I thought my doc would be supportive...

[sidney]

I went to another Doctor and told her I had migraines and got the topa

[IAD]

Hay Doctors are as good as thier personailties !
It reminds me of that comercial...." I was laying in intestive care....My doctor came by and told me " I had canser ! " What bedside manner ! You know....thiers a big drop off from the head of your class & the last of your class !!!!!! IAD !

[bald headed old guy]

I was very fortunate, when I went to my dr to talk about this problem, I asked him if we could talk off record, he said sure, and away we went. i gave him the list of meds, we looked at what I was now taking, and he said that in his opinion, for me, Campral would be the best, if I needed it. He said (at this point I had like 3 weeks AF) that knowing me as he does, I probably was not going to need it, but if I did please call him and he would send in a script to the pharmacy for me.
Fortunately, I have not needed the drugs. but having a dr you can actually talk with is worth a LOT in my opinion.
BHOG

[TraceyO]

I just returned from a visit with my doctor, and I must say the experience was soo cathartic! Although I have high blood pressure, gastronal intestinal problems, fatigue, puffy eyes,rosecea, heart palpitaions, girgling at night when I drink excessively, and most recently double vision all due to excessive alcohol consumption, I had never before told my doctor about my addiction to alcohol!!!
What I'm learning is that shame about this problem prevents otherwise intelligent people from seeking proper medical help. At least that was true in my case. This sight and the support I've recieved over the past week has given me the COURAGE to take this most important step!!! Together with my unbelievably supportive doc, we are in the process of devising a plan to firstly cut back(while taking suppliments which I will most likely order from this site) with the goal of a qiut date within a few weeks. As I have been drinking daily 1.5 litres of wine a night for the past 2 years, and am concerned about the possibility of seizures (not something to mess with) he will prescribe diazapam during the preliminary phase of alcohol abstenence. At this point I don't want to take topirmate or champix. However I plan to follow the hypnotism tapes, access private addictions counselling, exercise and connect online like crazy. I am now hopeful for the first time in years. Hope this helps. TraceyO

[TraceyO]

I just returned from a visit with my doctor, and I must say the experience was soo cathartic! Although I have high blood pressure, gastronal intestinal problems, fatigue, puffy eyes,rosecea, heart palpitaions, girgling at night when I drink excessively, and most recently double vision all due to excessive alcohol consumption, I had never before told my doctor about my addiction to alcohol!!!
What I'm learning is that shame about this problem prevents otherwise intelligent people from seeking proper medical help. At least that was true in my case. This sight and the support I've recieved over the past week has given me the COURAGE to take this most important step!!! Together with my unbelievably supportive doc, we are in the process of devising a plan to firstly cut back(while taking suppliments which I will most likely order from this site) with the goal of a qiut date within a few weeks. As I have been drinking daily 1.5 litres of wine a night for the past 2 years, and am concerned about the possibility of seizures (not something to mess with) he will prescribe diazapam during the preliminary phase of alcohol abstenence. At this point I don't want to take topirmate or champix. However I plan to follow the hypnotism tapes, access private addictions counselling, exercise and connect online like crazy. I am now hopeful for the first time in years. Hope this helps. TraceyO

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Im Almost There

Thanks for the replies. Sometimes it is good just to know someone else is out there. I've been thinking about my appointment all day and I feel like my doctor just didn't want to get into anything personal with me. I sat there crying...It is sooooo hard to admit that I need help, and she just kept typing away on her laptop. ARG! Oh well, I like the suggestion about asking for topa as a migraine medication. I had thought about doing that first, but the truth is always the best policy...right?

Gee, just going to a Dr. is personal. That attitude would piss me off and I would find a Dr.
that has the time and inclination to listen and help.

[Ladyslipper]

I discussed it with a Nurse Practitioner who appeared to be very receptive to the idea of topa but, of course, needed to discuss with the Dr - who I had only met once. Some young gal who I had no idea who she was called me a few days later from the office telling me how I should be going to AA & the Dr would want to arrange a visit with a psychologist etc etc......I was horrified. I told her I was terminating my relationship with the office immediately. I ordered topa on-line then. I found another Dr & during the 1st visit I was upfront & stated my case. Explained what I was doing & why & gave her the literature etc. Either we worked together or I would find a Dr that would. I am still seeing her. There are Drs that care.

[jinja]

I went to a new doctor about a month ago to get a second opinion on my ADs. Also discussed the drinking as it pretty much cancels the effects of the ADs. She was very receptive ( she knew my GP & understood why I wanted another point of view - just constantly increasing the dose when I went 'wobbly' was not working)

This was before I found MWO and I feel confident that it could be a strong relationship to support me during this process - I haven't tested it yet! Time will tell.

I think trying for a 'second opinion' is the way forward. Can you get recommendations from friends /family?

Good luch & take care
xxx

[Ukblonde]

I bought the Topa from Riverside when I first discovered this site. I took it for 6 months through many drinking binges. Had tingling sides and found I seemed to get even more confused while drinking on it.

Eventually I got to my rock bottom and went to a private rehab 5 weeks ago. Since detoxing with the assistance of low dose librium I feel so good I don't want to use the Topa, expecially as I felt really odd on it. I got off alcohol and love feeling clear headed.

That's why I have gone for Campral, hardly any sides and no dizzyness!

[Leebo]

I ordered Topa online and began taking it before I went to the dr. I then told her after my visit for something totally unrelated I wanted to talk to her off the record - nothing for the insurance company to pick up on. I told her what I was doing, what I was taking, how much my drinking had subsided in the last month or so. My reasoning was in the event I experienced any bad side effects, atleast I had had a conversation with her. She had not heard of its use as an anticraving drug but was familiar with it, was interested and asked about the site. It was a very difficult thing to do. I have never discussed my drinking with any medical dr. - I went to a psychologist once and was told to go to AA.

I did well for a few months but have not done as well lately. As long as I take everything as outlined it made a dramatic difference in my cravings or whatever you want to call it. And since I see myself backsliding quickly, I am jumping back on the wagon. And the journey continues!!
Leebo