Thank you, zontar!! You brought tears to my eyes!! (You know that Maggie and I are cryers!!) xoxo Newlife

I sometimes wonder if we all put a little too much emphasis on the exact number of drinks we are consuming rather than on how drinking is affecting our lives. We know the numbers are just relative anyways. What matters most is that you know things are improving!

je3625, yes, I agree with you. Another REALLY positive fact I forgot to report. In mid July before I went on vacation I had my yearly blood test. I was worried about the results as my AST and ALT numbers had been way elevated last year. (I think those are the right initials, I am bad at medical things; I am referring to the liver enzyme tests) BUT the results came back and my numbers for both are way down, and in the normal range. So that speaks volumes that I really have cut down. I am not sure how much I drank pre-Nal exactly, the numbers reported in my signature were based on tracking during the two or three weeks after I decided to start TSM and before my nal arrived. I am thinking my actual numbers were probably much higher, meaning that my progress is greater than it looks. The blood test seems to support that.

Last night I went to dinner with some girls friends, ordered one drink, drank and enjoyed it immensely, but was easily able to say "NO" to more, even when others were ordering additional drinks. Slept great last night. That is huge progress from just a couple of months ago.

So there is a lot to be happy about. Nal on! Newlife

That's great news about your blood tests newlife! It certainly is nice to see the physical evidence of cutting back! Keep up the good work!!

Same!! I was diagnosed as type II diabetic with some numbers off the scale! That's a large part of my wanting to radically change. I'm rather attached to my feet and need them to ride my motorcycles. My last numbers were miraculously mostly normal. My Dr. was gobsmacked! All from reduced drinking and better diet (green smoothies). TSM may well have saved my life. And feet still attached. (A riding acquaintance had diabetic amputation...scared the bejeesus out of me! )
Steve.

Thank you for sharing your experiences, newlife. It has been very helpful for me to read your story. My blood work showed elevated triglycerides at my last physical, something I had never had before. I had done a whole45 so I had been alcohol free for 45 days but boy did I go binge crazy when I started to drink again. The blood work and realizing how much more I drink after being AF for a time made me realize that finally, and I am not sure what took it so long, alcohol was starting to affect my health.

One thing I gleaned from recent posts on your thread is that I probably should not investigate THRIVE, as it might make it more likely for me to drink to excess if it works for me. I have had two of the worst hangovers I have ever had since starting NAL, which in reading here I know are called Nal-overs. Those experiences have helped to slow me down a bit as I almost could not function.

Thanks for being so open about your TSM experiences. I hope you know how helpful that is to those of us just starting out.

I never had any blood work done so have no idea if mine have changed, stayed the same or were bad to begin with! But I am really happy to read of those whose numbers have gone down! The body has an amazing healing process !

Deena - the Thrive made my Nal-Overs way worse - I tried it the first time and felt wicked the next day! So I do not take it - but can see why it would probably not be a good idea if it lets you think you can drink more - just be warned about drinking more on Nal - the Nal-Overs are the pits! I do not get them every time but when I do - WOW. And I do not even have to drink a lot to get a Nal-Over either. AND to add insult to injury, I never used to get hangovers !!

Newlife - you are quiet - are you okay? I also PM'd you a couple of days ago ....

Hugs, Maggie x

Thanks everyone for all the comments and encouragement. Haven't posted in awhile because I took my girls on a five day vacation to Savannah with my husband's aunt and uncle. We had a wonderful time but as I LOVE good food/wine/cocktails and felt that I wanted to have a good time and not worry about AL so much, it meant that my numbers are high this week. The good news is that I have remained 100% compliant. The bad news is that it has now been 24 weeks, 6 months, and I haven't seen the drop in numbers that many have, I am still struggling.

I overdid it last night (and I was NOT on vacation, so have no excuse), took 3 THRIVE to try and counteract the effects; it didn't work. I don't think I will be ordering any more THRIVE, it is just giving me an excuse to drink more. Hangovers were always one of the major ways that I kept myself from really going overboard because I hate them so much.

I am trying not to get discouraged, trying to have faith. I am going to have to start disciplining myself and saying NO way more often to get where I want to be. This is not going to be a short or an easy road for me.

I may not be posting as frequently; I am thinking that spending TOO much time thinking about TSM and alcohol may not be helping me. I will still be here at least once a week and probably more though.

Deena - thanks for your kind words and I am glad that I have helped you!! Stay the course, I really do believe this works, and for some people it works quickly and easily. For others of us it is a long road and a struggle - but what is the alternative? Hugs from Newlife

Newlife,

I just read your entire progress and all I have to say is wow! What a remarkable journey you have had. I understand that obsession you are talking about with TSM and al, for I feel like I am stuck behind that same 8 ball. You have been a great help to me. As I read through your progress, all I kept on saying is I would not have been able to handle certain situations like you have. You are stronger than you realize, and I look up to you for the accomplishments that you have been making.

I was wondering if you are still using your affirmations? I remember my dad using them when he was depressed, and I was thinking what a great tool used them to help with AF days!

I wish you a peace of mind,

Jaba

Good to see you back Newlife - as you know I was a tad concerned as to where you were - don't you know that you are supposed to run it by me before you leave ?

Seriously - glad that you managed to get away and also that you all had a great time - not so glad about the intake of AL - sorry that it has gone up for you. And hey - you have only had 24 weeks - try having 31 !!!! Sigh! No - I refuse to get worried or discouraged because I KNOW that this will work - I just know it - I just have to be patient and have faith - I do not care HOW long it takes (okay I lie - I DO care) as I know it will kick in big time eventually ! THEN I shall dance naked in the moonlight - and hope to God that no-one is around 'cos that would NOT be a pretty sight - LOL

Seriously - we will get there - truly,

Hugs, Maggie xx