Abdominal pain after cold turkey with alcohol

[BigMomma94]

Hi all, looking for some advice.

I'm nearly 28, female. I have posted before and been on here for a couple of years, but unfortunately my drinking has continued up to this point.

I know it was a silly decision to most, but a few days ago I went cold turkey, trusting that I knew how my body felt, I've researched all the withdrawals and knew what to look out for should I require medical assistance.

To give you a background on my drinking levels, since mid 2020 I have probably been drinking up to two bottles of wine per day. Every day. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but that's the base. I have been very aware for some time that my drinking was out of control, and there have been stints where I have stopped, but for whatever reason always gone back to it. I have always had a very toxic relationship with alcohol (all my family are big drinkers and I grew up with it) also due to past trauma etc, it's the only thing that would mask reality.

I made the decision to stop, for good. Again, trusting my body and how I felt during the process, and I will be honest, the process so far has been surprisingly easy, considering. However since yesterday morning I have had what I can only describe as gassy, stitch type pain, all over my abdomen, sharp and stabbing and gets much worse when I am moving around, even walking at a certain pace.

It's now the weekend and I am a single mother of 4, it's going to be very hard for me to get to see a doctor, and I'm looking for any kind of reassurance that this isn't serious? I know nobody is a doctor, I just wondered if anyone else had been through this during withdrawal and had anything positive to say, like it's a common symptom and to ride it out. Because apart from the pain, I feel completely normal and fine, and the cravings are easy to keep at bay.

If anyone could shed some light I'd really appreciate it, apologies for the drawn out post. Thank you.

[LemonMeringue15]

I understand what you're saying about struggling to see a Dr, and especially being a single mum (been there) but I'd call 111 or do the NHS online check of your symptoms. It wouldn't be right for anyone here to try amd reassure you that this is a normal part of detoxing when in reality this could be a symptom of anything.

[BigMomma94 in reply to LemonMeringue15]

Thanks for your reply you're totally right, I just wanted to see if anyone had experienced similar, I'm quite positive it's a result of the detox, but again I'm not a professional. It's just difficult to find the child care if I have to be seen, and I have quite a high threshold for pain, so what would be agony to some, is only marginal for me, and I can never tell the difference!

[LemonMeringue15 in reply to BigMomma94]

I do understand. I'd say though it would be preferable to be seen and have any serious causes ruled out than ignoring and ending up with an unexpected hospital stay. I'm not being doom and gloom, hope that comes across but I think if this pain is interfering with your day then it warrants a check up and it hopefully will be something and nothing.

[Cazza_BDA]

I would definitely get a telephone appointment with your doctor's at least & class as urgent for them to call the same day. This doesn't sound right to me, you need to get proper medical advise. Wish you well...

[BigMomma94]

I am waiting for a call back from 111 to speak with a nurse.

[Rshc]

I hope you get some answers from the GP. I know it can feel overwhelming but when my partner stopped drinking (he ended up being admitted to hospital and underwent a medical detox) we found nothing but empathy and understanding from everyone in the NHS he came into contact with. No one will judge you, they will want to help.

[Aotea2012]

I absolutely agree with the comments. The NHS isn’t there to judge. The staff will have seen it countless times before and you’ll find support as you are doing something about your drinking. 111 isn’t the best way to access help, but it will make sure that everything is ok over the weekend. On Monday make sure you book an urgent appointment with your GP to have more sustainable support. The detox part is just the start of the process and with the right help you can remain abstinent.

[idyllic420 in reply to Aotea2012]

Sup Aotea...how are you making out this weekend?

[Aotea2012 in reply to idyllic420]

I’m fine thanks. It’s a beautiful evening here so sitting on my patio enjoying the sun.

[x007jcp]

Hi. You say you are a mother of 4. You call yourself BigMomma. Prove you love your kids. Get yourself sorted out SAFELY. Stop making excuses. Only now exists. Use the professionals before it's too late.

[Johnsville1]

Hi BigMomma, if I were you I would go and see a doctor asap to have a blood test done. From my experience when I stopped drinking, I know mine is different from yours I was told I had to otherwise I would die within 4 months, that’s was 2 and half years ago, but when I stopped I had pains that I never had when I was drinking because alcohol is like a tranquilliser and it dulls any pain that you would normally feel if you were sober.

[mozlaw]

my friend a heavy drinker was advised by a doctor not to go cold turkey but stop gradually otherwise hecould invite serious consequences .i dont know if this idea is supported by others in the medical profession