How much is too much stress?

[opiateswon]

I'm back on day 3 of being off opiates and I'm overwhelmed by all the stress I'm under. Not just work, but health, finances, problems with my 14 year old, and prepping for a council meeting on monday. I'm exhausted emotionally, physically, and mentally. I'm doing the best I can but I'm afraid if 1 more thing hits me, I'm gonna give up on everything. I can't tell my husband all of our financial problems because he'll stress too and I have people I have to answer too on other accounts I represent that have issues. Looney bin is looking pretty sane right now. Can anyone offer me some advice on dealing with stresses so I can stay clean? I greatly appreciate it.

[opiateswon]

Right after posting the above post, I walked into the house and broke my toe on hubby's steel toed boots. Although hubby insisted I go to the ER, there wasn't enough time before my meeting. I used ice alot of over the counters and got it wrapped. Both the meeting and party went great! Yesterdays council meeting was difficult in that there's alot of political negatives present, but I combated most of the comments and questions and left the topic in the positive. Sunday, I rented out one of the rentals, so I'm not in the hole anymore! All of your prayers are really paying off and I cant thank you all enough for the awesome support and understanding I receive here. Thank you.

[opiateswon]

Ok, told hubby the financial situation and he took it ok. He took a draw from work so we could get through our daughters birthday. I've already spoken to my other volunteers and we have a plan to help us fix the error. I am pretty prepared for the council meeting on monday lol. I have my regular volunteer meeting today and my daughters party directly after so I wont have much time to check in. But I am still sober and feel ok. Thank you all for your posts and advice. Will check in tonight.

[vicki595]

Pharma~  Yes...that was very wise advice from you!!  I forgot about the radiation until I read it just now...

Opiateswon~~ Many years ago now,I went through 6 months of radiation. I did work full time then,was very young(20's) and single.  I had about all I could do to get through a week!  I just know my only reaction to it was fatigue.  They told me it was normal. I don't know how long/how much you'll be getting but watch for that...I had no pain or any other symptoms.

V.

[opiateswon]

Thanks for your post. I kept the volunteer position because it keeps me focussed and inspired through the cancer. My position actually gives me back everything I give away in my other jobs and it keeps me humble. I'll feel better when I knock somethings of my "To Do" list. Heading out now to do just that.
Thank you everyone for all your posts. I'm ok.

[pharma9]

Perhaps you can resign from your volunteer position because of your health.
When this responsibility is gone you will have more time to concentrate on yourself and your family.
Best wishes to you in your healing and during radiation .
You need all your strength to fight your battles.
Good luck and my prayers go out to you.

[vicki595]

I know...chin up, girl. Keep checking in here~~

V.  xo

[opiateswon]

Opps! Forgot to add that I start radiation in 2 weeks and need an empty plate!

[opiateswon]

Thanks again Vicki. Ofcourse party first, then my usual volunteer meeting tomorrow with a guest speeker, then show rentals as I can, then councel as it comes in, then city council meeting. Hopefully by monday I will have answers to my finances. Then back to be a human pin cusion with my doctor. Life is GRAND!

[opiateswon]

Thank you for your post. I'm taking my vitamins and pushing myself into physical activity and it works for most of the day. I'm just having issues getting my brain to focus and overcome opsticles. I'm doing my best with one foot infront of the other.

[opiateswon]

Sarah, I cant talk to hubby about the bank account because finances are his trigger and my responsibility. My daughter is very understanding and I made a coupon book of IOU's she can submit on pay day. I no-longer tell anyone about doctors appointments until after the fact as my family breaks down and plays hookie to be with me and it's distruptive to their own responsibilities. I will let him know I will work my butt off this weekend to make money off rentals.

[vicki595]

Yup..that's a full plate.   I'd try to prioritize this a little.  The birthday party is important;try to work on that. Then prep for the council meeting. I see those as the biggies RIGHT NOW.  You'll need to work on the biggie with your husband in some way.
I see it as a trigger for you right now,as well.
This is just what I think. I put the party first because I always put the kids first.  :)

Vicki xo

[opiateswon]

As far as the secret with the account, it was a duplicate deposit I didnt know I had already entered and has been fixed, but the account is that much less and I will let the other volunteers know what happened today. They are great people and will understand. I just hate such mistakes.

[opiateswon]

Here's the facts:
I am a manager of multiple properties I have been too sick to show and rent, causing financial hardship for my family.
I am a volunteer and have made a deposit error that I cannot fix and I have to explain it.
I have to speak at a council meeting on monday I am not prepared.
I am taking care of a girl until her mom finds housing and my own 14 year old will not talk to me.
I cannot admit my financial problems to my husband as it is his trigger to use.
I am trying so hard to give my daughter a good birthday tomorrow but do not know how we can afford anything.
I am couneling others who need me and forget for a time that I too need guidance.

[vicki595]

If your sobriety depends on this do ANYTHING!  Anything to stay clean.  When I feel stressed,and I'm at home,I vacuum. Stop laughing.   If I'm not home, I do what I can. Walk outside,move my head around to move those neck muscles. That works for me...the neck thing. I drop my chin and bring my head as far down as I can. It pulls muscles all the way down my back. I hold it there for a while and it hurts so good!!
Are you taking vitamins? They've helped me to feel physically better and have more energy.  Also,try to get enough sleep.That helps our approach to stress,I think. It's a
constant,daily thing with stress. You do what you can.
Vicki  xo

[dominosarah]

Try talking with your husband on the financial part.  That is alot to keep from someone.  Let him into your world and help you.  Being overwhelmed is hard on us not to mention not good for us either......We dont give up.  Using and giving up is not an option.  Secrets keep us sick....have that talk with him.   You will feel better.         sara

[GA Guy]

I can tell you with 100 percent certainty that if you hold secrets you will relapse. Your disease will use everything it can to get you to use again. Holding onto those secrets will be perfect ammunition. Secrets keep us sick. Get to aftercare, get honest with yourself, and you may have a fighting chance.