CBS62

Hello I have not posted in weeks. Hard to know where to start. I will be 3 months sober on the 16th of March. I feel worse than I have ever felt in my life and am tempted to drink again because of it. To explain I am having lots of physical and emotional symptoms that are making me miserable. I have dizziness(rocking and swaying sensation 24/7), body tremors, numbness and tingling, anxiety and depression. I have had lots of tests done by neurologists. ENTs and primary care docs. I have been in therapy and am now seeing an anxiety specialist. I am afraid I have MS but so far that has not been determined. My husband , daughter and some docs think the symptoms could be anxiety and my central nervous system reequlibriating after close to 40 years of drinking. But I am terrified that it is some other neurological problem. My brain MRI came back normal so at least I don't have a brain tumor. I have done lots of searches and "Dr. Googling" trying to find an explanation especially for the dizziness. I would be so reassured if I found other people that quit drinking and had this persistent dizziness. It is like I am walking on a dock or when I am sitting it is like I am on a boat. When I get in the car as a passenger or drive it goes away. I am grasping at straws for answers. In the meantime I have remained sober but I am having cravings and starting to rationalize that maybe I could drink in moderation and feel better. I am crying several times a week because I am so scared and distraught.

biminiblue

Actually sounds pretty common to me.

I had all kinds of neuro symptoms for nearly a year. I think giving it too much attention just adds to it and increases anxiety. Try to just let go and let the healing happen organically. 40 years of drinking will do some damage, but it's not likely permanent. Stay the course (and stay away from Dr. Google.) You're still in early recovery, I'd bet this will all go away in time.

Drinking again would be a huge tragedy for you and your family.

Have you read through the PAWS thread(s)? There are two ongoing threads:

https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...ht-go-mad.html (For those tortured by PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms) and who fear they might go mad)

https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...-part-2-a.html (For those tortured by PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms) and who fear they might go mad Part 2)

phoebe64

I’m about 2 months in, and have had dizziness, and did when I got sober in the past. This recent time, it’s improved a lot this week. I think a medication was contributing, because I stopped it last week, with my doctor’s approval. I often feel quite dizzy for a few minutes after driving a car some distance.

It’s reassuring that the tests and doctors aren’t revealing anything serious, but, that isn’t helping your symptoms, is it? I hope you feel better soon!

Anna

Hi CBS, I know it's hard when you can't get any answers from the doctors and you're left wondering and worrying. I didn't experience any dizziness, but the numbness and tingling could possibly be anxiety. It's good that you are talking to your doctor and expressing your concerns. I hope that your symptoms improve soon and/or you can get a diagnosis as to what is happening.

doggonecarl

At least you recognize that you are in danger of using these manifestations of illness as an excuse to drink. Since the doctors have found nothing, I wouldn't be surprised if it was your addiction using these symptoms as a way to get you to drink.

Aellyce

First off, congrats on nearly 3 months sober and dealing with all that constructively. I will have 4 months later this month and have definitely dealt with many weird and unpleasant, seemingly physical symptoms, especially during the first three or so months. You are doing absolutely the right thing investigating them medically, and then moving on to dealing with anxiety that, by itself, can cause a host of weird perceptions. Some of us are just prone to anxiety, including health anxiety, and need to learn how to handle it better.

One thing I'm doing for this is observing if any such symptoms ever get worse or not. Mine never did, they more just come and go and, in the longer run, there is definitely a lot of improvement. It can be a big patience game, but I also find it helpful to learn new ways of relaxing and shifting focus. Being active is also much better than sitting around, constantly worrying and googling whatever (which I am also guilty of). Again, if your tests show no abnormality and the symptoms do not get worse, perhaps try to focus more on positive, enjoyable activities and see if they can take your mind off or even improve the symptoms.

RenewalOfLife

Hi CBS, and congrats on your nearly three months sober! I'm sorry you're dealing with the symptoms you've described, and I hope you get relief soon. One thing I can say with some certainty is that getting these symptoms sorted while you are remaining sober is key. Drinking and hangovers muck up how we feel in general, and muddle our awareness of our own bodies. Let your sober mind guide you through this which will help your docs to find diagnosis and treatment, and allow your body time to heal. Hang in there!

fishkiller

I was thinking the same as Carl.

I am not a doctor and never played one on TV but I Guarantee you drinking will not only not help but will make it worse.
In the beginning I had weird stuff going on and still have some but I know most of it is just the AV and anxiety.

Good work on 3 Months!!
Don't give up

Steely

I've had all of the symptoms you describe including the feeling of walking on undulating floor. Feeling as if on a boat, tremor, numbness, tingling, anxiety, etc.

I agree with "some docs", and family who say it's your CNS recalibrating. My experience only.

I have PAWS from using benzodiazepines which work on same gaba receptors in our brain and produce similar symptoms. It can be very scary, but won't harm you.

It takes Time for it to resolve and the very worst thing you do would be to drink. To do so "rekindles" the symptoms and they can return, and you are back to square one.

Great all neuro tests were good.

Please know that it does improve with time. It's awful, I know.

Please don't drink.

CBS62

Thank you Steely! I find that reassuring! How long did you have the "dizziness"? Mine has been very persistent for the past 2 1/2 months.

Steely

About 6 months CBS62. But don't forget everyone is different.

I've heard benzo PAWS takes longer to resolve than alcohol PAWS, don't know how accurate this is tho. Hope yours resolves soon.

Had so many tests done. So many doctor visits with weird symptoms that no doctor could nail. All tests came back normal and have resigned myself to it being PAWS and am now just giving it Time. Trying to do something in between as well.

Really want you to know that it does get better. Self care is something I learnt along the way. Try eat well. Hydration.

Top tip of the day (every day) is DO NOT DRINK!

Cheering for you CBS. It will get better. Promise.

Introvrtd1

CBS....As described here by a lot of people ....the symptoms will fade...hard to believe now but I am at 72 days and symptoms for me have started to fade...

Yes...its very uncomfortable....yes....it sucks!...Bad! But believe it or not, it does get better...

I will add that things got better faster when I started back on my aerobic exercises....Not sure how much you can handle right now but even just some daily walking can help...

Stay the course...and stay sober...You will be rewarded.

Intro

CBS62

Thanks Intro. I walk almost everyday. I would love to get back to tennis but with the dizziness I worry about losing my footing and falling. Before the pandemic I played competitive league tennis several times a week. I really miss it and my tennis friends.

My anxiety therapist says to try to ignore my body and stay busy but it’s so hard when I am rocking all the time.