New Here - Scared with Questions

[wdstockguy]

Hi all...I'm a 34 year old guy that has pretty much the same story as alot of guys my age. Began drinking in late teens socially, was drinking more often by age of 30, and now been drinking heavily for about 4 years. I know it is taking a toll on my body as I have had pains that I know shouldn't be there. My sister, who doesn't drink, recently had an attack of pancreatitis. I believe I also had one 2 years ago when I stopped drinking for a brief period, however the doctor thought it was just inflamed stomach lining. I'm feeling the pain again, and realize now that it's time to stop and seek medical care. I'm especially scared now because lately, I constantly have the taste of blood in the back of my throat, and when I wake in the mornings there is blood in my saliva. Has anyone else experienced this? I've been waiting until my insurance at my new job kicked in to seek medical care. That is my next step.

[Morning Glory]

Welcome wdstockguy,

I don't think I would wait to see the doctor. I think you should go now and rule out anything serious. Make sure you are honest about how much you drink. You can find a clinic or go to the ER and make payments. I would let them tell you if it's ok to wait for your insurance to kick in for more treatment. Most of us here have gone to seek medical help at one time or another when we couldn't afford it.

Don't take any chances with your health. It sounds like it's time to seriously come up with a plan to quit drinking. Please feel free to seek support here.

Hugs,
MG

[barb dwyer]

I agree with Morning Glory -

The sypmtoms you're talking about aren't to be messed with.

My ex husband almost died from internal bleeding (and no, he didn't drink) because he kept putting it off. Peptic ulcer. He didn't KNOW he had blood. He said he could taste it, but since he couldn't SEE any - he (like an idiot) thought he was "okay".
There's TWO openings to the stomach. He was bleeding like crazy from the side you can't see.

Get to the doc.
Call 'em.

ps -
I grew up right outside of woodstock.

[serenityqueen]

Welcome to SR!

With that said, now it's time to tell you about my younger sister, Linda, who only drank for two years. In Feb. of '91, she began throwing up blood. She thought maybe it was just from a sore throat she'd had or maybe a little tear in her gums by a tooth. Within a few hours, she was throwing up straight blood. As she awaited the arrival of the ambulance, chunks of her esophogus (sic) and stomach started coming up as well. By the time she had gotten to the hospital, she had nearly bled out.

An alcoholic often develops what is called verisies(sic) which are basically like vericose veins in the esophogus and stomach lining. Alcohol causes these to thin and rupture, therefore causing hemmoraging.

I'm not a Dr., I am not in any way trying to diagnosis you. What I am trying to do is to make you see that like the others have shared, you shouldn't risk waiting for insurance. Most hospitals have a sliding scale fee and even certain income guidelines that will write off the costs of medical treatment. No one is turned away for not having insurance.

Better to be safe than sorry, and in this case, sorry can be permanent. I hope you'll get a plan in place to help you stop drinking once and for all. We're here to support you in any way we can. Stick around and share as often as you like. That's why we're all here. To help one another.

God Bless,
Judy

[Toomutch]

I hope you will listen to the others and make getting to the doctor your # 1 priority.

[jazpoppy]

wdstockguy;

Wow, you really need medical attention NOW. Please don't wait. I don't have insurance and I had a seizure last year, I could not get up after, my hands were bent funny and I could not move them. I had my roommate call an ambulance and I'm OK, but I would never fool around with something as serious as blood in my spit or tasting blood in my throat. You can always worry about payment later (the Hospital is there to serve you whether you have money or not, they will take payments, trust me). Go to the nearest ER or Clinic, then post and let us know how you are doing. They can also help you find help for your alcoholism. Stay away from drinking, go to an AA meeting after you get done at the ER or if they admit you, try to go to an onsite AA meeting at the hospital, most hospitals have them. Please. Do something now!

Love

Jaz