You can rant with us anytime u like......I have small fiber neuropathy in my feet and less severe in my hands. I'm in pain 24/7...it ebbs and flows all day long (and at night when I can't sleep). I'm on 2700 mg a day of gabapentin and feel drunk from that most of the time That is some crazy medicine in high doses.

I, like u, went from dr to dr trying to do what they all said and being my own advocate because I could not find a dr that seemed to care enough, or maybe because they could not help me it was easier to send me on my way.

Of all the drs....my GYN (lol) was livid when she saw me last month and heard everything I was going through with dr's. She has now appointed herself person in charge of getting a team of dr's together to take care of me. That has taken a load off my shoulders I can tell u.

I can't judge u....my dad drank the pain of Vietnam away everyday until the last 10 years of his life. I just want u to know there is life without alcohol. U already know you are drinking too much. You said it all in your post. And honestly your wife doesn't deserve it.....my mom sure didn't.

You need to talk to someone. A third party is always helpful. They have no emotional stake and can give you other options besides drinking.

Please keep us posted...we care and want u to take care of yourself. Living with chronic pain is not for the faint of heart that's for sure.

Debi from Georgia

I think you've already taken the first step to dealing with this Geordie, and you should be very proud of yourself. It's a brave thing to do, to admit that it's become a problem, even more so to post about it here and ask for help.

We all have times of despair when we would do anything to stop the pain, I don't think that's unusual. I bet most of us have had a few at one point and liked the numbing effect it can have...but as Vrae said, it leads to more trouble later, and that trouble is just not worth it.

Alcohol is a drug like any others we take, and it also has side effects. The problem is that alcohol is not controlled, we can have as much as we want, it is socially acceptable and tolerated up to a certain point. BUT the side effects of drink aren't just hangovers, shaking, headaches, nausea, and needing more than you used to to get the same effect. It doesn't just wreck your liver and stomach and BP and goodness knows what else. It destroys relationships and self-respect, work, independence, your ability to drive. So much is at stake. You know all this, and you are intelligent enough to realise that you have taken that step towards it controlling you. Drinking in the morning is a clear sign that you need to gain that control back.

Seek some help from your doctor, a counsellor, anyone. Tell them as you have done us that you are drinking too much and have a problem with it, and ask for help. There are courses and programmes that can support you as you find the strength to leave that bottle alone and fight this without its dubious help.

You can do this. Reaching out is so hard when you want to be strong and in control but just by writing it you have shown the will and the fight within you to do it.

I've had the odd day where I've had a tot of whisky just to numb and warm me. And it's so nice. But I have to stop at that one and say no. One can be my rare extravagance, my middle finger to the world and the CRPS. Any more is dangerous simply because it would stop being a rare madness, and become a prop, something I used to help me get through.

Good luck Geordie and I can't tell you how much respect I have for you. I think this is one of the bravest posts I've seen. And this board is populated by the brave, who know just how hard this road is....

Bram

First off I'm not judging you...I highly doubt anyone here is.

Be careful mixing alcohol with your medications. Not only for overdose purposes, but the stress and damage it can do to your organs in the long term.

I occasionally have a drink or two and it does amplify the effects of medication and helps" feel" better.

There are times where I go out, drink too much ( go off my pain killer schedule) Think I can party like a rock star ( pre RSD and like my younger years). I feel good while I'm doing it...cause I'm drunk having fun and not feeling anything. Then I end up flared up once it wears off...and usually hung over...lol

I am unable to work and haven't since September of 2011. I have 5 cats, a dog, a chinchilla and a turtle. I live alone. Between caring for them, myself and my house I am overwhelmed with stuff to get done daily. Having busy work, this forum , family, neighbors and friends and Facebook I try and keep sane and busy.

Geordie,
Yes, this disease is so complicated and frustrating! There so many facets to
it that do become overwhelming! I'll admit a drink is tempting and it has helped me through unbelievable "dark" times. But like the others have said it won't be a good idea as a coping mechanism. It will make things more difficult long term.
It may sound weird, but this group has become like "family" and helps me cope a lot!
Before CRSPS/RSD I worked full time, so busy, never understood how people connected to online social anything.
THEY UNDERSTAND, WE UNDERSTAND about dealing with this disease.

Brambledog : as always you are so wise! You are right on with your caring words. Coudn't have said it better myself.
Geordie: lean on us, not the alcohol.We are here!!

Thankyou all for your support and understanding and very kind words.Im in a sober state reading this and not ashamed to say I can hardly see through the tears to read not from the pain but from the support and non judgemental posts.


I have also reduced the alcohol by at least half the last two days and not touched any before 6pm I know it's only 2 days but it's a start and I actually feel better for it not only physically but mentally.

I'm not too good with words at times and cant find the right ones to thankyou all with. I hope I can return the kindness you have shown me.

Love G

Just remember We care..And we are here..We know how you feel..We are proud of you..This is a lot to deal with..But just remember,it could be worse..I remember when my oldest son had medical issues.We had to go to Albany med.childrens hosp..I always felt so bad,because my Son had this illness,but as walking down the hall I would say I am Blessed this is something small to handle..We would see children with cancer,and other bad illness.So remember ,YES things can be worse..Please Pray...Ask for guildness...

Just wanted to say hi and see how you're doing....you've been on my mind and I hope things are going well for you.

Debi from Georgia