Where to start.....lurked here a few times and was impressed with the camaraderie, mutual encouragement and even hope! I finally have decided to make a change and it started with a frank discussion with my wife and signing up here. I'm not saying that's it but it's a start I think. My story - been drinking for 30 years - way too much, way too often. I haven't lost a job, a spouse or many friends over my drinking - but, I have picked up neuropathy.

I don't know if it's alcohol related or not for sure but obviously my drinking couldn't have been helping. I'm ashamed to admit that it has been affecting me for probably 8 years and I've just pushed on doing the same old, same old. I went to a few doctors originally who kind of shrugged their shoulders and acted like it wasn't a big deal. Total stupidity on my part - I knew based on some research then that alcohol could very well be the culprit.

From what I've seen of stories here, my case has been much more slow to develop and less severe but it's there nonetheless. I had some pins and needles and numbness years ago but nothing unmanageable. I've noticed other changes over the years like skin color and muscle tone changes and becoming more susceptible to pinched or compressed nerves (like while sleeping etc). I've tried to stop drinking on my own but within a week or two, I'm slipping back into old habits. It had been mostly sensory for many years but I have noticed more motor involvement in the past 6 months and particularly in the past month and it finally has scared the crap out of me.

I have researched much of this before and have taken all sorts of b vitamin supplements etc to try to combat this. Obviously, I continued to drink and my symptoms got worse slowly over time. As many of you know, given that the prognosis you find generally is that it can't get better, it lead me to somehow justify not doing anything about it since it wasn't really interfering with my life. That seems really stupid in hindsight and I knew deep down that it wasn't true, that I needed to stop but these latest developments have finally made me admit that I have not been in control in the past and it is well past time that I am in control of my own life.

It's only been 3 days sober but I see the progression of some of you folks and have some hope that it CAN get better with abstinence. That doesn't mean it will, but it can and the only way I can find out is by doing it. I will redouble my efforts on supplements, healthy eating, physical activity and most importantly, abstinence. I will report back (often at first) and am looking forward to be posting on this page 5 years hence about my own 5 year achievement. I have no illusions about how difficult it will be, but I also know it is absolutely essential to my well-being and that of my family.

Thanks for listening and for providing a little hope. I may pick your brains about a few things going forward (if that's okay)