3rd week

[Spinigus]

This has been my third week dosing up on Topa and taking supplements, but I couldn't afford the CD's so I've been listening to The Meditation Podcast on addiction, fear, anxiety, renewal, and the unknown on my iPod. I was doing really well, though would still have a small glass of wine 4-5x a week. This has been a huge improvement over my four or five glasses of wine per night regularly. I haven't experienced any side effects from the Topa that I know of, and I had a full medical and eye exam at the start so that I can track any changes that may occur. I've been exercising four times a week, plus riding my bike to work. All of this has helped my mental state so much. My husband and I have also been seeing a counselor for a few months now, but neither of them know what I've been going through or what I'm dealing with personally and I don't want to share with them - I don't want our sessions to become about me. Anyway... prior to beginning this present journey, I know my story is not a surprising story, but it's one that I've never been able to figure out - every month around my menses I would crave alcohol much more than usual and would end up consuming much more than usual. I also forgot to mention that I have a history of migraine headaches, as do all the women in my family, which is actually what led me to this website/study. I've been tested for various tumors, cancers, etc. since I was a young child (around age seven) because children are not supposed to have migraines. All the nights before the night before last night I was able to shake the monkey off my back and go to bed, though sometimes I wanted a taste, and sometimes I did have a taste of wine. Two nights ago I had a demon on my back and I wanted to drink and get drunk. Yesterday morning I woke up and had started my menses. Last night I wanted to drink and get drunk. Tonight I want to drink and get drunk. I don't understand, though I think it must be hormonal, maybe there's another reason I want a drink. Can anyone shed any light on this please?

[Cinders]

3rd week

Spinigus,

:welcome:

I have been told by several doctors that middle-aged women start to abuse alcohol because it helps with the lack of estrogen. I have never fully researched, so I cannot say this is true.

All those fluctuations during menses perhaps have the same effect?

Since I am well past that age, I will let other chime in.

I really did just want to say hello, it sounds as if Topa may be helping you. I tried it and found myself allergic to it. I take Gabapentin for cluster headaches but it does not seem to have any effect on my drinking.

I hope you find a way to control your drinking or stop drinking altogether. Whichever path you choose.

Cindi

[Spinigus]

3rd week

Thank you Cindi! Yes, that was a bad few days, really sent me spinning. Since then I'm back on track! Actually have not been drinking at all. Yay! The topa really is working for me - it's a amazing really, I can't believe it. I really need to take it at the right time of the day though (for me-I can't forget), along with the Kudzu and other supplements, and keep up the exercise, as well as going to bed early so that I'm not tempted, but I'm so surprised at my ability to to not drink, it's incredible.

[bcp2013]

3rd week

Hi,spring us,l find diet has a lot to do with your cravings as well,usually you want sugary snacks and salt around menses,so alcohol is that,so why not try to eat less sugary stuff and more protein and fruits and veg,as well ,don,t have as many carbs,see if that helps, l find diet is a lot to do with cravings,l am 57days sober today,and my diet really helps,l don't crave alcohol and l drank a lot of wine,even though l had heartburn and bad flashes,since my full hysterectomy,now l don't have very many hot flashes and definitely not as bad when l occasionally get one now,so thankful that l quit this demon wine,or alcohol,l find if l feel like something l have a virgin ceaser,helps,spicy mix,anyway all the best, l am not taking any thing for cravings just eating good and taking vitamins,it's working'l'm quitting for life,l don't want that horrible feeling no more,Lt gets better with each passing weekend, l really hope you can steer clear of the monkey on your back,soo worth it,all the best on your journey!!

[hadit]

3rd week

Hello Spin, My wife takes Topamax for migraines and has lots of success with it. Good Luck