Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Windysan,
Most educated thing Ive heard re: my fears of being labelled for the rest of my life:
You'll learn much more than "addict stuff"....you'll learn how to deal with life's problems. Don't worry about being "labelled". You don't have to "shout from the rooftops" that you are an addict. People have short memories and those that do "find out" will respect you for helping yourself. Those who don't have respect will forget about it in 3 weeks. Don't worry what other people think because they don't matter. Take care of yourself....you are no good dead or strung out.
I will re- read this about 3 times today and tomorrow and hopefully it will sink in- Thanks!
Sara
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Im going to rehab. Period. I just hope I can talk to everyone before I go on the 17th. and then when I come back 32 days later, I think it will be Oct. 20th. Im already packing my bags.
Tonight I went to Target and bought a cd "walkman" - it was a generic brand, anyway it was $11. !!!!! I want to listen to music while Im there.
I also picked out some comfy t shirts, and a few nice clothes as well.
I will be packing over the next week. It's only 9 days away and I will be
there!
So scared- but so ready to stop having a bad "year" every year.
Love,
Sara
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Hi Sara,
I am so glad you are going to go! I was getting ready to come on here and tell you that another thing you might ask yourself is "would Frida do this if she would have had the chance in her life and times?" I like to think she would...the availability of counseling alone might be worth it. One thing you do, Sara, is surround yourself with strong women, and you seem to admire strong women in your love of the arts. In reading your replies on this thread, you have a lot of strong women...and men, too, who are saying to you that it's time for you to go.
Compare what you will be doing at this place for 32 days to how you would be spending the 32 days at home if you weren't going...which way of those days being spent will change your life for the better? Which version will give you ways of dealing with your very real physical pain as well as the pain of your addiction? Really, which way of spending 32 days will have a larger, more positive impact on you, your ability to work and take care of yourself and your children? Which way will make you stronger when it comes to having to deal with your ex the next time? I imagine you will delve into all these issues while in rehab and you will come home armed with a new attitude and new skills and even more strength than you already have...and you truly are one of the strongest people I know, I mean that.
I totally agree with the what Windysan said, and I think we should ALL read her post once a day! She is exactly right on about other people and how they view other people's "15 minutes of fame." You know already that the bottom line is it really only matters what you and your children think of this decision you are making...nobody else. You are the one making it and living with it and the results of it, and I truly think it will have a big payoff in the end.
You have a lot of people on your side...not many are in a situation to just get 3 grand Western Union'd to us ! See, Venus and Mars are alright tonight, and everything is going to be okay. I was thinking about the very good point Lynn brought up, and in an attempt to be the devil's advocate, could it be possible their tough love and tactics are more geared to getting you there because the more that time passes, the more likely another addict will slip through the chance at a recovery? I know, I know...only in my dream world, LOL! But it would be nice to think they are not motivated primarily by the money, you know?
Well, I may not be able to pass the hat, so instead, my hat is off to you...
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Hi Sara,
That's GREAT that you've made the decision!
I did go on that site for you last night....but there was just not specific enough information for me to really "get a feeling" for them. From their general descriptions, the place sounds lovely, caring, etc. But each web page was very short....so I guess you're going to have to take a lot of stuff on faith!
A few things I picked out from what they said....there's appears to be just one psychiatrist at the rehab, but several qualified doctors and nurses. There was no specifics as to what detox drugs they use to make you comfortable. I got the feeling that you see the psychiatrist after you finish the detoxing period..
A 12-Step program is followed, plus they offer a few programs I'm not familiar with.
So---I'm afraid I could not find out much for you that wasn't rather general. But, others here seem to be familiar with this Rehab.....so I would have to say you should rely on those who know more about it.
Sorry I could not get more of a real "feel" for you. But I'm so glad you are going to give it a try.
I'm off now to the hospital to get a few basic tests before this foot surgery I have tomorrow (I injured my foot a month ago and the wound just won't close.) Anyway, I'll check back later to make sure all is well.
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Rehab Basics:
You might want to check with Laha to see if walkmans are allowed. I know that in some rehabs they don't allow anything that might take away from recovery. This probably includes walkmans. Ask about books too. Some rehabs will allow spiritual books only. Don't bring hairspray or anything with alcohol in it. Make sure you have your "meds" in order with doctors notes and all that. Most rehabs don't allow any narcotic meds. I hear that Laha is pretty generous with detox meds.....don't take advantage of that situation. Bring a pillow and an extra blanket. Bring an open mind. Just like anywhere else there will be A-holes there...but also a lot of good people. Just call Laha and ask for a faxed list of what you can and cannot bring. Stick with your decision.
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Windysan,
Two pillows, blanket, heating pad, tens unit (for back), walkman- ok only sometimes, thermo care heat pad's for my back, the book- purpose driven life, (they study that at the "seekers" meeting each morning.
Youre right- no meds w/ out Rx like no zrytec samples (for allergies)
Have to have a Rx. I have to go to work, So tired - No vics for 2 days, Ive
had the runs all morning.
Boy Im not ready to detox at home! They said it would be comfortable that I would not feel really bad- but bad enough to remember it.
Your posts to me were really beneficial to me over the past few days.
Thanks Windysan.
Love,
Sara
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Da runs......oooofa.....that sure sucks. What are "units" for your back? Narcotic? Many with pain symptoms who quit all narcotics find out that a lot of the pain was actually psychosomatic(in your head). Take the "units" but try to do without them for a couple of weeks. Use just the heating pad and see what happens. Don't worry or be scared....the hardest part is making the decision to go.
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Windysan-
Look it up on the internet- It's called the "Tens Unit" it is -
How Does TENS Work?
This electrotherapy was designed to relieve pain by sending gentle electrical impulses through the skin to the nerves. This suppresses pain by blocking the pain signals before they reach the brain. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation sends gentle impulses through lead wires that are connected to electrodes. These electrodes are strategically placed at appropriate pain sights on the body. Because there are many different kinds of pain, and each individual is unique, pain relief varies from person to person. Some users experience pain relief only while the TENS unit is turned on. For others, relief continues for a length of time even after the unit is turned off. It is an excellent, non-drug alternative for chronic pain such as lower-back ache and arthritis. It is also useful in relieving acute pain associated with surgery, traumatic injury, and other conditions.
To achieve the best results of electrotherapy, it is important to remember that the therapy merely activates the body's own pain-fighting mechanism. Placing electrodes directly over or around the painful area delivers pain-blocking current to the nerves leading to that area.
I have been off of pain meds for two days- Im in major pain- I think the tens will help me in my PT, they use it on me there.
BTW, My PT did tell me the same thing you are telling me - don't use ANYTHING for the pain except your excercises and my Higher Power.
My Gen Phys. said taper, my pelvis is still out of place and my SI joint is not moving on one side.
Write Back!
Love,
Sara- PS. I know... I do need to go!
It is the pits being at work detoxing. At least Im busy and my mind is not
directly on the pain. Yes, going to the bathroom every 30 min- took Imodium.
Luv Ya!
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Okay....electric stuff....no problem there at all. Just remember how sick you are now....remember it always. Go to rehab and learn how to live without the dope. You'll do well. So many are struggling and making excuses not to get well. You are very wise for making the decision to get better. Don't back out. I pray for your complete recovery.
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Windysan and All-
I had an enlightening thought this morning. When I started to have my back pain 3 years ago..... I thought "If I take these pills- I will feel better- and If I feel better- I WILL FIT IN MORE- WITH OTHERS, AND I WILL BE ACCEPTED.
That, my friend, was the disease talking. Funny how the only thing these pills have done to me is push me further and further away from people and relationships. It has alienated me from everyone and everything instead.
I want to benefit the most from REHAB.
This disease is so tricky. Im going to be smarter.
Love,
Sara
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Yes, you will be smarter. The dope will eventually turn you into an animal....as others here will tell you. You are very smart for taking control of your life.
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Sara,
I'm here for ya! Since I have no job I spend lots of time on the computer (probably more than I should...but that's another story :-)
Anyway, I too am glad you made the decision! I'm also glad you bought a few things to take with you....somehow that always made me feel better about all the times I had to be in the hospital for surguries over the years. It's just kind of neat to get to have some new "especially for rehab" (or whatever the treatment) things.
I will be in touch until you go and will be praying for you while you're there
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Angela, (The Wizard) LOL
Hi there I just wanted to say thank you for the prayers! I bought a poncho from Target today at lunch, It's chinelle so it feels like a blanket over me at all times. I want something comforting on me- God only knows how bad I will feel detoxing.
My boyfriend said he is gonna get a t-shirt made that says " Keep your mind
on recovery and off of my girl "
He was kidding of course! But I laughed pretty hard.
Yes, please stay in touch. Pray for me looking to God and not to pills. He wants me back pretty bad. I want him back too! The funny part is - I left his side, but he's always been there next to me- or my angels.
I know he wants me back b/c he wouldn't have put you (GlindaW), Dallas A., Rebecca, BC, Chris, Banker, Bigepop, Christianmom, Ex Ambien User, Goddessgirl, Injured Betty, Joe's Addiction, Fisherpard, Michelle, Twinlynn, Lisa, Strbay, and Bestfriend - You are all of my angels - because you have helped me in one way or another to come to my decision of going to rehab.
Please just keep talking to me until the 17th! I know I can only decide to go but you can help me by being by my side and being next to me at rehab (in some way) - your thoughts, your prayers.
With Love,
Sara
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
No reason to be afraid.....really. It is not difficult. Making the decision to go is the hard part. I tell you....it is such a relief when you get there. Stay positive and don't be afraid.
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Windysan,
You are so sweet! I know you are right, It's just so scary to completly let go of my kids- put them in care of another, and concentrate on myself.
It goes back to that ole saying of why Im in there in the first place- If I dont go, I could lose my kids forever!
I won't get to use the phone for the first two weeks, then there is only one payphone there- for everyone to share, and you have to buy a phonecard ahead of time.
I don't want my kids to go up there. Im afraid them driving 5 hours, then seeing me and then leaving and driving another 5 hours- will be too stressful on them. Remember, I have a 3 year old (just turned three) and a 7 year old.
With pure, sweet souls. Don't want to do anything to change that!
Let me know what your thoughts are on that.
Loving you Windysan!
-Sara
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
I don't want my kids to go up there. Im afraid them driving 5 hours, then seeing me and then leaving and driving another 5 hours- will be too stressful on them. Remember, I have a 3 year old (just turned three) and a 7 year old.
With pure, sweet souls. Don't want to do anything to change that!
Let me know what your thoughts are on that.
Sara,
I can see your point about the long drive and your kids. I think I would see how it goes....if they are REALLY missing you (which I'm sure they will anyway), but if you feel that they should come visit at some point then by all means...maybe they could stay in a hotel room overnight and visit some place fun so they aren't making the trip in one day?? It could kind of be a fun thing for them??? (I'm not trying to say that visiting you wouldn't be exciting enough, but I do understand how long a drive like that is...especially for young children. My daughter's dad lives a little less than a 5 hour drive from us and the times we've opted to drive her it has been a looong trip. We always stay in a fun hotel - he lives in Reno, so there's lots of fun places to stay).
I would also discuss it with whoever is going to be taking care of them. That person would have a better "feel" for if they should come see you. I guess it will depend a lot on them and thier feelings.
But, even if they don't come visit you are still making one of the best choices (and probably one of the most difficult) in your life!!!!
Re: Need Advice ASAP- The rehab wants me there NOW, I want to go on the 17th
Chris,
Are you around. Really could use a friend right now. I would love nothing more than for you to wish me well before I go- and to talk to you to make
sure you are doing okay before Im gone for 32 days.
I will really miss talking to everyone. You have been heavy on my mind lately.
W/B- Let me know how you are feeling.
Always thinking about your recovery,
Sara
__________________
"I believe that friends lift us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
-Sara
! See, Venus and Mars are alright tonight, and everything is going to be okay. I was thinking about the very good point Lynn brought up, and in an attempt to be the devil's advocate, could it be possible their tough love and tactics are more geared to getting you there because the more that time passes, the more likely another addict will slip through the chance at a recovery? I know, I know...only in my dream world, LOL! But it would be nice to think they are not motivated primarily by the money, you know?
