Well, here goes...
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Westfield, MA
Posts: 1
Well, here goes...
Hello there. I've been an active binge drinker for probably 15 years, give or take.
June 2014 I had a very scary incident at Walmart picking up lunch. My heart started beating very, very fast and strange, and I got lightheaded and my hands became cold and clammy. It lasted maybe 10-20 seconds. I made it back to work, and it happened again. I then asked a coworker to drive me to the ER. What caused it? Drinking. I had binged the night before. In fact, the doctor called it "holiday heart". It's arrhythmia caused by heavy alcohol consumption. It was that very moment that I stopped drinking (and therefore also stopped smoking, since I only smoke when I drink).
Just to be safe, I saw a cardiologist and had several heart tests done including a stress test. I started exercising, eating right and working on projects to keep my mind busy. I lost 40 lbs in 3 months, and felt GREAT.
I was dry for several months, until the winter began. At first, I would allow myself some red wine on occasion, no more than 3 glasses and no smoking. It wasn't long before everything I had worked so hard for completely went out the window.
It's been about a year and half since I fell off the wagon. I'm binge drinking 3+ times a week again (and smoking). I'm constantly eating comfort food. I stopped exercising. I gained back over 30 lbs. And I feel miserable. Absolutely miserable.
I've gotten to the point that I don't care how I look. I don't cut, color or style my hair anymore. I wear the same, large nylon shorts and sweatshirt every day to work. I go a day or two without showering, or brushing my teeth. At home, I'm a couch potato (unless I'm drinking, then I'm more active: cleaning, working on things, being social, etc.).
Back in July 2014, my doctor had prescribed me Klonopin (anti-anxiety) to take as-needed for anxiety due to the heart issues. Now, I still use the Klonopin, but to make my hangover feel better. I'm frequently up late, and therefore late to work. Or, I call out sick all together.
After the New Year, I decided that I need to get back on the straight and narrow. I purchased a George Foreman-esque indoor grill. I purchased a juicer and nutrient blender. I purchased an elliptical machine and a tread-climber. I haven't used any of it.
One thing I really enjoy doing is walking, and that's how I kept myself healthy last time. I'd walk 5+ miles a day after work instead of wine, fried chicken and Netflix. I'm hoping now that the warm weather is approaching, I can start walking again, and everything else will fall into place like it did before. I pray it does.
What brought me to this site in the first place was I was searching for the effects of alcohol on one's blood pressure after binge drinking, because mine today was 147/95, and it scared me. It's dropped now as I'm typing this to 143/90. I'm so uncomfortable, both physically and mentally.
I can't do this anymore. I'm killing myself.
Thanks for listening.
June 2014 I had a very scary incident at Walmart picking up lunch. My heart started beating very, very fast and strange, and I got lightheaded and my hands became cold and clammy. It lasted maybe 10-20 seconds. I made it back to work, and it happened again. I then asked a coworker to drive me to the ER. What caused it? Drinking. I had binged the night before. In fact, the doctor called it "holiday heart". It's arrhythmia caused by heavy alcohol consumption. It was that very moment that I stopped drinking (and therefore also stopped smoking, since I only smoke when I drink).
Just to be safe, I saw a cardiologist and had several heart tests done including a stress test. I started exercising, eating right and working on projects to keep my mind busy. I lost 40 lbs in 3 months, and felt GREAT.
I was dry for several months, until the winter began. At first, I would allow myself some red wine on occasion, no more than 3 glasses and no smoking. It wasn't long before everything I had worked so hard for completely went out the window.
It's been about a year and half since I fell off the wagon. I'm binge drinking 3+ times a week again (and smoking). I'm constantly eating comfort food. I stopped exercising. I gained back over 30 lbs. And I feel miserable. Absolutely miserable.
I've gotten to the point that I don't care how I look. I don't cut, color or style my hair anymore. I wear the same, large nylon shorts and sweatshirt every day to work. I go a day or two without showering, or brushing my teeth. At home, I'm a couch potato (unless I'm drinking, then I'm more active: cleaning, working on things, being social, etc.).
Back in July 2014, my doctor had prescribed me Klonopin (anti-anxiety) to take as-needed for anxiety due to the heart issues. Now, I still use the Klonopin, but to make my hangover feel better. I'm frequently up late, and therefore late to work. Or, I call out sick all together.
After the New Year, I decided that I need to get back on the straight and narrow. I purchased a George Foreman-esque indoor grill. I purchased a juicer and nutrient blender. I purchased an elliptical machine and a tread-climber. I haven't used any of it.
One thing I really enjoy doing is walking, and that's how I kept myself healthy last time. I'd walk 5+ miles a day after work instead of wine, fried chicken and Netflix. I'm hoping now that the warm weather is approaching, I can start walking again, and everything else will fall into place like it did before. I pray it does.
What brought me to this site in the first place was I was searching for the effects of alcohol on one's blood pressure after binge drinking, because mine today was 147/95, and it scared me. It's dropped now as I'm typing this to 143/90. I'm so uncomfortable, both physically and mentally.
I can't do this anymore. I'm killing myself.
Thanks for listening.
It might be best to see a doctor about detoxing, especially since you have had an adverse reaction in the past. At least is there someone nearby who could help get you to the ER if needed?
Welcome to the family. I too had some scary withdrawal episodes. I'd suggest getting your doctor's help in getting safely thru detox. After you've detoxed, you'll need a plan for staying sober.
I hope we can help you get sober for good.
I hope we can help you get sober for good.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...highlight=psst
Welcome fdwalzjr. Sounds like you've got a lot of good reasons to quit. My health was one of my main reasons for quitting too; that and my family.
My bp was around 140/95 when I was on my meds and way higher when I was off of my medicine. After six months of being sober and loosing some weight my doctor took me off of the BP meds.
You can do this. You were sober for several months and know what it takes. Now you just have to get back there and tweak your plan for the long run. You absolutely can break this cycle.
My bp was around 140/95 when I was on my meds and way higher when I was off of my medicine. After six months of being sober and loosing some weight my doctor took me off of the BP meds.
You can do this. You were sober for several months and know what it takes. Now you just have to get back there and tweak your plan for the long run. You absolutely can break this cycle.
Welcome fdwalzjr
some great advice here already - I absolutely recommend you see your DR, especially if your concerned about any aspect of your health.
Apart from that, do you have any ideas on a plan to stay sober?
D
some great advice here already - I absolutely recommend you see your DR, especially if your concerned about any aspect of your health.
Apart from that, do you have any ideas on a plan to stay sober?
D
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK, South Coast
Posts: 605
Hey, welcome. Wow, u did so well before, so u know ur capable of it. But perhaps this time u must accept u cannot drink at all, not even 1 sip as u know where it leads, good luck & keep posting
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