The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Swinging Into Sobriety!

[Mouseface]

Hello there,

I'm Mouse, one of the Brave Babes travelling far and wide, stopping off here and there to collect lovely folk, just like you, for a natter all about booze and the blues that come with being a drinker of whatever quantity.

We don't wear or sell judgey pants here, although a G-string or two (Oooh Matron!) has been known to sort the fan belt out on the Bus as we've been driving for such a long time now!!

In short, we've regular posters here, lurkers, those who have managed to keep their drinking to 'social' occasions, some who are really struggling on an hourly basis and some who are completely dry!

Whatever your drinking 'status', you're welcome here in the new bigger Battle Bus, (as requested) whilst we head far and wide, listening to one another, as we face each day that comes our way, whether it be good, bad or downright ugly, we really have seen it all and don't mind one bit. Lurk or chat, it's up to you but one thing you will always find, is a warm welcome, Opal Fruit wrappers (Looks at Ma bosom push up! ) and of course, in complete confidentiality.

So, if you'd like to look what happened on the last thread (a bit like catch up TV) you can look at this link which will take you there - JUST HERE

And, if you would like to see where we started driving this wonderful Bus, over seven years ago, you can have a look at this very honest thread - RIGHT HERE

Hope to see you soon,

Mouse xx

...aaaaand I've just realised I haven't NCd back to Beauty since the 'crude usernames' thread I do apologise!

Thanks, I am terrified about withdrawal/cold turkey and that's why I am planning on cutting down slowly.

Do you mind me asking how much vodka you used to have a day roughly? I was having between half and all of a 35cl bottle a night aswell as a bottle to a bottle and a half of wine. Last night I had one bottle of wine mixed with soda water and one can of gin and diet tonic (a single measure) and I slept badly, but no other problems and I feel okay this morning so that's a good sign right? Desperate for reassurance here I suppose.

I am trying to get rid of the spirits from my drinking first (the vodka) and then I will tackle the wine. I take beta blockers for anxiety so I am lucky they help keep my heart rate under control and I think the alcohol content of the wine is enough to keep me doing ok at the moment.

I know it's not great that I am still having a bottle of wine a day but if I can stay at that level for a while I will feel ready to start cutting out more.

I don't want to have to see my GP about this. I have a phobia. So that is keeping me motivated at the moment.

Cutting down slowly is a wise move. It's probably the toughest kind of controlled withdrawal, as it relies on YOU to moderate it. It sounds like you're doing well at the moment though, and I'm proud of you.

Of course I don't mind you asking On an average day, it used to be a half bottle of vodka, then maybe a bottle of wine in the evening, when people were around - the vodka was my 'secret' drinking, the wine was to make it look like I was being sociable and a relatively 'normal' drinker. The wine o'clock bollocks and all that. During a binge - which normally lasted a week to 10 days - it could be 70cl of vodka per DAY. I'd quite literally go out at all hours of the morning, in order to buy alcohol - I'd even Google 24hr shops to find somewhere that sold it, and walk miles in my PJs to get it.

You WILL sleep badly after a bottle of wine - most people do, regardless of having a drinking problem. Maybe you're noticing it more, since you've cut down. You never realise how badly you've slept, not until you start clearing the booze from your system.

Getting rid of the spirits is a great start - do that, and you're already halving your alcohol intake if you switch to wine. Just DON'T go drinking more wine in the absence of the spirits - remember, you're tapering, not transferring.

I say this gently, and with absolute kindness: you need to speak to your GP. They can refer you to places that will offer support, if you want them (and you may well end up wanting that support). They can run liver function tests - at this stage, your enzymes will be all over the place, and could well be the physical shock you need to keep on giving up the booze, because you'll see on paper what your body is going through.

You're doing so, SO well x

Thank you so much for the advice and sharing with me. I feel the same about vodka, it didn't feel as acceptable to drink it.

I know I need to see the GP, and I will work up the courage but until I can walk in there knowing I have made some really positive changes with my drinking, I honestly don't think I can find the strength. If it feels like I can't make that progress without help I am
Going to contact a support group. I did have liver function tests 3 years ago and they were all within normal range somehow. I have drank heavily for about 12 years, sometimes more heavy than others, and the last 3 years probably the heaviest I have ever drank. What do you think the chances are that I haven't done any serious damage?

I'm feeling good today, my anxiety is a little better with the lesser amount of alcohol and I just managed a 1.5 mile walk with my dog.

I'm cooking a nice dinner and planning something to look forward to tomorrow morning so I can successfully continue my tapering.
Fingers crossed.

How's everyone else doing today?

Actually don't answer that people. My health anxiety is pretty bad now I'm finally acknowledging how much I was drinking. So I don't want to start over worrying.

Have a good day all.

I did have liver function tests 3 years ago and they were all within normal range somehow. I have drank heavily for about 12 years, sometimes more heavy than others, and the last 3 years probably the heaviest I have ever drank. What do you think the chances are that I haven't done any serious damage?

Honestly? It's impossible for me to say. LFTs can give normal readings even when things are going awry - it's unusual though. It's almost certain you have a fatty liver, as this happens through heavy drinking, but it CAN be reversed with a healthy diet and cutting booze out.

If it's left unresolved, fatty liver can progress to fibrosis, which is scarring of the liver - there are different stages of this, and most of these can be reversed too, with no ill effects, provided you live a healthy lifestyle and knock the drink on the head. Then, of course, there's cirrhosis - once you get that far, you HAVE to stop drinking, if you want even the chance to live.

I didn't say any of that to upset you, but if it worries you, then it really might be what you need to hear. If you want to put your mind at rest about your liver health, you can request an ultrasound from your GP - it should give a better idea of what's going on in that liver of yours!

I hope you don't think I'm being horrible - I'm really not. Believe me, when I fall back into a bottle, I have to remind myself of everything I just said to you, because it terrifies me. We all want to live!

What are you cooking for dinner? And more importantly, where's my invite even though I'm doom and gloom ?

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH SHIT, X POST!!!!

IGNORE ME ROSE!!!!

Beauty don't worry, I kind of knew this deep down, I am just hoping for the best and when I feel a bit less anxious after a few weeks of cutting down, I will visit the GP and see where I stand.

I am having a fancy ass dinner tonight courtesy of marks and Spencer's reduced section veal meatballs with lemon and Parmesan and pasta....I'll save you a plate! Unless you are a veggie in which case I'll give yours away! Xx

Afternoon Gals
I know I always say this but I will try and catch up on the bus babes this weekend.
I am absolutely knackered. I've started on a low dose of mertazipine to sort my sleep out and try and stop the panic attacks. Thanks to this week I've been downing a bottle of wine a night. But, I'm determined to start the gym again from Monday and will try to go AF again. I've also applied for a job I'm desperate to get as it's back in my beloved animal care field. I've no doubt jinxed myself now. 😕
roseanya I know how that feels. But the aftermath in the mornings just aren't worth it. It's been shite this week.

Phew! I can promise you WILL feel a lot less anxious in the coming weeks, alcohol's the absolute worst for anxiety!

I love the bargain shelf! And that sounds LOVELY, so keep that plate warm, I'm just getting my brolly and I'll be round x x

am on the phone to HMRC. Again. By on the phone I mean I am on hold.
i want to kill myself.

don't do that ma, hang up!!

God, they are incompetent. Their systems are so shite that their poor staff must have to face furious and frustrated callers every time someone gets through. They now have to send me something in the mail, it will take two weeks. TWO WEEKS. A pigeon would get it here quicker.
And now I have lost my bank card....😥

Dinner is a beaut!

I have ordered some vitamin B12 from boots to help while I cut down, has anyone tried it? X

Dementedma - oh dear Friday night and on hold to them is not good :-( hope you got through

DDS flight delayed and won't be in now until 11.30! This day just gets better and better.

Oh wow, isn't there some truth in this?

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/11/alcohol-abuse-affects-mental-health-rarely-discussed

Great article.

"Since finally giving up alcohol, I’ve learned many things. First, that addiction is everywhere. That it is not about the drinking (or whatever the substance is), but the feelings underneath. Usually there is some kind of childhood trauma that needs to be addressed. I’ve learned that it isn’t about when or where you drink but about whether you can easily stop once you’ve started. "

Morning all. Didn't get in until after midnight with just a muttered thanks from dd. I don't know why I bother. However, today is a new day. Dd2 is on her way to Gambia for her big adventure so trying not to worry about that. Bloody kids....

ma exciting, but yes worrying too! I did an AF work do last night. I really enjoyed myself and nobody batted an eye lid. Well, they asked but I just said I wasn't feeling it. But I didn't feel like I was missing out at all. That's 4/7 this week. Which is the best it's been for months (by about 3 days!).

My dd called me and I think had I been in town she'd have ended up at mine. I can tell she's gearing up for defying her dad, but it's so emotionally hard for her . However she called me at midnight and I was sober! We had a lovely chat and I ended up seeing her today for a half hour. (she is 13 and hasn't spoken to me properly since February)

Hey all, checking in. I had a couple of drinks last night, planned and stopped before I got drunk. Woke up hangover free for the first time on a Saturday in I don't know how long.

It was lovely.

Let's see if I can do the same tonight.

Had a shitty day with husband in an arse so I've got wine. Ffs. I don't even care. I won't drink it all but I've splashed out () on a £11 quid bottle and I will enjoy a very large glass of it with some paprika crisps.

rose just seen your update. Well done you! I bet you felt great this morning

Evening all, sorry to be so absent I've got a bloody chest infection

I'm so impressed with all those who've managed to stay AF or limit intake and totally understand those who haven't quite got there yet.

Am heading to my sick bed now but sending good thoughts to all Babes x

Hello, just popping in to cheer you on. I've not had a drink for 17 months now and I never thought I would say that. I am a different woman to who I was, life is immeasurably better, I'm living it instead of observing it. If anyone is wavering, honestly, nothing is ever improved long term by drink.

I got sober with AA. I've stayed sober by being more "me" and balls if no one likes it. I'm probably chubbier and less popular. And I truly don't give a shit, and when I look in the mirror I see a woman I like and admire, not someone I needed to admonish constantly.

That's all really. Love to you all. X