ChrisClark

To see an overview of my general background with alcohol please see the following post I made:

soberrecovery.com/forums/alcoholism/167593-sober-25-days-still-have-bad-symptoms.html

I stopped drinking on 1/1/09 but have had about 6 or 7 slipups since then and now.

Here is the basic summary of where I am at.

1. Stopped drinking 1/1/09
2. On 2/7/09, I drank due to thinking that the symptoms would never go away
3. I drank again on 2/10 and 2/13, then vowed to stop drinking completely again
4. I drank again on St. Patrick's day (3/17) and again on 3/18
5. I drank on 3/30 for the last time (2 strong beers) and have not drank since
6. It is now 5/22 so I have been sober for about 7.5 weeks

I am still getting the following symptoms:
-Lightning feeling going through limbs (like energy coursing)
-Tingling/Bugs in face/arms/legs
-High anxiety
-Paranoia
-Vivid Nightmares
-Vertigo
-General panic/Hypochondria
-Somewhat increased sensory sensitivity (to lights/sounds/etc)

I am trying to break all the PAWS stuff down to a science so I can have a general timeline to look forward to which will help me cope. I am wondering if I effectively reset the healing clock those times that I slipped up. I have been mostly sober (aside from those slipups I listed) since January 1st but am still getting these symptoms listed. I am coming up on 2 months completely sober so I guess I just need more time. Stress makes the symptoms get a lot worse...just typing all this out right now is making my mind race and face tingle pretty hard.

Any insights and/or information would be greatly appreciated. I cannot wait to feel normal again...

chip

Hello Chris,
First of all, congrats on your sober time. Any time sober is a miracle for an alcoholic.

Have you seen a doctor about these symptoms? If not, this would be a good idea.
chip

FightingIrish

Yes, a thorough checkup would seem to be in order. Oh, and don't drink. :-)

Dime

I echo the others posters comments to see a doctor. There are so many things that can cause those type of symptoms and only a doctor can accurately determine the reasons.

It took my body months to return back to normal state after I stopped drinking.

flutter

I've said this on all your threads, 3 or 4 of them now.. that echo this one...it might not be PAWS, or have anything to do with drinking. Please see a doctor. Oh, and stop drinking... there's really no "mostly sober" lol..

I still, after 5 months deal with some leftover neuropathy, but I saw my doctor to make sure it wasn't something else. If I ever drink again, everything I had been dealing with will return, but luckily I am not going down that path.

Once again.. stop drinking, see a doctor. Your symptoms might be something unrelated to alcohol, and something else.

tommyk

"I stopped drinking on 1/1/09 but have had about 6 or 7 slipups since then and now."

First & foremost my own ES&H suggests/recommends that you be HONEST with yourself and others - stop lying to yourself and face reality -

You didn't "slip up"... you consciously and willingly make the CHOICE to drink, several times.

You didn't stop drinking on 1/1/09... how could you have stopped if you drank after that?

There's very little scientific or analytical about your situation. No need for keeping a history of events in my opinion. You're distracting yourself from your problems. The first thing the doctors and therapists had to do was get me to see through my own bullsh*t and lies. It wasn't easy... but it sure was OBVIOUS once I looked at it, lol.

First & foremost - stop lying. Then see a doctor.

(There's no such thing as a "slip up" unless there are a lot of banana peels lying around... otherwise it's just the lying that is around.)

Just my observances.

barb dwyer

Very good advice here.

Rad44

Many of your symptoms do not seem to be Alcohol withdrawl realted at all. I would definitely see a Doctor (and be honest with them about your drinking career). There may be something else wrong that needs medical attention. I can guarantee you however, if you start drinking again to relieve the unpleasant symptoms you are experiencing, it will make everything worse.

CarolD

Here is the info on PAWS.....in case you don't have the link

Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center

However...as others have said.....please consult your doctor.
It is the wisest course of action for you.

(((Chris)))

joedris

And after you've seen your doctor, start going to AA meetings.

originalrobby

Hey, not sure if you're still reading this as I see you posted in 2009. I had a similar incident as you did and I can tell you this is all from the alcohol withdrawl... specifically the paws... it will get better, give it a year (unfortunately) but do not drink at all. Your body will return to normal. Chances are by now you are either 1. totally fine or 2. much worse off. After a couple of years your body will completely rebalance itself and you will feel like you never drank. Good luck.

CarolD

originalrobby...

Welcome to our SR Alcoholism Forum
Good to see a new member has joined us

NYCDoglvr

I don't know what PAWS is but I felt lousy for about six months. Was told it was detoxing, which takes a while. Are you getting out? Are you in a program?

Affense

Chris, this is an extreme long shot since its been years but did you ever figure out what was happening? I searched my symptoms and I have a similar history and your posts showed up. Any insight would be great! Thanks