Men No Pause Here!!!

[RejuvenateBodyMindandSpirit]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Oh & glad to report with the help of Estroven ...or maybe it's finally just the passage of enough time "my personal tropical heat waves" seemed to be disappearing.... has anyone seen "Menopause the Musical" been twice...it's a scream!

Rejuve

[Doggygirl]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Hello ladies and Happy December!

First off, Ladyjan I thank you for sharing what I'm sure was difficult to write. I hope you feel a little bit of relief just getting some of this junk off your chest. And congratulations on your weight loss! It appears you lost probably around 200 pounds of ugly bad news! (your husband) Is it a concern that he might reappear? Congratulations too on your decision to work on sobriety. Much better to re-build with a clear head.

Hot Flashes = yes. Although I've been on compounded BHRT since I quit drinking and that sure helps. It used to be WAY worse. I am probably due for a hormone retest and adjust after the first of the year. I've gotten used to the flashes and so have the people who know me. I dress in layers and just start stripping whenever necessary. I don't explain or miss a beat. Sometimes I forget when someone "new" to me is around and they give a :eeks: type look.

I think it's interesting that a wide variety of approaches to sobriety are being utilized among us. I am one who thinks that "any way that WORKS" is the BEST way to get sober. There are lots of things I like about MWO but the fact that we can discuss a wide variety of methods is high on my list.

I have always had what is probably an irrational phobia of prescription drugs. (this phobia did NOT apply to certain "recreational" type things back in the 70s / 80s though - go figure!) In retrospect, I think I knew in my heart that I was already addicted to AL way way way back in the very early days of drinking, and I think I was worried about developing other dependencies. I was also a smoker and I knew full well I was addicted to that! Anyway...for me I think that's why I shied away from trying the various prescription support options that are available these days.

For me, what worked initially was the MWO program - by the book with the exception of the Topa. I also followed the diet & exercise recommendations. After 60 days I fell prey to the "now I can have just one..." fantasy that virtually every alkie I've ever met falls prey to. Well, that "one" lasted 8 months so I know better than to think THAT again. Once I got my head in the right place I was able to get AF again with the same MWO tools less Topa.

Early in 2009 when I was coming up on 9 months sober I realized I still didn't feel much security in my sobriety. I had what seemed to me an irrational fear of relapse. After watching the posts of AAthlete and just seeing how he was evolving in his own sobriety, I decided to give AA a try and for me, it's been a real blessing. It's had a positive impact in my life way beyond just sobriety. I'm realizing just how "bad wired" my thinking was (and can still be) and that has been a big part of my problems over the years. AL was my "solution" to every problem. Anyway, I have a peace of mind now - despite the bad economy and despite the every day ups and downs of life - that I've never really had before. So for me..it's all good. It's not for everyone though, just like any method or tool is not for everyone. Just thought I would share that in case there are other women like me out there who were convinced, FOREVER, that "AA is not for me" without ever giving it a look. I'm glad I finally did.

Anywho... I'm very happy to be UnHung and sober today. And there will not be any drinking, so an UnHung morning is assured. There might be other problems, but a hangover won't be one of them!

Oh I forgot to mention that I ran into a woman who is one of my fitness idols at the gym yesterday. She weight trains and is in AWESOME shape and she has been 29 even longer than me! In the Monthly Abs section we have a "Some Pain, No Gain, Maintain" in December exercise challenge going. So if any of you fabulous 29 year olds (no matter for how long) are up for some exercise motivation through the holidays, come join us!

ETA: RejuvinatedLongName (hee hee) - that musical sounds hysterical! It's not on a stage near me yet, but if you think of it, keep reminding us to check the web site and look out for it!

DG

[rubywillow]

Men No Pause Here!!!

DG, I've been working out religioiusly lately, but my prob is my muscles don't heal like normal people, and all my past broken bones (especially my lower and back ribs) sing the opera. I've learned to live with a level of pain many people would be surprised at since I'm usually in a good mood and active, but that's a learned behavior. Just like deciding to be AF, to become more healthy and live a better lifestyle, I could either lie in bed and hurt, or live the life I want and hurt, so I choose the latter. To paraphrase Clint Eastwood in "Dirty Harry", "A woman's got to know her limitations!" Actually, I'm still waiting to find mine. We can do anything, you know, and we can do more together. I'm so glad to have you all on my side. :sendinglove:
Rubes

[Doggygirl]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Hey Rube, there are no requirements to be an "Abbercizer" other than to get off your a$$ and do something. So come join us and just stay motivated to do what you can!! (Don't let the :b&d: fool ya)

DG

[RejuvenateBodyMindandSpirit]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Doggygirl;768069 wrote:

ETA: RejuvinatedLongName (hee hee) - that musical sounds hysterical! It's not on a stage near me yet, but if you think of it, keep reminding us to check the web site and look out for it!

DG

Just call me Rejuve! Here's link to the musical & a list below of where they'll be

http://www.menopausethemusical.com/main.php?page=show

Tickets/Shows

United States
California
Palm Springs
opening in 66 days


Florida
Fort Myers
opening in 147 days
Ft. Lauderdale
opening in 133 days
Sarasota
opening in 185 days


Georgia
Augusta
opening in 105 days
Columbus
opening in 109 days
Duluth
opening in 112 days


Illinois
Aurora
opening in 70 days
Rockford
opening in 66 days Indiana
Fort Wayne
opening in 50 days
Indianapolis
opening in 63 days
South Bend
opening in 52 days


Kentucky
Lexington
opening in 78 days


Michigan
Ann Arbor
opening in 56 days
Clinton Township
opening in 45 days
Kalamazoo
opening in 59 days


Missouri
St Louis
opening in 93 days


North Carolina
Charlotte
opening in 98 days Greensboro
opening in 92 days
Raleigh
opening in 102 days


Nevada
Las Vegas


New York
East Islip
opening in 129 days
Port Washington
opening in 219 days


Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
opening in 35 days


Virginia
Virginia Beach
opening in 86 days



Australia
Perth
Canada
Montreal
opening in 42 days Toronto
opening in 72 days

[dancelot]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Hello, again everyone. Looks like this is a popular thread. The "Gals in their 50s" looks like it doesn't want to go away either. If we titled enough of them like this, we'd own this section (since there's so many of us!). Like a lot of you I'm guessing, it really amazed me when I realized the huge percentage of woman here, particularly in our age group, when I found MWO. I really do like having these threads that are "ours".

I had a positive revelation last night. My roommate has been out of town for a week, and that used to be a big excuse to start drinking as early as I wanted, or all day, when normally I waited until (usually) evening, when it was easier to hide by staying in my room. The exception was on days when I'd work on my mom's old house, and had the place to myself. The thought of AL barely crossed my mind, well no more than the fleeting thoughts that may come at any time. I did have at the back of my mind that this used to be a favorite time for a real binge, and did have some concern. I acknowledged the urges and waited for them to pass, and they did with very little problem (same thing with Thanksgiving). So, I had my tools in place, my awareness level up, and was successful. YAY!

The good thing about being AF longer is the urges do get quieter. They ARE still there lurking, and I never forget that, but I find as I get more confidant, I am able to face them more fearlessly, and then they really do have less power. They are sort of like an outside force, but are really our own little devil voice in our heads. I learned a long time ago to diminish obsessive thought patterns by facing them square on instead of hiding from them. They are then less likely to overwhelm you. Putting the drinking urges in there place is similar. When one comes on, I ask myself "why", which helps identify the trigger. Is it a time, a place, a situation? Is it something someone said, or did, or something I fear they will (a big one for me)? I try to identify it, understand why it came up just now, etc.

We all have our triggers, and they may be very different for each of us. Know 'em and never give in (in addition to whatever others tools that work - and try whatever's necessary - I've found supplements work for me, but if they didn't would consider all other possibilities). The psychological part of the addiction surprised me in it's power - and that's where a lot of work and self reflection come in.

I drank for 36 years, and am now at 115 days AF (in case anyone doesn't know - I feel like I'm constantly repeating myself, but new members come here all the time and I know I haven't read every single thread here, even for the time I've been here.

LadyJan - Your post was very moving. Sometimes healing does involve stripping away some very painful layers. That had to have been difficult to write. Just know you are in a safe place here.

Ruby, you are my hero! You are a wonderful example of what a positive mindset can do. I used to think of it as motivational speaker BS (yes, at one time I was a very cynical girl!). Now I spout it - but only because when I started doing it , it was life changing. I really used to spend more time being a raging bitch (though being hungover didn't help either!). Or maybe that was just perimenopause!

I better stop now, I see more new posts have come up, and I may be totally irrelevant soon!
Anyway, I love having this thread, and hello to all the newer people - I look forward to getting to know all of you better! Much love, ya'll! :h

[rubywillow]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Thanks, Dance. I'm working hard on my balance, mobility, and stamina, because we've made a promise to our boys to build them a treehouse fort over the creek this summer, and they ask every time I talk to them if we can go fishing. Their favorite activity at my house, because we live in such a safe,, secluded area, is to go out in the woods behind our house with the dogs and hunt worms, snails, lizards, and Daddy Longlegs. Two weeks ago when they went home they took a 6 foot long shed snake skin I had found. They couldn't wait to scare their Momma with it! Up until about 6 months ago, they couldn't stay overnight with me, so this is a great treat for me too. It usually takes a couple of days for me to rest up from their visits, but well worth the price. When my first grandchild was little, we started saying "We're making memories" when we do something special together. Each one has their own little ritual they enjoy (one likes to make 'cambell' apples (caramel)), and she tells me now, since I don't drink, that I smell like caramel. I hope she always remembers that. I know I will. Sorry to ramble, but I wanted to share how wonderfully my life has changed, how full and blessed it is now. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTQfERb9HVk[/video]]YouTube - Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance
Rubes

[drylifeahead]

Men No Pause Here!!!

You guys are so great!

Ladyjan my periods are like that too!!!! Very glad to hear I'm not the only one..it's something I suffered with myself thinking it was too..I don't know..weird and gross to talk about with friends. My ovulation time is Hell too. Just for about 12 hours, but it feels like my insides are coming out during it.

Interesting that my hot flashes have pretty much disappeared since becoming AF. Waking up with wet sheets was no fun, and neither is breaking into a sweat at any given moment. Messes with the eyemakeup :H

DLA :l

Oh also Dancelot, keep saying how long..no worries. There are sooo many members, it's hard to remember everyone's story, and I always appreciated when people, if they quit, would either say how long for, or have that info on their signature line, that's why I do it.

[Tipplerette]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Hey girls, can I join up too?? Any criteria besides being peri or menopausal which I am... Damn it's hot in here. I am a 53 year old wine conoisseur (nice way of saying alkie) who lives on the Ontario Quebec border near Ottawa, Canada. I have a great life and live at my cottage on the river. I am less than a year away from switching from commuting to work every day to working in my backyard office helping with the hubby's construction business and finding time for me. I have three grown kids, no grandkids yet. Life is good but I can't stop drinking. It's the only real bummer in my life and I only drink half bottle of wine daily but it's too much and I can't stop. I hate the fact that IT controls me. I am afraid that when I do start working from home and have too much time on my hands it will increase. I bought the tapes but can't find a moment alone to listen to them. I think that I am building up to making big changes when the big day comes. Everything is hinging on that day (semi-retirement). I beat myself up over the fact that I have no willpower but find this support network is the first tool I have found that really helps or has the potential to help. So gals, that's all for now. Thanks for listening.

[PhoenixRising]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Re: Tylenol -
Tylenol ALL BY ITSELF can cause liver failure and death. The problem with it is that the therapeutic level and the toxic level are very close. My doc doesn't recommend it to any of his patients and says the FDA should never have approved it.

Re: hot flashes
I found early on that Estroven was a Godsend. Later, I determind that it was the ingredient Black Coshosh in the Estroven that was working for me and so I just buy that now and save a on of buckeroos.

Yesterday was going to be my 2nd AF day but I had a light beer. I let one of my triggers dictate my behavior but was, thankfully, able to stop and realize how stupid it was.

Thanks for all you Menoprincesses for your help and support.

-P.

[tawnywitch]

Men No Pause Here!!!

hi, Tipplerette , that's about the same as I drink, too much isnt it? is Tylenol the same a sparacetamol do you know any one?

[rubywillow]

Men No Pause Here!!!

When my daughter worked in ICU during her training period, a young girl came in who had attempted suicide with Tylenol. Daughter said she kept talking about how glad she was that the attempt failed; however she had not completely understood that she had irreparably damaged her liver. I've seen people pop a handful of them. Daughter doesn't give them to her kids at all, only children's Motrin. I've learned to research EVERYTHING I or my loved ones take, and have made some interesting discoveries as well as been able to discuss knowledgeably with my doc. I shudder to think of the elderly who have no advocates for their health care.

[rubywillow]

Men No Pause Here!!!

tawnywitch;768398 wrote: hi, Tipplerette , that's about the same as I drink, too much isnt it? is Tylenol the same a sparacetamol do you know any one?

FROM WIKIPEDIA:

Paracetamol (INN) (pronounced /ˌp?rəˈsiːtəmɒl, ˌp?rəˈsɛtəmɒl/) or acetaminophen (/əˌsiːtəˈmɪnɵfɨn/ ( listen)) (USAN) is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It is commonly used for the relief of fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains, and is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu remedies. In combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid analgesics, paracetamol is used also in the management of more severe pain (such as postoperative pain).[1]

While generally safe for human use at recommended doses (1000 mg per single dose and up to 4000 mg per day for adults, up to 2000 mg per day if drinking alcohol[2]), acute overdoses of paracetamol can cause potentially fatal liver damage and, in rare individuals, a normal dose can do the same; the risk is heightened by alcohol consumption
Paracetamol toxicity is the foremost cause of acute liver failure in the Western world, and accounts for most drug overdoses in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.[3][4][5][6]

[Tipplerette]

Men No Pause Here!!!

Hi back to you Tawnywitch. I can see that we are in the same boat. It seems like I should apologize for 'only' drinking 1/2 a bottle a night but it's just as hard to stop I think. I have stopped withe the supps and haven't listened to the tapes as if I really don't want to stop. I'll tell you this. I want to stop every morning and every evening around 4pm I want to drink... badly. Hubby drinks his half but couldn't care less if we do or not. I guess I should make TEA. I like tea. I want to lose a few pounds for a trip we're taking but even that is not motivating me to stop. Yakety yak. Thanks for saying hello.

[tawnywitch]

Men No Pause Here!!!

very similar story, where are you? Im in the uk, approaching my witching hour at the moment,