Hopeful

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

So day 6 I did allow myself to have wine. I know most advise 30 days AF, and I may find that to be the best route eventually. Anyhow, it was strange how the hypnosis seems to have helped. I did sip the wine, and didn't have the urge for "more, more, more" like I used to. I just felt content, and enjoyed it. I did have a bottle of wine, but it was over about 4 -5 hours and normally, I would've had 2 and passed out. I'm proud that I did 5 days AF and that I was more controlled last night. Progress, not perfection!
I woke up today feeling well. No anxiety. I am going to try to go another 7 days AF. Next Saturday I have a dinner out with friends. I think the Topomax will have arrived by then, so I will have to really be cautious since I've heard it intensifies the effects of alcohol. I will just focus on sipping and stick to 1 glass of wine max. We'll see how it goes...

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Slippery slope. I see now what everyone is saying. Had dinner with friends last night. 2 glasses of wine. Felt fine when we left. Stopped to get wine on the way home. Didn't even really want it. Drank a bottle (nearly all at least) don't feel great today. It was more the habit than the craving.
Will now start 30 days of no alcohol purchases for the house. I say this because I have some dinners out planned. will have a glass or two at dinner. If I can't have any in the house, it won't be a problem. My husband has his beers and hard liquor, but luckily, those don't interest me.
As I said before, progress, not perfection. 5/7 days AF for me is definitely progress! Hooray for that!! This is definitely a learning process.

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Well, I had 5 fabulous days AF and now 4 not so fabulous days with A. I realized that I wasn't physically craving it, but habitually. If that makes any sense. I've been taking the supplements, so didn't have physical craving but stopped listening to the self-hypnosis cd's and feel that effected by resolve. Will start the hypnosis today and hope that Topomax arrives soon!
So again, day 1 no alcohol in the house. Goal of 30 days.

[CAM2575]

Hopeful

Hang in there 4myhealth. Celebrate your accomplishments and don't quit what you've started! You're doing great!

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Thanks Cam!! I'm feeling better!
Well, a friend arrived tonight with a bottle of wine in hand. Couldn't believe it (this isn't really a regular event at my house...me arriving at my house with two bottles of wine in hand was normal, however). So, deep breath...pour her a glass of wine. Pour myself one. Leave mine in the other room. (She did bring hors d'oeuvres too.) Nibbled on food. Retrieved my glass of wine. Sipped my wine. (She finished hers before me -- also unheard of.) Poured her another. Sipped my wine. Poured myself another. Continued to sip and nibble. Sent her home with the remainder of the bottle (strange, but safe for me). Drank pelligrino.
So, not the original plan of abstaining, but didn't overindulge or head out to the store as I usually would've. Progress, not perfection.
Day 3 topo is tomorrow.
Good night friends.

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Day 1 again...please God let me make it to 30!

[mama bear]

Hopeful

YOU CAN DO IT

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Day 2, Thanks mama bear!
I am feeling soo tired today! Woke up at 5:45 (early for me) and ran 2 miles (felt much better than the usual morning routine Busy day, no time for drink tonight thankfully.
I'm stealing an idea from QuitQuitting and using a visual to mark my 30 days. Not quite sure how. Also need to mark at least 21 consecutive days of hypnosis. Haven't been too consistent with that. Need to buy a cd player and headphones. Always play it over the DVD player, but I think it isn't as effective bc I can still hear the dog barking, phone ringing, etc. Anyone agree with me on that?
Have a great one everyone!

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

I'm posting this for myself, not to bore anyone. So today is day 5 AF. I am doing the Atkins "Induction" in conjunction with this. Last night I nearly pulled into a parking space in front of the wine shop and then did a quick turn and pulled out. I hadn't taken my Topa or any of my supplements. The cravings weren't huge, but they were there.
Feeling a bit of a cold lingering. I'll try to use that and the diet to keep myself from caving tonight. I am about to pass the 0.0 mark on the scale to go down to a weight I haven't seen for a while. I keep telling myself...for the next two weeks, it isn't about abstaining from alcohol, it is about Induction - and no alcohol is allowed. I hope that will work and then after 14 days, I'll feel so much better? Plus I'll be nearly 1/2 way to 30.
Tonight, I will not be out around the witching hour and will have taken supplements and Topa.
...wish me luck.
p.s. mama bear - I like your new...what is the correct term...I'm so low tech...pic. Nice to see your smiling face and not the whacky lady with the hat!!

[rubywillow]

Hopeful

Isn't she great, 4! So glad you're here and working it. Call on any of us if you need us. You've done some good things already.

[hazeleyes]

Hopeful

Hi 4myhealth

Just been reading your thread. Interesting story, a bit like reading someones diary. Thanks for sharing. It shows your struggle and the ups and downs of fighting this disease.

Keep going with your fight. It is definately worthwhile and each day you succeed will give you more strenght and confidence to eventually win the battle long term.

I have been AF for 14 days now and I am just starting to shake the tiredness and grumpy moods. My secret has been exercise, eating right, reading and posting here almost every day. I love to encourage others as this seems to really help me stay strong. There are also some very wise and wonderful people here who are willing to help us and share their wisdom. This has truly changed my life.

Best wishes on your journey
Thinking of you
H

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Thanks Ruby and Hazel, We'll see if I make it through tonight and tomorrow.

Hazel, glad that you've made it 14 days AF. Glad for you that the tiredness/grumpiness is disappearing too!

I'm feeling really weak in resolve. I'll post tomorrow as to whether or not I make it through the night.

good night friends.

[Rainbow51]

Hopeful

Hi

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Just have to say that I went to my bag of goodies and took my Topa, waited for that to kick in. Still wanted to run to the store. Took some L-Glut and some Gaba and I think I'll make it through the evening without heading to the store. wow does that L-Glut work! I wonder if it is something I can take forever? Anyone know?

[hazeleyes]

Hopeful

Hi 4MyHealth

Good on you, you can make it through the evening without AL.

As for L-Glut, I think it is safe to take long term. When I had a personal trainer he told me to take it after my workouts to aid my recovery, from the workout (not AL, he didn't know I was drinking).

Should be OK to take for as long as you need it.
H