MightyMung

I second pondlady - check in soon and update us all. I'm very worried about you and the vanilla extract, could you get the doctor to do some bloodwork perhaps? When I saw that my liver was leaking it's enzymes into my blood, it motivated me to quit for almost 6 months (my problem now tends to be drugs rather than drink, but that's another matter).

If I were you, i'd ask for the doctor to run some tests, as the toxic chemical in Vanilla Extract which I told you about is severely damaging to both the liver and kidneys. This message may sound worrying, but i'm concerned that you may have done some damage by overdosing on coumarin that potentially outstrips the damage done by alcohol alone.

If I were you, i'd mention this to the doc and see what he/she says. I can tell you from experience, there's nothing more sobering than seeing a chart of your internal health and being told your prognosis is "not promising". Alcohol and chemicals like coumarin wreak havoc on the inside that may not show until it's too late. Overuse of both may have multiplied this effect.

Please ask for a health check-up and mention that you were drinking up to 2 litres of vanilla extract per week. At best, the doctor will give you the all clear. At worst, you have another reason to drive for sobriety.

Oh, and let us know how you're getting on! x