xeonocide

I posted awhile back under a different account. Been off and on the wagon ever since. Now however I have managed exactly three months without using any substances. I quit smoking one week, and drinking the week before. This lead to a two month period where I have never been happier. Now however things are looking a great deal bleaker. For instance, in the last five weeks I have had this constant minor pressure feeling on my forehead. I have also noticed during this time that my pupils are unevenly dilated (most of the time less then 1mm apart). The peculiar thing about this is that it is not consistent. One day one eye is more dilated and the next its the other. This has lead me down the path of health anxiety, and during this period I saw a G.P. who due to my age (25) shrugged his shoulders and dismissed me with a clean bill of health. Next I saw an eye specialist who did a through investigation, checking everything he possibly could. Found that both eyes responded to light the same and that I should not worry about the issue. I also after this consulted another GP and he performed a quick neuro exam which came back fine, as I was still suspecting the possibility of brain damage/tumor because I had never experienced a headache like symptom for a period of five weeks.

On top of this I am also now noticing that I bruise more easily. I do martial arts and the instructor stated as much in a joking manner. I however don't find it to be a humorous issue as I'm supposed to have bloodwork done next week and I worry about the results. As it fits in with liver damage however I'm noticing no other symptoms unless the above could somehow be related.

This is all very distressing for me. I figured that my period of feeling better would continue to extend, instead I have in the last five weeks lived some of the most difficult moments of my life.

I have a history of five years of drinking; sometimes heavy sometimes not, but at times it was daily, and I would say I consumed close to twelve or more on those days. It was most certainly a problem, and towards the end I simply couldn't tolerate any drinking unless it was sustained drinking lest withdrawal rear its ugly head. I also smoked for two years.

It's been a miserable several years.

Just my two cents...

biminiblue

Welcome back, xeno.

IF there is in fact something wrong with you and IF it is serious, the best thing you could do is stay sober and off the cigarettes. It sounds like several doctors are not worried so I think you could relax a little.

Early sobriety brings with it a heightened sense of anxiety and I've noticed many people grab onto small health irregularities and can't let them go. Do you have other obsessive thoughts? I know in early sobriety I could go down a lot of different rabbit holes pretty quickly.

Try to distract yourself away from the behaviors that are causing you stress. Like stop obsessing over your eyes in the mirror. Don't go to Dr. Google. Get some exercise and regular sleep. Stay busy - if you have to, make a To Do list. Try to eat well and keep caffeine to a minimum. Anxiety can be managed with paying attention to thoughts and not letting them spiral. Dwelling/wallowing makes it worse.

Anna

:I agree with Bimini. When I was drinking I paid no attention to my health. So, when I stopped drinking, there were things that kind of jumped out at me, and my anxiety just ran away with endless questions. Try to take a step back and know that you've done the right things in talking to drs and in getting and staying sober. See if you can distract yourself with new activities in your life.

SoberLife90

When I first got sober I too had thst heighten sense of anxiety since I was no longer under the influence 24/7. Try to think logically. You have went to 3 doctors who have said you are fine. You should stop worrying. In my own experience as I have gained more sobriety my anxiety has lessened and lessened. Most importantly don't pick up that first drink and if you take the correct dteps your life should improve.

Soberwolf

Nice to meet you, Welcome

Dee74

Hi and welcome (back) xeonocide

I'm sorry you're worried about your health. I hope the bloodwork comes back OK - I'm sure it will

I was super worried and obsessed about my health for a while after I got sober. I think it's pretty common.

I ended up not having any lasting problems and the odds are you won't either - but lean on us for support

D