13 days sober. Out of rehab yesterday, and is now home. Will attend 10 days of day patient therapy and then down south to a rehab retreat for 4 weeks more intense therapy. While away, I'm to attend 4 therapy sessions to assist me in my journey to his sobriety. So much to learn.
He is home, safe and sober and on Antabuse which for two weeks I have to give to him, then he has a blister pack for his next 4 weeks and when home again, he is responsible for his own meds. No visitors allowed while away down south.
He is quite unwell still, the catalyst to sober living was a diagnosis of Barretts oesophagus and severe gastritis. Today he has terrible stomach cramps and bad diarrhoea, how long do withdrawal symptoms last?

Hi PamelaJune,

He has done well to commit to detox and additional programs!

I had searched a bit about the length of withdrawal symptoms for alcohol withdrawal:

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/a...oms-treatments

According to timelines I have seen on the net, the symptoms of withdrawal are usually gone or almost gone at this stage. This info could be erroneous and/or there could be exceptions, of course.

I am wondering if the severe stomach cramps and diarrhea are more from the gastritis than the alcohol withdrawal?

I also wonder if the diarrhea might be caused by the antabuse itself?
Diarrhea is listed as a potentially serious side-effect of antabuse, warranting emergent action according to this drug information site: http://www.rxlist.com/antabuse-drug/...de-effects.htm

Also, did he have lab work done at rehab?
Did they check for pancreatitis and check on liver function?

If liver function was checked at rehab before the use of antabuse, it may be important to re-check liver function to see if antabuse is causing, or adding to, any liver-related issues.

I am thinking a physician would need to sort out the real cause of the diarrhea at this stage of recovery.

I hope a physician can fully evaluate him ASAP.



DejaVu

Hi PamelaJune

Writing as somebody who is in remission from psychological, not physical, alcohol addiction, I think that DejaVu has offered you some great ideas.

Had to call locum GP to the house on Sunday he was that bad, after 8 quick trips to the loo and 1 accident - I rang the GP as I googled and saw the Antabuse does have listed diarrhoea to seek medical assistance. So the Doctor arrived and suggested he go to hospital, DB declined.
GP thinks it's the gastritis and or the Antabuse so has to stop that for a few days. Seeing our own GP on Weds and hoping for a referral to gastroenterologist, possibly the one who diagnosed the Barrets and gastritis in the emergency gastroscopy he had in July after vomiting and up black blood and passing it. Not a well man I'm afraid.
He dragged himself out of bed today and attended his first outpatient day therapy, said it was heavy going and with the stomach burn must have been so hard. Sadly his best friend alcohol of 35 years has been slowly and silently poisoning him and only now he has realised. It's been a huge 6 weeks I can tell you and we have many more challenges to come by the sound if it.
Thank you Dejevu and Kiwi for your advice, very grateful to the NT site and users, such a fantastic group of people who come together and offer advice and support.
Will post in Weds after seeing our own GP.

Hi PamelaJune,

I am glad DB will be seeing a GP on Wednesday.

Very happy to support you and DB in any way possible.

I have had several loved ones go through detox and treatment programs for alcoholism. Some have done very well. This often also takes some level of commitment on the part of family/friends.

DB has a very committed support person in you.
Take good care of yourself as well.

I hope DB feels better ASAP.


DejaVu

Pam....I sent an email instead.
D.

My daughter dealt with a cocaine addiction for several years. Finally, after attending a couple of rehab 6 week out patient programs; she has been drug free since 1997.

Drug and Alcohol addiction is difficult for all concerned.

Pam, want you to know thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband and family.


Gerry

Hi Pam,

I am sorry to interrupt here, but I can't find a way to send a private message on this forum?

I am looking at getting an SCS, nevro with a lamitrode surgically inserted. I was told it was a done deal, but getting the walkaround from the surgeon. You are one of the few people I have seen who has had this done, I just wanted to find out where you had it done and where there any particular compatibility requirements with the paddle lead (from another manufacturer I assume).

If you could email me ** I would appreciate it.

Best Regards,

FYI:
I don't remember the number; but you have to have a certain number of posts before you are able to send/receive Private Messages.


Gerry

Hi Badsport, I didn't end up having a combined Nevro SCS with another brand. It was only briefly discussed and the Nevro rep seemed to be the one pushing for it if I couldn't get enough pain relief with the one lead. It became up to me to track down a surgeon who would do the paddle lead and refer me to another SCS brand, along the way I did some more research and decided I was not comfortable with having another laminectomy. The first 2 hurt for a very long time, the first one still gave me pain years later. Instead I just focussed on finding a surgeon who could thread the 2nd lead in and get it all working as best it could. Sorry to not be of much help. I became very adept at using Google and YouTube in my research and still find the NT site offers the most advice and support. As a former user used to say, only those who have not had so much success keep coming back, everyone else has healed and gone on to live happy fulfilling lives. And FP to them.