Day 51

[sedonascout]

Hi Everyone.  Just wanted to let you all know I am doing fine.  All of the withdrawal symptoms have stopped.  Just feeling tired and run down after a good nights sleep.  I am eating healthy, taking lots of vitamins and supplements, playing tennis four times per week, exercise class for three and have taken up a yoga class!  I really don't have any desire to drink, but then again all of the horrible withdrawal symptoms are still pretty fresh.  Have been attending some cocktail functions for my job that I can't get out of, and I shock everyone when I tell them that I just quit drinking this year.  Some are supportive but most just have this "deer in the headlights" look at me.  Too bad.  It's nice to have a clear head for a change!

[lboogie7729]

Thank you for keeping us updated sedonascout! It sounds like you are doing very well. The yoga classes can help with learning to manage your feelings of anxiety and help you get better sleep. I'm a fan of anything we can do to help ourselves without pharmaceuticals. Not saying they don't serve a purpose, just that they shouldn't be the first resort and they typically aren't a long term solution. Sounds like you understand this. Keep up all of the exercise and healthy lifestyle stuff, it's the best thing for you!

[rpooo]

I’m glad you're cautious with the Xanax and being aware of the consequences of abusing the drug. Anxiety is a really difficult thing to try a lead a normal life without help. I barely got by for a few years trying to figure out what was wrong, but after my doctor started me on Lexapro I was so relieved to have my life back.
Lexapro metabolizes in the liver and so since I have a damaged liver this has not been the right drug choice for me.

This is a very good choice for those without liver disease although. It seems that since your "panic attacks" are getting further apart maybe the anxiety has just been brought on as a withdrawal to the alcohol and soon medication will not be necessary.

With the vitamins, exercise, healthy diet the structured lifestyle your living I don't see how you could do anything more perfect. Pat yourself on the back you really deserve it!

[sedonascout]

Thanks for asking about the Xanax.  I try to take it only if I really need it.  Last Friday morning I had a panic attack in the morning and had to take one to be able to drive.  The panic attacks are the worst.  They creep up out of no where and your heart just races like crazy and you feel like you are going to faint, but you don't.  The good news is that they are becoming father and farther apart.  I really don't want to get hooked on the Xanax so it's got to be really bad for me to take the stuff.

The hardest part is the fatigue.  I can sleep all night and wake up tired.  In fact I am dragging myself through the day today.  I have to force myself to get out of bed and go to work.  I do find that putting a lot of structure in my life has helped.

[rpooo]

That really is great news! Keep hanging in there! I think if I were as active as I would be tired too! lol Xanax will also make you feel tired. How is it going with that?

Randy