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I don't know a lot about how alcohol affects the health of the addict. I have been dealing with for a couple of months much more than my spouse's addiction. Lately, she hasn't been eating (at least not in front of me) and I know in spite of being sick (throwing up constantly, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and the like) she is still drinking. She will cook a meal, then say, "I suddenly don't feel good." then go to the bathroom, throw up, and saying "I'm going to lie down for a while. " Then I'm eating alone because she doesn't come down again for the rest o the night, then she's passed out for the night. My question is, do you think it's just nothing but drinking that is causing this, or something more? I have been fearful for her health for a long time, first with the onset of high blood pressure after losing 100+ pounds. Then having muscle spasms and then non-stop diarrhea. Then it will stop, then start again. I keep telling her to see a doctor, but we have no insurance. Besides, she won't tell the doctor how much she drinks. It's hard to watch this. And you can't tell her anything even though I know she's been drinking. In fact, she goes around saying "I haven't been drinking like I used to. You know that to be true." Before when I've called her out on her drinking she's denied it or will hide it from me even more. All the while she's gotten sloppy, hiding bottles everywhere (I'll clean out the car and there they are, not looking for them) and it's harder and harder stuff.
I used to go to Al-Anon locally but the group disbanded due to low attendance. I really need some advice soon. I don't know what to do as I see a bad situation deteriorate quickly. Thank you so much for your help/ advice.
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Butterflies can't see their wings. They can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well. Anonymous
Im sorry you are going through this. I don't have much e/s/h to offer you but I did want to let you know you are not alone. I am seeing symptoms like this with my 24 yr old stepson....he no longer eats much, he's sick a lot, and I've found laundry room evidence indicating that he is wetting the bed, and worse. My AH,his father, is still in denial. Oh, and I think with an illness this progressive, symptoms can get scary in a hurry. My stepson was what I would have considered a binge drinker two years ago. Now he gets drunk 7 nights a week and has all these awful symptoms. I don't think he will see 30 if he doesn't find recovery. I hope your spouse finds recovery soon. Hugs to you.
I would get to ftf meetings for support and to break the
Isolation the disease causes. It might save your sanity.
It is too bad she won't See her doctor so you both know
what is really going on with her. The doctor could probably
tell the alcohol Use that is going on would be my guess.
Hi and welcome. I know these topics are personal and hard to share. As a nurse I can tell you that in the last stages of alcoholism the patient can no longer tolerate solid food. The liver and other digestive organs are affected by chronic alcohol use and don't function normally any longer.
If you are ever in fear for her life, know that you can call 911. If she is a harm to herself or others - please call.
In the meantime - keep coming back. Be kind to yourself. Reach out for support because you are not alone.
Thank you so much for your advice and good thoughts, all of you. My worst fears about it being more than being sick from being drunk is probably coming true. I will look for another face to face meeting as I believe I will need it very soon. I do miss my old group. They were very supportive to me when I came to an awareness to the problem. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.
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Butterflies can't see their wings. They can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well. Anonymous
Gabigail alcoholics and addicts know how to go face the physicians and ask for help and they need to be supported in doing that. The choice and the consequences are their owns. In the mean time get into the face to face meetings and self focus. Keep coming back. (((((hugs)))))
Sadly I don't think the A usually cares to face the fact that they are slowly killing themselves. Part of the strong denial that I just can't get my head around. My AH has been told for the last 8 years that he needs to stop drinking completely, by more than one medical specialist (he has alcoholic liver disease) but he has started drinking more! It doesn't make sense to me - I lost my dad to cancer so I am overly cautious about my health...I don't understand how someone can just ignore the warnings but there is so much about this disease that I don't get. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this pain and fear - I hope you can get some answers about your spouse's health.
I also had and have to deal with ah's poor health due to booze. fornunately or unfortunately, depending on the situation. the police/paramedics cant take him away unless they determine he is a threat to himself or others. ah was seriously ill several times and i had to plead so he would get medical aid. last time,in the er,yhe doctor was yelling at him'im sick of u alkies coming here, u have a good wife,cause she is here and u dont deserve that, and then my ah lied to him about the last drinking period and after a blood test,the doctor was super mad as the level of alcohol was super high. i had to charge him with battery this last time, he bailed out but the police captain had obtained a emergency restraining order from the judge for 1wk. so he disappeared for a few days and i couldnt serve him the 22 day restraint. Finally he called our nephew and begged his doctor to put him in rehab which he has been for over a month....
I know how heartbreaking and horrible it is for u. Part of what led him to rehab i think was he couldnt afford to stay at a hotel and no one he knew would take him in..
I pray for your peace of mind. save yourself and there is always county services in every state for poor people for health care especially with kids. take advantage of it. as a tax payer,u have put in for this and deserve to qualify
hugs
