pattyj

What do you ask the doctor when you go to them for alcoholism? This is a first for me, especially being honest about my drinking with the doctor... What tests should they run? Do they recommend vitamins and a special diet? Will they tell me where to go next; out patient or counseling?

Dib42

This will be different for each doctor you visit.
One thing I can say, be honest and direct your doctor towards the the things you're worried about, or the treatment options you're looking for, and tell him/her your goals.

When I told my doctor I was an alcoholic, I was rather non-chalaunt about it, and didn't show my desperation to quit. He did a quick sort of check up, asked me why I drank, I told him I was always in pain. He suggested I tried smoking weed instead. (which was actually a great suggestion, in hind site) and gave me a bit of medication, and told me I may need to look into seeing if I had fibromyalgia. . .

Very little directly related to my alcoholism... but I didn't explain to him that I was addicted, and had cravings, and withdrawls from alcohol. I just mentioned the word alcoholic and expected him to assume the rest. I believe with the relaxed nature of my approach, and not describing in details my various problems, he assumed I had it mostly under control, and only drank when i was in pain.... which was true, but I was in pain all the time... (oddly enough most of that pain went away when i stopped drinking... if anything it dulled it down a bit)

Coldfusion

Patty, I told my doctor what issues I faced in withdrawal, mostly anxiety. He prescribed something I actually had taken before, so he knew I would not abuse it. I had the pills for about a month after quitting.

Tell your doctor what other things you are doing for sobriety and to improve your life. We don't know your condition; your doctor knows if you tell her or him. I learned here recently that even meditation can be harmful to people with certain medical conditions. Your doctor could tell you, for example, if you can start an exercise program. Maybe you need additional counseling...

Best wishes!

∞CF

doggonecarl

You might ask what he/she thinks is an effective treatment for alcoholism.

They will probably do a blood panel, check you for levels that will indicate damage done by drinking.

Not sure what else your doctor will recommend. Strangely enough, while they may know the damage alcohol can do, not all doctors are knowledgeable about recovering from alcoholism.

pattyj

Thanks dib. Luckily, my mom is going with me, who is a retired RN, and know my entire story.

pattyj

I didn't think about meditation. I know exercise helps but maybe the doc won't recommend it. I tried acupuncture for other medical issues and it really helped. Thanks for the advice!

hypochondriac

Just be entirely honest and they will look after your medical concerns. I found that my doctors were not much use on the mental side of addiction and didn't offer much advice but hopefully yours will be better. There is plenty of information here to help with that too. Your doctors should know what specialist help is available in your area too but not all of them do. I found I learnt more about what was available in my area by going to AA meetings.

Lyingdog

Should a person ask for something to help with the first 30 days? Like xanex? Mt brother suggested it. I have not ever taken pills. But I am afraid that I will leave the habit of drinking and go with pills. I would like something to help with the anxiety and depression.

ScottFromWI

I wouldn't ask for any specific drug, but do mention that you are having anxiety and depression. Every person is different and drugs are not one-size-fits-all.

Dib42

Yes ... If anxiety is a problem, you may need some xanax or similar for the first couple days, weeks . . . Your fear of developing a pill habit is a valid concern, but in fairness, your fear of devloping a pill habbit is probably largely fueled by your anxiety. (vicious cycle eh)

Tell the doctor all your fears, ask ALL your questions, and don't leave the office until you are satisfied with the answer or have a referral. As alcoholics, we mostly avoid confrontation unless we're drunk and sometimes, asking more from a doctor than just a basic diagnosis may appear to us as a slight at his/her talents and confrontational. In reality, if you nod your head and leave, they think you understand everything and have asked all your questions. If you start asking more questions, they're most likely going to be excited that theirs more to this case than ..
YOU: "I drink to much"
DR:"well it looks like your liver is fine, but you should cut back on your drinking"
YOU:"OK, thank you"

Boring . . .

it should play out more like

YOU: I think I drink to much
DR: everything seems normal, you should cut down on your drinking.
YOU: I've tried, but I get these cravings, and start getting anxiety.
DR: Interesting, what do you do when you get these cravings and what exactly is your anxiety about, just a nervous feeling or are you afraid bad things will happen...

BOOM - Conversation continues, and you get answers, and he gets to actually help you.

Dib42

I agree with this. Mostly because I've noticed that I can steer a doctor towards a specific drug by coming in with "I think I need xanax" rather than coming in with "I need something for my anxiety, I'm getting on a plane in 3 days, and I can stop thinking about how the fuselage is a giant flying death tube."

he/she will ask you more questions and determine which pill is right for you.

Ladybug2

I just went to my Dr on Tuesday and told her the truth about my alcohol addiction. She asked a lot of questions and ordered complete bloodwork with something specifically for liver & pancreas (had been having pain in upper abdomen). The results came back that evening and fortunalely everything was normal. She was very supportive and empathetic and wants to see me again in 60 days to see how I am doing emotionally. It is great you are going to your Dr. I feel so much better knowing I am OK physically. Just be completely honest with him/her. Good luck!

pattyj

Dib - I did just that. I went into when I got cravings, what they were like, everything. I told her my 15 year history of drinking, what symptoms I am having at this point. She gave me a referral to an outpatient program and plans to stay by my side through this ordeal. I lucked out in getting a doctor who works closely with the behavorial health department. I feel so relieved to have a plan. Outpatient worked once for me 10 years ago for extreme anorexia and I hope that it works this time.

pattyj

She acknowledged that I'm very fragile at this point. Was willing to give me a doctor's note to get out of anything and everything. My boyfriend was impressed with how serious the doctor was taking this. She said that I need to stay in, relax, do what is best for myself, not put any extra stress on myself. I always felt guilty about doing these things but now that a doctor is telling me that this has to happen, I'm going to do it and feel good about it.

whiskeyman

ask for blood work
ast / aht
my Dr sent me for a liver ultrasound as well.

pattyj

Once I get into the chemical dependancy program, they are going to do a full work up on me.

Dib42

Awesome!!!
Sounds like you have a pretty good doctor that you can stick with there. I thought my Doc was a hack until I revisited him again and made sure I made him aware of how bad my problems were.

Sounds like you have a keeper right there.

Good luck to you, now you have what seems to me to be a pretty good plan, I have a lot of faith that you can do this.