I'm a 40-something married mum of two and a mature student.
I've always enjoyed drinking socially but in the last few years I've increased my intake at home....and in the last few months I've 'self-medicated' with at least a bottle of wine each evening and much more at the weekends.
I have a history of depression & anxiety and recent stresses have pushed me over the edge. I went to see my GP a few days ago and I finally admitted to him, my husband (who had accompanied me) and myself that alcohol has become a problem for me. My GP advised at least a month of total abstinence from alcohol then following NHS guidelines to limit drinking from then onwards. He didn't seem too concerned and didn't offer any tests, etc. I told him I was worried about my liver but he said it probably isn't damaged. He did say that excess alcohol would be preventing my SSRI medication from working effectively. So, not only is alcohol a depressant but it's preventing my anti-depressants from working. No wonder I have been feeling so dreadful.
Anyway, I'm on day 3 of no alcohol now. My husband is going to join me in my month off as a support (he's normally a 'few beers at the weekend' type of chap). I've also decided to take a break from my studies (with support from my personal tutor) in order to get my mental, emotional and physical health back on track.
So, 2 nights of no alcohol....it's been really difficult to be honest - I didn't even trust myself to pop to the supermarket yesterday to get things for dinner as I was worried that I would automatically pick up a few bottles of wine! I'm feeling exhausted, a bit 'brain-foggy', nauseous, sweaty and a bit shaky. I assume these are symptoms that my liver/body is trying to adjust?
I thought it would be helpful to join this forum as although I've not had a diagnosis of any liver conditions, I am concerned about my liver health. I also feel that I might need some support in breaking my alcohol consumption habits. I hope that's OK?
Thanks,
mixedupmum
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mixedupmum
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First thing to say is well done on realising you were developing issues with your drinking habit and very well done for going to see your doctor and getting on the road to recovery with your abstinence. Well done hubby for supporting you in your steps towards a healthier you - better for your mental health as well as your physical.
I take it doctor knew of the quantities of drink you had been using and the length of time? The symptoms you describe would appear to be normal withdrawal symptoms as your body has to adjust to not having the alcohol in your system. Make sure as you go forward that you keep an eye on any worsening of symptoms, cold turkey is sometimes not the advised route to alcohol withdrawal.
It might be worth reading up on what the body goes through with withdrawal so you know if something needs more urgent medical follow up. drugabuse.com/library/post-...
Also, now you have recognised you have a potential problem with alcohol I would seriously think about alcohol in your future. It would be wise to knock it on the head altogether but that is your choice, the advise from doctor about drinking within guideline limits after only a month off isn't really great advice. We see too many people on here who get told they have fatty liver (i'd be very suprised if you didn't have some fatty build up with the alcohol usage you report) and that it is ok to drink within guideline limits only to reappear a year or two later to report they've now developed fibrosis or indeed cirrhosis.
Have a wee read at the British Liver Trust page on alcohol and the liver, once these withdrawal symptoms wear off and if you think you are experiencing more liver related symptoms push your doctor (politely) for some further liver tests - a set of liver function blood tests and perhaps a scan just to check on your liver health.
Thank you for the warm welcome, your advice and the additional information. I really appreciate it. I'll check out all the information you suggested and keep track of symptoms during the next few weeks/months.
You have already done the hard part admitting things were getting out of control ... The symptoms you are describing are all perfectly normal, I was like yourself a bottle of wine a night and for the first few weeks I was irritable, sweaty, couldn't sleep, eat, concentrate and when I did sleep I had some awful nightmares ..
You got to break your routine, if you just sat in having your wine, go for a walk in the evening (make the most of the lovely weather) get a little hobby, read a book
Hang on in there it's completely worth it I don't miss alcohol in the slightest x
Hi. Stopping drinking is alot about breaking your daily routine and where your drinking time fits in. You need to fill that time doing something else. Exercise is an excellent time filler be it walking , cycling, the gym followed by a swim or even a long soak in the jacuzzi. .. every Mum deserves a treat like that ! Exercise is also the best thing you can do to help with curing depression and far more effective than medication. Antidepressants taken with alcohol is more than just ineffective, it can cause dreadful even dangerous hallucinations.
Well done for recognising you have a problem and for wanting to rectify it. If you find it too difficult to quit the booze alone, don't struggle, seek councelling if necessary either in group sessions or 1 to 1. Your GP can help with arranging it.
I wish you every success and look forward to hearing good news from you soon
I’m in virtually the same position as you but a little further down the line. And I do know I have a mild diffuse fatty liver because I insisted on an ultrasound. My bloods have always been normal.
I consider myself really really lucky to have found out, I could have carried on for years and see my friends still doing the same. It is so hard but if you can keep it up you will very soon start to feel so much better. I didn’t realise before I was either constantly under the influence or hungover and how rubbish that made me feel.
I’m in my early forty’s with teenagers and a 3 year old. I need to be a good role model and be around to see them all grow up. You’ll find the strength, and don’t beat yourself up if you find it hard. One day at a time and you’ll be so pleased and proud of what you can achieve x
Thank you to everyone who has replied and offered advice and support. I really appreciate it. I'll keep you up to date with how it goes. I'm feeling determined to get healthy.
good on you keep the determination you will get there in the end and think to yourself , what the hell have i been doing to myself , no more shakes no more sweats , just feeling good back to your old self all the best
Cold turkey (why is it called that?) can be dangerous. You need Vitamin B and thiamine. Great that your husband is supporting you. Mine is pretty good too. Keep it up but do get your GP to do some tests.
Thanks! Yes - it's really helpful having a supportive husband. I'm studying dietetics and have lots of experience of supporting patients with liver problems so I'm aware about Vit B & Thiamine (I have daily supplements of these) and the dangers of cold turkey. I'm making sure to self-monitor symptoms. I think it was my recent experience on placement that opened my eyes to the damage I was doing to my liver.
I would not trust a doctor who doesn't think it is not necesary to do tests to diagnose liver problems. There can be problems you don't know about yet. I am happy you are trying to quit which i am sure is not easy to do. Good luck and keep us posted.
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