Milestone for me- road trip

One of the things withdrawal has done to me was give me agoraphobia (at first would not leave the house) and to a lesser extent a fear of being too far from home for too long. As someone who was an intrepid road tripper this was staggeringly scary for me. I mean, I was afraid to drive to go see the fall leaves on my own or go to the local mountain to be by the lake. I had to have someone go with me..... I feared I would never be myself again.

 

Today for the first time in 9 months I drove 3.5 hours away to get to place I used to visit a lot. I am currently typing from a motel room and have an appointment to get my hair done with a new stylist since the regular one retired. I did it! I drove! I am in a 'strange' motel room.

 

I am still way way way more fatigued than I was before this BW but otherwise all went well. Took dog to local dog park here even.

 

We do get well. We heal. I thought my life was over in July, August and even September and most of October. I figured I was going to end up in a group home for disabled adults. That I would "never" do things again and here I am. I did nothing but give up coffee and alcohol and eat enough protein and ramped up my spiritual life. Beyond that my brain is doing all the rest.

 

I have more hope today that I might actually heal a lot more. Just thinking of coming here even last month sent me into a tailspin. And yet, today I am here. Far from home and planning to stay here for three days.

 

We have to hang on to be able to survive this and tell others that it will happen for them too.

Congratulations - very inspiring. I’m coming up to 5 months off and feeling a lot better - socialising which in w/d caused huge anxiety. And planning some holidays. Main o/s issues - sleep not brilliant, and muscle stiffness.

Wow HoH, only those of us who have been there can understand what an accomplishment this is!  I also had some agoraphobia so it felt like such freedom when I began to do those things I was struggling to do or had quit doing altogether.  Thank you for sharing your gains with the community!!

Thanks for sharing! I used to love long drives to the beach or mountains. Now it’s like the further I get from home the more uncomfortable I get.

Can’t wait to get that confidence or feeling of safety back. Adventure was what recharged my batteries!

 

Keep updating us!

I really needed to hear this today, thank you for sharing your adventure with us!  Even I get discouraged sometimes by the pain and misery I see here so your news is very welcome, I'm so happy you've come this far. 

Thanks for sharing!  It is so encouraging to hear.  I also loved to travel and have to get someone to go with me now if I go more than 20 miles from home and also get very panicky if I’m out of the house for too long. 

 

So good to hear you can do something you love again.  So happy for you. 

 

Looking forward to the time I can write the same thing!

 

2cats

This is great! Thank you for sharing