Hi Orange, I hope you are able to get the help you need ASAP! Sounds like the you know what route will be the best for you. Have you found anyone that can care for your dogs yet? Is there any neighbour that you could trust to watch them for you while you go to detox? Don't give up, you will find the help you need! Wishing you the best! :)
Thank you SO MUCH for your concern about my dogs... I did follow the suggestions of contacting the local Humane Society (nothing they could do)... I posted an add on Kijjiji... and received several queries... (One wanted me to fatten my dogs up so they could make doggie sweet and sour bites for their supposed chinese restaurant....sigh....)... but there were some that seemed like genuine caring individuals..... I will try the church...but am not terribly hopeful. I tried to contact some churches several months ago.... to see if I could go in and spend some "quiet time". Apparently not possible because people abuse it. What on earth is happening in the world? Once I can arrange doggie daycare... I think I'm going to bypass the entire medical testing procedure and submit myself to a local DETOX center.... which is basically just a bed and food... they pat you down, make you give up your clothes and whatnot... very very demeaning I imagine... But at least I know I will be "watched", and won't be alone... and if something physical happens... they can address it. Problem is, it's voluntary.... so I can only hope that I have the strength to stay when the "heebie jeebies" start.... I figure it's the quickest way to ensure safe DETOX and I'm pretty certain once I voluntarily submit myself.... I could gain faster access to psychiatrists/support systems which I know are critical to my success...
So that's the current plan. I need to act NOW. My liver isn't getting any better is it? I also truly believe that I can access support resources.... more quickly once I enter the system so to speak.....
I need to act now. Until I get my head clear and together, I can't seek work. And if I can't find work, in around four months I'll be on the streets. Sad, not unique... but true. In the meantime, I pray for a sunny day, because I need to get dogfood... and I need sun to rationalize the pink sunglasses I need to wear in order to hide my yellow eyes!
Hello Orangetomato. I too am worried about your dogs. I have a few thoughts. Contact a nearby church and explain your needs. I hope you will find at least a few people willing and able and eager to help. You might also try an animal rescue organization. They have people standing by to provide foster care for rescued animals and would certainly understand your need and desire to be sure your puppies are safe. I got my Aussie through such an organization. He was very well cared for before I adopted him. Your veterinarian may have suggestions too. Keep us posted and stay strong!
That is awesome orange! You are making huge steps to get the help that you need to save your health! Great advice from Athena about the dogs and the animal shelter. We have to save ourselves so that we can be there for the one's we love much longer whether they are our family or animals. All the best!
I am a bit in awe right now. Your strength and courage during this difficult time is really inspiring. It sounds like you are getting everything under control despite all the stress that is probably swirling around right now. You even talked to your mother in order to follow your values. This is such a big deal. I hope you realize this and give yourself a big pat on the back. Keep doing what you are doing and you will get to where you want to be quickly. We are all here rooting for you.
Thank you for your comments.... it helped put things in perspective for me...
Today I'm off for more blood work, and I had an open and honest discussion with my Mom, because I didn't think it would be fair for her not to know...
I'm going to call an animal shelter today and see if they could help... and then we'll get the show on the road...
Though my abdominal ultrasound isn't booked until March 6th.... but I'll let my Dr. know as she may want me to have it done more quickly in the hospital.
The hospital called and left a message last night. I'm to call them today.. (the hospital where I went for three days - outpatient) last weekend for IV antibiotics for an infection... My GP took me off my oral antibiotics because my eyes were turning yellow. (Thank god for pink tinged sunglasses right?)
Thank you so much for listening... it feels good to know that there are other people out there...
I know that you are worried about your dogs just as I am worried about the idea of leaving my kids, but if you want to be there for them in the long term - you need to take care of yourself right now. And if that means going into a medically supervised detox or a residential treatment centre - then go for it. Now is the time. Even if you feel like there is no-one to watch your dogs, most animal shelters know people who provide foster care for animals who would be more than willing to privide free, loving care while you take care of yourself. I know that you are scared - but sieze the moment. You are being offered an opportunity to reflect, rejuvinate, take charge of your life. I am so confident that you are ready to take this step!
I'm sorry orange that you are going through this. You say that your GP said that your choices were either someone to supervise you or admit you to hospital. Did the GP say if you could detox at home on medications could it be anyone watching you, like say your mom? I know you don't want to tell your mom, but if she lived nearby and could watch you then maybe that would be an option? Just throwing out anything I can think of to help. It sucks being "alone", my alcoholism is a secret, only my husband knows but he doesn't understand it so it is still hard. In the past when I told a few people they weren't very supportive so this time I have kept it to myself so I bear most of this on my own. I just got blood tests done yesterday so I am waiting to find out if/what damage has been done.... I hope things work out real soon for you! :)
I am sorry to hear you are in this situation; it sounds like you are in a scary and uncertain place.
Most importantly, it seems clear to me that your doctor has your best interests in mind. Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous and you shouldn't be taking chances if your doctor has advised to do the detox in hospital. I want to be completely clear here. Your health is of number one concern. You can find a solution to your dogs, talking to your mother and every other issue in your life. Your health is uncompromisable. Being completely realistic and straight forward; your health needs to be your number one priority right now. No question.
You can find a solution to your dogs. Talk to a neighbour, explain your situation to an animal shelter; call a crisis line or talk to someone at your local community center; there are options. There might be resources you are not even aware of.
In regards to your mother, how honest do you want to be with your mother now?
