Miracles to happen!

Yes he was brilliant, knew all about TSM and its high success rate. I did think of you Paul when he said how frustrated he gets over the lack of help, support and treatment for AUD. His main points were the high success rates and the amount of money the NHS could save long term, fewer inpatient stays, fewer detoxes. He was actually apauled about my support worker never having heard of TSM and her saying she would google it. As for her manager saying it's an American trial drug not widely used and wouldn't be suitable for me as I wasn't alcohol dependant beggars belief.

It IS unbelievable that even alcohol treatment specialists are walking around totally unaware of effective medical treatments. I can't get my head around why a person would not want to keep up-to-date with their knowledge, if they are regarded as an expert, to avoid the risk of embarrassment as much as anything else.

hi misssy

Great to see you back on track. You sound really positive and upbeat and your honesty and input on this forum is bril.

How do you feel about you, paper fairy, me and anyone else posting weekly on how we are doing. It worked ok last time we tried it, until the three of us hit the bottle again?

 

Hi Vickilou. Good to read all your posts and brilliant that you have finally had success with a Uk doctor who has actually heard of naltrexone and prescribed it for you. So we are both taking it now, though it's over a week since I've used it as I've been in a good place and haven't felt like drinking.

Im up for a weekly update with you, Misssy and anyone else.

Have a great day my AUD buddy!!!!😀

It was a young newly qualified locum GP covering my dr's holiday for three days. Pure luck that I saw him. He did put them on repeat, but I bet my dr will take them off.

Dont know why it took me so long not to think of getting them in Spain. Both Joanna and Paul confirmed I can buy them over the counter in their farmacias. Go to Spain up to about eight times a year, going on 02/04/16 so will have a go then. I've got diazapam over the counter before, but I think theyve stopped that. I always used to get my inhalers there, so cheap compared to our £8.40 per item. Now have prepayment yearly card £104 which has saved me loads of money.

Not started naltrexone yet but will post my experiences! Glad you're back in form now xx

Hi..I missed this days ago..I'm sorry....

​I was probably running around to Drs or out at our "Family Dollar" store purchasing myself "gifts" because I'm not drinking.

​Today I bought...socks, makeup, papertowels, chicken biscut crackers (to go with my garlic herb dip), corned beef hash in a can for breakfast, frozen pizza...etc.  I LOVE being alive and functioning.

Did you start your medication yet?

​I started a new habit of having TEA at 3pm everyday...so right now in the US it is 230...and instead of sitting here downing a bottle (quart) of VODKA...I am eating some chicken crackers with garlic dip.

​Sure, I love posting updates (when I am sober).  When drunk I didn't even turn the computer ON...just sat and stared and felt the overwhelming gloom and wonder of HOW I was going to get more alcohol.

The pc is what got me into what I call anti social drinking.

I always loved wine and only drank it with someone else,ie hubby or in company.But the internet took it to another level as I used to spend hours on chat sites and started drinking on my own because it was a sort of social occasion

Powerful message Misssy. Anyone struggling and reading this, will hopefully see the difference in you and want to change. I can identify with what you say. Especially isolating and not switching on computer, just sitting in bed, depressed, guilty, full of fear, dreading the withdrawals, scared this time you might die, angry with the world, shame and planning when you're going to get out of bed to get your next bottle. Insanity ...

Great you're enjoying life again xx

Hiya misssy

am going to start naltrexone tomorrow. Got a really busy social weekend, which I could well do without. Dinner with friends tomorrow night, that's ok, but won't be in bed before 3.am. They are very good friends who don't judge and know all about my drink history. It was really weird, I went to an AA meeting and my friends mum was there, totally wasted, but she recognised me.

ive spent ages with my friend saying she thought her mum had a brain tumour, dementia as she kept forgetting things, spending money she hadn't got. I only went to two AA meetings and hated it. Did nothing for me whatsoever. However I know several people where AA has literally saved their lives. I felt like piggy in the middle, do I tell my best friend her mum is an alkje, doing anything, and I mean anything, for a tenner. Or do I let my best friend and her two children think granny is going to die.

After a lot of soul searching, I went to see her mum. I told her straight either you tell your daughter what's wrong with you, or I will, however much it hurt her. I ended up telling my friend. Will finish this tomorrow or in the night. Husband is at the pub and I've just heard from my three kids that I won't see them on Mother's Day. To say I'm hurt is and upset is an understatement. One lives at home but away for the weekend. The other two no more than 15 mins away.

Hi Vickylou,

I know you waited for a long while to get this medication, but my suggestion to you would be to re-think starting tomorrow.  Several reasons, but the main one is that should you get some minor side effects, I usually suggest that someone is safely at home and able to relax and/or head off to bed early. It ight not be pleasant for you to be in company.  My experience was that I felt spaced out and though it wasn't horrendous, it certainly made me want to lie down!

Also, you need to begin with a meal about half an hour BEFORE the tablet and lots of water.  Then only take HALF a tablet for the first few times until your body has gotten used to the medication.  The meal first helps prevent any potential nausea and the water helps your body keep hydrated.  Please don't take the half tablet on an empty stomach thinking that you are eating later on.

Lastly, and this is really important, this method works much smoother if you are mindful of your drinking.  By that I mean, taking the first couple of drinks slowly, appreciating that 'something' is missing from the experience and then asking yourself if you really want another.  This is a new way of drinking for you to learn, and it takes a little concentration in the beginning.  You might not be able to do that in company.

What a horrible dilemma for you to have had, too.  Maybe wait just a few more days until you feel you can concentrate solely on your first drinking experiences with the naltrexone?  You've waited this long, a couple more days won't matter much.

Vicky, my advice don't take naltexone if you have something the next day due to side effects. With me, even after several weeks of taking it on and off,you still feel rubbish the next day. It is getting easier each time but I understand it could take weeks or months for side effects to go xx

Just seen Joanna has explained why it's not a good idea and I totally agree.

Re Mothers Day, my kids are the same and don't plan anything with me. Though they usually get me a card. It's understandable really as they had to put up with years of me getting drunk on these occasions and still are never sure if I will be drunk on that day. I realise it will take a very long time sober until they can trust me again and not let them down. 

The main thing is that they still love me xx

Weird I am the opposite nicole...I turn it on for the social aspect when I'm sober...we are all so very much the SAME and so very much different

yes, you sound exactly like ME,,,,those are the exact feelings..horrible feelings..that i hope to never feel again. Even my worst day will never compare to that awful Monday in Detox...where I thought I would die that day.

You helped "someone" by going to AA which in turn should make you feel GOOD about you.  Mothers Day this early?  Ours is in May.

​i'm sorry about your children...mine don't talk to me...so I know how you feel.  But, don't let this push you further into the bottle.

​Do they have good reason for not seeing you...like obligations? Or are they mad or concerned about your drinking and punishing you?

 

Yes, ours comes from Mothering Sunday, an old tradition.

The fourth Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter Sunday.