Day 21, Having Problems

[tigerD]

Hello all, Im Tony and Im an alcoholic, sober for 21 days. but... I am having some odd problems.

I know its a long post but really needed someone to talk to.
Past:
I have drink beer since is was 20 (now 37), every night, normally 8-12 sometimes more, except I could probably count on both hands how many days I went without a drink in those 17 years.
I know, pretty stupid, and Pretty bad

Present:
On Christmas Eve I decided I was not going to wait for the new year to quit killing myself(via drinking) and I had ONE beer that night with my 75 year old Grandfather as my last. I have not touched or drank one since. I also quit Coffee (pot a day) at the same time..
I have not been to a treatment center, or AA. I have been to the hospital during the early withdrawals as well as a doc visit last friday. I credit my 21 days of sober #1 the Lord #2 Friends & Family support..

Days 1-2 no problems at all
Days 3- current ---- many problems, would take to long to go into detail but none were really the "wanting to drink" problems, so to speak, all were health/withdrawel issues.
The Severe problems have resided once the Doc put me on Librium(mp?). I have been taking it since day 3 (25mg every 6 hours).
Current problems, on my 21st day im feeling about the same for the last 5 days, they are:
1. Anxiety & Anxious
2. unable to stay still
3. Feeling Empty VERY empty inside, like my body is missing something, almost to the point i cant stay still
4. *Sometimes* my body single pulses, but kinda like a body rush, seems in rhythm wth my heart, especially when i get up or walk, or for that matter when i lay down. of course , its WAY more at night when my normal drinking occured but some during the day.
5. Eating fine, have actually lost 15 pounds.....!

On day 21, am I suppose to still have these type symptoms?
I really believed it would be over after a week, 2 max.

Sheesh, this has been way tougher than i ever imagined... Just needed some advice from some that have been through what im going through. Im sure everyone is different when they dry out, but does this sound pretty normal inline?
Kind Regards & Prayers,
TigerD

[ratnel]

Hey Tiger.
Sounds like you are doing good with the sobriety. I don't know about the symptoms your having as I have only been sober 12 days. I did though wounder about Librium. I drank about like you average 12-16 beers a night for quite awhile. I didn't go to the doc though becouse I couldn't afford it.
I went to a sight on the net to find out the side effects of Librium. I will post them here. You may want to talk with your Dr. about them???? Just my 2cents

Librium Side Effects
Librium side effects are usually temporary, and fade with continued treatment. Higher dosage also increases the risk of side effects. Operating automobiles or heavy machinery is not recommended while taking Librium. Be aware of how this medication affects you before attempting any potentially dangerous activities.

Common Librium side effects: drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, or speech problems.

Less common Librium side effects: abdominal cramps, constipation, dry mouth, hyperventilation, blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, change in sex drive, confusion, headache, change in appetite, insomnia, unusual dreams, change in salivation, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat, fainting, nasal congestion, difficulty urinating, sweating, weight change, skin irritation, twitching or tremors, nervous or anxious state, sun sensitivity, respiratory infection, memory impairment, menstrual difficulties, and loss of coordination. Speak to your doctor about any of these effects; your dosage may need to be adjusted or treatment discontinued.

Rare Librium side effects: difficulty concentrating, slurred or unusual speech, double vision, fear, altered sense of taste, lack of inhibition, muscle cramps or spasms, urination problems, tingling, incontinence, warmth, weakness, change in muscle tone, or yellow eyes and skin. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these effects; your treatment may need to be discontinued.

[tigerD]

Thanks Ratnel, Grats on your 12 days, I know those first 7 days were the toughest. What withdrawals did you have worse?

Well , the doc actually upped my dosage when i told him my symptoms. I was just wanting to get a little input from others on what their withdrawals were like in 3rd and 4th week. I guess for peace of mind more than anything, heh or second guessing the doc. Ive tried not taking them for a while and same thing happened, so doubt its the lib but who knows ?

Thanks for the reply and when you start thinking bout drinking. Say a VERY long prayer and ask god to give you the strength & he will.
Kind Regards,
TigerD

[ratnel]

Thanks for the Grats. I think the worse withdrawls have been the shakes and not being able to sleep at night. I haven't really craved beer, it is more I crave what it did for me. I am doing the AA program and it has seems to be working for me. Although I did have a "come to Jesus" talk with myself before I went to the meetings and like you I contribute being able to do this on the Lords Grace. AA has helped me get back around people as I was really starting to crawl into a cave and wishing I could die.
But.....blablabla. New hope and a new life.

I hope you start feeling better. Hang in there this is a great group of people. I'm sure you will get some answers.

[CarolD]

Welcome TigerD...

Good for you!! Sobriety is simply super!!

Here is a link that might help...

http://www.tlctx.com/ar_pages/paw_part1.htm

AA is like a classroom for living sober. Why not go and just listen? Here is indo on meetings...

http://www.bma-wellness.com/papers/F...A_Meeting.html

The best thing about de toxing...you only have to do it once!!

[DolphinBlue]

Hi Tony and welcome,

Congrats on 21 days of sobriety, that is awesome!

I had all of the symptoms you described for at least a month after detox and it didn't completely clear up until about 3 months.

I took lots of vitamins especially Thiamine, drank lots of water and ate fresh foods like veges etc and walked a lot. I believe that all of these things helped my mood and restlessness/lethargy bouts.

If you are not happy with what the doctor tells you, maybe you could try another doctor just for another opinion? I got reassurance doing this and from talking about it in meetings and relating to others who went through the same things.

Amy

[tigerD]

Hi Amy,
One question though, were you taking Librium?
Mine is every 6 hours (25mg) however I usually start that routine around 5pm till dawn when i finally passout.

It does set you at ease knowing someone else has had these same long term (21st day) sympts. After I posted, I went to an AA Chat room filled with nothing but good...! I stayed up all night talking with some really good people that were all the way from 1 day to 23 years sober. I have made it 21 days (almost 22) without AA, however I am looking around and going to start meetings asap.

Warmest Regards,
TigerD

[The Jay Walker]

Tiger

Welcome to SR.

I don't really know much about librium, exept that they gave me that and valium while I was in detox. they gave me less each day untill a couple days before i was released.

[DolphinBlue]

No I wasn't taking Librium and I'm sorry I don't know much about it either but am so glad that you managed to connect to others.

Keep up the great work!

Amy

[tigerD]

Hi Jay,
How long were you in detox? How heavy a drinker were you going in?
Thanks for the reply,
Cheer..!
TigerD

[Chy]

Hang in there tiger!

It takes a while for our bodies to adjust so just hold on tight.. we're here.

[nana]

Hi Tony
Congrats on your 21 days...that is awesome!
I was on librium in rehab. I know why they have those hand rails along the hallways.
I had similiar symptoms for about the first 6 months. It does get better, hang in there. Your sobriety is the best thing you can do for the rest of your life. It only gets better....there are bad days but nothing a drink can improve.
Keep it Simple!
thanks for my 4818 days of sobriety!

[BigDaddy]

Tony, I too am 37 and quit drinking on Halloween night of last year. I now have 74 days and still think about booze daily. I didn't go to a doctor either, but I turned to AA. It was hard walking through the door, but once in was greeted warmly and when I anounced it was my first ever AA meeting had 6 guys eager to sit down and tell me thier stories and make me feel welcome. It's nice to know your not going through something like this alone. I too drank daily for years, except I was drinking mixed drinks and more like 20-30 if I was out or a fifth if doing it at home. I like to dink, but I now see how useless I was when I did. I have a new found relationship with both of my kids and working hard at finding a relationship with GOD. Keep up the great work of not taking that first drink and find your high in your limitless possibilities in your new clean life. Rooting for you in Illinois!

[Ninerfan]

Welcome to SR Tony, 37 is a good age to quit. Hell, any age is a good age to quit. But you know enough about yourself now, and you know what booze does to you. AA will help yu get through these initial days and set you on a path to real happiness. It takes time and work but it is not nearly as painful as active alcoholism. Just remember why you quit and never forget. Good luck at your first meeting.