Evidence that sobriety really makes a difference
 

A little over a year ago I googled "alcoholic symptoms" which gave me the best link ever - SR. Like many of us I described myself as a "functioning alcoholic", I don't know about you but I think I used it as a term to describe getting up -- most mornings -- and going to work. How productive I was on most days is entirely debatable.

That "functioning alcoholic" was a middle aged woman with constant headaches, tension, tiredness, high blood pressure, vague indigestion, elimination issues, constant thirst, a thin cough, some anxiety and a short temper. I told myself it was age.

A swelling left ankle really worried me -- could it be gout? Even then I wondered if I was really alcoholic -- maybe I was just a heavy drinker?

After I stopped drinking I slept for up to ten hours a night. It was winter, I also think my body was doing some heavy repairs on this half-century-plus body and, after a few months, I started feeling really really good. I cut down on meat, increased the fruit and vegetables -- my energy levels increased so I walked and cycled more.

Last Monday, the day after twelve months sobriety, I had full (routine) blood tests. I got the results this morning, every level was normal or good, my blood pressure medication has been quartered.

There it is -- evidence that you can feel great and be healthy and I haven't mentioned the mental and emotional benefits.

Congratulations - that is fantastic. :)

Marcher ,
I remember your early posts , it's so great you've achieved this and i hope you have many more . In my experience year two is even better than year one so keep on :You_Rock_

Bestwishes, m

Fantastic post, Marcher. And many congratulations on a year sober! You are a real inspiration :) :) :)

RIGHT ON!!!

Congratulations.

And thank you for helping me stay sober today by affirming my decision to walk the sober path is the right one for me!

:ring

Congrats on one year sober! :scoregood And thank you for that positive post. :)

Thank you so much for your post. I really needed to hear that today. You gave me hope.

I'm so glad that you're doing well.

Congratulations, Marcher! Well done!

well done- it's amazing what happens when we stop pouring poison down our throats!!!

I found the same thing !!!!

Great post Marcher - it's so great to see you healthy happy and well :)

D

if there were no drunks or addicts in the world
the jails would be mostly empty

MM

So very well done, Marcher. Congratulations and thanks for your uplifting and affirming post.

We're so proud of your one year Marcher. :hug: You sound so grateful and optimistic - and it'll keep getting better.