Health changes since going AF

[Mad Mummy]

Health changes since going AF

Hey I'm there with the 3am thing:goodjob: and all the really bad thoughts that mean you can't get back to sleep!

Actually I think that's what I really enjoy now is simply sleeping, properly sleeping not passing out sleeping, is it my age?????

Bx

[rubywillow]

Health changes since going AF

BUMP: This bump up is in response to a chat room conversation tonight that happened to be about this thread. Here are some of the withdrawal/hangover conditions experienced by several that may or may not have already been addressed:

Feeling like your having a stroke
Extreme paranoia
Erratic heartbeat
Pounding headache
Bloating
Loss/Gain of appetite
Sleeplessness/Nightmares
Numbness/Tingling in Extremeties
Bloodshot Eyes
Memory Loss
Confusion/Lack of Concentration
Diarrhea/Constipation
Bloody Stool/Vomit
Trembling/Shaking
Chills/Fever
Sweating
'Rubbery' Limbs
Lack of Coordination
Please add to this list any conditions you have experienced and anything you have found that helped you. Thanks!
Rubes

[startingover]

Health changes since going AF

Wow Rubes, that is so true! Why the hell do we drink?

Heres mine...
Severe depression, wanting to die....those feelings no longer plague me..

[Evie.Lou]

Health changes since going AF

I feel sooo much healthier ...in general. My leaky gut...or (what ever was going on in my belly?) has all but gone away. My appetite is improved and I crave healthy foods instead of sweet junk. My eyes are shining and skin is smooth again and I don't look like I am in a daze. The bloating is gone so clothes fit better....
I guess there isn't anything about my health that hasn't improved...phyisical, emotional and spiritual....
It's good for me to remember how sick I was so I can appreciate being WELL !!!

[AstraiaJ.]

Health changes since going AF

rubywillow's post reminds me that yes, there is a lot of hell to go through for many people before you start feeling the health benefits, which was the original focus of this thread. It's important to talk about both, because when you are first going AF, it's hard to see beyond feeling so bad, or anxious, or chilled or sweaty or whatever. It's good to know those symptoms aren't unusual. At the same time, it's also good to hear from those who have been able to get past those things -- it's the initial symptoms that can make it hard to stay AF and hearing from others up the road gives inspiration to stay at it.

I myself just learned about PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Symdrome; my apologies to those who already knew that, which is probably just about everybody except me). The main thing is that most web sites will list the standard withdrawal symptoms and claim that they are over in a week. It's true, most probably are. But then there are lingering, "post acute" things that go on for awhile that can trip a person up if they are not ready -- like lingering sleep issues, skin issues, and a host of possible other things. So, it's good to keep in touch with a variety of people, at different points on the road! Then hopefully we can keep walking.

[rubywillow]

Health changes since going AF

One thing I don't think we see mentioned enough that is SUCH a wonderful help when we are detoxing, abstaining, or really, just everyday, is to start the day with at least 8 oz. of water and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Hot or cold, it works wonders on the body. Once you try it, whether you believe it or not, you WILL notice a difference.

[Winefree]

Health changes since going AF

Wow, what a great thread and things to look forward too. I am only on day 5, but feel more awake and healthy already. I hope I can last.
Where do you get info on PAWS, I never heard of that?
Thanks to all for sharing and being so inspiring.

[Delta Moon]

Health changes since going AF

Since I've stopped drinking myself into a stupor everyday I have said bye bye to:
Continuous depression
thoughts of suicide
5 extra pounds
red eyes
blotchy skin
sleepless nights
irritability (well not completely-I have teen-agers) :H
headaches
forgetfulness
stupid mouth syndrome
1,3,5 a.m. potty runs
shaking
low self esteem
dry brittle hair
I could go on............but I am off to enjoy my sober evening
Blessings

[AstraiaJ.]

Health changes since going AF

Winefree, I came across PAWS information accidentally, but if you google "PAWS and Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome" you'll come up many many websites. One of the first is Wikipedia's site that gives an overall explanation. Most of the rest are hosted by various organizations, including AA.

[Winefree]

Health changes since going AF

Thanks AstraiaJ. I am going to check that out, since I was hoping by day 6 I would be just about home free from threats of w/d.
WINEFREE for 6 days and counting!

[brightside]

Health changes since going AF

3am

At 3am anyting scary or evil seems likely. There was a pop song "3am eternal" that seemed to take on special meaning. I would think about work, just a few hours off and bound to be a horrible ordeal since I'd had no sleep. That train of thought transitioned into thoughts about horror movies I'd seen and how they were maybe not so far fetched. I would feel like I was the only person alive in the world. Some nights I thought perhaps there was a serial killer with a big hatchet in my garage, and i'd woken by some small noise he'd made while slinking through my house on his way to my room. I was certain I would die at 3:00 am of a drinking related illness and it was a premonition of the future waking me. Later when I had kids I would check my babies, sure as I scurried down the hall that someone had entered their bedroom window and stolen them only to feel like crying in relief when I saw they slept in safely in their beds, followed by the dread to realize they would be awake in a couple of hours noisy and hungry with nasty diapers, and me totally feeling ill.

Imagine my surprise that a whole bunch of people wake up at 3am feeling just like me!

[CHARLYGIRL]

Health changes since going AF

:goodjob::goodjob:

veritas;567898 wrote: 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.

[CHARLYGIRL]

Health changes since going AF

Good Job. I'm AF 10 days aiming for 30 days. I'm very encouraged with your results. Is moderation or abstinence your goal?

[Luba]

Health changes since going AF

Hey everyone,

I am new here - day three AF and already feeling good. This thread has been particularly helpful. I have listed the changes to my body and state of mind that have been caused by alcohol that I won't miss:
[*]Passing out[*]Waking at 3am, 4am, 5am desperate for water[*]Dry brittle hair and nails[*]Dull skin with no feeling[*]Dark circles[*]Irregular periods[*]Diarrhoea[*]Vomiting[*]Teeth plaque[*]Dry mouth[*]Hangover every morning[*]Shaky hands[*]Memory loss[*]Anxiety[*]Depression[*]Suicidal thoughts[*]Black outs[*]Incontinence[*]Fluid retention[*]Weight gain[*]Bloated stomach[*]Passing out[*]Dizziness[*]Fatigue

Improvements I have seen in just three days:
[*]Decreased anxiety[*]Change in skin sensation[*]Deeper sleep (although sweating like crazy)[*]Enjoying food and actually wanting to eat not just drink wine[*]Hands are almost stopping shaking altogether[*]Yawning (weird I know but didn't before...)[*]Mouth not dry
Enjoying days and nights more

I am so looking forward to more improvements and using this site to help me. thank you for all of your support. PS I have also ordered a book on-line called "Getting sober" and Seredyn tablets for anxiety....does anyone have any experience or feedback with either of these???
Thanks
Luba

[Miss Blossom]

Health changes since going AF

OK here goes, I am on day 2, so I have had one night without alcohol - the first in about 2 months (scary to admit), and I slepted well although I had a massive sweat during the night and woke up soaking, but it could be related to the Zoloft I take - when I sleep well one of the side effects is sweating, but it may have been exaggerated by the lack of alcohol.
This one's embarrassing - stinky pee today. Detoxing? Could be all the supplements I am taking too.
I have a massive headache - but it's probably because of the last of pain tablets today. Trying to hold out as long as possible without them.
Taking some chinese herbs to restore my Qi (lifeforce etc - sceptical but 1/4 of the world might be onto something).
A felt clear headed today but not terribly motivated to work, a little depressed tonight, and feeling life snuggling onto the couch.
I had a bath instead of the usual pain killer and wine. My husbands half drunk bottle of wine is still sitting on the kitchen bench, and while I have looked at it a few times, I know I can feel better without it.
My head is feeling a bit buzzy inside - sort of echo-ey or spacey. Not sure what that is, but will live with it, rather than try to escape it.
Night night, will pop in tomorrow and post for the 3rd day.