The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Doc gave me 30 Xanax tablets. I told him I would not take the things, but he gave them to me anyway, explaining that I could try one when I become so very upset about A's drunk binges. Knowing I wouldn't touch them, I nevertheless stuffed them in my purse and went home. Put the container complete with 30 Xanax in a desk drawer. This afternoon while cleaning my desk, I saw the container, and noticed that many were gone. I had five left. Asked A if he had taken them...."No." I guess the dog or perhaps one of the kitties got into them. I didn't argue. Binge drinking enormous amounts AND taking the Xanax. I cannot imagine why he hasn't died!!! And on top of that, every time he goes to the doc for a routine physical, he comes through it in excellent health. I am beginning to believe the adage, "God protects drunks and fools." He qualifies as both.
*shaking my head*...Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
They do seem to have a homing sense for satisfying their urges. It is inspiring to see you use the alanon tools and not argue. Today, I am disturbed by some of my exHA's actions and I am grateful for your post.
Sadly, I do not think their bodies withstand the abuse indefinitely.
Diva, My A's Doctor didn't know he had a problem either and he saw him for 15 yrs previous to his detox. You probably know all this but I'll say it anyway...
It's not anything that necessarily shows up unless they are specifically checking the affected organs, even a biopsy may be needed to identify cirrosis. It can be as subtle as no symptoms at all to broken blood vessels on their skin (the spidery looking ones), weight loss, fatigue, small yellow bumps around the eyes or less of an appetite. There's so many things that can be affected that a Dr. may not even associate with alcohol abuse, like osteoporosis for lack of Vitamin D. The liver doesn't absorb vitamins well when damaged. Most men don't get bone density tests so it goes untreated with no questions asked.
Hang in there! Nice job on not reacting. It doesn't stop them anyway, just upsets the one reacting.
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
I've wondered the same thing. A's been abusing meds that have codeine in them every day for at least 16 years, binge drinking for the past 5 years, has stolen meds from me...crazy. Whenever he has a health scare, he goes to the dr., the dr. orders tests, then they always come back normal. Then he starts all over again. I almost wish that something serious would show up--maybe then he'd stop.
It is clear that you have a strong program and that you have not lost your keen sense of humor. That is a big asset!!
My son had many doctors and they found no physical problems. with each visit. They would say that he was in the best of health and only needed to cut down on his booze. He drank a quart of Jack Daniels a day.
This disease is truly cunning baffling and powerful and does take it's deadly toll in a blink.
Keep taking care of you, enjoy your small little critters, and stay close to us
Thanks for sharing the journey.
-- Edited by hotrod on Monday 16th of August 2010 08:30:43 PM
-- Edited by hotrod on Monday 16th of August 2010 08:31:08 PM
Your post reminds me of how cunning, powerful and baffling this disease can be. My AH would have all manner of blood tests during hospitalizations for broken bones, seizures, withdrawals. Despite the obvious effects I just listed, his liver enzymes and other blood tests were mostly normal. My AH once had a BAC of .5. The docs all came and looked at him again. He should have been in a coma. He was chatting away to me.
I think they manage to stay alive by the grace of God. The best we can do is take the best possible care of ourselves. We need to be strong if we are to love an alcoholic - active or not.
