18 days

[Why Syzygy]

Time flies! Eighteen days today. I got another chance to live sober. It is very humbling as I think of all the ones I know who did not get 'one more chance'.

I had been binge drinking every 3-4 weeks for a couple of weeks at a time. The most recent binge lasted about 4 weeks. (I made sure I ate at least once a day. Not eating for a week -ten days at a stretch landed me in er more than once.) When I binged, it was like throwing a couple of weeks of my life in the garbage. I never knew what day it was. Wake up shaking and nauseous. More alcohol was the only relief.

For me to get to day 18 with very very little cravings (normally they would be a real challenge) is a blessing. This time, I have been on a 'pink cloud' since discharge on 1/23/07. My mood is so wonderful ... excitement, peace, encouragement, surrender, a sense of anticipation to get on with the life I've been given. I have sobered up many times over the past couple of years. Never had a pink cloud. Once when I returned in 1998, I actually had a huge dark cloud hanging over me. I know pink clouds aren't supposed to last forever. I am embracing it with a lot of love while it is here. I just feel wonderful. Physically, mentally, emotionally, all show noticeable improvements. I've gained ten pounds because I've been going through the eat constantly phase. That is starting to taper off, and I can still get into my jeans. That is nothing compared to the way I existed for those four weeks.

The third day I was in detox, I had to be taken to the hospital. My blood pressure was so low, the detox nurse could not get a reading. I had to hang onto something to walk, and almost fainted twice. They took me to ER and did some tests. That afternoon, they admitted me due to an abnormal blood test that indicated I might be having a 'heart attack'. I became very upset. A series of events made sure my hospital stay was not the norm. Two more blood tests later, the doctor informed me the following day, my heart was fine. Her opinion was that all the detox medicine was the culprit. I agree. I can't take medicines at the usual prescribed levels. A one protocol fits all is dangerous for me. Nevertheless, I finished, discharged and have been doing rather well. Sleep is still something of an issue, but it will settle down. I saw a primary care physician for the first time since I moved two years ago. I was just totally honest. In the past I tended to avoid the topic with most doctors. This could be due to the fact that this time, I really get it! I know without a doubt that I'm addicted to alcohol. My life was not only unmanageable, but also, I barely had a life! I managed to go out a few times, when someone else was driving. If my eyes were open, I was drinking. It is no fun doing things while intoxicated. (for me)

So. Just wanted to let ya'll know how I'm doing. Glad to be here. Glad to be sober. And no shakes or cravings!

[NMDemDist2]

1. cherish your pink cloud

and do the actions now to give you tools to stay sober when it's gone

thanks for the update VSM, so glad you are doing well! :bounce:

:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

2. Congrats on 18 days!

Find a good support system for when things are not so rosy!

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

3. Congrats!

:hi:

RL

[Justpat]

4. Congratulations.

A Day At A Time we can do it!

So glad to hear about this. Love, OB

[Kajsa]

5. Congratulations Votesomemore!

The wise members here have already suggested
was I was going to say,

i.e.

Get a good support group going now, before any
crap hits the fan ( which it does at regular intervals
in life) so you have some backup when it does.

I occasionally lose sight of the big picture, my serenity
and contact with my HP. I am chemically imbalanced,
and prone to depression.

But-- I have learned through the years that a drink is
never the solution.
As an old timer told me early on,

" if ya drink, you'll just wake up with the same
problem, a hangover and all that friggin remorse."

That has worked for me every time.

Remember, it is One Day At A Time!

:hug: