News From Virginia
Hi Ya'll,
Just checking in! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip to Jamaica, Reenie! I was sorry to hear about your dear Sophie...I have three wonderful pups who are such a big part of my family. My heart goes out to you and yours.
Well, I am still sober 
and much happier, I might add! I still attend AA meetings about 4-5 days a week and I go to my sponsor's house one night a week for Step Class with three other sponsees. We have readings and written homework each week and share a meal and lessons on our night together. It really works well. I call my sponsor daily to check in. I think God has really led me to this wonderful program and this sponsor.
Anyway, I told you guys I would also report back on the drug my eating disorder therapst put me on a month ago, Topomax. It has truely worked wonders. I mean wonders! I have almost NO compulsions anymore. The only way I know how to explain it is this: I have a big void in my life that I haven't been able to face or able to really consciously identify. I have eaten food to fill that void in the past and then switched to alcohol, shopping, whatever, to replace/compliment the food addiction anytime I felt anxiety over the void. Any kind of stress would trigger the anxiety and hence, the compulsion to reach for XXXXX (take you pick). The Topomax removes the compulsion, or "the wall" as I call it, and allows me to reach through the window and "see" what the fear is without freaking out. By being able to identify the fear (trigger), I can at least begin to deal with it. The Topomax calms the anxiety and allows me to calmly think about the issue, discuss it with my therapist and then strategize what to do or not do about it, on my own time table. For now, I am just taking my time sitting with just being able to identify my issues. They run deep, are under many layers of crap, and will take a lot of courage to bring to the surface and talk about with my husband. I know what I need to do now. I am not ready to do it yet but I will in my own time. It is just such a freakin' relief to finally be able to face my fears eye to eye without running to destructive behaviors to avoid them. God Bless this drug. I will not be on it forever; just long enough to learn new behaviors; just like we had to with WLS. Oh yeah, I have also lost 8 pounds.!
And as far as the side effect of myopia that Elisabeth brought up, I spoke to my doctor about that and myopia is near-sightedness. I am already near-sighted! But this drug can cause problems in those who have glacoma, which I do not have. Plus the dosage for anxiety is so much lower than those who take it for migraines or seizures. But everyone is different. Only your doctor can advise you.
Thanks for letting me share! Life is good! 
Hugs,
Karen
and much happier, I might add! I still attend AA meetings about 4-5 days a week and I go to my sponsor's house one night a week for Step Class with three other sponsees. We have readings and written homework each week and share a meal and lessons on our night together. It really works well. I call my sponsor daily to check in. I think God has really led me to this wonderful program and this sponsor.
Anyway, I told you guys I would also report back on the drug my eating disorder therapst put me on a month ago, Topomax. It has truely worked wonders. I mean wonders! I have almost NO compulsions anymore. The only way I know how to explain it is this: I have a big void in my life that I haven't been able to face or able to really consciously identify. I have eaten food to fill that void in the past and then switched to alcohol, shopping, whatever, to replace/compliment the food addiction anytime I felt anxiety over the void. Any kind of stress would trigger the anxiety and hence, the compulsion to reach for XXXXX (take you pick). The Topomax removes the compulsion, or "the wall" as I call it, and allows me to reach through the window and "see" what the fear is without freaking out. By being able to identify the fear (trigger), I can at least begin to deal with it. The Topomax calms the anxiety and allows me to calmly think about the issue, discuss it with my therapist and then strategize what to do or not do about it, on my own time table. For now, I am just taking my time sitting with just being able to identify my issues. They run deep, are under many layers of crap, and will take a lot of courage to bring to the surface and talk about with my husband. I know what I need to do now. I am not ready to do it yet but I will in my own time. It is just such a freakin' relief to finally be able to face my fears eye to eye without running to destructive behaviors to avoid them. God Bless this drug. I will not be on it forever; just long enough to learn new behaviors; just like we had to with WLS. Oh yeah, I have also lost 8 pounds.!
And as far as the side effect of myopia that Elisabeth brought up, I spoke to my doctor about that and myopia is near-sightedness. I am already near-sighted! But this drug can cause problems in those who have glacoma, which I do not have. Plus the dosage for anxiety is so much lower than those who take it for migraines or seizures. But everyone is different. Only your doctor can advise you.
Thanks for letting me share! Life is good!
Hugs,
Karen 
Hi Karen. What you describe is exactly what I have been attempting to do through therapy this past 8 months or so; I still have tons of anxiety, however, as I try to wrestle through it all. I will talk to my doctor about the Topomax, thanks for the tip on this. So glad to hear you sounding so upbeat and doing so well. Take good care, sweetie, and please keep posting to let us know how you're doing. Hugs, M.
Hi Karen,
I am so glad to hear Topomax is helping you!!! I'm really happy for you. I have myopia as well but mine, unfortunately, got alot worse. I was on a high dose for my migranes as well, like you mentioned. I'm so glad that you didn't have the same side effect. It's so true that everyone is different. I wish you all the best in the world! (hugs)
Elizabeth M
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