So much vodka.

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2009

Hello pca!

Well pat yourself on the back and then.. go to the doctor!! You know what you need to do, and putting that off would not help anything.

Also, have you started attending AA? There is one in every town, find it and go everyday. They have daytime meetings and after work meetings. You will really need this to help you in your recovery.

As you might already know, you can't just stop drinking after having 10-15 shots a night. Counseling and education on why you were doing it and how to stay sober is very important. It is imperative actually.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 22, 2009

Magsulfate is correct, pca_85, please go to your healthcare provider for a check up and check out those AA meetings.

CONGRATULATIONS on your first step in Recovery.

jackstem · Jul 22, 2009

welcome and well done! see your doc and be cautious regarding the possibility of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (often confused with delerium tremens which can be associated with alcohol withdrawl):

alcohol withdrawal usually occurs in adults, but it may occur in teenagers or children as well. it can occur when a person who uses alcohol excessively suddenly stops drinking alcohol. withdrawal usually occurs within 5 - 10 hours after the last drink, but it may occur up to 7 - 10 days later.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000764.htm

alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be fatal, especially when it occurs outside the hospital or in-patient treatment facility. there is a protocol used to prevent it, so check in with your doc as recommended above.

signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
mild-to-moderate psychological symptoms:
jumpiness or nervousness
shakiness
anxiety
irritability or easy excitability
rapid emotional changes
depression
fatigue
difficulty thinking clearly
bad dreams
mild-to-moderate physical symptoms:
headache -- general, pulsating
sweating -- especially the palms of the hands or the face
nausea and vomiting
loss of appetite
insomnia (sleeping difficulty)
pallor
rapid heart rate
eye pupils enlarged(dilated pupils)
clammy skin
tremor of the hands
involuntary, abnormal movements of the eyelids
severe symptoms:
delirium tremens -- a state of confusion and visual hallucinations
agitation
fever
convulsions
black outs -- when the person forgets what happened during the drinking episode

this is not something you want to do alone for obvious reasons. the non-obvious reason is there is a high risk of beginning to "use" again, or switching to another substance to "treat" the symptoms of withdrawal. this is one of those ways where substance abuse and chemical dependence can begin.

you made that all important first step...now follow up with appropriate medical care.

keep us posted!

jack

pca_85 · Jul 24, 2009

You'll be happy to know I got a physical-kinda had to for nursing school, but I did get one. All is well they did extra bloodwork at my request....my poor liver is actually ok, think it's because I stopped drinking in January. yeah it was cold turkey, really dumb. I didn't notice any of the symptoms besides being shaky and grouchy. Thank you all for your concern :)

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jul 25, 2009

Congrats.

Happy belated

pca_85 · Jul 25, 2009

Awwww, thanks, i dont get that from anywhere else, it was kind of a secret. You guys are so sweet.

catmom1, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2009

Most of us who post here have suffered the consequences of addiction. I hope you managed to dodge a bullet in stopping your drinking. Believe me, intake like that was not going to result in anything good for you. :no: Congratulations again on your 6+ months of sobriety! :yeah:

pca_85 · Aug 7, 2009

Awww thank you, I think so.....it's really nice to not fall asleep with the room spinning these days....and I did lose weight and feel better because of it. You guys are so sweet, nice to not get harshly judged :)