Military Doctors

[gypsi]

I have been 'lurking' this forum for a couple of months, and I figured it's time to get going on this program. Which means admitting that I have a problem. Which means (at least in my world) that I am no better than my mother, who died from alcoholism when I was eight. That's a really hard thing to admit, especially after all the promises I made myself growing up that I would never allow alcohol to control my life like it did hers. However, all the guilt and recriminations aside, I'm ready to tackle this head-on and get my life back.

So, after all that rambling, here's my question - has anyone out there trying to get the meds had to deal with military doctors? It's the only health insurance I have, and the one time I mentioned this program to him (very tentatively) and how the Topamax helps with the cravings, his response was, "It makes no sense exchanging one drug for another." Has anyone had any sucess getting past the standard 'suck it up and tough it out' attitude that is so prevalent in the military to get the meds needed for this program? If so, how did you do it? I really need to get my doctor behind me on this, as he's the only one I trust.

[lushy]

Military Doctors

Welcome Gypsi! I think it sounds like your doctor has the completely wrong attitude and obviously has never had an issue with alcohol. Jerk. Sorry but ignorant, stubborn doctors piss me off. When I was on antidepressants I gained 30 pounds practically overnight and when I told my doctor that he had the nerve to say, "There are no calories in that pill. You obviously are eating too many calories." I went off it and within three months lost the weight without any change to my diet. I digress, sorry. Anyhow, I am moderating without the topamax and I know others are on this board as well. The supplements have been a big help in helping me be alcohol-free during the week. So try that first, and the CDs if you want, and see how you feel and then decide. You might not even need the Topamax. Stay with us. We are all very supportive here. Good luck to you!!!!

[gypsi]

Military Doctors

Thanks, Lush for the support. While reading one of the other threads, I discovered that if you have glaucoma (which I do), you can't use the topa. Perhaps I'll try the program with just the supps and CDs first.

[Patti]

Military Doctors

Hi Gypsi and Lush,
:welcome: Gypsi,
I too am doing moderation with just the supps and kudzu and it is going well with me. I also cannot take the topa due to glaucoma runs in my family big time, I'm doing good so far with that but my doctor read up on it and advised me to try the programe without to topa. good luck and welcome again, if you have any questions just start a thread.
Hugs :l

[Beaches]

Military Doctors

Hi! I am doing the supp's and they seem to be reallly helping. I started with kudzu and gaba then added l-glut and amino acids. Helping very nicely with moderation. Look forward to talking with you more.

[AMELIA]

Military Doctors

Hi Gypsi, Well I had a similar response from my doctor. It seems that here in the UK the docs aren't so familiar with prescribing topamax for alcohol problems. I was at my wits end when I showed him all the info about it and asked him to prescribe it for me. When he said no I was SO deflated. I decided however to order it over the internet and proceed cautiously on my own. I am still on 25 mg (after nearly 2 weeks of taking in and I will work up very slowly). In saying that, you can tailor the programme to suite you and could find it works just as well with the supplements, kudzu (which I think is really helping me), exercise and the CDs. Best of luck and keep us posted. Amelia