Brave Babes - Barging through 2017 in style

[SweetLathyrus]

Hello, I'm SweetLathyrus (Sweet for short), and I've been hopping on and off Gerald the Brave Babes Battle Bus for three years now because, like some many of us, I struggle with alcohol.

The Bus is a supportive community at all stages in their relationship with alcohol and with lots of different goals - for some, it's abstinence, for others it's moderation, for others, it's just about getting a bit of control and perspective.

So, if you think you'd like to join us, don't be shy, flag us down and jump on board and share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with; sometimes there will be silliness, but there will always be help and support.

If you would like to know how the Bus first rattled into action, here is the first ever thread

And if you would like to know where we have been more recently, here is the most recent thread

Margie hello, we haven't 'met' so just saying hi!

Babes, I have 'the thirst' first day of major wobbling.
It's been going too well, I should have known this would happen.

Oh, sorry Elba I hate to hear you're so low, I really hope you get some rest tonight.

Hold strong Lux! I try and think that it would be a waste of all the good work I have put in so far if I caved in!

You're up to day 5 which is amazing..keep going, remember it's just a wobble and you can get through it! What luxuries do you have you could indulge in instead?

Keep going lux...get that face mask out! Have you got anything nice in to drink? I really recommend kopperburg (phone wants to change that to kipper burger ) af cider- comes in a big bottle and feels like having a 'proper' drink. The cravings do pass and you won't regret not drinking, ever.

I'm ok- I really need to push through the next few days to try and work out if the weird mood swings are alcohol related or not. Need to take it out of the equation to try and figure out where I'm at.

Off to yoga in a bit with a friend who I always have a laugh with, hopefully that will help.

lux elba and anyone else who's struggling let me share my discoveries today.
Firstly when I got out of bed this morning I noticed that my knee wasn't hurting. I have recently been wincing when going up and down stairs and felt that my knee wasn't quite right.
However being middle aged and menopausal I thought oh well it goes with the territory but today I have been pain free😯
I am now beginning to think that being alcohol free for just 5 days means that I have shifted some fluid.
My DH also bought me a ring for Christmas which would barely go over my knuckle but today it went over my knuckle and is still a bit tight but I won't be taking it to get resized.
That's in only 5 days
I am now beginning to see just how much I have been sabotaging myself. It's not only my liver I have to worry about there are obviously a whole list of things which to be honest I never even considered.
Having said that my cravings are strong tonight and I am hiding in my bedroom with a book and I have told the Wine Witch to feck off.......hope she's listening😀
Will be around later for hand holding xx

Pacing like a caged animal

Awww Lux it's not easy. Could you have a shower then put your pjs on? Means you can't go out to buy any wine (I'm assuming you've none in the house).
When I went from drinking a bottle pretty much every night to only Friday or Saturday some days were unbearable. I honestly believe the thought of it is much better than actually drinking. The habit is sooooo hard to break.

No wine here, just gin and scotch.

Can you put it in the shed or garage? I've heard that can help, though not sure it would have changed much for me! Luckily I don't like either.

I keep thinking 'one won't hurt' which is true one wouldn't hurt, but it wouldn't be one, it would be a triple measure for a start, I would have 3 of them at least, that would be at least 9 gins at pub measure.

Oh man.

Aw Lux today I'm wobbling too - still at work, got at least another hour, and then PILES of work to do when I get in as well. I would usually sweeten it with a glass of wine.

I won't if you won't....! So don't!

I would say don't beat yourself up about it, you've done so well so even if you did stumble you will be back on it tomorrow but I know how much this means to you and if you can get through this night you will be so proud of yourself.
Oh to have a 'normal' relationship with alcohol but then if we did we wouldn't all be here encouraging each other on.

Thanks for being here babes, hope I can offer the same support when needed. I just had a big glass of sparkling water in a wine glass and a sneaky cig. It's taken the edge off for now.

Yey, keep up the juice and sneak out as often as you need
Tomorrow night I'll be in your situation, Friday is ALWAYS a wine night.

Things to try (and I know it's easier said than done!);

Bath/shower and clean teeth...any alcohol would taste shit after that.
Eat something, anything you fancy, and big glass of water/juice/mug of tea. I realised I get massive cravings at work when I'm dehydrated and hungry.
Online games/jigsaws/anything to distract yourself.
Get out and walk, even just around the block.

It does go, honestly, but it doesn't feel like it at the time.

Yay Lux well done.

https://goo.gl/images/bvxTou
lux for you .....hope it works

That image probably didn't make any sense. It is meant to be the brave babes charging to help you 😀😀

I hoped you weren't recommending mind altering drugs

Love the bus pic!

lux
My lovely neighbour has just called around with a box of home made fudge
No prizes for guessing what I will be stuffing in my big fat mouth.
The five pieces I have had so far are really helping with cravings.
So sorry that I can't share ........not

How lovely tis I just had a bowl of peanuts (and might have chain-smoked 3 cigs)

I think it's half an hour at a time for me tonight, goodness knows what tomorrow night will be like - water, juice and chocolate party here?

When does this get easier.....?

Do you have the thirst too Ma?

I'm not going ton succumb tonight, tomorrow is another day.

Pyjamas going on.