My sponsor used to tell me that line a lot, and I've even used it myself a few times.
I've been through three all-new, never-before-experienced health issues in the past 11 months. In addition to being grateful for having insurance as well as a very caring and loving wife, I'm just all the more grateful for sobriety. Of all the things drinking makes worse, plug in the name of any particular health issue and drinking will make it lots worse.
As you might expect, I got to meet several new doctors in the process - specialists all. All raised eyebrows when they read on my form, or I told them I was an alcoholic. Then I said yep, 22 years sober. And they all said "Oh, I'm soooo happy to hear that!!" No worries about DTs coming out of surgery, or what kind of shape is that liver in. Yeah, being sick sucks... but I've come through all three situations free and clear (except for the bills left after the insurance). I don't think it would have worked out so well if I were still drinking. Being sober does make things a lot easier for your doctor to do his job.
My sponsor used to tell me that line a lot, and I've even used it myself a few times.
I've been through three all-new, never-before-experienced health issues in the past 11 months. In addition to being grateful for having insurance as well as a very caring and loving wife, I'm just all the more grateful for sobriety. Of all the things drinking makes worse, plug in the name of any particular health issue and drinking will make it lots worse.
As you might expect, I got to meet several new doctors in the process - specialists all. All raised eyebrows when they read on my form, or I told them I was an alcoholic. Then I said yep, 22 years sober. And they all said "Oh, I'm soooo happy to hear that!!" No worries about DTs coming out of surgery, or what kind of shape is that liver in. Yeah, being sick sucks... but I've come through all three situations free and clear (except for the bills left after the insurance). I don't think it would have worked out so well if I were still drinking. Being sober does make things a lot easier for your doctor to do his job.
Barisax
Hi Barisax,
I hope you're feeling fine, despite your concerns. I'm also saddened by your recent news. Something, that took all of us by surprise. I hope everything works out in the end. All, to your benefit of course. We will pray for healing and wholeness on your behalf for as long as it takes. That, we promise you.
Being sober, does make things go a lot smother for your doctor -like you said. Being sober also helps with the healing process as well. Something, we know all about. I hope whatever you're going through can be reversed or at least made less painful than it already is. They say in "AA", "whatever doesn't kill you can only make you stronger". How true...I know you're up for the challenge Bari and believe me, you "will" see brighter days. We promise...We will support you every step of the way. Guarenteed...
I'm glad you have a extremely supportive sober network as well. A support network that can be there when you need them the most. Your wife sounds like a very special lady and that relationship is a reassurance that people can stay together, even through some tumultuous circumstances. I guess when they say "till death do us part", they actually mean it. At least, in your situation it does. I hope your relationship with your wife grows that much stronger as does your bond in fellowship of recovery services. They both can stand the test of time -as you just mentioned, and I hope it remains that way for years to come.
One last thing...you've been an inspiration to us all from the very beginning and whatever you're currently going through can be the adversity you need to overcome, as God prepares you for greater service in "AA" and beyond. You've been sober 22 years and have proven to us all that anything is possible, despite our "isms". You are a great advocate for change and I hope God will use you -for his benefit- for many years to come.
~God bless~
-- Edited by Mr_David on Friday 29th of July 2011 03:04:08 PM
Things are in pretty good shape. First two were pretty cut and dried and done with although they did cause a little pain before and after, but it's over with. Most recent one was actually a lot more serious, although... no pain. I'm feeling better than I have in several months, and on my final round of antibiotics, and I'll be 100% in a week or so. No need to go into a lot of detail, but this infection was potentially nasty and my wife convinced me that it was time to go have this come-and-go mystery fever checked out. Haven't had a trace of a fever in 3+ weeks since I got on the heavy duty antibiotics. Basically continuing the dosage is about thoroughly killing it to prevent it from coming back.
Yeah, we did say in sickness and in health but we've been saying lately this sickness shit is getting old!
Yay!!Bari...this is exactly what I was promised from recovery...progress and not perfection. Since I am still prideful and not given to acceptance of reality I wouldn't recognize perfection if it was a part of my DNA. Your ESH is both encouraging and hopeful your awareness and gratitude are the gold which comes from practice. I am glad you brought it here...home...MIP.. (((hugs)))
Yeah, we did say in sickness and in health but we've been saying lately this sickness shit is getting old!
Barisax
Yeah...I hear you Bari. Sometimes, when the **it hits the fan, it really...hits the fan. And you're right, It does get old after a while also. Something, we're all too fimilar with. I hope you're finally over it -for good...
~God bless~
-- Edited by Mr_David on Friday 29th of July 2011 05:01:08 PM
Well stated Barisax. Also, I could never quit smoking when still drinking too. So add those 2 things together and the health benefit is astronomical....
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