LESS Alcohol ~ NOVEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

1…457910

Replies

  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    edited November 19
    @NonnieDoiron I haven't been real active in this discussion lately. I haven't been doing well in the AF department. But I do come on here occasionally just to try and keep up. My husband and I have talked and he's going to help me with my goals.

    I'll try to keep this story short. But at a young age, I had an accident that later caused problems with my knee. I went to see an orthopedic surgeon. He wasn't the best. But at the time, I didn't have reliable transportation to go to the doctor that my pc doctor wanted me to see.

    I was only around 50. So knee replacement wasn't an option. He prescribed 500 mg of Aleve twice a day. I took that dosage for many years. At one point, I became severely anemic. In fact, the doctor at urgent care said that he would normally call an ambulance. But we were so close to the hospital that he told us to go there immediately. They called ahead. The nurse told me to make sure that I go because, "I didn't have much time left on this earth!" Yikes! My husband ran to the car! I spent the night in the hospital, had a blood transfusion, endoscopy, colonoscopy. It turns out that I had some bleeding in my stomach due to the NSAIDS (which I no longer take). I had to take iron and vitamin C for a while. It was 10 years ago. But, I had major problems with the iron. Hard to recall. But it seems that it was mostly gastrointestinal issues. I was so glad to be off of it (after blood tests).

    I did Google what @forestdweller1 mentioned about iron. And, one thing said, "Taking too much iron can cause iron poisoning, which can lead to liver damage and death. The first symptoms of iron poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain."

    I do believe in listening to our doctors. But, I also believe in advocating for ourselves. I try to make a list of questions to ask when I go to the doctor. Sometimes I do pretty good. But at other times (anxiety issues), I just want to get out of there.

    Oh, BTW, are you cramps in your legs or stomach. I can't remember who mentioned it. But, she said that leg cramps are usually caused my a lack of magnesium or potassium. I was getting them really bad in my calves and feet. I started taking magnesium glycinate (only one a day). And the cramps are completely gone. Just another thing to add to your list of questions.

    Sorry that this post is so long! Take care!

  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    @NonnieDoiron I'm so sorry to hear about your medical issues💔

    When I had my anemia problem it was very severe. But I'm one of those people that won't go to the doctor unless I'm about dead. What happened is that I had been anemic for quite some time.

    One day, I told my husband that I would like to go out to look at my neighbor's flowerbed that she had been working on. I hadn't been out of the house for a couple of weeks. When I got to her flowerbed, I realized it was mistake...I was very weak, light-headed, and dizzy. I managed to get back into the house and my bed.

    The next day, we were going into town and I told my husband that I thought we should go to urgent care. He definitely agreed. My hemoglobin level was so low, it was almost impossible to be alive. The doctors kept asking me, "Why did you come in today?". Basically, they were thinking that I was very sick and should have come in sooner. I don't know why I waited. I wasn't even drinking at the time.

    I have another story about putting off medical care, which is actually more dramatic than that time. But, I don't want to write a book.

    I'm not a doctor or nurse. But, maybe, you should see someone else. You know...get a second opinion?

    I'm thinking of you and take care!

  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    @NonnieDoiron Also, I forgot to mention...Your son is totally amazing! You should be very proud. He is an incredible young man 🙂
  • Womona
    Womona Posts: 1,790 Member
    edited November 20
    @NonnieDoiron it’s such a delicate balance. You need vitamins and other nutrients, but not too much! And not too little! And make sure you’re getting enough protein, and also make sure your gut flora is the “right” combination, and watch out for gluten and other inflammatory foods so you don’t make the cholesterol issues worse…. It must be even more challenging to manage after your procedure. I’m exhausted for you! I hope you’re able to find the balance soon, and that you start feeling better.

    I can attest to needing to drink more water, though. Our organs function the way they’re supposed to when we have enough hydration. Of course, coffee and alcohol make us even more dehydrated, so we have to make up for that as well. The good news is you can get water from things like soup and watermelon, etc, so you aren’t restricted to just chugging water. Just accept that you’ll be peeing a lot more! So many people don’t want to drink because they don’t want to pee, but you get used to it and it’s not a bother anymore for me.

    Stretching is also really good for us!

    Hang in there.
  • Womona
    Womona Posts: 1,790 Member
    I poured a little bit more after my one glass of wine last night, and although I drank it, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Tonight is book club, so I have to get back to my micro-sips so I don’t have that second glass.

    It must be nearing my TOM because I’ve been so hungry the last two days, and went way over my calories. I’m sure it will pass, but it’s alarming to see that scale go up!
  • Michieb125
    Michieb125 Posts: 825 Member
    edited November 20
    I find the medical discussion’s today so interesting! And for those of you struggling with answers on health, I agree that we need to advocate for ourselves and research reliable and trusted information on treating the whole person - mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual! During 2020, I had bad cramping in my feet and legs in addition to restless leg syndrome symptoms. It is the worst feeling @NonnieDoiron so I feel you. You are a busy lady and take great care of all those around you (an angel on earth)! Stretching is so good for breaking up that junk that collects in our muscles and nervous system too. I hope you find relief soon!

    @itladyee love your update on your grandson! The littles do seem to be constantly hungry! And the “hell” question lol. Out of the mouths of babes they say. I’m also blessed with two grandchildren, ages 6-8 now. And, I hear you about having them overnight for 2 days vs. 4. They can sure wipe us G mas and G pas OUT. They sound lucky to have you!

    @Womona awww micro-sips…..I need to get back to those myself.

    @globalhiker congrats on 80 AF days! That is truly a milestone - you make time for yourself first in the AM and PM and are determined to stay AF each day. It’s working!

    @SurferGirl1982 good to see you here!

    My goal is always less and not quitting altogether, but would like to change the less habit and get to occasions only. Need to read Atomic habits!

    November stats:
    AF - 5
    A - 15
  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    Thanks @Michieb125 I'm still feeling a bit...well...hard to explain. Still drinking and feeling a bit depressed. I don't plan on being a drinker anymore by next week.

    I also enjoy talking about medical issues. I also enjoy nutrition and exercise topics. I do pretty good on the nutrition aspect. But, as far as exercise, that's a little more difficult. I'm 67 and my balance and coordination aren't that great right now. Plus, I've had total knee replacement. So, running, jumping, any high impact activities are out of the question. My surgeon even said "shear" movements weren't good like in serious tennis. Just volleying would be OK. The good news is that I can still walk, hike, climb stairs, etc.

    I appreciate you all!

    November:
    AF - 0
    A - 20

    I will do better next month!
  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    NonnieDoiron wrote: »
    Oh well… gotta pee… again.😉

    Josh, I hate when that happens 😀

    BTW...what time is dinner?

  • NonnieDoiron
    NonnieDoiron Posts: 337 Member
    SurferGirl1982 wrote: »
    NonnieDoiron wrote: »
    Oh well… gotta pee… again.😉

    Josh, I hate when that happens 😀

    BTW...what time is dinner?

    LOL… dinner is at 6:00 every night. Come on over! 😉
  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    edited November 21
    globalhiker wrote: »
    Day 81 AF done. Re: leg and feet discomfort/pain - a few things I found helpful to me:

    1-sleep nightly with elevated lower leg/feet using a pillow or rolled up small quilt
    2-if I get aches, typically afternoons on hot days when I've been active, I will use my Sharper Image hand-held massager (best Xmas gifts I ever got) and use that on my legs for 5-10 min while I watch tv
    3-I hate compression stockings with a passion, but after trying loads of them, I like the BAMS brand soft sock-like compression stockings. They make the aching and throbbing go away and they are very comfy. My legs even look thinner after wearing them since they help the blood circulate back up and help to reduce swelling from activity.
    4-$1.25 bag of epsom salt from the dollar store, use that in a hot bath and sit in it for ten minutes. It always makes me feel way better.

    For me, these issues are just getting older and swelling, especially on hot days or days I exercise a lot. If I cut my sodium, I would be better off.

    @globalhiker First off...congratulations on 81 days AF.

    Your suggestions are very useful. Epsom salt has used for years for many ailments. It's something our grandmothers used. It's actually magnesium sulfate. So that's why it helps with cramps, etc. There are many benefits...too many to mention. It's also used for plants. Unfortunately, my problem is that if I get into the tub, I may not be able to get out. Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to have to call the fire department to get me out (butt naked) ☹️

    The other suggestion that I found very useful for myself is the compression socks. They really do help. But, you know how it is...I don't put them on. They do make different compression strengths. But, sometimes, they can be hard to put on...or take off. I will check out that brand that you mentioned.

    Thanks...and keep up the good work!
  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    NonnieDoiron wrote: »
    SurferGirl1982 wrote: »
    NonnieDoiron wrote: »
    Oh well… gotta pee… again.😉

    Josh, I hate when that happens 😀

    BTW...what time is dinner?

    LOL… dinner is at 6:00 every night. Come on over! 😉

    Anyways, I meant to say Gosh, not Josh. But, I think you all know what I meant.

    You sound like a wonderful cook. I would like to come over for Thanksgiving dinner. But, I think we live on opposite sides of the country. I would even be willing to sit on the porch if there wasn't room at the table 😀 Well, I guess between my husband and I, we should be able to make a decent meal. It's actually more difficult when there's just two of you. Because you want all of the normal sides. But, then you have leftovers for days.
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,385 Member
    @MissMay Wonderful 46 days AF!! So happy for you!! <3
  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    @MissMay Your doing great! Keep it up!
  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    MissMay wrote: »
    Today is 46 consecutive days AF !!!!.
    Next Thursday is Thanksgiving and my husband's birthday and an overnight get a way all on the same day.

    November accountability-
    A = zero
    Alcohol free streak 46 days
    Sugar in my coffee = zero

    @MissMay You've been doing really well on the LA thing. As far as Thanksgiving, I would rather not participate at all. But, my husband already bought a small turkey. So, I don't want to be a party pooper! When I was a kid, I would pass over the green bean casserole. But I found a recipe on the Food Network several years ago. I believe it was by Paula Dean. I've only made it once. I have to say it was really good. Anybody familiar with Paula Dean's recipes knows...eat them sparingly 🙃 She has some great recipes. But most of them have major calories. I think I can make that the day before. I don't like having too many irons in the fire. My hubby always says that he'll do the cooking. But it usually doesn't work out that way.

    What I wanted to mention, is that I used to be an ice cream addict. I would have a large bowl of vanilla bean, with some dark chocolate syrup, pineapple topping, Reddi-whip, and some diced walnuts (you know for health reasons) 😁 And it was most nights of the week. But I haven't had any in months. And I don't add sugar to my coffee or tea. I think our bodies get addicted to sugar. But, once we cut it out we're OK without it. So, just keep up what your doing!

    @NonnieDoiron I'm a few hours behind you...but did that bottle of wine magically appear yet? 🙂 I seriously hope you get your raise. I bet you will!

  • SparkSpringtime69
    SparkSpringtime69 Posts: 1,230 Member
    So glad to see such positivity in these discussions. And, to those of you who have wonderful streaks or accumulations of AF days, CONGRATULATIONS!!
  • SurferGirl1982
    SurferGirl1982 Posts: 406 Member
    @SparkSpringtime69 I usually post at night before midnight because, except for a couple of members, most you seem to be a few hours ahead of me (I'm in PST). And, by the time I post in the morning, most of you have already posted and are on with your day. Plus, the liquor store closes at 7 pm.

    I know how you feel about having to be AF once your BIL is there. I've had some experience being a caregiver in the past. My mom, just out of the blue, was diagnosed with brain cancer. She lived about 700 miles away. My brother was in the hospital at the time for a procedure. I called my oldest cousin in SoCal and he said, "I'm on my way". Once I got there, it was a bit amazing, but she perked up. I don't think she wanted me to see her so sick. Fortunately, I did have some help. She had good insurance and was provided a caregiver twice a week. But, we became friends. And, she would come over at any time if I needed her. Eventually, hospice was involved. And, the hospice nurse happened to be a little girl that lived on my street when I was in my 20's. Again, she would be there at a moments notice. I did drink in the evenings after my mom went to bed. But, if I didn't have so much backup, I probably wouldn't have.

    I still don't have even one day AF this month. There is a contributing factor. But, I don't want to get into it right now. I'm trying to keep this short. I will be AF soon. I'll report when that happens...real soon!

Categories