The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Kicking The Devilish Demon Drink Into Touch This Hallowe'en!. Mwahahahaha!

[Mwahahahahahahahouseface]

Hello

I'm Mouse, well normally! [hgrin]

Welcome to the Bus. We are a mixed bunch of Babes, some of us drink, some of us don't and some of us are trying to find out the best way to cut down or stop completely.

There is plenty of room on the Bus for everyone so, come say hi. [hsmile]

And, if you'd like to see what brought us all here, you can read all of the past threads, including the original one by JWN RIGHT HERE

It's not the crying I'm worried about - I'm just sick of being in pain all the time. In the last two weeks, I've either been in lots of pain that even high doses of tramadol is having no effect on, or I've been drunk. Either way, I'm fucking my liver.
I'm sorry, I'm just. Miserable.

"Just wish I could have have the confdence to face social siutation stone cold sober". You can - but you won't get it while you're drinking. It's like riding a bike - it does come back (after all, isn't this what you did all the time as a child?) but, after a long break, it takes practice and you can expect a few wobbles.

leather the sleeping will be fucked up for a few days at least as you don't have the booze to dull the edges and stop the mind racing. I have never stayed off it long enough to say exactly how long it takes mind you.
Did something for the first time today - I sacked a member of staff! Not a nice experience.
mouse I haven't forgotten nemo's book - will get round to it I promise!

Just quickly hopping on to say with a recommendation for an interesting soft drink for the winter. Will all be familiar with Coppella apple juice - just bought from Sainsburys a bottle of their new 'Winter Warmer' which is apple & elderberry juice with winter spices - you can have it hot or cold. Have just warmed some up and it is delicious. yum yum a bit along the lines of mulled wine.

ma that's a crap experience, however much it was the right decision. Been there, done it, still feel crap - but then that is beacuse we are empathetic humans, not automonans.

automatons even

Afternoon babes nice to see lots of you on the bus today

Silly I have to say that people have been making comments, especially now I have lost a stone. But also, complimenting my shiny hair and energy levels and I've had some lovely feedback from managers at work noticing how hard I'm working and appreciating it.

There are only benefits from drinking less. There is no downside that I can see. Ask anyone who doesn't drink, what's the worst thing about it and they will probably look at you .

I have not told anyone that I have a 'drink problem'. I have said I'm dieting, or detoxing or changing to a healthier lifestyle. DH knew I drank too much and was quite concerned but even with him I just said I want to cut right back 'for my health' and he supports me in that.

The thing that surprised me most was if I am out socialising, having a meal or just a drink in a pub and I order a soft drink, no-one bats a eyelid !! I don't think they even notice. And I thought it would be a big deal. It so isn't.

The socialising sober thing is tricky. I found it very hard, having always used alcohol to get me through everything from a visit to my in-laws (actually especially for that!) to a party or dinner. What I have found is that it does get easier, more people know that I don't drink, so get a decent selection of soft drinks in and keep the wine at the other end of the table. But I am also more choosy, if I don't particularly want to go something I just don't go. Previously I would have gone and just got smashed to get through it.

Some situations such as in-law visits are improved because I am in control and feel more able to speak my mind, and since I am the designated driver I choose when to leave an event.
I have also been going to different things, like shows and concerts. I have more time to plan these events, and money to spend on tickets, now I am not wasting my time getting wasted

Hey Babes

Just checking in - sorry about ranting last night - my brother and sister have fallen out so I have become the go between and it is so bloody wearing.

Also getting used to the idea that we have limited time left with my Mum.

Ah well lets hope it makes me take a good hard look at my lifestyle........................................

Hello to all newcomers who I have to say are doing brilliantly

keep up the good work ladies

and Hey to the oldies x

Just seen it was Monday I posted - where did the last two days go

Evening lovely ones,

Great to see so many positive posts, but, also, I am so glad that new people are here and feel able to talk it out.

I have been a bit AWOL the last couple of days because: truthfully I am not drinking, and also truthfully I feel rotten!, so I am not the best person to extoll the virtues of sobriety at the moment! However as Miflaw says "real life happens", and "nothing is that bad that drinking can't make it worse", so I hang onto that, although it is a bit hard at the moment, when my default has been to open the bottle.

Anyway, enough about me, back to me , no, not really.

Theala A diagnosis like that is a terrible shock, but, believe me, once the dr's get your meds sorted, it will get better. My little sister was diagnosed with RA ( not quite the same, I know) some years ago, and it took a while to find the right drugs to stop the inflammation in her joints, and she sometimes has flare ups, but you will be pain free, in the future. In our experience though, you will have to be on the medics case all the time, to give you the best treatment.

Ma I'm sure you did it in the best way possible. Sometimes it just has to be done. Sending you love (and separate beds!!!).

Lots of love to all those struggling tonight (me, too!), and have good evenings.
xxx

Silver

Yup, Life deals us a crap hand sometimes. There's stuff to deal with, horrid possibilities to face. None of that, none of it, not a single tiny bit of it, is changed by having a drink. So would I rather be sober and crying or drunk and crying? Well so far I'm finding that sober and crying is a better option, at least I don't have a hangover [weak ]

silver don't let it crush you xx

Theala - just to say that Tramodol stopped working for me after a while.

Can I ask if you have been diagnosed with anything? I just saw how much pain you are in and thought I'd come on and try to talk to you.......

I have been on high levels of morphine (and due another increase) for a good while now. I've tried all sorts.....

I'm just wondering if I can suggest something for you?

Silver - mwah xx

arthritis mouse.

i am indulging in favourite ice cream this evening. better than booze no?

take care everyone - treat yourself non alcoholically and be nice to yourself.

Ah, thanks...... W

Off to bed/tv now. Be back tomorrow.

Night all xxx

Leatherette not around tonight? How are you doing?

Hope everyone's ok, keeping busy to keep off the booze. I have been promising myself an early night all week so might make it tonight, after I've cleared up a little bit.

Leather, Blossom, MrsJH and everyone else, how are you doing? I've had massive cravings today. Not sure why. It feels like a physical craving, rather than a psychological one if you know what I mean? Hard. Nearly time for bed though and another day alcohol free

Sorry about the diagnosis Theala. Chronic pain must be so hard to live with. Hope you get some good pain relief soon.

Hope everyone's doing OK tonight

X

Not doing well :-( sorry

Don't apologise!! How are you feeling? Can you stop? The sooner you stop tonight the better you'll feel tomorrow. And you'll feel good that you stopped and didn't just drink until you passed out. Thought you were quiet... x

Theala, sorry to hear how much pain you are in, I hope that the doctor can get you some pain relief soon it must be awful to deal with.

Leather, nobody is judging you ... hope you are ok x

Hi Silly, yes doing ok here thank you no alcohol, no cravings though have eaten too much fattening food I would say that my anxiety is quite high though I have been obsessing about my health and googling. Really really not a good idea. Anyway - must employ logic as probably making myself worse.

Night all x

WIF - icecream is always better, esp if Benny and Jerrys etc