This is my second post, I did not know if I should write this as part of the other one or not. My friend, ex-bf has wet brain and has suffered brain damage while going through detox. He has to go into a nursing home because his is not eating on his own. He was not strong enough, and he had been living off of vodka for days or weeks. His potassium and magnesium levels were very bad. His sister could only tell me so much because neither of us has been through anything like this. I am not family so I have not been able to see him, but now he is out of the ICU. Has anyone else had a loved one that has gone through this? I know drugs and alcohol can kill. I have not known anyone myself that is still alive at this stage. That sounds terrible but the truth. The doctors said it was one of the worse detox cases they have seen. Part of me does not want to go see him. I have a couple of days, thankfully I have not been driving and have missed the worse of it. I cannot attend a meeting right now, but I am going to join the online meeting.
a4l said
Jan 19, 2017
My father is a lifetime alcoholic and drug abuser who fathered 10 children to three different women. At 54 years of age he got very drunk, hopped on his quad bike and drove the narrow dirt road to the pub. He was hit by another vehicle and sustained permanent brain damage and was placed into an induced coma in icu. His children gathered around the bedside fully playing the roles of grieved loved ones but in hindsight it was just a drama alcoholism conditioned each of us to perform. I know that sounds harsh, but the reality is, if an alcoholic doesn't seek help, the disease is fatal and progressive. There's nothing anyone else can do to chanhe it. Dive into alanon and preserve your own sanity.
shrnp said
Jan 19, 2017
Thanks for responding. I have been very good at not letting it get to me. My father was an alcoholic too. He did not die from it though. When he died I thought that part of my life was over.
a4l said
Jan 19, 2017
My father is still alive.though he swears he's dying every year for the last 25. I've often thought I was done and dusted with alcoholism too, but it shows up . Do keep coming back. Sorry also for the loss of your father.
-- Edited by a4l on Thursday 19th of January 2017 10:04:11 PM
Jerry F said
Jan 19, 2017
Sharon "wet brain is a real symptom of compulsive drinking and when the volume of alcohol in the brain reach and exceed a certain level the brain becomes under the influence of the chemical alcohol which can be explained and described on the internet" I went to college to understand alcohol and it isn't cool aid or milk...it is a very toxic chemical by volume and one of the stages of poisoning is called "Toxic" Shock which I have experienced. The blood cell walls of the alcoholic are thinner than non alcoholic and the cell shape is also different.
Read up as much as you can about the chemical so that you will become informed learn more about the power of powerlessness...and earn more self management in your own life. He is not in a very good state and there is a power greater than our disease...that one is God ...may he find him now.
Keep coming back and join us in this recovery...it works when we work it. ((((hugs)))) prayers and support.
shrnp said
Jan 20, 2017
Thanks Jerry,
Understanding makes things a little easier.
Calm Lady said
Jan 20, 2017
a4l wrote:
. His children gathered around the bedside fully playing the roles of grieved loved ones but in hindsight it was just a drama alcoholism conditioned each of us to perform.
Thank you for sharing this. It has impacted strongly in me. Just what I needed to read.
I relate so much to the conditioned playing of a role. Me too. Although I didn't realise at the time. I couldn't put a name to it. I was aware it felt fake.
shrnp said
Jan 30, 2017
I wanted to write an update to my post. My A friend made it the hospital on time and they were able to give him thiamine and prevent any longterm mental damage/dementia that might come from longterm alcoholism. However, he has a lot of difficulty walking and will be in a nursing home for a couple of months or more.
KennyFenderjazz said
Jan 30, 2017
Thanks for the update, what a dreadful disease. ((shrnp))
Kenny
Wolfie55 said
Jan 30, 2017
Thanks for the post. I agree it is a dreadul disease.
This is my second post, I did not know if I should write this as part of the other one or not. My friend, ex-bf has wet brain and has suffered brain damage while going through detox. He has to go into a nursing home because his is not eating on his own. He was not strong enough, and he had been living off of vodka for days or weeks. His potassium and magnesium levels were very bad. His sister could only tell me so much because neither of us has been through anything like this. I am not family so I have not been able to see him, but now he is out of the ICU. Has anyone else had a loved one that has gone through this? I know drugs and alcohol can kill. I have not known anyone myself that is still alive at this stage. That sounds terrible but the truth. The doctors said it was one of the worse detox cases they have seen. Part of me does not want to go see him. I have a couple of days, thankfully I have not been driving and have missed the worse of it. I cannot attend a meeting right now, but I am going to join the online meeting.
My father is still alive.though he swears he's dying every year for the last 25. I've often thought I was done and dusted with alcoholism too, but it shows up . Do keep coming back. Sorry also for the loss of your father.
-- Edited by a4l on Thursday 19th of January 2017 10:04:11 PM
Sharon "wet brain is a real symptom of compulsive drinking and when the volume of alcohol in the brain reach and exceed a certain level the brain becomes under the influence of the chemical alcohol which can be explained and described on the internet" I went to college to understand alcohol and it isn't cool aid or milk...it is a very toxic chemical by volume and one of the stages of poisoning is called "Toxic" Shock which I have experienced. The blood cell walls of the alcoholic are thinner than non alcoholic and the cell shape is also different.
Read up as much as you can about the chemical so that you will become informed learn more about the power of powerlessness...and earn more self management in your own life. He is not in a very good state and there is a power greater than our disease...that one is God ...may he find him now.
Keep coming back and join us in this recovery...it works when we work it. ((((hugs))))
prayers and support.
Understanding makes things a little easier.
Thank you for sharing this. It has impacted strongly in me. Just what I needed to read.
I relate so much to the conditioned playing of a role. Me too. Although I didn't realise at the time. I couldn't put a name to it. I was aware it felt fake.
Kenny