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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> When was the last time you went to a doctor or dentist, and really took care of yourself?
Post Info TOPIC: When was the last time you went to a doctor or dentist, and really took care of yourself?
gardengal


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When was the last time you went to a doctor or dentist, and really took care of yourself?
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Living with an alcoholic seriously affects our feels of self worth. We get sick. We suffer from guilt thinking that we caused the problem, and and we sit at home or at work in worry and fear, anxiety and stress. This makes us sicker. We hold things in and let if fester and grow within us, and our reactions to whatever situation changes. We dont act like we used to. We become withdrawn and isolate from friends and family and social outings. We get sicker. We lose contact with ourselves as our self esteem plummets downward, as our obsession grows about our alcoholics in our life. We focus only on the A's whereabouts, what he/she is doing, how much are they drinking, we obsess and we obsess. We apease the needs of the alcoholic in anyway we can only to keep the peace. We do everything and anything for the A,leaving our own needs on the backburner. So I ask the question what have you done for yourself lately?

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gardengal
Diva


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Always! I feel that my health is something I can see to...and SHOULD! I stay healthy and fit with proper diet, exercise, regular health screenings, and dental check-ups. My A, or lack of him, has nothing to do with taking care of myself. I even have an appointment for the dreaded colon exam! When I made the appointment I was asked why I was having it done. I replied, "Because I have gone completely nuts!" She said most people say because they are over 50. LOL!!! Diva

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annmarie


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gardengal,

Yeah, I can identify somewhat with this. I spent a lot of years wondering and worrying about how he was, what he was doing etc. And so my emotional health suffered. I wasn't even aware enough to acknowledge this at the time though. Even now, I know I have intangible ills....emotional issues I ought to see a doctor about....maybe I'm trying to find my healing here.
As for docs and dentists...well yeah, I did what I had to do. I would fix things that I could see were wrong..............it's the ones I couldn't see that caused the real problems for me!
But, you're right, I should've gone to the gym more, had more fun, had more time spent on me.............
Maybe I will now!
AM

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Gailey


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Last night instead of worrying about where my A son was and what he was doing...I joined Curves and did a workout and then I went tanning.

I felt great for the rest of the night. It really does feel good to get your mind off of the disease for awhile.

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Gail
SLS


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This is a great topic!!  This is also one of the first "assignments" that my sponsor gave me--to start taking care of myself.


Despite that I have had health and dental insurance, I had not been to the dentist for over 10 years or had an "annual" exam for almost 4 years.  I was too busy trying to keep it all together at home and worrying about my A--if things were "good" at home, then I was ok and didn't worry about me.  WOW--how did I get to that place??


So, long story short, I have been to the dentist.  I found out that my HP had protected me and my teeth--no major damage and I am on a regular cleaning schedule now. And, my appointment for my annual exam with a new doctor is set for the 3rd week of July.


I can honestly say that it is a relief to face the fear of having ignored my health for so long, deal with it and as a result, put it into perspective.  The fear that something is really wrong and the guilt for not taking care of it no longer pray on my subconscious.  Recovery is a great thing--painful at times, and alot of work, but well worth it!!



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Do not be anxious about tomorrow; tomorrow will look after itself.
The Bible, from Courage to Change, p.138
dori


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Hi,


 First I wanted to say hi good to see you .I battle with this all the time there is no active A in my life.I am a mom with teenage kids at home .I still stuggle with doing something just for me.I will work on that thanks for the reminder.I have done the dr thing and the dentist but you know nothing like really personal for me.


unless buying my favorite cookie counts and eating them all by my self lol does that count.. lol dori



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dorene morrow
horselover58


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A very good question indeed!!!


 I did neglect my health, not for lonng, thank goodness. I go to the dentist regularly, have my phyicals, even a  CMP, complete metabolic panel,  very thorough blood work. I went to a therapist when I needed emotional help.


 Now I attend CHAD. confidential help for alcohol & drugs. They are a not for profit agency in central NY that counsels the addicts & their significant others.


I am going places & doing things with my girlfriends. For instance so far I've been to 2 plays. Never thought I'ld be doing that! But I had a wonderful time! I saw The Buddy Holly Story & Menopause the Musical. Both worth every penny!!!


This coming weekend I am taking one of my horses to my girlfriends house to ride. She now has the same weekends off as I do.We do "horse stuff" together. We are planning to attend a horse show in July.


All of this, taking care of our physical, emotional & spiritual selves is vital for our recovery !!


Life is way too short to be spent regretting the past or worrying about the future, we miss out on so much around us!  


I have seen an improvement in my hubby, now that he sees me out & about doing things, enjoying my life... with or without him!!!!! He still drinks, but that is no longer an issue for me. I am going to get out & do things I want to do. If he chooses to get drunk, that is just that HIS choice!!!!
Thank you gardengal for bringing up this wonderfully question!


Debbie



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Feather


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Boy! This is a great question!


For me, I am good with the Dr.s regular checks but the dentist is my downfall. Being essentially a single Mum I have made sure my children have their annual checks but for me I haven't been in about 7 years! Bad I know. And I do have problems - I have 3 back molars that have decayed and broken. Now I am too ashamed to see the dentist. I know I must go but just can't summon up the courage to go.


The expence is also an issue as I don't have dental insurance.


I must give myself a good talking to!



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hmrnrnmm


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Well for financial reasons I did not see a Dr for many years. Not too long ago, we were told about an indigent care trust program. we can see a Dr regularly. They are 3 year residents. We can get physical theraphy, Xrays, Ct scans, blood tests, mamograms & a whole alot of other treatments for free. We do a six month financial screening in order to qualify for this program. The hospital associated also covers hospital stays.But the kidney doctor, neurologist & other specialists are out of pocket. My prescriptions are $5.00 for now.


I was able to prove my disabilities & am waiting on a hearing with SS. Hopefully August this year, I will have my day in court. I have an attorney who would not take my case unless he knew I would win.


As for a dentist, I have not been able to afford one in 8 years. I have two molars that need crowns, one may need a root canal. I do not want to get my teeth pulled. My mom neglected her own teeth for many years. She was in her 70's when the last tooth fell out. She finally got dentures. She does not like them though. They are uncomfortable. She took care of us three kids. Daddy dearest had custody of us but mom invested more in us than he did.


As for taking care of myself. I am going to be doing that. I have done more since alanon. funny how there is never any money yet there is always money for booze. I am watching movies & reading books more.


I discovered a little known secret. the local library has some really cool movies, some are somewhat new, some are from another country, those are oops but kinda neat even though you have to read the words. The cost is FREE. You get the movies for 2 weeks. You can check out 4 at a time. You can get on a waiting list & they contact you when they come in. They will sent them to whatever library is closest to you.  The movies are DVDs & VHS. It is cheaper than buying them.


I am looking forward to visiting family  July 26 thru Aug 1 in SC near the beach. I love the ocean. Especially the quiet ones.


I spent almost 3 weeks in Atlanta visiting my 76 year old mother back in Feb. I got to see her friends, my brother & sister in law, ( she has MS & is in a wheel chair now) She went to GA Tech & has a degree in Chemical Engineering & now that life is over.


I am planning on traveling more once my truck is up & running.I have family & friends in Fl  , NC & SC. And a bunch of online friends. I have always wanted to travel. Even though the gas prices are outrageous, my peace of mind is worth it.


And from June 26 thru July 6, My alcoholic will not be here. She is housesitting & has no way to get her fix. I am enjoying my time at home alone. I am enjoying peace & quiet. I have lots of plans on catching up on projects. And I went to a f2f class today Thursday even though it was one on one. There is another one on Monday. I plan on being there too. I don't think I will let my A know I am in town  


 


Thought for the day.......................We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.                                   


Pierre Teilhard De Chardin, French Jesuit Philosopher (1885-1955)


 



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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> When was the last time you went to a doctor or dentist, and really took care of yourself?