hep c and drinking

Dear Marketa.  I am fine, except for prednisone withdrawal. all systems go.  thanks for asking

Dansbrother, you gave a pretty accurate picture of AA.  It is a group of people who have "been there" helping those still "immersed in the insanity of drinking."  The original AA was an offshoot of the Oxford Group.  In the beginning, there were only 6 steps, not 12.  Bill Wilson was the co-founder of AA, with "Dr. Bob."  From The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous:

The spark that was to flare into the first A.A. group was struck at Akron, Ohio, in June 1935, during a talk between a New York stockbroker and an Akron physician.  Six months earlier, the broker had been relieved of his drink obsession by a sudden spiritual experience, following a meeting with an alcoholic friend who had been in contact with the Oxford Groups of that day.  He had also been greatly helped by the late Dr. William D. Silkworth, a New York specialist in alcoholism....

From this doctor, the broker had learned the grave nature of alcoholism.  Though he could not accept all the tenets of the Oxford Groups, he was convinced of the need for moral inventory, confession of personality defects, restitution to those harmed, helpfulness to others, and the necessity of belief in and dependence on God.

The broker had gone to Akron on a business venture which had collapsed, leaving him greatly in fear that he might start drinking again.  He suddenly realized that in order to save himself he must carry his message to another alcoholic.  That alcoholic turned out to be the Akron physician.   (Dr. Bob)

Hugs,

Connie

 Hello dansbrother,

I am grateful for all the time you put into helpin one understand the process of a progessing disease such as alcohol, again I say that I am only to address issue with information. I surf the net for the story of Bil Wilson's story, but I must admit that I am aware of Bill. We have one thing in common, well two, drinking and the fact that he lived in Akron,Ohio. My home town. Surf the net about dopamine and to replace that addiction with other things such as excercise, spiritual guidance,an helping others,but first I must help myself. It has not totally absorb into my mindset, but I know that with the passion to understand and the work I will be able to grasp this thing in it fulliest. Your message in its entirety hit home and it flowed back memories of home I was able to overcome prison and being without drugs and alcohol. Without my power which is greater than myself I am able to brush myself off and continue my fight. Today was'nt easy for me I am beginning to feel tired all the time I do feel much better when i get up and force myself to move around. Today will be my 8th day cleaned and i am takin it one day at a time. i have had thougths of drinking but reading your reply and prayer help to replace the thoughts of drinking. see i associate drinking with weekend and fun.I replace those things with church and na beside workin extra hours. keeps me busy and my mind allows me to concentrate on positive things. you are heaven sent and i ask that you continue to educate me in all area. i truly feel better about myself and about what is taken place in my life. you are truly and inspiration to me and i'm sure to others. i will be liftin all in prayer again thanks dansbrother. 

Dansbrother, I just did some research on ReVia and found that people with liver disease CANNOT take it. On one site: healthsquare.com I found this stated quite clearly. It is used for opiate addiction and for alcoholism. I am curious then why anyone would get an RX for it to assist with alcoholism? As most alcoholics have some form of liver disease and would be unable to take it. Why should ReVia not be prescribed? If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to ReVia, you should not take it. If you have acute hepatitis (liver disease) or liver failure, do not start therapy with ReVia. Remember, too, that you must be narcotic-free before beginning ReVia therapy.

Hello, everybody.  This has been a most educational and inspiring thread!  Marketa, congratulations on your sobriety.  Each sober day adds more days to your life, so keep adding them up, even if you slip and drink again.

REVIA is not forbidden in chronic hepatitis.  In some patients, who were given high doses (500 mg daily) their liver enzymes went up, and then when the drug was stopped, they went down.  So revia can stress the liver, in some people, in high doses.  The doctor and the patient have to weigh the risks versus the benefits and make a decision.  It is most definitely less toxic than alcohol!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(My prednisone withdrawal is almost over, and I have only one more episode, which will be when I get off it ALTOGETHER!!!!!!!!!! I have autoimmune hepa***, where the immune system attacks the liver)

Pix

Marketa, 8 days sober is GREAT!  Keep up the good work, one day at a time.  When I was newly sober, my mantra was the Serenity Prayer.  I would say it to myself, over and over, when I felt stressed.  I still go to sleep saying this, and when I have to undergo uncomfortable medical procedures, I start saying it.  It calms me.  You probably know it, but in case you don't...it goes like this:

God, grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.

Dansbrother, I had heard about a medication being used for alcoholism, but I know there are several out there now, all working in the same way.  I have known people on Antabuse, who drank while on it and didn't get sick to their stomachs.  IMHO, the best way to quit is w/o medication, but with the help of A.A.  If a person needs to go to detox, they do give them a mild tranquilizer these days, if deemed necessary, to ward off D.T.s, etc.  In my case, I had stopped using mixed drinks and liquor and switched to wine and wine spritzers.  After that, I drank mostly beer.  From there, I cut it down to weekends only...and after a few months of that, I quit entirely.  Waving the white flag of surrender was next.  AA is full of paradoxes.  For example, you have to surrender in order to gain control over your life.  You can't keep what you have (sobriety) unless you give it away (pass on your experience, strength, and hope to others.)

When I quit using heroin, it was through an intentional overdose.  I was unconscious and on a respirator for over 24 hours.  When I "came to," I was begging for methadone or something--anything--to keep me from jumping out of my skin.  They wouldn't give me so much as an aspirin.  What I got was a young priest who held my hand tightly for the next 48 hours, talking to me and encouraging me.  After ICU, I remained in the hospital, in a locked psych ward, for 6 weeks.  I have never even seen heroin again.

Although quitting both substances was hard, giving up cigarettes was the hardest.  I needed patches for that, but it's been nearly 5 1/2 years nicotine free.  I still get occasional cravings for a cigarette, but I don't dwell on them and they pass quickly.

I've replaced my addictions with many other pleasurable things, including cooking healthful meals, talking with friends, participating in this and other forums, renewing my interest in music, etc.

So, Marketa, continue on one day at a time...you are building a new future for yourself.

Hugs,

Connie

Dansbrother, you had mentioned AA on the Internet.  Sorry I forgot to address this earlier.  Yes, there are a number of places on the Internet to post...something like a newsgroup, with a topic that people post about.  However, for a "live" AA meeting that is conducted exactly like one that you would go to, I have only found such a thing on AOL.  They are open 24 hours a day, and have about 5 moderated meetings a day.  They usually have a topic of discussion, or occasionally will ask if someone has something they need to discuss.  If you want to be called on to "speak," you type in ! and you will be called on by the chairperson.  That is one reason I have stayed with AOL...that meeting.  I know that it is always there, or there are always people to chat with in the room.

Markeet, congratulations on sticking with it!  It takes many months...actually a year or more...for the brain fog to lift.  Your brain is still detoxing and it takes time.  You cannot give away what you don't have, so don't worry about helping others until you are secure in your own sobriety.  There's an acronym used in AA:  HALT.  It means don't let yourself become Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.  Those are all triggers to drinking.  Blackouts are terrifying and one of the things that made me realize I was in trouble with drinking.  The blackouts prompted me to get help.

Keep up the good work!

Hugs,

Connie

 

Markita;

Your on the right track ONE DAY AT A TIME then don't ever look back. Maybe it's easy for me to say since I hardly ever drank. Yet I end up with END STAGE LIVER DISESE. GO FIGURE. Sounds like me if anyone can get it I can. But I look at it in a different way. We were all placed here for a reason. And if our words and insperation can help even one person then we will have done our job well.

You asked about diet. Well the Dr.s told me to go home and eat what ever I wanted. But I like you am hoping for that miricle cure so I made up my own diet. I no longer eat meat. If I do it is chicken baked and very little of it. The rest is all just fruit , vegetables, nuts, whole graing bread cereal, cakes cookies, and very little additional fat.

In a years time I have felt a difference in my health. My labs were good enough that they allowed me to get my aching feet operated on. Which was a NO NO. back then.

Keep in touch your on your way . Best of Health Love and Prayers. june

 Hey dansbrother, I've been going through some changes and dealing within myself not to have a drink. So far I am okay and have not fallin off the wagon. Within my addictive mindset its tellin me that's it ok and that I can only have one but we all know one never enough and two is too many.I have been strugglin in stuff and that other voice keep sayin its ok.I have been doing some research on regeneration of the liver.I've read that there is herbal pill(kudez) that help curve the desire to drink. I am more closer to death then I am life so I chose today not to drink. I am truly going though a healin process and I know that God has not brought me this far for me to fail. I keep on the forefront of my mind that this disease is lookin to kill me. This brain fog is drivein me crazy and I've also founded out that my speech or word do not come out like they use to, I finded myself annoyed deeply by this. i guess I am not the person I use to be, only in heart.I want to thank all the responses that I recieved,and I want all to know that I am in still in this fight. June, Its hard to wing yourself from meat but I guess slowly would be the word for it. Thanks for the advise its a add-on to my memory bank June you are awesome, please keep me posted. Hep93 it's good to know that this brain fog is gonna lift, all I know is its scary,when you realize that it is occurrin. I look forward to bein able to detox,again thanks.Subhash, I look into your site.thanks,any info is good info.I thank all you guys for your input and I pray that all is well.dansbrother here central time the weather is 70 no sunshine but nice,it gets hot here.This summer will really be hot alot of rain this year.Everyone have a great weekend and please lift me in prayer as I will do the same 

 Good Morning dansbrother, well holidays are rollin around and I need everyone to lift me in prayer. Again I associate drinking with holidays,I can't put my life on hold beacause I am afraid to set out on faith. I believe that great minds think alike,I just went and applied for medicaid yesterday.Don't have a appointment yet but at least I know that its in the maken.I think I am gonna go to a free clinic and see if I can be tested for my amonia level. The only problem with this is I do not have a support system here. People sometimes look upon hep c as they would aids. My body is still detoxin and I do believe this is a result of too much drinking. I just pray that things do not get any worst.I have been feelin really good lately but the test is the holidays and June 28th I am in a wedding and we all knows what comes after that.4th of july, I am scared but like I sAID before I step out on faith. Please pray for me All in all things are good.Dansbrother how is ur brother?

Hey Connie, thanks for the kind and caring words. I do hope that things are better for you.I continue to lift you in prayer that all is well.I do want to ask:I have always had bowel problems,and now it seem to be a little harder these days. I eat alot of brans oats etc. it help to make me feel better daily. Thanks for all the guidance.Please lift me in prayer as I always do the same for you and yours.

Hi dansbrother,

I been really thinking about you,was ashame because during the hoilday I drank.I read your last forum to me talking about you brother and guilt just seem to settle in.I know that when we punish ourself its worst then any word damage.I did as you said and climb back onto to the wagon of sobriety, I guess you could say I put up my cross and continue on. As of today I am 8days cleaned. It seems to be a deal with me and the 8 . I miss my forum family as Connie has had surgery. I must look at myself and be thankful for their are others that are having far worst than myself and I thank God for that.I know dansbrother I am struggling with drinking and cigarette,but I say one thing at a time. I am waitin for my medicaid to come through. I do want you to know that I am alright and I need all the support I can get. You seem to always place a smile on my heart when I read your info or greetin on the forum. I thank you for all that you do and I am sure that there are others that feel the way I do. Waitin to hear from you SOON

dansbrother,

Have a great evening and thanks. Will chat with you tomarrow. Sleep with the angels 

Dansbrother, as I said previously, Medicaid requirements differ from state to state.  However, the hospital could not "put your brother on Medicaid"--the state does that.  Since he was finally approved for SSD, the Medicaid could have been approved retroactively.  The hospital could also have just "written off" unpaid bills after a certain length of time.  One thing people should know is that if they pay just $1 a month on each bill, nothing can be done--it shows "intent to pay."  It's a shame he had to die so young, and I know you still miss him a lot.

Hugs,

Connie