bittersweet birthday today
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 401
bittersweet birthday today
It's my birthday today and I haven't had a drink in 14 days. I'm 32 today and this will be the first birthday I've been sober since I turned 15. My motivation to quit drinking is health related. Months ago, my doc informed me that I may have major liver damage and he told me to quit drinking and get my bloodwork re-done x2 months from then (February)
That news made me hit the bottle harder until the end of May. I got on a x9 day sobriety stretch, fell off the wagon and now I haven't had a drink in exactly x2 weeks.
I'm trying to get on a roll to screw up the courage to get my bloodwork done but in the meantime I'm totally worried sick about what the prognosis will be. The horrible pain in my organs I had after a few days of not drinking aren't as bad now but they're still there reminding me of the damage throughout the day.
The worst part is I'm an educated guy who works in the health care field. I knew I was mortgaging my body over these past years. I never had the tools to deal with my anxiety on my own and the liquor stores were always a quick solution. Booze really worked for me in a sense and although alcohol has been my master for the past x10 years, I was able to avoid the rock-bottom pitfalls of DUI's, financial ruin, and failed relationships. I wish one of those things was the rock-bottom for me instead of liver failure being the end o' the line.
As numerous cards filled with b-day wishes filled my mailbox today and a whole ton of friends give me great wishes on Facebook I realize how stupid I've been compromising my existence by my own hands. I read that someone with cirrosis of the liver has (best case scenario) of diminishing a mean-average of 21-26 years off their life expectancy.
Thanks for listening and I hope this hasn't sounded like a complete pity party. I always been a high-functioning alcoholic who has a great family, friends, g/f, house, and job. It all doesn't matter for much if you're gone so early in life. I just know this is going to be bad.
That news made me hit the bottle harder until the end of May. I got on a x9 day sobriety stretch, fell off the wagon and now I haven't had a drink in exactly x2 weeks.
I'm trying to get on a roll to screw up the courage to get my bloodwork done but in the meantime I'm totally worried sick about what the prognosis will be. The horrible pain in my organs I had after a few days of not drinking aren't as bad now but they're still there reminding me of the damage throughout the day.
The worst part is I'm an educated guy who works in the health care field. I knew I was mortgaging my body over these past years. I never had the tools to deal with my anxiety on my own and the liquor stores were always a quick solution. Booze really worked for me in a sense and although alcohol has been my master for the past x10 years, I was able to avoid the rock-bottom pitfalls of DUI's, financial ruin, and failed relationships. I wish one of those things was the rock-bottom for me instead of liver failure being the end o' the line.
As numerous cards filled with b-day wishes filled my mailbox today and a whole ton of friends give me great wishes on Facebook I realize how stupid I've been compromising my existence by my own hands. I read that someone with cirrosis of the liver has (best case scenario) of diminishing a mean-average of 21-26 years off their life expectancy.
Thanks for listening and I hope this hasn't sounded like a complete pity party. I always been a high-functioning alcoholic who has a great family, friends, g/f, house, and job. It all doesn't matter for much if you're gone so early in life. I just know this is going to be bad.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,947
Well, the liver has a remarkable ability to heal as long as you quit drinking. If you are not in active liver failure now... Ascites, esophageal varicies, bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy ... You have a good chance of having a relatively normal life... If you quit drinking.
Stop drinking and get recovered. Are you willing to go to any lengths? Not just to save your @ss, but to have a life beyond your wildest dreams? You can, are you ready to do the work?
Happy birthday!
Stop drinking and get recovered. Are you willing to go to any lengths? Not just to save your @ss, but to have a life beyond your wildest dreams? You can, are you ready to do the work?
Happy birthday!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 957
Happy Birthday and congratulations on the 2 weeks.
You can do this, you proven this to yourself so far.
I agree with Mark, the liver does have a remarkable ability to hear itself if you continue to abstain. You might even sursprise yourself with the results of your blood results.
Make that appointment for the tests and keep us all imformed.
You can do this, you proven this to yourself so far.
I agree with Mark, the liver does have a remarkable ability to hear itself if you continue to abstain. You might even sursprise yourself with the results of your blood results.
Make that appointment for the tests and keep us all imformed.
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: chico, ca
Posts: 321
Happy bellybutton and way to go with the two weeks. Everybody here that has what we have started with the same prognosis. My fears were always worse than the diagnosis. You should find out though so you don't make up your mind it's hopeless and start over. You're on the path, don't let nothing knock you off, especially you. God Bless
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: far far from home
Posts: 373
I had my first sober birthday since 15 at 33....
At 29 years old in the hospital for an inflammed liver I was told I was headed for a liver transplant if I did not quit drinking. Drank for 3 more years with that knowledge. As others have said the liver is a resilent organ provided we don't soak it with any more booze. At 34 mine is fine today, all thanks to quitting drinking 2 years ago.
Happy Sober Birthday and wish you the best.
At 29 years old in the hospital for an inflammed liver I was told I was headed for a liver transplant if I did not quit drinking. Drank for 3 more years with that knowledge. As others have said the liver is a resilent organ provided we don't soak it with any more booze. At 34 mine is fine today, all thanks to quitting drinking 2 years ago.
Happy Sober Birthday and wish you the best.
You can do this!
Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 78
First of all: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! My birthday is in 3 weeks and I'm wondering how I'll handle celebrating it w/o the booze. I admire your courage and send you a huge congratulations for doing so!
Second: congratulations on reaching 2 weeks! That's really something to be proud of.
Second: congratulations on reaching 2 weeks! That's really something to be proud of.
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