Health changes since going AF

[veritas]

Tomorrow I will be 30 days AF. I really want to write down all the positive changes that I have noticed in my health since my last drink. I would like others to share as well as encouragement to stay sober.

In addition to sobriety, I am taking vitamin supplemts, L-Glutamine and following a low suger, gluten free diet at the moment.

1. Despite the fact that I am going into my worst hayfever month, my nose is less stuffy and blocked.

2. I used to have a fissured tongue, that is looking a lot better. Still some way to go though.

3. I had a scaly patch of eczma on my chin that is almost completely cleared up.

4. My clothes are starting to feel looser and in another month I should be in my "thin" wardobe.

5. My sleep is now deeper and I wake up with ease.

6. I am much, much more energetic.

7. My concentration is improving.

8. I am enjoying food more.

[DeeBee]

Health changes since going AF

9. I am not irritable (lol, well not today).

10. I can't believe how much extra time I have.

[vlad]

Health changes since going AF

11. I don't drift off when people are talking to me.

Honestly once my boss was talking to me about a project and he could see my mind was somewhere else. He doodled a picture of me with a thought bubble. He thought for a moment as what to put in the bubble and then wrote, 'I love vodka'. The worst of it - I WAS actually thinking about drink. :H:H:H

[Joanna]

Health changes since going AF

1. I don't wake up dehydrated at 3am and have to rush downstairs for water.
2. I am starting to change my thoughts and outlook on AL. I think I am coming out of denial about it being my best and dearest friend. It is starting to matter less

[Joanna]

Health changes since going AF

Just realised previous post was not a health benefit. Sorry......

[lilmea]

Health changes since going AF

14. My face isn't as red and blotchy.
15. I'm not as bloated or swollen the way I was when I was drinking.
16. My blood pressure is down to almost normal.

Joanna-The last is a health benefit. You have healthier thoughts!

[gyco]

Health changes since going AF

way to go folks,early signs of sobriety,remember when you were a child,that's how most felt,until i picked up a glass of beer,have a wonderful day gyco

[Accountable for Me]

Health changes since going AF

- definitely WAY less irritable.
- not smoking a pack or more a day (lungs feel good and clear)
- dark circles under my eyes are gone
- skin looks smooth and hydrated. I have been told that I look 10 years younger! Niiiice!
- Lost 20 pounds of 'fluff' and water retention since July/08
- Have loads more energy
- Sleep way better/get up rested
- I have time to spend 'quality' time with my children/going out and doing fun stuff/not homebound
- My eczema patch by my nose is completely gone.
- I absolutely love the freedom quitting brings. No more prisoner.
- My short term memory is coming back. (scary! :H )
- My depression is almost completely gone! No more severe lows!

So emotionally, and physically I am feeling wonderful. I could probably go on and on....... but I will stop at this for now.

[Lila]

Health changes since going AF

I don't have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night!

[Joanna]

Health changes since going AF

Lil you are right! I do have healthier thoughts. Taking AL out of the equation though makes me realise I have to face up, 'fess up and stop hiding behind it which makes me feel uncomfortable. I was actually worrying about something when I went to bed last night which for me who is usually wrapped in a cocoon of antidepressents I call my duvets and crashing out in a wine induced stupor, is quite novel. Does that sentence make sense?

Everyone is very positive about their benefits here and it is fantastic. I have other issues to manage and feel I have further to go but I am encouraged by what I read

[peacenik]

Health changes since going AF

i just feel all around better...no pains in my liver/kidney area, no hangovers which means my body isn't trying to process formaldehyde out of it! i'm hydrated, i'm exercising daily, i'm getting out in the world which helps my mental health, my dogs are benefitting health wise because i walk them most days, my kid id getting more real attention, so her mental health is better, my husband is more involved in our family now...it's all better all around!

[AstraiaJ.]

Health changes since going AF

This thread is very encouraging.

For me:

* Eczema almost completely cleared up
* Focus and concentration is better
* Less anxious and worried
* More appetite (the healthy kind, for food, rather than wondering when I can get home and have wine)
* Eyes much more clear and complexion beginning to get better
* Sleep just beginning to improve. For me it took some time. I LOVE not waking up at 3:00 am all sweaty and dehydrated. (Hey what is it with 3:00 am? People seem to mention that time most often when talking about waking up after drinking! Funny.)
* Much more energy to carry me through the day.

I could go on, but that's enough for now. It's good to remember these things and remind yourself why you are changing your life for the better !!!

[Joanna]

Health changes since going AF

We should have a I used to wake up at 3am thread...........

[irish eyes]

Health changes since going AF

Lost 7 pounds (previously could not loose 1 kilo)
short term memory has improved significantly
no hangovers
no sweating
no dehydration
Dont need to hide evidence in the morning

boundless energy
good humour
I am told that I look really well!!
I like myself again
Oh and I think this has been said I dont need to pee in the middle of the night.
:h

[AstraiaJ.]

Health changes since going AF

Go for it Joanna! We can have a "no more 3 am" thread or maybe "aren't you glad to be asleep at 3 am" thread. Honestly, when my cravings come back I often think forward a few hours to that gross feeling in the middle of the night and it gets me through the witching hour.

One more health benefit: no more indigestion.