Absolutely. I hate taking them anyway and am almost off them. I space them far apart from the wine. Thankfully I am drinking very little but I am starting to think I must table my Sinclair work until I am recovered from the next surgery.

Awwww Lena - that is such a shame. As I recall, you had a jump start on us, didn't you?

I know, right?? I can't be the first person this has happened to, and I won't be the last. Yes, Springer and I started at about the same time. My week 7 would have been a stellar report. First time I saw a bit of progress in # of drinks. I just read this morning that using nal nal can make opioid analgesics less potent for a few weeks so it doesn't seem safe to resume with the sugrery coming up in a few weeks. Still, even if I have to start at the beginning I will. I caught a glimpse of success and know this is the way. What's a few weeks after all these years, right?

You all hang in there and I'll be with you eventually. Meanwhile I'll be around here. I love to read about so many members, "old" friends and new, following the method.

Lena - Any updates on your progress? I think we'd all like to hear how it's been getting back to the program after having to be off for awhile.

Hoping you are back on course.

Hi Lena! Glad your here and very sorry about the surgury and the of course the situation that lead to it. If that had happened to me it would have set me back as well because I cannot tolerate most meds especially pain meds. I broke 2 ribs because of binge drinking in 2002 and had a terrible time because of the heavy duty pain killers. I think they are still upstairs in the medicine cabinet because I could not take many of them. Anyway, I am glad youe here and hope you are feeling much better. I am cheering for you. . ( oh yeah I find the only pill I can ever drink with is Naltrexone!).lol

Quick update-- Not a lot of time in the next few weeks because after catching up, now I am trying to get ahead on my work and everything else. Next surgery is in 2 weeks. It will be a simple matter compared to last time but will require 1 week in the hospital.

I tried to abstain while off nal/on pain meds but didn't always make it. Still, levels stayed around at most 3 units. I did not enjoy drinking off nal -- what a waste after 8 weeks on TSM. The drinkinng experience itself was no different on nal or off. REALLY makes me appreciate this program. Went back on nal asap after pain meds and will stop 5 days before next surgery. I'm going to try for AF while off nal so as not to undo the extinction. Back on nal, I seem to have picked up where I left off -- around 3-4/day. Pre-TSM I was 60-70. It looks like I won't have to go back to square one when I resume, but the lost precious time on TSM really annoys me. I will get there, though, and knowing that sustains me.

Springer Rider and I started on about the same day so he's where I would have been. SR did not just lose interest and "abandon" us. I wince when I read that. He had his reasons for needing a break from this board. Same w/ Marbella.

It is nothing short of amazing to get on this board every day and see the success stories unfolding, the new and hopeful members, and all of us inspiring, educating and supporting one another. I am full of gratitude for our growing community.

Hi Lena!

So glad to hear from you, especially when you're so busy. I doubt the new members realize that you're one of the "founders" that has kept all of us and this board afloat. Thanks for all you do, and thanks for dropping in. Keep us posted on everything whenever you get a chance. Cheers!

That's a very inspiring update Lena - thank you. Being at the 3-4 drink level is remarkable considering where you started, the time off, and drinking w/o nal...very good to hear but I'm sure frustrating from your standpoint. You will get to SRs point before you know it.

Good luck on the surgery and the AFing...

re: Marbella & SR...I think we all have to take turns digging in and helping out the board...takes loads of time to keep up with this site and I can't imagine moderating it on top of just posting. So, I think everyone understands that a break is probably needed to get back and focus on real life, not meant to ignore anything that is going on here or any other hidden reason. Thank you all for taking the time to provide this board to us. I was re-reading some MWO posts the other night. Truly remarkable how you all, potato, and RV got the word out to all of us here - you should be very proud of what you've accomplished here. Thank you.

Moderating is easy because we are a true community. Everyone has jumped in to welcome newcomers and posts are informed and insightful. I would certainly be proud to refer an m.d. or other professional to this board. One thing I plan to do is go over my old posts and delete any that are off topic or otherwise detract. It probably would be a good idea for us all to do that from time to time. I try to avoid umm . . . "late-night" posting but I've done it.

Good point, lena. I have some "late-night" posts that are "distracting" to put it nicely. I didn't realize we could expunge our old posts that we were not happy with.

Bob