AtomicBlue

WaterOx, the palpitations were less frequent for me by 2 months but I'd still have bad days. I quit smoking at 5 months which I believe helped a little more. Also, I was going through the 12 steps which helped me with anxiety about things in general. At 9 months I went ahead and had an echo and a 24 hour holter monitor (where I went running for two miles and they for sure captured an irregular beat). Everything checked out. I had occasional benign PACs. Dr said nothing to worry about.

ZeroDawn nailed it. I was finally convinced I am OK and I'm not going to worry about them anymore. Since then I barely ever notice anything and if I do, I am not bothered.

So besides physical aspects I think there can be a big mental component to this as well. I think the goal is to forget you have a heartbeat. I asked my wife once if she ever notices hers... She doesn't.

WaterOx

yeah I think I developed a funky throat "clicking" when I swallow sometimes. Even without food, it feels like that. I noticed it came on a long time ago when I was drinking heavy. I think all that booze does a number on the throat and the esophagus. I'm hoping it will mellow out over time. It's the next on the list to talk to the doc about.

WaterOx

Thank you my friend. I appreciate that.

WaterOx

That's great to hear. Incidentally I haven't notice any skipped beats all day. I took valarian and melatonin last night. Got a little extra sleep. could be that helped a little- who knows!

babycat

Oh man, that sound of a bomb going off in your head is "Exploding Head Syndrome" and it is crazy!!! It is exactly what the name of it, as well as what you describe it is. It sounds like a crazy explosion has happened and you jump awake and nothing has happened.
I did experience this a bit in withdrawals but also just on occasion with just when normal anxiety hits. It does wake you up terrified but I always feel a tad bit better knowing it was "in my head" and Armageddon had not indeed arrived.

Stayingsassy

This is gold! Haha. I’m glad things woke up.

On that note....I was dead in the bedroom for sooooo long, that the patience of my husband must be commended. It’s not just men.

It’s a thing about sobriety, I have no idea why, and I always hated this part of sobriety back when I was trying to quit over and over again. This time, I was quitting no matter what, so I had to wait this out.

Stayingsassy

I ate no sugar or white foods at all when I was drinking. I had this because my sugar intake went way, way up in sobriety, it causes inflammation.

It doesn’t stop unless I clean up my nutrition, in fact the girls and I have a joke when I am limping because my feet hurt: “looks like mom has breadritis again.....”. It’s that closely tied to what I eat.

ZeroDawn

WaterOx

Yes upon quitting I ate more sugar in one year than in my whole lifetime. Never weighed as much as I do now.

I'm totally with you on the inflammation, too. I have cut back the sugar intake this time around and it seems to have made a difference. A lot less aches and pains. Still trying to get the weight back to what it was but can't seem to shake it.

Doing a fast in about a month. To be continued

Stayingsassy

Have you checked out my fasting thread in “health and nutrition section,” I have become an avid faster for mood, weight loss, energy, I have found it extremely revitalizing, for my grief, my sobriety work, and it takes off weight like you wouldn’t believe....then the weight stays off. There’s a reason Jason Fung, nephrologist has written three books about this.

WaterOx

Oh that's great to hear! TBH I am dreading the fast since I don't know what to expect. I will definitely check out your thread. Thank you!

Stayingsassy

Google “snake juice.”

Fitness trainer who is a fasting advocate (with a pretty aggressive tone and a few swear words, I think he’s funny but some people are offended), has a recipe that I use on long fasts of 48-90 hours, I find if I drink this I feel less fatigue and hunger even in the first day. It’s an electrolyte replacement. I like that I feel better but I can still eat what I want without counting on refeed days, and lose weight quickly.

ReyM

Hello fellow alcoholic. I appreciate your post I am in the same condition with neuropathy. Hard to walk someday, balance issues, legs weakening. Question did your neuropathy improve after plugging the jug?

Dee74

Hi and welcome ReyM

Have you considering seeing a Dr about it?

D

jimmyJlover

1) see a doc (be honest)
2) stop drinking (if you haven’t already)
3) multivitamin (if approved by doc, just a disclaimer)
4) eat healthy (cut sugar)

You’ll see improvement in a lot of things. Stay with it!

Caprice6

Yes, I have a sort of early rare-ish form of arthritis in which, in my case, my toe joint swells up....it started 3 years ago and every doctor thought it was gout at first, until one referred me to a specialist when diet and treatment failed.
So I got an appointment with a rheumatologist and she determined it was some form of arthritis.
Anyway, about 2 weeks after I quit drinking it flared up again. Had alcohol actually helped it ''sleep?'' Idk, but I will see her next week for a toe injection (painful, and I think it's some steroid, but not enough to turn me into a man) to make it better.
Given, it was a pre-existing condition, it still turned up after I had quit drinking for a while.

Caprice6

ReyM - I agree on seeing a doctor, medical treatments may help, ''.....early treatment can improve outcomes. Some nerve fibers can slowly regenerate if the nerve cell itself is still alive. Eliminating the underlying cause can prevent future nerve damage.''

Caprice6

Hallux Rigidis - makes sense, from the sports and activities, and may not be as uncommon as I thought. Also the steroids injected are corticosteroid injections. Hope it doesn't come down to surgery cuz no one's got time for that.

Let's hope that Lori Loughlin's daughters did not write this article.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/...hallux_rigidus

shorter version -

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/cond...hallux-rigidus

Caprice6

since it's so interesting -

may be hallux rigidus.

Updated: April 19, 2019
Published: November, 2006A stiff and painful big toe can knock you off your feet. Here's what you can do about big toe joint pain caused by hallux rigidus.

The big toe may be small, but its role in our lives is enormous. Just imagine how hard it would be to walk, run, squat, bend over, rise up on the balls of the feet, or simply keep your balance without the aid of your big toes.

A crucial element of big-toe function is the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which joins the first long bone (metatarsal) in the forefoot to the first bone of the big toe (phalanx). Every time you take a step, the MTP joint bends, allowing the foot to roll forward and push off. During this phase of the walking cycle, the joint supports 50% of the body's weight. If the joint doesn't function properly, not only walking, but also exercising and many other activities of daily life can be difficult, sometimes impossible. One of the most common ailments of the big toe joint is hallux rigidus — literally, "stiff big toe."Anatomy of hallux rigidus



In hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage covering the ends of the bones that make up the big toe joint. Joint space narrows and bone spurs (osteophytes) may form.
Hallux rigidus is the loss of flexibility in the big toe due to arthritis in the MTP joint. In an earlier stage of the condition, called hallux limitus, movement is only somewhat affected and conservative measures can often relieve pain and improve function. If pain and stiffness worsen, surgery is an option.

How does hallux rigidus develop?

In the MTP joint, like other joints in the body, the ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, a slick substance that aids in smooth joint movement. Gradual wear and tear or acute injury can cause articular cartilage to break down — a process known as osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. The resulting bone-on-bone contact produces pain and inflammation. As part of the degenerative process, bone spurs (osteophytes) may develop on top of the bones, and the joint space may narrow, reducing the joint's motion. This can impinge on the way you walk and contribute to pain in the ball of the foot and even the back.

It's not entirely clear why hallux rigidus develops in some people and not in others. Hereditary or congenital defects in the foot or faulty foot mechanics can place chronic stress on the big toe joint, triggering arthritis. Certain athletic injuries have also been implicated. For example, "turf toe," so-named because it often happens to people who play games on artificial surfaces, is an injury to the MTP joint caused by the sudden bending back of the big toe. A toe stub or break can contribute to degeneration of the joint, as can an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis and the metabolic disorder gout. Injury also occurs in certain dance disciplines (notably ballet) that require repetitive use of positions such as demi-pointe, which forces the MTP joint to flex at a 90° angle. Some research suggests that women are more likely to develop hallux rigidus, but studies are inconsistent.

What to do about hallux rigidius?

Early signs of hallux rigidus include pain and stiffness in the big toe joint during use, such as walking or exercising, especially as the foot rolls forward to push off. The joint may also become swollen and red. It's important to see a clinician early. If you wait until bone spurs develop or the toe is completely stiff or hurts all the time, restoring function can be more difficult. Also, you can develop other foot and joint problems if you start walking on the outer edge of the foot to avoid putting pressure on the toe.

Your clinician will examine the toe and may order x-rays to check for bone spurs, cartilage degeneration, loss of space between the bones of the joint, and other possible toe problems. Treatment usually starts with conservative measures aimed at the following goals:

• Symptom relief. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain and swelling. For severe pain, your clinician may recommend treating the joint with a corticosteroid injection, sometimes in combination with an anesthetic. To reduce inflammation, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests a contrast bath three times a day: Immerse the affected foot in water as cold as you can stand for 30 seconds, then in water as warm as you can stand for the same amount of time, alternating cold and warm baths for a total of five minutes (ending with cold water).
  
• Improved foot mechanics. For longer-lasting relief, it's important to correct some of the things that may be aggravating the big toe. High heels are out, and shoes with a spacious toe box are in. Your clinician may recommend a thick-soled shoe or one with a rocker bottom (like a clog), which allows the foot to roll forward as you walk, so that your big toe doesn't bend sharply. Shoe inserts (orthoses) may help correct abnormalities of the foot or problems with the way you walk that could be contributing to the problem. A shoe stretcher can be used to loosen the toe box and other areas of the shoe that come in contact with the big toe or big toe joint.
  
• Injury prevention. Try to avoid physical activity that places high-impact stress on the foot, such as running, jumping, and activities that involve bursts of activity and quick stops, like tennis. Swimming and bicycling are good alternatives. If the big toe isn't completely stiff, you may be able to improve its upward flexibility with some simple range-of-motion exercises. For example, grasp your big toe and gently pull it back until the point of resistance. Hold the position for 20 seconds. Repeat several times a day. A regular schedule of walking can also help. You may want to consult a physical therapist for
  
  Early signs of hallux rigidus include pain and stiffness in the big toe joint during use, such as walking or exercising, especially as the foot rolls forward to push off. The joint may also become swollen and red. It's important to see a clinician early. If you wait until bone spurs develop or the toe is completely stiff or hurts all the time, restoring function can be more difficult. Also, you can develop other foot and joint problems if you start walking on the outer edge of the foot to avoid putting pressure on the toe.
  
  Your clinician will examine the toe and may order x-rays to check for bone spurs, cartilage degeneration, loss of space between the bones of the joint, and other possible toe problems. Treatment usually starts with conservative measures aimed at the following goals:
  
• Symptom relief. Rest, ice, and pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful. For severe pain, your clinician may recommend treating the joint with a corticosteroid injection, sometimes in combination with an anesthetic. To reduce inflammation, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests a contrast bath three times a day: Immerse the affected foot in cold water for 30 seconds, then in warm water for the same amount of time, alternating cold and warm baths for a total of five minutes (ending with cold water).
• Improved foot mechanics. For longer-lasting relief, it's important to correct some of the things that may be aggravating the big toe. High heels are out, and shoes with a spacious toe box are in. Your clinician may recommend a thick-soled shoe or one with a rocker bottom (like a clog), which allows the foot to roll forward as you walk, so that your big toe doesn't bend sharply. Shoe inserts (orthoses) may help correct abnormalities of the foot or problems with the way you walk that could be contributing to the problem. A shoe stretcher can be used to loosen the toe box and other areas of the shoe that come in contact with the big toe or big toe joint.
• Injury prevention. Try to avoid physical activity that places high-impact stress on the foot, such as running, jumping, and activities that involve bursts of activity and quick stops, like tennis. Swimming and bicycling are good alternatives. If the big toe isn't completely stiff, you may be able to improve its upward flexibility with some simple range-of-motion exercises. For example, grasp your big toe and gently pull it back until the point of resistance. Hold the position for 20 seconds. Repeat several times a day. A regular schedule of walking can also help. You may want to consult a physical therapist for additional suggestions.

What about surgery for hallux rigidus?

Surgery should be considered only if conservative treatment doesn't help your big toe joint pain and pain and stiffness are preventing you from wearing shoes or are limiting your normal activities. The choice of operation depends on several factors, including the extent of the osteoarthritis, the severity of pain and disability, and an individual's level of activity. The two most common procedures are cheilectomy (kye-LEK-tuh-me) and joint fusion (arthrodesis). Both surgeries can be performed in a surgeon's office under local or regional anesthesia.

During cheilectomy, the surgeon removes bone spurs and other bony material from the MTP joint through an incision along the top of the joint. Sometimes a cut (osteotomy) is made in the big toe bone to improve the toe's upward movement. A special shoe must be worn for two weeks after surgery, and swelling may last for several months. If osteotomy is involved, recovery takes longer and weight must be kept off the foot during healing. Exercises and sometimes physical therapy are usually recommended to improve range of motion. Studies of people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who undergo cheilectomy suggest that most of them experience big toe joint pain relief and improved joint function. Sometimes arthritis worsens, and additional surgery is recommended down the road.Surgery for hallux rigidus: Cheilectomy



During cheilectomy, bony material is cut away from around the joint, allowing it to bend upward more freely.
If pain and stiffness are more severe, especially in very active people, joint fusion (arthrodesis) is usually recommended. The articular surfaces of the joint are removed, and the two bones are brought together and fixed in place. Several devices can be used to hold the bones together, including wires, pins, screws, and plates. The bones take about three months to fuse; during that time, crutches are used to keep weight off the foot. Since the resulting joint doesn't bend, the toe is turned slightly upward, to allow for walking, and shoes with rocker-type soles are usually needed. But the procedure eliminates most big toe joint pain, and people can often return to athletic activities.Surgery for hallux rigidus: Joint fusion



When pain and stiffness are severe, especially in very active people, surgeons often recommend joint fusion. In this procedure, the bones of the big toe joint are trimmed and joined with screws or another device.
For moderate to severe hallux rigidus in older, less active people, surgeons often recommend arthroplasty, which removes bone from the big toe and aligns the bones of the joint with a pin (which is removed after healing). The bones don't fuse but are connected by scar tissue, which eliminates bone-on-bone problems. However, the toe loses some of its push-off power and weight-bearing ability. Transferring the weight to the smaller toes may result in pain in those joints. Artificial joint replacement is another option, but there's little reassuring data on long-term outcomes, and studies are needed to compare the procedure to fusion.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/...hallux_rigidus

Dee74

I appreciate you have personal experience with this condition Caprice but I think it's best people check with their doctor to find out what exactly conditions they may or may not have

I also think we all now know everything we need to know about Hallux rigidus.
Step away from the keyboard...

D