LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
Replies
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@NonnieDoiron There may be a couple of other things you can try for the cramps. A nurse practitioner once told me to drink pickle juice. I know it sounds weird. But, I guess it works.
The other thing is coconut water. It has a very good balance of electrolytes (calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus). Usually cramps are caused by an imbalance of electrolytes. It's a long story why I bought it. But I bought Zico brand natural 100% coconut water with no sugar added. A lot of the brands have added sugar. I'm not crazy about it. But, it's not bad. Maybe an acquired taste? It's only 60 calories per 11.2 oz carton. I should be drinking it myself. But I forget it's in there 🤔4 -
I wish you could see the BIG SMILE on my face reading your posts. Especially your post @NonnieDoiron with your touching positive post to @SurferGirl1982. It sounds like some I have written in the past 7 years here.
Some of us oldie but goodies on here have seen and heard all the stories as to why they should or can't drink LESS. A reminder, you are winning by just checking in and telling your story. It all begins somewhere, this is the place.
My October accountability so far is:
6 - AF
2 - A (already counting today)
Our weather channel here in Florida says as long as hurricane Milton continues his current path, then our area will be out of harm's way. I never call it good though until it has all passed. Our town is filling up quick with evacuees. On my 1 hour beach walk this morning there was a different feel to the tourist scene. And I am still in disbelief what happened to Tenn, N.C. S.C GA during Helene. Which did not have 180 MPH winds driving water towards Florida land like this one is.
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@SurferGirl1982 I know all of us are rooting for you today! Good to hear there is no alcohol in the house - you know I do way better when I just DONT buy it or have it in the house (particularly if I’m trying to abstain). It can be a big temptation when we know it’s within arms reach. We’re here for you, and yes you can!!!4
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Had another AF night and woke up early for a gym class! Heading out for another walk now with my sweet pup. I am feeling much more peaceful and happy with my healthier decisions that’s for sure.
I’m going to babysit my grandkids tonight over at their house and looking forward to seeing their school work and hanging with them. They are little beaming lights in my life!!
Current:
AF days - 6
A days - 26 -
You can do it @SurferGirl1982 We're all rooting for you!4
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May we each achieve our personal goals today whether cutting back or cutting out alcoholic beverages! 💜5
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Hi Less Alcohol Pals,
You all have been so supportive and rooting for me. I wasn't feeling too bad this morning. But around 11:30 this morning, I started feeling pretty bad. Of course, alcohol increases anxiety. I was feeling very anxious and scared. I guess I may be more dependent than I thought.
Back in 2020 and 2021, I was having a really bad problem with drinking. I had a really nice nurse practitioner at the time. I was completely honest with her. She and her staff really cared. I live in a rural area. We do have a addiction treatment center here. But at the time, either the insurance I had wouldn't pay for it or the treatment center didn't take my insurance (can't remember). So, my PCP advised me to taper. Although, she said if my BP went up or I got weird headaches to go to the ER. I strategically tapered very gradually. And I was successful.
Anyways, when I started feeling bad this morning, I asked my husband if he would get me a pint (375 ml). I'm not quite sure where I'm at in the alcohol withdrawal spectrum and I was afraid that the feelings I was experiencing could be serious (stroke or heart attack). I'm not a doctor or nurse.
One other thing, I've been really stressed about the doctor appointment that I have scheduled on Oct 30th. I think next week, I will call and say I'm going to be out of town for 3 to 4 weeks and reschedule. Automatic pressure release!
I'm still drinking LA because I've been starting at 9 am and most days drinking a fifth (750 ml) or close to it. Today I started around noon and only have a pint.
I just always feel like I'm letting everyone down ☹️4 -
I’m sorry you feel scared and imagine it is very normal in your situation @SurferGirl1982.
But today sounds like you are achieving LA in your choice to buy Less and imbibe Less. That’s tapering in action. You ARE doing it and not letting anyone down. Stay strong through all the feelings and try to focus on what reduces anxiety and brings you joy.3 -
Thanks all for the advice on the supplements. I’m on several prescribed supplements already because my body doesn’t absorb certain vitamins after my gastric bypass in 2004. Unfortunately, my current doctor took me off one of them, but I think he may have been mistaken to do it. And, I think the reaction may be the cramps. Not sure, but I have an appointment next month with him. So, I’ll bring it up. I only drink water, coffee, and wine; and I’ve been trying to drink a lot more water lately.
@SurferGirl1982, it’s ok. Do what you have to do. Your health is most important. There’s always tomorrow, a new day, another chance! I know your anxiety is high for several reasons. My suggestion is for every thought that tries to convince you that you cannot go without a drink, you need to write down a reason why you should go without a drink. Write it on a post-it note, and hang it where you can see it. The reasons can be due to your health or how you felt the last time or whether or not you want to. I’m sure for every reason you give yourself to drink, you can give yourself 2 as to why you shouldn’t. What I don’t want you to do is think that you’re disappointing us. You’re still here… that’s never a disappointment! Still praying for you, Friend!5 -
Thank you so much @Michieb125 I will do this. It just might take me a little longer.3
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »Thank you so much @Michieb125 I will do this. It just might take me a little longer.
I would encourage you to go to that doctor's appointment to ask for a safe way to cut down. I don't think you should go cold turkey; there can be serious effects on the brain. You just want to be safe and not jeopardize your brain/health.
Don't forget alcohol exacerbates anxiety.
Have you tried hypnotherapy? Might be worth looking into.
Rooting for you!!!4 -
@NonnieDoiron Thanks for your support. You're are all so kind! I'm getting teary-eyed.
I didn't realize that you had an medical problem causing vitamin/mineral absorption. If you think that the one med that your doctor took you off of is causing the cramps. Definitely bring it up next month. Or, better yet, do you have a patient portal where you can send messages to he/she? I do that all the time.3 -
globalhiker wrote: »Oct - 7 AF days done. AF total is 37 days. My biggest fear today is going back to Day 1 and starting over. Memories of the past few years came back to me about the times I did decide to stop my wine diet as I called it and regress in a matter of weeks right back to Square One. It happened always when I went on vacation or when I had a job layoff or travel to visit distant relatives. This is like YO-YO dieting - improve for a months, regress for double the time, then improve a few months, regress double the time, and the cycle keeps going.
@SurferGirl1982 if I had a good bottle of wine in my fridge I would've opened it up and drank the whole thing yesterday. I can't have it in the house at all, it's just an addictive poison for me.
Looking back, I wasted years of time, thinking, over-thinking, obsessing, trying, failing, over and over. If I could re-play my life, I would've absolutely 1000% signed up for online therapy and physican prescribed medication because regular excessive drinking is the sign of a dangerous physical disease and just in recent years is being treated as such just like we go to the doctor for any other physical ailment.globalhiker wrote: »Oct - 7 AF days done. AF total is 37 days. My biggest fear today is going back to Day 1 and starting over. Memories of the past few years came back to me about the times I did decide to stop my wine diet as I called it and regress in a matter of weeks right back to Square One. It happened always when I went on vacation or when I had a job layoff or travel to visit distant relatives. This is like YO-YO dieting - improve for a months, regress for double the time, then improve a few months, regress double the time, and the cycle keeps going.
@SurferGirl1982 if I had a good bottle of wine in my fridge I would've opened it up and drank the whole thing yesterday. I can't have it in the house at all, it's just an addictive poison for me.
Looking back, I wasted years of time, thinking, over-thinking, obsessing, trying, failing, over and over. If I could re-play my life, I would've absolutely 1000% signed up for online therapy and physican prescribed medication because regular excessive drinking is the sign of a dangerous physical disease and just in recent years is being treated as such just like we go to the doctor for any other physical ailment.
OMG I could have totally written this. I am exactly the same. I fear day 1 ever again more than I want a drink and Thank God for that. I absolutely cannot moderate, period, Amen.
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@SurferGirl1982 I agree with Ruby Red. Do not put off your Dr appointment. Rip the band aid off and go. It sounds like you definitely need medical intervention to make sure you are doing this right. We all care very much about your well being. I myself have put off a Dr appt until this month as I am afraid to hear that my liver is damaged,(obviously I hope it isn't) but I am going on the 24th. Whatever she says, I need to face it.4
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RubyRed427 wrote: »
I would encourage you to go to that doctor's appointment to ask for a safe way to cut down. I don't think you should go cold turkey; there can be serious effects on the brain. You just want to be safe and not jeopardize your brain/health.
Don't forget alcohol exacerbates anxiety.
Have you tried hypnotherapy? Might be worth looking into.
Rooting for you!!!
@RubyRed427 Thanks for your concern. The appointment I have on the 30th isn't with my primary care. It's with a new Gastroenterologist that I've never seen before and it's 60 miles away. It's for checking out my liver health. I could send a message to my PCP, but there aren't a lot of options for addiction treatment here.
*A little bit of humor*...we don't even have Uber, Grubhub, Doordash. No Baskin Robins or 7-eleven. Should have stayed in SoCal!
I tried hypnotherapy many years ago to help me quit smoking. But it didn't help. In 2007, my husband and I got a prescription for Chantix. I only used it for about three week and have never wanted a cigarette again.
I do appreciate all input!
@SunnyDays930 It sounds like we're kind of in the same boat. As far as medical intervention, it's not really available here. In 2020 and 2021, I was a frequent flyer to the hospital. Eventually, one of the ER doctors said, "We don't detox here!" But the joke was on them. I was detoxed when I ended up in the ICU.
I can't go into an in-patient treatment situation because I'm basically the caregiver in our home.
I'll be OK. But, once I quit, I can never go back again!
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October
AF 6
A 23 -
@SunnyDays930 I don't want to get too personal. But if you feel like sharing...what type of doctor do you see to check on your liver health? I'm scheduled with a gastroenterologist. I'm also afraid. And, I really should keep the appointment. I never thought I would travel that far for medical care.4
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@SurferGirl1982 I am seeing my general practitioner who will probably refer me first for a place for a sonogram on my liver, and then if needed....Lord I hope not, a hepatologist. I realize you have limited resources where you live so I am sure your local health care provider will let you know what you can do. I am 16 days sober today and finally, finally, I am feeling less pain in that area. There is no way I can ever drink again until I am ready to die.
I am taking a vacation starting Thursday and do not have MFP on my phone so will be AWOL from here for a while. Good luck and God Bless anyone in the path of this monstrous storm.4 -
Good morning! It's hurricane day
Trying to get all of our laundry done as we're bound to lose power for a few days. Ugh. I know that this storm is going to bring devastation to some people, so I try not to make trivial complaints. May God protect us all and be with those in the path of the strongest winds.
Claiming today since there's no wine in the house and all of the stores are closed.
AF = 9 (10 days in a row!)
A = 07 -
Hello LA friends!
You are all amazing!
AF - always
A - never6 -
Happy Birthday to all those who have October birthdays! 🎂
Just caught up to all the posts. I haven’t logged my drinks in the last week-I always think I’ll remember but then I don’t. Same thing with food. I have to log everything or my weight starts to creep up.
So, my drinks are a small guess, but in general last week I did well with low alcohol wine, but once you put me on my boat or it’s the weekend, I’ve noticed I’m at three drinks, which is too much for me. Last night was no except- one glass of LA wine, two glasses or regular wine, and I had to take a little nap on the boat before we drove home. We should have planned to stay over.
Can I just say, I am enjoying the hell out of my new boat???????? I never want to leave. Although I did hit one of the pilings while backing her into our slip😳. So, she has her first boo-boo, but nothing serious. Luckily I was going super slow.
At any rate, today is a new day and I’m not going to have any alcohol. Just for one day, which is the hardest for me.
May all those affected by Milton stay safe and not have property damage!!!5 -
@SunnyDays930 I was referred by my PCP to this gastroenterologist 60 miles away. I originally saw a GI doctor in my area. But I had a falling out with his office staff. Unfortunately, his office is the only office with GI doctors in the area.
After I was hospitalized in Nov 2021, I saw the GI doctor. He did some blood tests, an ultrasound of my liver and since I had esophageal varices (after 6 months) he did an endoscopy. I had quit drinking for four months after the hospital incident. That ultrasound showed some minor stages of cirrhosis. But my liver was normal size with no ascites. He said everything couldn't have looked better after the endoscopy. I was supposed to be scanned every 6 months. But I haven't been checked since. I know it is scary. But, I guess it's best to know than not. I wish you the best!
Congratulations on 16 days sober. I'll be with you soon. I too can never drink again!
Have a nice vacation...See ya when you get back!3 -
@chicbuc You are doing very well! Keep it up!
And, @xbowhunter you're doing great as usual. You must be feeling much better!3 -
Still going AF here - hoping to keep it going. I'll be away for a few weeks but intending to still log in but maybe not daily if I am on the road.
Praying for all you Floridians & glad you're preparing for the worst just in case.
On the topic of canceling medical appointments, that was me earlier this year!! My story is starting to sound like everyone else's!!!
Behavioral health specialist - online, would that be a good option? Not sure if anyone here has tried this? No leaving the house. Very confidential and private. Insurance tends to now cover much of this. Pick someone with good reviews that specialize in this sort of stuff or get referral from a dr. These folks are pros and can help develop a personalized plan to help taper safely and address the side effects along the way. I would do this. Low risk, better chance of success.
Most important - Waking up and trying is success. Delaying drinking for whatever time is success. Reducing by 1 ounce is success. All little improvements are success. And recognizing set-backs that are part of the normal journey is success.7 -
@globalhiker Congrats on still going AF. How many days in a row do you have?
I've had a couple of telehealth visits in the past. I absolutely hate them! Talk about having a panic attack 😕 I'd much rather meet in person.
I will be AF real soon 🙂 And then never going back! Hearing everybody else's stories really helps. It makes me recognize the similarities that people that drink have...that it's not just me.5 -
Hi guys and a huge welcome to October 2024 @womona your boat sounds like so much fun. And hey like a new car the first ding is now out of the way and you know how it got there.
To those wondering about going to specialists for the liver I lived every second with my first husband and his demise through liver disease.
We even took him to the top of the line Lahey Clinic Liver specialists in Boston Mass.
Please don't put off your appointments. The liver, if not seriously affected (meaning which stage cirrhosis is at 1,2,3 or 4) by alcohol can regenerate to function better.
When most people talk about weight gain and alcohol giving you water weight gain it is a medical condition know as ascites. The liver can no longer filter toxins.Not only alcohol toxins, but every day toxins found in the air, etc.
The body begins to surround the lungs, heart and other vital organs with a yellowish disgusting fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the organs, fill up the abdomen that begins to look like the growing stages of pregnancy.
Ascites is PAINFUL though, not easy going. And the drainage process is not pleasant. I was taking my husband 3 times to 4 times a week to have 7- 8 liters drained each of those visits. As long as the liver is so badly damaged it will continue to produce this fluid.
The draining is temporary to relieve pressure off the organs. My husbands one lung collapsed under the pressure and could not be re-inflated. It was like a constant incoming tide. The portal for the drainage became grossly infected from the fluid leaking out under the pressure even.within hours of leaving the hospital.
So again, if you have an appointment KEEP IT, please.
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Morning LA friends — thinking of those in Florida in the path of Milton and sending prayers and positive thoughts for continued safety today.
Since last Friday, I’ve been making the decision upon waking each morning that I’ll be skipping another day of wine or whatever. And, I’ve noticed I haven’t wavered later in the day while planning dinner. Seems very strange for me, but I’ll take it for now! I’m sure this has to do with the psychology of my deep desire to cut way back for my own health and wellness.
Going to my granddaughters soccer game tonight so I know it will be an automatic AF day. I’m also making an effort to have more water and exercise this week.
I think I’d like to tackle a monthly goal of 20-24 AF days soon. In 2023 I was hitting 20-22 dry days consistently for many months in a row.
October goal: Soberish October 🍁🎃🍁
Current:
AF days - 7
A days - 2
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@Womona thrilled to hear you are enjoying your boat so much! I like what MissMay said about getting an initial ding out of the way! Sounds like you will find another activity in place of wine today - if I can do it, you can do it!5
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@MissMay Thank you for the very insightful post...very educational! I guess sometimes we think if we ignore something it will go away. I will definitely make it to my next appointment!3
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Can I just say, I am enjoying the hell out of my new boat???????? I never want to leave. Although I did hit one of the pilings while backing her into our slip😳. So, she has her first boo-boo, but nothing serious. Luckily I was going super slow.
Couldn't have had anything to do with the wine, could it? 😀
And, please, all of you in the path of the storm...Be Safe!
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