Taking Campral since Saturday, seeing the psychologist in the morning and psychiatrist in the afternoon. Seems calmer, says he believes the Campral is helping. Day 18.

PamelaJune, that sounds good.

I hear a lot of determination in what you have said about DB - I hope that the Campral as well as seeing his psychiatrist and psychologist will help, as well as your support of course.

DB says psychologist says he has had a breakthrough. She said best session yet, he says very traumatic but she is very pleased with him. Saw Psychiatrist in the afternoon and prescribed Brintellex for the depression. Apparently can cause severe nausea to begin with so not starting until the weekend with days off. No noticeable side effects to the Campral yet. DB is positive it is helping with the cravings. He had trouble sleeping last night, hopefully just as a result of what was a challenging day (and not the Campral).

PamelaJune, that is great to read :).

Day 22
 

Started Brintellex last night, so far no nausea, insomnia remains, fingers crossed it settles. Cravings seem to be much less and DB way less agitated.

That sounds very encouraging :).

Day 31
 

One month, it has been not without its challenges but DB has and is getting stronger.. The new antidepressant Brintellex seems to be kicking in and he reports feeling a noticeable difference within himself. We had a rushed visit to the ER on Friday early morning, he found a huge lump in the upper quadrant of his left buttock and it took on a life of its own swelling to a large really hard red and inflamed lump some 5cm by 4cm. I got the locum out and he said nope, got to go to ER it may need to be surgically removed or he needs intravenous antibiotics. It was viewed under ultrasound and aspirated, intravenous antibiotics delivered and 12 hours later we could go home, now on oral antibiotics for 2 days and back Tuesday to review. The moral of the story, don't throw away the alcohol wipes used before giving an injection. Poor DB thought he was doing the right thing but didn't think that one through. (he has to have fortnightly injections of testosterone as he doesn't produce enough if it naturally like most men)

It is good to read that the Brintellex is working and that DB is getting stronger.

I hope that the buttock infection clears up soon.

2 weeks in a row we have been to hospital. Yesterday DB had his wisdom teeth removed under GA. In considersble pain, no sleep but doing well all things considered. Seems alcohol causes considerable damage to the teeth as well. We are mid way to getting his mouth and teeth fixed, so far it has cost $15k but I'm lead to believe we will get some of that back from Medibank. At least yesterday's hospital procedure was fully covered and apparently quite a bit of the anaesthetist bill will be as well.

And an infection where the teeth were removed has set in. If this is the universe sending a curve ball to lure him back to the drink it sure is having its best shot. What an awful week we have endured. The pain he has suffered seems unbearable, swelling, pus and blood, oh and the smell.... Back again yesterday and today to the surgeon, lanced, antibiotics, more pain killers, more antibiotics and yes more pain killers. He is finally listening to the doctor and pharmacist and is in bed resting. None of this trying to go to work. He has suffered immensely and apparently the infection is that bad if not caught yesterday could have spread to the brain. It has spread way up the jawline. The good news is "still sober". I am so awed by his strength right now. In days gone by alcohol would have been the nectar of the gods medicine poured liberally down his neck.