Seeing GP tomorrow - bit anxious

[Katharsis]

Hi, I've been lurking on these pages for a while.

My issue with alcohol is I'm a daily drinker without an off switch and that's been the case for 22 years. So on your recommendation I signed up to the Alcohol Experiment and currently on Day 7 - it might not work for everyone but blimey, it's doing wonders for me and despite my husband continuing to drink fairly heavily I have absolutely no desire drink at all.

I've made an appointment to see my GP tomorrow - one reason is to make myself more accountable having someone to check in with every few months. The other reason is for a health check to see what serious damage I have done to my body and I'm so, so terrified about this.

I'm wondering if my GP will try to pass me onto a group or service instead, what have your experiences been?

[fernandoanddenise]

No experience but wanted to say WELL DONE and good luck x

[RJoneszy]

Good luck x

[Katharsis]

Thank you fernandoanddenise and RJoneszy x

I saw the GP this morning and I'd encourage anyone thinking about doing the same to go ahead and do it. There was absolutely no judgement, I feel so much better now someone other than my husband knows my dirty secret and I'm taking steps to get better.

When he asked how much I drank he didn't even raise an eyebrow (between 150-200 units per week..... evening only), he asked some simple questions and what I wanted to do next - I want to be completely AF. I'm booked in for blood tests tomorrow to get an idea of what damage I've caused my body. He said he was happy to support whatever course I want to take and if that means meeting with me every couple of months to check in then he was happy with that. Finally he said if I have a day where I do have one drink (or ten) then it's not a failure, just a blip and to concentrate on how well I've done and just try to do better the next day.

Please don't put off seeing your GP if you think it will help you.

[iamyourequal]

Well done on taking these first steps Katharsis I don’t have any personal wisdom to share with you but I’ve certainly been reading tonnes about it lately and top themes seem to be: take all the support you can get; take one day at a time; find pleasant things to occupy your time; stock lots of lovely AF drinks; stay away from situations and friends who might tempt you in the early stages and most importantly be kind to yourself. I’m sure you will have others posting their tips and support soon. Keep going!

[Beerincomechampagnetastes]

Wow 🤩 well done! You must be very proud of yourself