we need doctors to inform patience better."❤

    • @Q1776Q
      @Q1776Q Рік тому +1

      NOBODY NEEDS these meds...They eventually make things MUCH MUCH WORSE... I t too me about 3 years of NONSTOP HELL ON EARTH to recover from short term Ativan use.

    • @sharon8121
      @sharon8121 Рік тому +1

      Agreed 100%!

    • @morgan6468
      @morgan6468 Рік тому

      Thanks for sharing your story. Very relatable. How long was your taper?

    • @margaretmanzer2194
      @margaretmanzer2194 Рік тому +1

      I’m surprised your doc didn’t switch you from Xanax to diazepam for your taper… much more gentle. 🌷

    • @margaretmanzer2194
      @margaretmanzer2194 Рік тому

      What’s your Benzo belly feel like?

  • @sonjastyblo8149
    @sonjastyblo8149 Рік тому +9

    Articulated well, and relatable

  • @TalkyMikey
    @TalkyMikey 11 місяців тому +4

    Happy for Paul's success! I love how he's so nonchalant about all the horrible symptoms. You kind of have to find humor in all the misery that is benzo withdrawal to keep yourself afloat lol

  • @maxine6745
    @maxine6745 6 місяців тому +4

    Paul I’m going through exactly down right even not watching anything disturbing because I was scared to death and everything that you described in your video I am experiencing and I thought I was alone well I am alone and no one to turn and talk to but back to your video I thought I was alone in this this BENZO WAR and I thank you 🙏🏼 so much for you sharing your story and I will pray 🙏🏼 that things get better and easier for you on your recovery this recovery ❤️‍🩹

    • @PAHinCHGO
      @PAHinCHGO 4 місяці тому

      How are you doing now?

  • @margaretmanzer2194
    @margaretmanzer2194 Рік тому +6

    Omg, I understand 100% every word you said. I’m going through a very similar taper with many of the issues you pointed out. You will heal completely, we both will! Be easy on yourself… 🌷🙏🏼

  • @ladyscarfaceangel4616
    @ladyscarfaceangel4616 Рік тому +13

    I've been benzo free for 10 years. I still deal with brain fog, anxiety, tremors, & some balance issues. Yoga can help you strengthen your balance & even help clear your mind so you can focus better. It can also help you learn how to turn on your parasympatetic nervous system. Your parasympatetic nervous system is your best friend when it comes to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. My body seems to stay in fight/flight mode. I have to learn ways to counterbalance that.

    • @wendym2544
      @wendym2544 Рік тому

      do you mind if I ask you how long you took them for before you quit? And what dosage of what drug? And did you taper down before quitting? Thanks so much.

    • @celestin777
      @celestin777 Рік тому

      I want to know too

    • @madelynhernandez7453
      @madelynhernandez7453 Рік тому

      This is important because when people dont specify, it is so disturbing to the rest of us who see what 10 yrs and it doesn't end. There are reasons for this. Setbacks, other medications, dosage, years on it, if they tapered or not, how fast. A whole deal of factors.

    • @wendym2544
      @wendym2544 Рік тому

      @@madelynhernandez7453 Yes! Thank you.

    • @MegaLatie
      @MegaLatie 8 місяців тому

      @@madelynhernandez7453 this man makes people!! Still sick for 10 years from benzo is a scare tactic, this is not due to benzo! I think he has been on benzo for years, maybe 20 years or more... that is why he is still sick.
      I used benzo irregularly for almost two years and stopped. I used them because sometimes I didn't sleep well during the night shifts.. I was terribly ill due to withdrawal... I have been benzo free for 26 months and not yet back to my old self. I am depressed, depersonalist.. when I exercise I get a kind of headache while sleeping. of shock where I wake up with a lot of fear..I am not afraid to sleep because of this situation.😭😭😭but I hope to heal soon!!

  • @celestin777
    @celestin777 Рік тому +3

    Paul you look good and healthy at 57, God bless you!

  • @adamrafal6587
    @adamrafal6587 Рік тому +7

    The issues with these and so many other medications really cuts at the heart of modern psychiatry, which (mostly) abandoned psychotherapeutic techniques for psychopharamcology decades ago. Caveat Emptor!

    • @xy-qy2yg
      @xy-qy2yg Рік тому +1

      True but I ended up on this due to freaking therapists so that is awful!!!

  • @annstar2793
    @annstar2793 4 місяці тому +1

    How are you now? Thank you for sharing. Going though it

  • @bienamigo8599
    @bienamigo8599 Рік тому +10

    Paul i can see by the way you move in the chair trying to grasp your words to try & explain what was happening in your life , as i do the same myself, as you said everything is a task , uncomfortable even speaking here I bet your sweating up as its another choir to try to explain yourself again yes we have to explain ourselves very single day Crazy isn’t it , I keep rambling on about the same thing & have to write down dot points when i’m at my Dr’s or I could be there for hours or it feels like hours & than glad its over with even though you only finished a small portion of what you wanted to say, I’m starting to ramble again so I’ll again take the easy way out & finish as that makes it over & done with Lets hope we heal from these rotten Drugs Take Care my friend

  • @TheAjmos
    @TheAjmos Рік тому +14

    I dont understand why doctors take alcohol withdraw seriously but not benzos, they know they are similar.....

    • @CBT5777
      @CBT5777 Рік тому +8

      Benzos are way, way, way worse. I have experience with both.

    • @MegaMarkitos99
      @MegaMarkitos99 Рік тому +2

      Money. Alcohol is a lobbyist' cash crop in america. Benzos arent as widely used as alcohol. While yes anxiety is the most common mental illness worldwide followed by depression, ptsd xanax etc. is maybe only used by 0.5% of the population while alcohol is like 35-50%

    • @annstar2793
      @annstar2793 4 місяці тому

      Big Pharma 😢

    • @Skoopyghost
      @Skoopyghost 10 днів тому

      A lot of psychiatrists are just socially acceptable dealers to me with a stronger product. I can't tell the difference between alcohol and anti-psychtropics to be honest.

  • @janemiller8738
    @janemiller8738 Рік тому +3

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can relate to a lot of your experience.

  • @markahobbs1967
    @markahobbs1967 Рік тому +3

    Same for me here in London. Hypochondria through the roof with so many symptoms…thanks for sharing ❤

  • @IceLynne
    @IceLynne Рік тому +3

    Thank you so much for sharing. I've experienced so much of the same things 😟

  • @DoreenWeed
    @DoreenWeed 23 дні тому

    Thank you for sharing your experience. Tinnitus and depersonalization are horrible. I'm 4 months our since having clonazepam forcibly stopped and am so fearful that someone is going to call for a welfare check and I don't have anyone to help me. PWS! I don't want to be locked up. What do I do? No family, no friends.

  • @formidible
    @formidible 6 місяців тому +1

    I have similar symptoms Paul. Thanks for sharing.

  • @DS-fi4hf
    @DS-fi4hf Рік тому +2

    Thank you for sharing your story. I relate quite a bit to it.

  • @patrickleman6929
    @patrickleman6929 Рік тому +2

    i must say you look dashing for 57 damn. hope you keep on the right track

  • @maripeterson1762
    @maripeterson1762 8 місяців тому +3

    25 years 1 mg x ……finally know what is wrong with me been dealing with severe 24/7 pulsital tinnitus ten years back neck spasm rashes burning skin cold intolerance ocd looping thoughts words light sensitivity gum issues balance issues dizzy spells stomach crap etc been like this ten years tapering next month 🙏🏻

    • @karliann1
      @karliann1 7 місяців тому +1

      I got surgery for my pulsatile tinnitus. It was a type of aneurysm or clot. Had to travel 2 hours to the specialist. No more tinnitus

    • @maripeterson1762
      @maripeterson1762 7 місяців тому +2

      @@karliann1 I’m glad yours is gone .IVE had every test ,scan ,lumbar puncture,angio and they found nothing I’ve given up years ago I’m used to it now

    • @karliann1
      @karliann1 7 місяців тому

      @@maripeterson1762 I'm so sorry. I used to press and hold down my jugular vein. It only helped while pressing on it. It was worse at night.

  • @pamridenour5824
    @pamridenour5824 Рік тому +1

    After all the research I've done I've discovered I can't go through this. Time for a one way trip to Canada. I don't want to end up like this.

  • @Dibdgvsd3773
    @Dibdgvsd3773 2 місяці тому +1

    Please help me, i almost died many times
    Lorazepam. ..Taken daily 6 years... abruptly stopped because my neck almost closed after i took one. I realised it was not the medication but something else that made my neck and tongue swell. But i stopped it for 3 days. What i forgot to say is that i was in the process of tapering it when i stopped. Now, after 3 months i still fight severe withdawl syptoms? Is it possible? Or i have a ilness that make me faint and causes neurological problems? ... My body dosnt want to function on 3,5 mg per day, and is from 2 month since i take rhis dose. And my body needs this drug every 8 hours or less...otherwise im going into withdrawal? I faint to often and sometimes my seizures last for ever. My face is white-bluish like im in the process of dying, my legs and feet were the same, but i regained the color. I always have headaches, i cant focus and im lethargic and cant even stand on my feet most of the times.
    In April this year I was talking 7,5 mg per day :(..not by my choice. In march I started tappering

  • @hairypawter8475
    @hairypawter8475 Рік тому +4

    Thanks for sharing Paul. People keep trying to convince me this is something mental or chronic etc bc they just never get it, but then i hear fellow sufferers stories and it all completely resonates 100% with that i have, Benzo dysfunction is such a classic story in many ways despite the high variability in symptoms, the 'shot nervous system' was me 100%. Hope your doing better

  • @Casper-fl1wy
    @Casper-fl1wy 8 місяців тому +2

    Damn, looking good for 57

  • @JinxTheWriter
    @JinxTheWriter 4 місяці тому +1

    This is 100% what im dealing with now after 10 years of being on them. Taken off 1.5 mg daily cold turkey by my dr.

  • @bobloblaw8440
    @bobloblaw8440 11 місяців тому +1

    Paul, I don’t know if you come back here to check these comments but if you do, is there a way I could speak to you? Through email or something?

  • @ToddDouglasFox
    @ToddDouglasFox 8 місяців тому +2

    Bless your heart Paul. How are you now?

    • @PAHinCHGO
      @PAHinCHGO 4 місяці тому +1

      Doing really well. Thank you.

    • @ToddDouglasFox
      @ToddDouglasFox 4 місяці тому +2

      @@PAHinCHGO good to hear. Being in the field dealing with these issues, we understand on our end the nightmare for so many. Keep on doing well!

    • @PAHinCHGO
      @PAHinCHGO 4 місяці тому +1

      @@ToddDouglasFox ❤️

    • @ashleychristie5023
      @ashleychristie5023 11 днів тому

      Would you mind saying when the mental stuff started improving for you? I’m 21 months off now and still super struggling with this and the dpdr. It’s nuts.

  • @Raverpyro
    @Raverpyro Місяць тому

    So relatable. Now down to 2.5mg of Valium. Its a massive struggle. I just lost my life to it for now. It is the hardest thing i have ever had to experience in my life. I'm almost to 0mg.

  • @angelakinchen5634
    @angelakinchen5634 Місяць тому

    I am two years out from a slow taper and I’m still terrified to drive.

  • @angelahelton5177
    @angelahelton5177 3 місяці тому

    How long did your taper take and at what dosage increments did you taper off?

  • @adamstielstra
    @adamstielstra Рік тому +2

    my story exactly.

  • @adventureswithwool-johanne7755

    Wow, Paul they is quite the story. I was wondering if you could DM me. Does this happen with all benzos- what about zipoclone (sleeping pills)

  • @UserConn
    @UserConn 2 місяці тому

    4 years post taper. Off 100 percent. Still neck and shoulder stiffness.

  • @amberwegmuller1686
    @amberwegmuller1686 Рік тому +9

    An upfront explanation should be mandatory before prescribed. Benzodiazepines should be banned!!!

  • @swaggstaful
    @swaggstaful Рік тому

    When did your looping thoughts? depression and anhedonia go away?

  • @AashishmJogi
    @AashishmJogi 10 місяців тому +2

    I am paralysed on one side of my body from 2 years because of cold turkey 😢

    • @Dibdgvsd3773
      @Dibdgvsd3773 2 місяці тому

      So sorry. Praying that God will heal you

  • @texassportsoutdoors
    @texassportsoutdoors Місяць тому

    I take 1mg twice a day and my personality is not what it used to be. I also drink a lot of beer. I took my last pill Yesterday at noon and i am not feeling right at all! I can pickup the refill tomorrow. Should i? Or should i just quit it? I have never taken more than prescribed but its been 10 years.

    • @BzInfoCoalition
      @BzInfoCoalition  Місяць тому

      Abrupt cessation from benzodiazepines can result in a severe, life-threatening withdrawal syndromes and long-lasting protracted damage to the central nervous system. www.benzoinfo.com/benzodiazepine-detox-cold-turkey-abrupt-cessation/

  • @littlecreep1903
    @littlecreep1903 7 місяців тому

    Did you get like harm ocd thoughts? i had preexisting minor ocd before benzos but when i tried quitting its like the ocd got 1000000000000000000000 times worse. Cant even look at a knife now. How long will this last

  • @julie0060
    @julie0060 6 місяців тому

    What about sleep and anxiety

  • @ZETONEproductions
    @ZETONEproductions 5 місяців тому

    Ok so i have all those symptoms , plus minus .. without bensos.. so what’s the egg or chicken really … .?? Bensos save lives if used properly .. but my point is that the symptoms you mention as bensos side effects are same symptoms that my anxiety and depression .. one thing is sure though … it’s a tough journey …

  • @mindsigh4
    @mindsigh4 Рік тому +1

    when i clicked on this channel YT showed me an add for booze 😎

  • @Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator
    @Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator 13 днів тому

    I'm still on 2mg Klonopin 4x daily since 1997 & it's 2024 now, almost 2025.
    I want to stop but it's the only thing that works for my Bipolar.

  • @Lesliem-ek5qh
    @Lesliem-ek5qh Рік тому

    Do you have insomnia

  • @Matowix
    @Matowix Рік тому +1

    He looks more in his 60s

    • @PAHinCHGO
      @PAHinCHGO Рік тому +1

      Haha! I feel like it sometimes ;-)

    • @lucasinator
      @lucasinator Рік тому +2

      @@PAHinCHGO no dude you literally look 35 max

    • @christinemclatchie
      @christinemclatchie 9 місяців тому +1

      @@lucasinator
      I agree!!!

  • @Nightwalker25-m3u
    @Nightwalker25-m3u 3 місяці тому +1

    This akathisia is horrific!!!

  • @krishankochar3059
    @krishankochar3059 Рік тому +2

    Librium is unfortunately overlooked.it’s a fairly safe and effective benzodiazepine

    • @UserConn
      @UserConn Рік тому +1

      No benzo is safe. They reword the brain. I used liquid Librium to taper over 4 years. I will be 36 months free in September. I still have symptoms however I am better that I was.

  • @peterhalen8237
    @peterhalen8237 2 місяці тому

    Smoking weed helps ,

  • @1summerflower
    @1summerflower Рік тому +2

    Many of the symptoms are also symptoms of brain tumors pituitary tumors.
    Please get mris!

    • @Sears111
      @Sears111 Рік тому +1

      Oh for God’s sake. Shut up!

    • @cathyjennings5580
      @cathyjennings5580 Рік тому +1

      Symptoms is the body's ALARM System Warning. Stop doing something. Get some knowledgeable people on board right??

    • @PAHinCHGO
      @PAHinCHGO Рік тому +10

      Benzo withdrawal can mimic SO many other medical conditions, which can be confusing and scary

  • @brendanmoore5456
    @brendanmoore5456 Рік тому +2

    Alzheimer’s? Holy crap, I think I’m on well on my way to it at 45

    • @MeghenFarley
      @MeghenFarley Рік тому +1

      Same here at 38 and it's terrifying and I am looking for any positive success stories..but it's traumatizing even watching

    • @beautiful777lie
      @beautiful777lie 19 днів тому

      I’m 38 as well and I can recall basic words all the time, I forget peoples names, where I met them, moments shared with friends are just gone from my memory. It makes talking really hard because my memory issues crank up the anxiety and it feels like my mind just shuts off. Like I can’t even actively search for the word in my mind. I’ve started to isolate and feeling so depressed that I can’t have meaningful relationships because I panic when I have to interact with people in a meaningful way. I feel like I’m living an empty life void of joy. And so scared I’ll have early onset dementia. Just thinking about it sends me spiraling. I wish more people in my life understood what was happening or going on in my mind. Would doctors do brain scans to see if there’s been damage?