LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
Replies
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Came across this resource while researching data for my Soberish October 🍁🎃🍁
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/alcohol/alcohol_glossary.htm#:~:text=Current moderate drinker – More than,average over the past year.
Moderating is defined as 3-7 glasses or less a WEEK which is my overall goal - just not today!7 -
AF - 9
A - 0
I uttered the words today, “I need a drink.” We went out for dinner, and I considered for all of 2 seconds getting a glass of wine. Ordered water instead. Haven’t had any cramping since yesterday.
Work sucked. Hours of work down the toilet and the people I work with ignoring procedure equals high annoyance levels that send me into an immediate anger response that I can’t demonstrate because of the type of people I work for. It’s just absolutely infuriating!
Hubby did suggest dinner out tonight, so I had a break from cooking. But, he irritated me once we were out yelling at the kids to push his mom in her wheelchair when he was right there and could’ve done it. When I called him out, he said he’s hurting. But, he ALWAYS says that. Yet, he can go and bench press, squat, and deadlift hundreds of pounds and not be “hurting”😡
Sorry… huge rant and there’s far worse things going on in this world.
Prayers for safety in FL!6 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »
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? 😀
Oh you’re a laugh riot! NO! Haha! But it would totally serve me right if that were the cause. Sadly, just inexperience-was my first time backing it in without the captain there to hold my hand.
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AF tonight! I was sorely tempted when I saw that my husband opened a new bottle of red- one that did not exist when I left the house today! I did take a small sip just to try it, but that’s it! So, I’m calling today AF.
Kinda psyched that my Wine Night tomorrow is cancelled- colleague isn’t going to bet at work tomorrow-so that’s another opportunity to not drink. Yay! If I can just hold on through the rest of tomorrow night, that will be two AF days. At the moment I’m not quite at Soberish Octoberish, but I’m getting there.
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NonnieDoiron wrote: »AF - 9
A - 0
I uttered the words today, “I need a drink.” We went out for dinner, and I considered for all of 2 seconds getting a glass of wine. Ordered water instead. Haven’t had any cramping since yesterday.
Work sucked. Hours of work down the toilet and the people I work with ignoring procedure equals high annoyance levels that send me into an immediate anger response that I can’t demonstrate because of the type of people I work for. It’s just absolutely infuriating!
Hubby did suggest dinner out tonight, so I had a break from cooking. But, he irritated me once we were out yelling at the kids to push his mom in her wheelchair when he was right there and could’ve done it. When I called him out, he said he’s hurting. But, he ALWAYS says that. Yet, he can go and bench press, squat, and deadlift hundreds of pounds and not be “hurting”😡
Sorry… huge rant and there’s far worse things going on in this world.
Prayers for safety in FL!
Big hug, it all sounds super infuriating. Good for you holding off on the alcohol when you could have easily gone for it4 -
@Womona At least you have a slip. I had family and friends that had boats that we had to pull and then put it in the water. I haven't done it in years. But, it can be a bit difficult. I was pretty good at it, though. And, somehow, I got stuck with it everytime
Your boat is beautiful and I'm glad you're enjoying it!
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Michieb125 wrote: »Came across this resource while researching data for my Soberish October 🍁🎃🍁
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/alcohol/alcohol_glossary.htm#:~:text=Current moderate drinker – More than,average over the past year.
Moderating is defined as 3-7 glasses or less a WEEK which is my overall goal - just not today!
Oh crap, I’m a “current heavy drinker”- more than 7 drinks per week (women). Holy cow! Dang it, I have to get that back down to earth of “moderate drinker”. Dang! Welp, that was eye opening!
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About the recommended drinking limits. Yes...they have been saying that for years. That women should only have one drink per day. To me...what's the point? Men are allowed two not because they are bigger. But because they metabolize alcohol differently.
I was watching "The Doctors" TV show many years ago. As far as I know the show hasn't been on for years. But, it was cute. A young women (early 20's) asked Travis Stork (one of the doctors), "Can we save up the drinks for the weekend?". He started laughing and said, "No!".
But, then again, you hear stories of people in their 100's, when people ask what's their secret to longevity? They'll say, "I have a shot of whiskey everyday!". But, that's probably what it was...one shot of whiskey (not a bottle).5 -
Wow- that CDC article. Until late August, I was probably drinking at least triple of what's considered moderation for women, if not more.
Today felt like a big win- my husband bought a 6 pack of beer because we needed a bottle for a soup recipe. Usually I would have told him to buy the 12 pack (I'd drink it, after all). But tonight I didn't have any- 5 beers sit unopened in our fridge. I have a long work day tomorrow, why make it harder for myself?
October
AF 7
A 28 -
October:
AF: 3
A: 6
Thank you for this motivation. I keep starting out every month ok and then going off the rails. I've been having a few very stressful months, and am turning to wine to mellow out. This has to stop and, starting today, I am going to write a new story for myself.xbowhunter wrote: »Amazing job everyone!
AF - forever
A - never
You have the power to write your own story starting today!
Thank you @xbowhunter and to everyone else here for the incredible motivation.
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I hope all in Milton's path came through unscathed
When you can, please give us an update and let us know you're safe.6 -
@SurferGirl1982 I agree with others that have suggested you keep your doctor's appointment. It is difficult to face things we think we might hear from doctors, but the sooner you know that something is not quite right in your body, the sooner you can take steps to fix it, especially when it comes to your liver.
@womona glad to hear you're enjoying your boat so much, and sorry to hear about the little boo-boo
I'm so glad to see such great AF and LA stories, successes and streaks on here (too many to call everyone out by name, ), it's really inspiring me to do better for myself. 7 -
@Womona congratulations on getting a lovely new boat! I must've missed your post. Did you trade your other one in?
39 days AF. I am aiming to keep going. This is an ultra-marathon. I could not have done this without you guys. Checking in here and reading your posts gives me energy to make it though one more AF day.
@MissMay I take your story very seriously. I was one of those people who never got drunk, never drove under the influence, never got into fights when buzzed, I could drink like the men at business events and hold my composure, and hardly ever had hangovers (only when I was 18 and a few times when I abstained here for long and stupidly decided to take a day "off" and drink 1 wine bottle.) I was a normal American over-working supermom who drank like everyone else I knew. I didn't drink "that much", typical was 2.5 5 oz glasses or half a wine bottle which "back then" was kinda normal and acceptable. Weekends and special outings, was a different story. It was 1 bottle of wine and sometimes 1 more glass if I had lunch out. And I seriously stupidly thought I was blessed with good mediterranean genes and could metabolize alcohol like a pro, with my liver of steel. My ancestors were in the wine production business and they all drank and lived very long. I was special. And TADA, last year I get super high liver enzymes on my blood test, go for an ultrasound and I have fatty liver that is a stage mild-moderate. I had never had a belly with swelling in the middle and I did now. It was not hormonal bloating. My fatty liver is not from being slightly overweight or my diet, it was that oh-so-supposedly healthy-good-for-your-heart wine. I was told if I don't reverse it, I will eventually get cirrhosis. So yeah, now I realize this is no joke.8 -
globalhiker wrote: »@Womona congratulations on getting a lovely new boat! I must've missed your post. Did you trade your other one in?
39 days AF. I am aiming to keep going. This is an ultra-marathon. I could not have done this without you guys. Checking in here and reading your posts gives me energy to make it though one more AF day.
@MissMay I take your story very seriously. I was one of those people who never got drunk, never drove under the influence, never got into fights when buzzed, I could drink like the men at business events and hold my composure, and hardly ever had hangovers (only when I was 18 and a few times when I abstained here for long and stupidly decided to take a day "off" and drink 1 wine bottle.) I was a normal American over-working supermom who drank like everyone else I knew. I didn't drink "that much", typical was 2.5 5 oz glasses or half a wine bottle which "back then" was kinda normal and acceptable. Weekends and special outings, was a different story. It was 1 bottle of wine and sometimes 1 more glass if I had lunch out. And I seriously stupidly thought I was blessed with good mediterranean genes and could metabolize alcohol like a pro, with my liver of steel. My ancestors were in the wine production business and they all drank and lived very long. I was special. And TADA, last year I get super high liver enzymes on my blood test, go for an ultrasound and I have fatty liver that is a stage mild-moderate. I had never had a belly with swelling in the middle and I did now. It was not hormonal bloating. My fatty liver is not from being slightly overweight or my diet, it was that oh-so-supposedly healthy-good-for-your-heart wine. I was told if I don't reverse it, I will eventually get cirrhosis. So yeah, now I realize this is no joke.
@globalhiker I pretty much followed your drinking life too. Although not of Mediterranean decent, I could keep up with the guys (won a drinking contest against 9 other males, I was the only female when I was 20, very embarrassing to look back at that).
My late husband was an extremely hard worker, NEVER drank during work hours. A few years after we met, he developed a bit of a belly. We joked and named this protrusion "Gus", his beer gut. Not knowing that at the age of 32 he was showing signs of alcohol liver fluid retention. UGH if he had only been wise enough to be getting yearly exams. Right before his first eye opening awareness, that there was a health issue, he thought oh good I am losing some weight. Or so he thought, it is really known as body wasting, the body starts eating away at the muscle mass you have and you appear to be getting smaller. But the belly remains and many times anemia of the lower extremities increase.
The entire hepatology ward at the Lahey Clinic in Boston had patients just as my husband that all had the same body features. Even walking across the parking lot you knew which part of the hospital these people were walking to.
I so appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post. But more to know you have to face the piper and go to your appointments no matter what we don't want to hear and learn from the Dr's or tests. The saddest thing I ever heard my husband admit was when he said "No one did this to me, I did this to myself".
Take care, be well.6 -
Checking in from Florida.
Our area up in Northwest Florida only had/has red flag beach warnings and some higher wind gusts.
Hoping those on here that live in the hurricane, flooding, tornado areas are safe. Having it affect both the West, Central and East sides of our state is horrible. I so thank the weather angels for taking it from a category 5 and category 4. The strength that hit was bad enough.
Please give us a thumbs up if your able to.
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@MissMay you just described my neighbor to a T! He has to go get his stomach drained often (I don't know the exact schedule), and his extremities are very thin. Unfortunately, he still continues to drink. 6
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Really appreciate the real and honest
conversation about how alcohol can
wreak havoc on our bodies and even cause death with misuse.
My heart sank when I read your posts @MissMay. You have been through so much, thank you for sharing.
Warning…..beware of relating comments……real life story.
Like @SparkSpringtime69 my neighbor nearly drank himself to death for the past 25+ years. He has always been labeled a very heavy drinker and alcoholic. But a likeable and successful Captain of a FD. He used to host huge, elaborate block parties with tons of booze flowing (15-20 years ago). Last December, he drank so much he was unconscious and wound up hospitalized, was sent home, and readmitted with complications of cirrhosis of the liver. His body was actually shutting down and he could barely eat or walk for 6 months. Literally! He just now is able to drive a couple of miles. He still has Ascites which is the accumulation of fluids with liver disease - this is the distended abdomen etc. but his physical vitality is completely gone. I believe if he drinks alcohol again he will die within a short period of time. The saddest thing is his wife had kicked him out 2 years prior to this incident and had a legal separation. I understand she wanted her life back!
But he had no other family he could stay with so she allowed him back into the home and nursed him back to whatever health he has today and continues to do so - she’s a selfless angel. Today she has started to go on trips with her sister for respite (thank goodness). This is a wealthy family that has two incredible children in Ivy League schools and I could go on and on. It’s a sad situation knowing how these lives seem ruined by alcohol but I’m sure there are many stories like this out there.
Thanks for listening! Hoping this helps all of us to continue to make better decisions.
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Last night I took a walk alone at a neighboring park at 6:00 p.m. since I had not walked earlier. The sun was setting over our hills and the patterned shadows and bright reflections it made was a perfect backdrop for a walk. Witnessed a pink sky as it became dark. A healthy choice to reflect on the day.
Exceeded my goal of 5 AF days now with today being 7 AF days in a row. It’s great not spending time “thinking” about if, when, what I might have later! It is quite freeing to wake up and decide this is worth repeating.
Stay well my LA friends.
October goal: Soberish October 🍁🎃🍁
Current:
AF days - 8
A days - 2
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globalhiker wrote: »
39 days AF. I am aiming to keep going. This is an ultra-marathon. I could not have done this without you guys. Checking in here and reading your posts gives me energy to make it though one more AF day.
@MissMay I take your story very seriously. My fatty liver is not from being slightly overweight or my diet, it was that oh-so-supposedly healthy-good-for-your-heart wine. I was told if I don't reverse it, I will eventually get cirrhosis. So yeah, now I realize this is no joke.
I'm so proud of you...39 days is great! Reading everyone's posts really is helpful. One thing that you mentioned in your post really resonated with me. For the last 20 or 30 years, the supposed experts have been telling us that wine (particularly red) was heart-healthy. But they forgot to mention liver health. We can get the same healthy things (antioxidants, polyphenols, or whatever) that is in wine by eating a couple of handfuls of red grapes everyday! Unbelievable!
Nothing to report today and I'm tired of making promises. But I will be back tomorrow!6 -
Michieb125 wrote: »Really appreciate the real and honest
conversation about how alcohol can
wreak havoc on our bodies and even cause death with misuse.
I agree with your sentiments. It is helpful to hear real-life stories of what too much alcohol can do. At first, I didn't want to mention my liver health issues. Partially because I was a bit embarrassed since I was still drinking (although trying to quit). Also, by reading everyone's posts, I felt that I was the only one with issues.
Drinking in moderation, for some, is a real reality. In fact, most people can probably moderate their drinking. My best friend (high school friend) who lives hundreds of miles away, rarely drinks...birthdays, holidays, vacations. And I've witnessed it. It is possible. But not for me.
By the way, congrats on a 7 day streak! I'll be there real soon myself!
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Speaking of doctor's appointments, the cardiologist that I acquired after my "heart attack" a few years ago retired and left me no notice. Bossy Middle Daughter scheduled me for a GP appointment [so I could continue on my COPD meds] and found me a new cardio doctor [so I could continue on heart meds]. Hatehatehatehate going to doctors so it's probably a blessing she did this 😠. After shots, blood draw 🧛♂️, electro-whatever, endless repetitive forms to fill out...all signs point to my being in great health and able to continue to annoy my children for a long time. And I did accurately report my caffeine and alcohol consumption. The stress test will be another thing that I will try to avoid as long as possible, but...MD lives just up the block, so...
@SurferGirl1982 ...please honor your commitment to keep your doctor's visit. You mentioned the alcohol avoidance drug that had bad side effects for you. Some of those issues pale in comparison to liver failure and death. And they probably aren't for taking forever. Only you know what you can tolerate and I'm not in any way in a position to preach, just coming from a place of caring.
Someone up thread mentioned having a loved one in a care facility in the hurricane path who was not being evacuated. Hoping they are alright, and sending good thoughts for all those who are affected.
The previous posts about the effects of alcohol from MANY of you are making me rethink my plans of going back againagainagain to try for moderation. I've quit wine several times for a year or two, but returned to my forbidden love. At 78 do I quit totally, moderate, or just enjoy as many bottles as I choose ??
BTW...survey here....WHAT is a "bottle" of wine ?? 750ml or 1.5 litre ??5 -
Ugh just lost my entire post! In a nutshell, thanks to those who shared the liver disease stories. It’s just something so few of us think about…. Until we have to!
Only one glass of wine tonight, at home with my delicious dinner. Didn’t even want to top it off. Win!7 -
@forestdweller1 glad to hear you have bossy daughters!3
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@forestdweller1 This one will be a hard one to answer...so many questions.
First off...I will be going to my doctor appointment.
Second...I had to have a stress test before I had knee replacement surgery in 2018. My knee was so bad that they didn't want me to have to the traditional treadmill test. So, they injected me with something that made my heart race. I don't recommend that. It was scary.
Otherwise, I'm not sure why you are afraid of the stress test? Generally, they just have you walk on the treadmill. I'm not sure how it works now. But, I had to have one when I was in my 20's for a job that I was applying for. I had a clip on my nose and a tube in my mouth. I guess to check my oxygen levels?
And, don't be afraid of doctors. Now, I'll have to tell you of a story. I will keep it short. This was many years ago. I lived in a valley just north of the California border. I had no health insurance. But I had a minor health issue. So I made an appointment with a nearby doctor. I have a history of an anxiety disorder. The doctor could sense that I was anxious and he said, "Hey, relax! I'm on your side." For the most part that's how it is with health care people. I'm tired of being afraid of doctors.
And, yes, someone said they had a relative in a assisting living center in that area. I'm worried about that too. Let's hope for the best!
As to your last question about moderation, I can't really answer that. It's your decision. I don't' think alcohol is a very good thing. It's just been engraved into our society for so many years. Personally when I go without, I do feel better.
I wonder the same thing...what is a bottle of wine? I have no idea. Once in the 1980's, I bought a box of wine (many liters) with a spigot. Never again!
Take care of yourself!
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Ugh just lost my entire post! In a nutshell, thanks to those who shared the liver disease stories. It’s just something so few of us think about…. Until we have to!
The alcohol industry doesn't want us to think about it. Fun, Fun, Fun!
I can tell you way more horrific alcohol disease stories that have happened to people that I've actually known. But, I won't because some of it is quite gruesome.
You don't have to be scared though. You seem to be a moderate drinker and are active and seem to maintain a healthy weight. The main thing is to get bloodwork done yearly. If your liver enzymes and a few other factors doctors look at are within range then you're OK. If not, they will let you know.2 -
@SurferGirl1982 ...The stress test that I will be having is totally treadmill. SIL had one and when the test became "too much" because of a physical issue, it was terminated. A medical test cannot be terminated, and THAT would freak me out beyond belief !!
Not afraid of doctors, LOL, just of the information that they would give me . Most doctors that I have known are kind, caring, perhaps too invested in making me healthy.
And about the stress test, I've heard or read about too many times that the "tester" has passed away shortly after the test....Stay away from internet posts , yes ??
Will try to remember that when I get snarky about their "help" .@forestdweller1 glad to hear you have bossy daughters!
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@forestdweller1 I live in a fairly small community. I have the utmost respect for our hospital and staff. When I had my stress test, I was completely monitored. And, I'm here to talk about it. You will be hooked up to everything, including EKG, etc. It's really easy. And stop reading the internet posts. Most are BS.
Going to bed now...Take care and Good night!3 -
@SurferGirl1982 thst’s part of the post I lost…. I am getting fasting bloodwork done on Monday, and you bet your bippy that I’m not going to skim over those liver enzymes!
@forestdweller1 i’ve had a stress text before, basically you either walk on a treadmill and the speed increases, or the incline increases-not sure which one that was! But, when I said “I’m done” it was immediately shut down. So fear not. Hey if my old, non-athletic, morbidly obese father could do a stress test after his two stents, then anyone can! He lives long afterwards, too.
Also, yes, we bossy daughters know that our curmudgeonly parents get salty about making appointments, but it’s done out of love and concern. Also, we get a taste of what it was like to be them when were kids and dug our heels in about something! Haha!
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October:
AF: 3
A: 74 -
@forestdweller1 For your survey:
For me, a bottle of red is 750ml, a bottle of sparkling white (champagne) is 750ml and a bottle of regular white is 1.5 liters.4
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