Alcohol withdrawals? For how long? Or something else?

General health and lifestyle
1

Hi folks.  Time for a new thread, I think.

To recap, very briefly: previously a social drinker for 25 years, rarely drunk, but did enjoy a glass of wine with a meal, a few pints with friends / workmates on a regular basis, and occasional night-cap.

Last August, after a year of depression, insomnia and anxiety, I started drinking more alone at home, with two quite seriious but short binges in October.  Then, very little alcohol from November to March, when I started again, with occasional binges.  But my drinking really got out of hand in June and July, when I was probably averaging about 70 (UK) units of alcohol per week and then the last week in July had around 150 units (three 1.5 litre bottles of vodka).

Since then, I have only had a few glasses of wine.

I was scared by liver function tests done on 4 August.  These showed Gamma GT of 121 and AST of 96.  I was told the other results were within normal range.  These figures scared me, though my regular GP, with whom I have a very good relationship and faith in, did not seem overly concerned but just said to me "no more binges, Gavin".

The LFTs were repeated on 17 August.  The Gamma GT had reduced to 72 and the AST was now normal at 25.  One of the GPs in the surgery (my regular GP is on holiday) also gave me a physical examination and said that, along with the lower LFT numbers, my liver was not enlarged or 'hard', and, basically, I was fine.

However, the reason I went back to see a GP is/was because I have been feeling physically unwell in a very vague sort of way:

- Excessive sweating, coming and going, and intolerance to heat;

- Clammy skin;

- Fuzzy head / brain fog / some disorientation;

- Burning pain in joints, inner thighs and genitals ;

- Strange senations in hands and feet;

- Loss of appetite (am forcing myself to eat at meal times);

- Indigestion and mild nausea;

- Occasional diarrhoea;

- Insomnia (a problem for 2 years, but even worse now);

- Fatigue;

- General unwell feeling.

I spoke to another GP yesterday and he said these symptoms are due to alcohol withdrawals.  He talked me through other blood tests, done in mid-June, and he said these were all normal.

Are these symptoms typical of alcohol withdrawals?

If so, how long are they likely to last?

I know that, probably unwisely, I have been Googling extensively and looking in other forums, and was even told that, with these symptoms, I should get tested for an inherited condition called Haemochromatosis.  Should I?

I'm sure I'm coming across as obsessive but, if these symptoms went away, I would be much, much less concerned ....

 

2

Hi l think u need to change your medication for anxiety as it seems its not working, as you over worry l really feel sorry for u because u are a worried ,how old are u , as for the liver it seems ok

3

I'm 46 and I never used to be like this ....  Was told many, many years ago that, due to family history, I should take blood pressure and cholesterol medication.  Was also put on Citalopram in 2007 as I had agoraphobia due to suffering from vertigo after an inner-ear infection.

I just accepted it and got on with life, but things are different for me now, and not in a good way

4

I presume it wasn't your gp who said you should be tested for heritory haemochromatosis? It's basically a gene which is inherited, giving you a higher than normal chance of developing haemochromatosis. This causes high levels of iron in your blood and my understanding (not 100% certain) is that your liver can't naturally deal with extra toxins. It is common in some alcoholics, and those who tend to binge drink, or drink a lot more than the recommended weekly allowance.

seeing as your LFTs have come down (well done) and you had a physical exam by your gp, and other tests were normal, in my view you shouldn't worry.

please don't take my understanding of haemochromatosis as being correct. Paul Turner would be the best person to ask.

I too, at one time used to surf numerous websites and would imagine I'd got every illness known to man! I don't bother now and feel much better. Too much information hey!!

5

Hi. I've been taking citalopram for many years (I'm an extremely anxious person ) It does work - not with Alcohol though- Diazapan is better if you can get hold of it from your G P ?? I rely on Kalms they are natural herbs and do the trick drunk or sober.Ihave problem at moment - whether or not to endure a fourth day with one Nalmefene . I did'nt mind not doing much the first couple of days but today I still feel disorientated , sick and dizzy. Must admit I have cut down on the wine so that is a positive . But everything else went out of the window as well !!!!!! Food is tasteless ok if you want to lose Wieght- I don't,sleep does not exist !!! I am so tired and cross with my husband. He cannot understand this method at all-he thinks I should just stop drinking - unthinkable . I would rather be dead.Don't feel like doing anything- so behind with chores.Why have I gone off smoking ?? I didn't sign up for that . Does anyone out there know when these side effe

6

Sorry must have touched something !? Nearly finished anyway. Does anyone out there know when these effects go away?tempted to take pill wait one hour and have glass of wine to look at. That's all I'll get out of it SAD Sue

7

I am just back from a 7 mile walk, during which I quickly started profusely sweating pretty-much all over my body.

By the time I got home, my t-shirt, head and upper body were drenched.

This just doesn't seem natural.

8

If u run u sweat a lot that's normal, l used to play Rugby and u always sweat when u run even in winter, that's normal.

9

I've  not drunk for ten days and feel better. Also been taking vit b tablets. I would love the opportunity to try this magic pill which lets you still drink. Gp never heard of it and wouldn't listen. Got in touch with ADS and I ended up telling my key worker all about it and was told they don't recommend it. Back to see different Dr who had read up about, but no way would the practice prescribe some weird American trial.

was supposed to be going to a party tonight, but I've just told my husband I'm not going. Don't want to be left on my own drinking lime and soda till 2/3am. He's not a happy bunny 

10

I am happy for you dear, keep going on ,u will soon be happy.

11

Thanks, I've too much to loose

12

gav my 31 year old son still lives at home. He jogs each morning and is soaking wet  with sweat. He power walks for an hour each night and his shirt is always wet. As richardt says it is normal. Try and do something which could distract you and take your mind away from worrying about your health.

13

That was what the walk was for!

The sweat eased for a a while, but I broke-out in a profuse sweat again when I started eating dinner, and am still sweating profusely an hour later.

As I said, this is simply not natural.

14

You have to stop worrying or get some medication for anxiety. Sweating is a normal reaction to alcohol withdrawal as are the other symptoms. Think positive, if you were still drinking you would be doing horrendous damage to your body. You're doing really well and your body is recovering. Be happy and try to stop thinking about these symptoms you have. They will disappear with time smile

15

Google the tapping solution by Nick Ortner. It's helped me..

16

Or EFT in your pocket by Isy Grigg

17

I really appreciate your advice and concern, Paper fairy, but the symptoms are actually getting worse, not better.  My hair is soaking and I even have soaking sweat in places like the creases in my arms and behind my knees - this surely isn't natural?

I'm trying to do things to take my mind off it, but when soaking for no reason and with very painful/burning joints and other odd and unpleasant symptoms, it's practically impossible to ignore.

I'm already taking some meds that are suppposed to help with anxiety - especially Pregablin and Trazodone.

This really is making me miserable - it's not living, it's an existence.

 

18

The sweating does sound horrendous tho I have the terrible aching joints even after a few weeks sober. I hope Paul can advice. Maybe you have a virus/flu starting. Hope you feel better soon

19

Thank you, Paper fairy.

I did the 7 mile walk with little difficulty - my joints were no sorer during or after the walk than they were before it, and I don't have a temperature.

I was sweating more when I was drinking and the drink eased them, or at least stopped me remembering them, but I wasn't sweating that much for the first week or so after stopping the heavy drinking.

It's really in the past 7-10 days that all these peculiar and unpleasant symptoms have set-in and been worsening, and they seem to be getting worse every day.

It's interesting that you are suffering with terrible aching joints, too.  I's never have associated those with alcohol withdrawal.

20

I've had all blood tests done , all normal as I didn't think it was normal but Dr said its because takes months for body to become normal again after years of alcohol abuse and stress