This Might Be The Best Christmas Post I've Ever Received.

[sandyRoe]

I got a letter today from a community addiction team. I'd an appointment with one of them a few weeks ago but failed to attend.
I tried to forget them, but they haven't forgotten me. I've been offered another chance . I'll take it.
But,having said that, I wonder why. Just over two years ago I was walking 40km some days. Now I struggle to walk a few Kms to the nearest supermarket.
I've a thought that my condition suggests an underlying condition that doesn't bode well.
I'd rather stagger up to meet the grim reaper in a drunken haze than try to stare him down.
Any thoughts?

[anneasquith]

My thoughts, your illness/illnesses are caused by alcohol and the amount you take.
You are a very lucky man to be offered a second chance, waiting lists are horrendous. If you don’t keep this appointment Sandy, someone will grab it with both hands .

[calmck]

Go for it. It could be the effects of the booze causing muscle and nerve problems. From some of your other posts you seem to want to have help but this is a huge undertaking. Your many "friends" on here have been offering sound advice and I think they all will want you to take courage in both hands and go for the help being offered

[jno]

I dare say alcohol plays a part in this, but perhaps at your (our) age it might be wise to get an MOT from your doctor if you haven't already? It's possible to have several unconnected ailments at the same time. These are not necessarily fatal but they may be better diagnosed and treated than overlooked.

[Rosetta]

You can do it, I am sure your physical problems will decrease/ disappear when you are dry. Sandy you need to go sober, no easy decision or process, but the only way to get a life back. You have so much to offer, loads and loads of people loved your report of your pilgrimage, it just showed your humour, insight, compassion and literary talents.
Would AA help. Go for your appointment, "courage mon brave"

[Xeronema]

Good luck with getting sober, sandy, I know your struggle all too well. All I can say is, you've got to want it, really want it. I thought that dying in hospital, twice, would be what was needed to say, "enough is enough", however it wasn't - within a month I was back on the sauce.

You've got a good support network here, on AB. AA might not be for you, just as it wasn't for me. I found it the group to be very religious and I also felt isolated as I was the only person that had had a drink within the last 20 years (there were people there that had been sober for a lot longer, 30+ years).

There will be times when you slip up and lapse/relapse. My advice is, don't let that get you down too much, it happens. I could probably sit and type for hours on this subject, but I won't.

[Xeronema]

I'd also like to say, I don't mean any disrespect to AA - it works for a lot of people. I don't have a problem with religion (in this case, Christianity), I just felt like it was being push down my throat. I know, at the time, all I could think was, "wow, this just makes me want a drink" - I know now that that was just an excuse to drink.

I'm sure you will find your way. We're all rooting for you :)

[rowanwitch]

Morning Sandy, first of all. I hope this second chance is a case of right place, right time for you.

I wonder if thinking about what's coming up is like a pilgrimage would help. The similarities may be more than you realise
There will be days when it feels like cold hard rain is battering you, others where it will be like the sun is at your back and you feel you can maybe do that extra half mile.
There will be days when you will be tempted to follow side paths to see something you glimpsed through the trees, sometimes you will go have a look, but other days you will carry on towards your destination.

Some days you will wonder why you started the journey in the first place, and at other times you will know deep down that you need to make the journey because it's something you really have to do.
And in the early days it might just be like breaking in a new pair of boots, unfamiliar, uncomfortable and rubbing where your old ones had stopped That's when you have to hang on, and remember your path will get easier as the boots get broken in.

And don't worry about the reaper just yet, something tells me he can wait a while he is good like that he only turns up when it's time to move on.

[lady-janine]

Sandy - please give it a go. Give up the sauce and you never know what doors might open for you.

[barry1010]

Thinking of you, Sandy. AA is not the only route, have a read of this https://www.uk-rehab.com/treatment-rehab/therapy/five-alternatives-to-12-step-meetings/

Too much alcohol over a long period can affect so much of the body, and older people can feel the effects much more. Stomach ulcers; liver; heart problems making you breathless causing difficulty walking; malnutrition; balance; blackouts/seizures.

Even your sleep will be disturbed leaving you tired. Depression is a common symptom, or cause.

This doesn't mean that you don't have health issues unrelated to your drinking but the drink certainly won't help.

Take the appointment you've been offered but also book an MOT with your GP.

I believe you are in your early 70s. Far too young to be thinking about death, you can have a lot to look forward to, you have more adventures to plan.

I wish you well

[wolf63]

I really hope that 2023 is a very good year for you Sandy.

You know that taking the first step is going to be the hardest bit - you made the initial contact with the addiction team. Look at your journey from addiction back to health as another long walk across unknown territory.

Merry Christmas x

[anneasquith]

Sandy, is there any one who would accompany to the appointment ?

[maggiebee]

Sandy, the bottom line is that it is your choice. Nobody can tell what's best for you. However, I would say give it a chance, what is an hour of your time? Could be the start of a different future.

[Hazlinny]

Sandy, you really must take the Community Addiction team's offer to see you even after your failure to attend previously. Drinking in the way you have previously indicated can do nothing but harm and, to be honest, I don't quite know how you manage to get through the day/night. It's all about motivation and the very strong desire to get walking again. As has been said by other AB members, there is concern here for your welfare. Good wishes to you.

[elliemay1]

Sandy, this must be the best post I have read for a while! I'm thrilled that you are getting a second chance, please take it as you just cannot go on the way you are. Surely anything will be an improvement. Think positive and know that we all wish you to succeed. You are such a lovely intelligent person and deserve the best life you can have. Don't look too far ahead, just try to live day to day