My NEW Story Starts Here...

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

DITTO DITTO DITTO Mary on everything you said. LOL, we were probably posting at the same time on two different threads about how drinking really did suck away so much of our time. I agree that all time spent on recovery related activities is WELL spent.

My sponsor and I were laughing hysterically during a private meeting we had today about all the crazy things we do. We think we are really being clever and come to find out, it's stuff that many many many excessive drinkers do. In particular, we were talking about the number of different liquor stores it took for us to think we were "hiding" the true amount of booze we were drinking. And doing things like suggesting to the store owner or workers that we're hosting a lot of cook outs (i.e. all this booze is for company - not for me) kind of stuff. She said "can you imagine how many customers they probably get those comments from? They must laugh every day about it." LOL - I never really thought about the store owners/workers hearing that same stuff from a variety of people and just knowing it's BS. I'm glad to finally be able to see the humor in some of that stuff - it didn't always feel funny.

We are making progress Mary!

DG

[retteacher]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

I too went through the machinations w/the liquor stores. I actually had 3 main ones. I go in as quickly as possible w/the cash in hand so that I could get out fast. I always used cash so that there would be no paper trail for my husband to follow up on. Mary

[peacenik]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

WOW...just wow...thanks for writing this book doggy!!!!

[Snapdragon]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

:thanksoggygirl - I just wanted to say what a fantastic inspiration you are to me! I spent the weekend reading most of this thread (printed it off and read lots of it while I was walking my dogs around the lake nearby - and almost fell in because I wasn't looking where I was going!)

You are so strong and positive - and have remained so throughout your journey despite the ups and downs you had early on. It really makes me believe that I can do it too.

The before and after pictures say it all really - you look 20 years younger, gorgeous, healthy and beautiful - and proof to everyone here what drink is doing to our bodies and how we can work towards a healthier life.

I am now 3 days AF and would like to think that I can follow in your footsteps. Unlike you when I have fallen off the wagon I've felt sorry for myself and wallowed in self pity - but not anymore. I am going to keep brushing myself off from now on and jump back on.

Congratulations for achieving 10 months AF - and more importantly for helping so many people on this site to follow in your footsteps.

Snapdragon. :thanks:

[savon19]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

WOW - Doggygirl!! I think you should look into being spokesperson for Curves (my gym, too). You could make some BIG BUCKS!

How often do you go? You're an inspiration. What a transformation. You should be very PROUD of yourself.

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Snap, congratulations on 3 days AF - that is such a wonderful start. Don't ever give up.

Savon, thank you for the compliments. It's great to meet a fellow Curve.... Curvee? Curver? Anyway... I work out at least 5X a week and usually 6X. 3 is just not enough for me. I've come to really love the way I feel after exercising and if there is a week where I don't make all 6 days (they are closed Sunday at my club - probably yours too) then I usually regret it and miss my endorphin rush.

I cannot underestimate the help I got from getting my hormones balances and my thyroid checked and adjusted!! That really does help. The way I view it, it makes my body operate normally, so that if I DO put in the work (exercise and diet) I get the results I deserve. Not some puny or non-existent result as when my thyroid was low and my progesterone and estrogen were out of whack.

My local Curves did submit my story - that just happened in the last couple of days. I have no idea if it will end up getting published, but I have had nightmares about an angry mob of women who find out that I'm really just a tired old drunk. (actually, I wouldn't mind that coming out if it helped de-stigmatize things...but that's another long post...)

Best wishes to all..

DG

[Hannah]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

DG!!!!!

What can I say? WOW!!!!!!

I'm so proud of you! What an inspiration you for anyone who is struggling, and cannot imagine life without drinking -

Well, you have shown them, clearly!!!!!:goodjob:


I will be checking the next few issues of "Dianne" to see if your mug shots are in it! Wow!

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Thanks Hannah! I feel good too. LOL I'm having to deal with sugar almost just like AL though. During times of stress, I don't allow the old pea brain to get going on plans for the liquor store. So now the pea brain gets going on plans to go to a Sugar Place in a way that is eerily like AL thoughts.

Anyway...thanks again!

DG

[ceprise]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Waiting for Supplements and CDs to start

I saw my PCP this AM. I've been working out of town so it's been 2 years. I originally was going to see him about bariatric surgery I have applied for. As part of the application I had to do a three day food and drink diary. The diary showed I am consuming 1500 to 2000 calories a night in alcohol. My rational has been to dull the pain from arthritis in my knees. I told him I now realize that I don't have a food problem, that I have an alcohol problem.

Earlier this week I explored on-line alcohol treatment options and discovered MWO. I downloaded RJ's book and read it in one sitting. I committed to the program, and purchased the starter supplement pack and CDs. Now I needed the topiramate script.

I went to Doc prepared: summary of the MWO program, dose charts from the book, copy of Lancet paper. Doc is a DO, open to supplements and innovative treatments. At first he wouldn't consider any thing except traditional in-patient detox and AA. I pitched MWO and he started to listen. What sold him was the slow ramp-up dosing so he could be in control with weekly office visits. I walked out with a script for the first month's topiramate and he was on the phone to a consulting neurologist to check out MWO.

Now I must wait for the supplements and CDs to arrive. Any tips for the first few days?

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Hi ceprise! Thank you for visiting my "journal" of sorts and welcome to MWO. You might want to pose your question in the "Just Starting Out" section also, as you will probably get more response there.

Mean time, the best advice I can give is while utilizing the MWO tools as you are planning to do, BE DETERMINED to succeed. The language you use with yourself in your own mind is very important now and always. Don't "hope" you won't drink today. DECIDE you won't drink today. That sort of 'small stuff' can make a big difference.

Have you checked out the Tool Box thread? Here is the link in case you haven't come across it yet - this is a big site. https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html Lots of people have contributed ideas to that thread - I'm sure there are many strategies that will help you get off to a good start.

Congratulations on getting your ducks in a row and having success with your doctor.

Also congratulations on giving up AL and putting off bariatric surgery. If AL is a problem for you, I think it can be an even bigger problem post-surgery. (there are some members here who have had bariatric surgery - you might want to start a thread asking for their input and experience - I'm sure they will share)

All the best to you!

DG

[ceprise]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Thanks, appreciate the reply. I'm in that expectant period between the decision and the action. I'm in , hurting in limbs and awaiting deliverance.

My wife and I went to Sears to replace the refrigerator and dish washer. I have more "buyer remorse" over the Sears purchase than over the MWO program.

I realize I am a functional alcoholic. Functional during the day, and a zombie at night.

Tonight I was First Reader of the Passion at Mass. I prayed for understanding, strength, courage and commitment.

Bless You All!

ceprise

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

ceprise, it sounds like you are being honest with yourself which is a great step. For me anyway, I spent years and years somewhere between denial of my alcoholism, and knowing the truth in my heart but being unwilling to acknowledge the truth in the bright light of day outside of my own head.

It's not easy, especially at first. My mind played so many tricks on me...

"I'm not THAT bad..."
"We went 60 days AF - NOW we are fixed and can have just one....."
"I'll show YOU!" (when mad at Mr. Doggy)
"I'll start (again) tomorrow..."
etc.

ALL of those types of mind games are detailed in many posts here at MWO. It's nice to know those things are coming.

IT IS SO WORTH IT to me, to be free of the chains. My days are more active. I operate with more clarity. I am "available" literally and figuratively to my family in emergencies 24X7. I don't have to worry about killing someone with my car in a drunken stupor. I've reclaimed some health through exercise / fitness and weight loss and a MUCH more nutritious diet than the Booze'n Junk Food Extravaganza Diet. The list goes on.

I would have buyers remorse over replacing my appliances too.

DG

[retteacher]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Denial: As they say: "It's not a river in Egypt." I too was a "functional" alcoholic & was a zombie at night. I too used all the denial excuses...even now when I go to AA meetings, I can still get into the "I'm not so bad" mindset. EXCEPT...that I've had some really ugly experiences & cannot & will not forget them. Mary

[ceprise]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Starting Today

Topiramate on hand: check!
Supplements on hand: check!
CD on hand: check!
CD player on hand: No, it will be delivered tomorrow, but I'm not waiting.

First day for supplements and topiramate. The journey begins...

[irish eyes]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Good Luck Ceprise you can do it just believe in yourself. :l