The Journey begins

[Rags]

Saw my doctor yesterday. He was soooo cool when I told him how long I'd been drinking and how much... and how well I could conceal it from people most of the time, including him!
He was so understanding. I'd also had to have a blood test a short time ago, and he was very happy I have no liver damage. (So was I)
Got Campral. We talked about Topo and apart from it being SO expensive off prescription he wants to suss out side effects etc... (he has epilepsy patients on it.) (I need to lose weight)
He's going to check out this site to refer to other patients here as I was so enthusiastic about it.
He was surprised I wasn't going through withdrawal symptoms, but I said I felt better and more alert (but tired) at the moment than I have in a long time. He warned me I may well crash though.

So, I am a lucky person to have a very supportive doctor, and a very suportive MWO . I reckon with everyone's help and my resolve, I might just be able to pull myself out of my alcoholic quagmire and look at life through sober eyes.............and catch up on all the things I've been missing out on or have neglected the past 25 years.
My next hurdle will be motivating myself to do exercise. I've become very physically lazy, though many years ago I was very fit. Anyone any ideas how to get me off the lounge and walking the street (in a manner of speaking).
I'm thanking you all in advance!
Raghnall

Raghnall

[Rags]

The Journey begins

Thanks Mike, will check out the forum.
Didn't know it existed. Bit of a dummy negotiating websites.

May you have a peaceful Christmas.
Fran

[Saint Jude]

The Journey begins

Hey Fran, :welcome:

Glad your Doc visit went well. It's so nice to have a Dr. you feel comfortable talking to. That can be hard to find.

Mine was pretty shocked when I finally fessed up to how much I really was drinking. I have to have blood work done every so often, for other meds I take. My Doc was very surprised at the numbers... I guess staying active does help.

This is a great site, look forward to getting to know ya a bit better.
:l , Judie

[betty boop]

The Journey begins

Hi Raghnall & :welcome:

I'm sure that you have come to the right place, this site is fabulous, so many people who understand how you feel. Your doctor sounds amazing, wish we had them like that in the UK.

Take care & Good Luck.

Love & Hugs, Paula :h :l :h

[mikeupnorth]

The Journey begins

Hi Fran,

It's great that you were able to be totally honest with your physician, and that he is supportive of your program. My general practitioner watched me struggle for a long time trying to get sober, but all he could really do was encourage me to go to AA. When I found MWO, I went to a different doctor who specializes in treatment of addictions, and she was the one who suggested topa for me. Now that it's working so well, my GP is so impressed that he says I should not change it as long as it's working for me. Just got blood work done and all my tests look great.

Anyway, it sounds like you are on the right track and you definitely have the motivation. Keep on running with that... and keep coming here and posting.

Speaking of running... exercise is great and I think it's an important part of the program. My exercise has been in fits and starts but I'm still doing more now than I was when I was drinking. Just start with what you can handle, maybe walking 15 minutes a day. Set a reasonable goal for yourself, get comfortable with that, and then move up from there.

Good going!

Mike

[Changeling]

The Journey begins

Really pleased to hear how well things went with your doctor.
The whole tone of your post is so positive.

When you slow down on the drinking you will find that there are a lot more productive hours in the day.
If you can fill some of this time getting into shape that will be fantastic.
I'm lucky to live near the sea and I love walking, a great way to get your body back into shape whilst clearing your mind at the same time.

Hope you have a happy healthy christmas and look forward to following your progress here.
Best regards
C

[Rags]

The Journey begins

Wow,
Thank you all for your responses!
OK... Christmas Eve I go for a walk. Doesn't matter how far/how long. As long as I get out there and do it.
You will all be my conscience, and part of my team for me. If I don't do the walk, that's OK, but I will have to confess to you all if I don't do it. This will be my way of getting motivated.... I have MWO members who are supporting me, so I need to do my bit and make an effort. Playing it like this will probably work for me.

CHANGELING, I also live near the sea. The beach is where I'll be walking tomorrow. Sand is tough stuff to walk in though...I'll have to walk in the wet sand near the breakers.
MIKE, got your pers. post... thanks.

SAINT JUDE... We will get to know each other better. Gotta visit your tree house if ever I make it to the US.

FAN: Yeah... I got free weights and a static bike that I haven't touched in 6 or more years...they will get dusted off in the New Year, and I'll get an MP3 and zone into the beat!! Just please remind me next week that I said I'd do it. Thanks.
PAULA, I'm sure there are docs like mine in the UK. I took a big chance telling him, due to the work I do in the little community where we are.... everyone knows everyone etc. But I felt safe somehow and somehow knew he would support me. He said he was so proud of me not to have driven to another town to see someone else. But, hey, here you are at MWO, and both of us meeting so many people that need support and are supporting us. Are we not very lucky to have come upon this site!!