Yes they accepted my 'made up' in 30 seconds version of the diary.

I'm not suggesting or recommending anyone do that..............but............

I got the prescription - I had to create a 30 second two week drinking diary! Tried to make it look like I'd reduced my drinking slightly but not enough that they think I don't need it any more! I do wonder though that if I get to the point when I'm drinking dramatically less, if I have a consultation they will consider my drinking is no longer above safe limits and won't prescribe it?

Sorry you are having such a hassle Snap.....you seem to be between the devil and the deep blue sea ! I agree that it is hard to know what to do re telling them the amount that you are drinking.....how much did they give you ?

Hugs, Maggie

I think it's a case of being a bit economical with the truth

I may be joining you on Nalmefene if I can't sort out a supply of Naltrexone in the next week or so ...

I'm not sure they pay that much attention.

You could explain that it is being on the Selincro that is lowering your units, surely they can accept that?Then again I don't think the prescribing guidelines show any understanding of the process at all.

Well - I'm feeling really down, p***ed off -not quite suicidal, but almost. I know I'm not going to be a success story for TSM. Ive stuck to it absolutely since 31st Oct 2014. If anything I'm drinking more now than ever before. The only difference is, once I drank to oblivion and blacked out. Now I drink but don't black out or lose control, and I seem to drink more and more and more - but I just don't reach that 'level' anymore. You would think that not reaching that buzz would stop me wanting to drink in the first place - but it doesn't - it just feels even more frustrating. My wanting to drink is greater than ever and I know that I will die from this addiction.

This may sound dramatic, but I have actually accepted that I am going to die (probably sooner rather than later - I'm 49 years old) and rather than try to 'save' myself I accept that I'm living on borrowed time. |I'm worried about the affect that Selincro is having on me - a few times I've been walking along and experience an weird thumping feeling in my head and feel like I'm about to pass out (I've never experienced this in my life before!) I sometimes wake with a huge jolt in the night like I've stopped breathing and gasping for breath. I've written letters to my husband and kids begging forgiveness for my haorrific addiction - I so hate myself for this! I am successful in every other aspect of my life - I run my own business, my (grownup) kids are all doing well and have great professions - but I just can't beat this addiction to alcohol. I'm so happy that TSM works for so many people, but I don't think it's ever going to work for me. This was my very last option. There's no-where else to go - is there?

Oh Snapdragon, I was so sorry to read your post. I understand how wretched you must be feeling but you have only been on TSM for 8 months....for some it can take up to 2 years. Look at Chrisb ! UKB said that we have to force AF days and also be more mindful when drinking to try and cut back. Maybe try having a glass of water inbetween drinks or change what you drink. Only buy a set amount ....lots of different ways to try and cut back. Try affirmations even ! I know for me, I was using Antabuse to have my AF days as that was the only way I could do it, but am now trying them without it, but for you it might help to kickstart you.

Please hang in there......and you might want to see your GP about your thumping feeling and your gasping for breath in the night....it might not be associated with Nal at all, but something else.

Hugs, Maggie x

Snap,

so sorry you're having a rough time of it, I really feel for you. before I started TSM I felt much the same as you - was certain that my drinking would take years off my life, in spite of being fairly functional & successful in the rest of my life

have you considered going to your GP about your side-effects? if years of your life are at risk, it might be worthwhile. I don't know about the thumping feeling in your head, but the waking up suddenly breathless sounds like sleep apnea, which AL contributes to

do please stick with TSM for a bit longer. the fact that you're not getting the buzz means that the Selincro is working, but maybe you have a particularly stubborn rat. up until recently I'd had a few months back up at pre-TSM drinking levels & was losing the faith, then suddenly my drinking has dropped by 2/3rds & I'm getting 4+ effortless AF days a week. you say that you don't think that TSM is going to work for you, but there's still a good chance that it might. what's the alternative - going back to drinking without Nal, with *NO* chance of it working?

all the best

-badger

Snapdragon: please do not give up!! There are many others - Heavy Fuel comes to mind - for whom it took much longer than you have been at it. I know that it is frustrating and the book promises a much lesser time frame, but please don't give up. And regarding the letters to your husband and children, I know you love them and this is hard on them too but remember, it is not your fault. You are not choosing this.

Keep posting, we all care about you. xoxo Newlife

Thanks for all your support everyone. I feel so down and depressed about everything - and I know that it is probably the alcohol causing this. Maggie I'm interested that you take AB to force AF days - can you do that for just a few days? I still have some in the cupboard but was always told that you must wait a week after taking it before you can drink again. Do you just take it for a day?