Can I engage in light social drinking now?

[lori j]

Hi fellow Hep C-ers.  I was diagnosed with Hep C a few months ago.  I have Genotype 4a and my viral count was 226,000.  I had a liver biopsy about a week ago and the results came back with no liver damage to speak of an no fibrosis.  My GI specialist recommended no therapy for me.  Just to keep an eye on my liver (via my internist) and to have another liver biopsy in 3 to 5 years.  I am quite relieved as I'm sure you can all relate!

Anyway, my question is this.  I enjoy the occasional glass of wine or beer when I go out to dinner with friends or family or sometimes even in the evening after a long day to relax.  I do not have a drinking problem whatsoever.  I just like the taste of a good wine or a glass of beer.  I also like to join friends for drinks as a way of entertaining ourselves.

Will any amount of alcohol now cause the virus to multiply faster and ultimately lead to liver damage that hasn't occurred in over 30 years when I was first infected via a blood transfusion?

My life goal now (at 49) is to avoid treatment and die of natural causes if possible.  But I also want to enjoy life and part of that for me is to have a drink every so often.  I don't want to overdo it by any means, I'm talking a drink a week at the most and sometimes not even that.

Any advice or has anyone located any research on this?

Thanks,

Lori J

[mycoldfeet]

your not going to get much from this forum with the attitude that Hep is natural and drinking is that important to your social life, most of us have given up a (social life) or a normal life to fight this disease, and to many of us this is a support group to that cause. When you get to your Dr.and get on meds and make a commitment, not just for yourself but for those who love you, come around and we will help you get through it. I dont mean to come down on you, but we are all fighting the dragon not trying to live with him.

[jmjm530]

You touched on a very emotional issue in all hepatitis forums, so keep that in mind when you read through the responses.

My hepatologist (liver specialist) allowed light, social drinking both prior to treatment and after treatment but not during treatment. I asked another prominent hepatologist regarding post treatment social drinking and he also said it was OK. I started treatment as a stage 3.

Some doctors, however, permit no drinking. IMO their advice is either based on older studies from the late 1990's and guidelines derived from the older studies -- or, the fact that they may have had bad experiences in the past permitting light, social drinking only to find that the patient abused the advice and started drinking heavily. Or, that is simply their opinion, as doctors have strong opinions just like everyone else.

I am always reluctant to get into this discussion for a number of reasons, but I truly believe that quality of life is so important for those of us afflicted with chronic diseases like HCV virus -- and therefore denying ourselves the little pleasures in life for no scientific reason just seems counter to what we are all trying to accomplish. If I felt for a minute that drinking my one or two beers a week was negatively affecting my liver I'd stop. Just like I stopped smoking cigarettes over 20 years ago for health reasons.
--------------------------

Here are three links to three pertinent articles/studies supporting that light, social drinking will not harm your liver.

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/hcv/litreview1.htm

"What does this mean for our patients with HCV? It seems to this reviewer that the stern warnings we have previously been given about the possible dire consequences of drinking of even modest alcohol intake must now be tempered. Alcohol absitence may be the safest course of action, but an occasional drink appears not to harm the liver in those affected with HCV"

http://tinyurl.com/l7c8h

http://tinyurl.com/nkqty



###

[mremeet]

Alcohol consumption for HCV patients is a volatile subject. In most cases it is ill advised, and when it comes to substantial/heavy drinking it is absolutely out of the question. However, speaking for myself, I've been socially drinking for about 23 years with occasional ventures into heavy drinking when I was in my 20's, and have been infected with HCV the same amount of time. Turns out my liver has pretty mild damage at F1. So at least in my case a moderate amount of alcohol consumption over nearly a 1/4 century has certainly not taken me to death's door. I've spoken with others who had similar outcomes as well.

But here's the catch: HCV can move very slowly in many (if not most) people for the first two-three decades. Biopsies show minimal/no damage, lab work looks good, patient feels/looks great. But then as we age and inch into our 40's and beyond, things can change. The disease can kick into gear and start causing damage at a much higher rate than it did for the first 20-30 years. At the same time the person has gotten older, so their immune system is not as effective as it used to be. Things can start to go down hill in a manner they never did for years and years before, especially if that aging person continues to drink, even on a casual basis (which is defined in many different ways by many different people).

On the other hand, there are people who can live out a full and complete life with HCV with minimal/no effects and die of old age from an unrelated illness. The problem in all of this is for you to figure out ahead of time if you're going to be one of those people. And I can tell you right off, there is no way for you to know. That's the game of Russian roullete you would have to engage in if you decide to abstain from treatment while continuing to age into your 50's and beyond combined with drinking even socially at the same time. It's a dangerous game, and it might have a bad outcome.

Lastly, as you probably already know, your low viral load, minimal liver damage and non type 1 genotype makes you an excellent candidate for being cured via current therapy (and in about half the time type 1's would need). And again, as you get older, those great pre-treatment stats can change dramatically on you without much notice. So in my opinion, I would give treatment a good lookover before firmly deciding to abstain. Good luck.

[jmjm530]

I've self-limited myself to only one reply in alcohol related thread so this is going over my limit :)

As I now see that this discussion has already been expanded, I'll just add that I wholeheartedly agree with your GI regarding not treating now and taking a watch and wait approach. Given your genotype and lack of liver damage, you are fortunate that you do have time to wait and see how the newer drugs in trial will work out. Hopefully, this drugs will offer better results, with shorter treatment times and less side effects -- both during and after treatment.

All the best.

-- Jim

[Kalio1]

Hello and welcome. Sorry to hear you have Hep C. What does your DOCTOR say to the idea that it would be OK to drink ay alcohol?
In my opinion you need to educate yourself about the disease. Read up on  it, consult with additional doctors ( a liver specialist)drinking with Hep C is a very bad idea, it is ike pouring gasoline on the fire of your disease. What geotype do you have?

[Pdilly]

Just as those have mentioned Alcohol is a subject that all have their own opinions.   Its one of those subjects I think you would be best going out on the web and educating yourself with all the opinions and then make your decision.   Personally I am stage 2-3 I can't take that risk.  Taking risks is what got me in this mess to begin with.   Anyway education is the best thing.  Doctors also have their own opinion.

[cuteus]

jm, she is set in avoiding tx, not wait for new drugs, per her own words.

kalio, she is a 4a

lori, I too enjoyed occassional drinks and had mild liver damage before learning of hep c in my liver.  But, somehow, I think the protection afforded to pre menopausal women felt as if it was going away.  So, off to tx I went.  Bear also in mind that hep c is not just a liver disease. Autoimmune conditions are been connected to the virus presence in many studies. read about extrahepatic manifestations of hep c.  If you have none of those, and are willing to chance that alcohol will not speed up hep c damage in your body, it is your choice ultimately. But you won't get a whole lot of backing on that from folks that are in cirrhosis, had to give up their dinner wine and are battling with the virus treatment after treatment.  You are fortunate. I hope the good luck continues

[jmjm530]

Not to split hairs (or wine corks in this thread :) ) the fact that her doctor is recommending keeping an eye on things, including follow-up biopsy in 3-5 years is a Watch n' Wait approach. Also, unless I mis-read your post, my understanding from previous threads is that you still enjoy a glass of wine, etc, on occasion post treatment. Wasn't sure if you stance has changed.

-- Jim

[52TELE]

Hi Jim , did you ever get into that 12 step alcohol thread program? LOL

[jmjm530]

LOL. Point well taken Tele. I'm outta this thread for good now. Thanks for the reminder.

[susan400]

All I'm going to say is No, you should not drink.

Susan

[Myown]

Hi Lori,
Welcome and sorry to hear you have hep c....but happy to hear that your liver is in such good shape. Boy, many of us on this site would absolutley love to hear the words you heard from your doctor. I agree with the postings that you should ask your doctor and also educate yourself as much as you can, then draw your own conclusions. There seems to be differing opinions amongst doctors, so in the end, what your heart tells you might be the path you choose.

I'm on the learning path right now myself and actually your post may have given me some thought also. I've been turning my back on the decision to bx (biopsy)though, a majority of people,including here, feel its(bx) the way to go. I might be entering into treatment without necessarily having to have it at this time. If I get a report as good as yours, I can have the "wait and watch"(as Jim mentioned...hi jimmie lol)approach.

But...in my opinion, just my opinion though, I don't think any of us should have a thimble full of alcohol. You're diagnosis is just one notch down from "hep c negative," that would have been the best words to ring in your ears. But you got 2nd best, which "taint bad." Count your lucky stars. Wish you the best!

[cuteus]

oh, I do enjoy wine and beer post tx, but that  was not relevant to Lori's question, since she never treated, is not SVR, and is not planning to treat, but die of unrelated causes.
She does have mild damage or none, but with the presence of HCV, I do not encourage anyone to have any alcohol. It is her choice to take the risk, if any, and to continue enjoying her wine at dinner, regardless of what I or others think.
I am not sure why she posted this question, because I think she will do what she feels is best for her anyway, not follow anyone's suggestions.

[52TELE]

The text below was taken from "The hepatitis Report" found at the URL listed at the bottom. I hope it helps in your decision ,making process.

• Investigate the influence of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption on HCV disease progression.
A large body of data has confirmed that alcohol consumption of more than 50 grams per day accelerates the progression of HCV-related liver disease (Harris 2002; Poynard 1997; Thomas 2000). Less is known about the effect of light to moderate alcohol consumption on hepatitis C disease progression. Some studies have associated light alcohol intake with fibrosis progression, while others have reported that light to moderate alcohol consumption is not significantly associated with fibrosis (Monto 2004; Westin 2002). The effect of alcohol on HCV progression may vary by sex and/or genetic and ethnic factors. Without more specific information, most clinicians simply recommend abstinence from alcohol. Data to support or modify recommendations of abstinence are needed. The National Institutes of Health should provide funding for this research.

http://www.aidsinfonyc.org/tag/coinf/hcv2004/index.html

[lori j]

Thanks all for your honesty, comments, well-wishes and opinions.  Let me make one thing clear---I take this disease extremely seriously.  It wasn't my decision to "not treat" at this time.  It was the specialist's opinion.  He has treated many patients with Hep C and in his words, "Given the fact that you have a type (Genotype 4a) of which very little is known in this country, except that it came from another country (Egypt), and the fact that after 30 years of exposure, there is no fibrosis or damage, and the fact that the odds are not in your favor of eradication since Genotype 4a is treated in the same way as Genotype 1 with what we believe less satisfactory results, we feel that treatment right now is not the best course for you because of the length of treatment and the potentially problematic side effects." We feel that your regular doctor should keep an eye on your liver panel results and if everything continues as it has, another liver biopsy in 3-5 years is the best course of action for you.

I don't plan on resuming my previous drinking habits which consisted of, on the average, 2-3 drinks per week, but I do enjoy drinking. I live a very healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly, but my plan is to be smart, limit my drinking severely to special occasions and if I have to go through treatment (which I had fully planned on happening immediately) down the road, just like Jim mentioned, I'm hoping that there will have been more research and clinical trials and the treatment may not be so intense in the future.  My comment about avoiding treatment was simply to try and live smart and healthy while still enjoying life (as I know it) but if I have to treat in the future, then that is what I will do!

I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone or presume anything about anybody on this forum.  If this was the case for you, I apologize.

Thanks again, everyone! :-)

[rifleman]

Conventional wisdom is that, if you have hepatitis c, your alcohol intake should be minimized.
My doctor told me that 15 years ago, when a blood test indicated that I had an AST of 60.  They did not test ALT, but I was in a high-risk group (received blood products in 60's, 70's, and 80's) for what he called Non-A Non-B hepatitis.
Did I, at age 25, take his advice?  No.  I drank enough beer between the ages of 18 and 39 to fill an oil tanker. I'm not talking about "social" drinking, I'm talking about drinking to get drunk.  At 32 I tested antibody-positive for Hep C.  At 39 I finally had a viral load, liver test, and geno test.  Had geno 2b and minor liver damage.  I treated the hep C and now it is gone. I don't abstain from alcohol now, but I don't exactly binge either.
When you posted your question above, I have a hunch that you already knew the answer.  I guess the only possible reply to your question is. . . ."it's your life."
Because you have active hep c, please try to have some LFT's done every 6 months or year.  You didn't post any ALT's, etc., but a spike in these could indicate that your hep C has awakened and you may wish to take corrective measures.
Also, you may want to keep an open mind as far as treating eventually, even if everything stays fine for the next few years.  You have no liver damage and in 10 years (probably less, but for the sake of argument) there will probably be a quick, painless treatment to clear you of this virus.
I say this b/c I knew a woman who contracted Hep C in 1965 from a blood tranfusion during childbirth. She did fine for the next 35 years, then she died suddenly at age 75 from a massive esophageal hemmorage.  Roger Daltry used to say he "hoped he'd die before he got old," but now he says "I hope I get old before I die."  I have a feeling that hep C is not a good thing to have if you are elderly and your immune system is weakened by age.
DJL

[mremeet]

Sounds like you're a smart lady who's on top of things with a smart and competent doctor who's providing excellent healthcare for you. And I didn't know that type 4's were less responsive to treatment like type 1's were, I thought they were similar to type 2-3's in that regard. Thanks for the 'edumacation'. Best of luck to you.

[jmjm530]

As someone who has a bias toward liver specialists (hepatologist) versus GI's -- your GI's wise words show me that Hep C knowledge doesn't necessarily need an extra title attached.

I think some of the confusion here had to do with some wording in your original post but you cleared things up.

"Alcohol" and "Treat or not to treat" are two of the most volatile topics in many Hep C discussion groups so when you sort of post them both together, sparks can fly although they really didn't this time which is good.

All the best with the rest of your life.

-- Jim

[GoofyDad]

I'm a 47 y/o with cirrhosis. I'm obviously a T-totaller, and will most likely remain so for the rest of my days.

Meanwhile, I believe we can have a significant influence on how this disease affects us and the impact it has on our lives. In Lori's case, it's hard to see how an occaisional glass of wine is going to do much to advance the disease, while obstaining would be allowing the disease more impact on her life than I'd like to see. Having a glass of wine once in a while seems like a reasonable and prudent approach to me.

Lori, I do hope you watch very closely and avail yourself of the newer non-invasive scans as they become available. Also, pls keep an open mind to treatment as better drugs make their way into the market.

[lori j]

Thanks to the last few posts for your words of wisdom.  I appreciate your thoughts and respect your advice.

Lori

[lilmoma]

If you were dx in the first stages of lung cancer, would an occasional cigarette be okay?

[52TELE]

POW!!!!!!

[willows]

Love the cigarette metaphor!  Says everything that needs to be said.  Cept for myself, I am 55, geno 1, grade 3 and if I had been a drinker of any amount in my life, I would be in way worse shape than I am now.  No discussion about alcohol and it's effect on the liver, your liver does not like alcohol and with hep c, livers are already taxed.  Am I brave enough to put another burden on my liver?  Hell, no. Hep C has taken enuff away from me, I'd be a fool to give anything up, health wise, willingly.  I'll be fightin this till the day the dragon gets off my front porch.  And yes, the progression gets quicker after 50, especially for women.

Club soda, with limes squeezed into it, fizzes and pops and makes the most wonderful drink when you add Splenda to them.  Limeade on fireworks.  Exciting enough for me and my liver.  

Good luck.  Hep C is such a personal journey, I think it was jmjm that talked about quality of life, granted, there is this kind of quietness that overcame me, a bit of isolation when I learned I had Hep C, but when I toned down the social noise in my life, my eyes got sooo much better at seeing what was around me.  It was a good trade.  Hope you can find a way to negotiate with yourself, livers need to be treasured.  Orginal equipment and all.
Willow

[timedog]

no connection! smoking cause lung cancer drinking does not cause hep c! She has no liver damage.

I have yet to read a clear article about the relationship of amount of acholol to liver damage. My liver specialist said I could have a drink or two a week even while on treatment. I don't because i feel bad enough as it is.

[bobbyullc]

your decision NOT TO TREAT yet sounds good to me.
i would not even go into a store that sold these drugs if i where a 0 or 1. you have many years to see if and how it may progress and to watch for better tx that WILL be along.

one or two a week probably will not affect you.
bobby

[bobbyullc]

i fought the dragon only,only when it got to where i could not wait.
tx cost me a year of my life and would NEVER repeat it unless my life where threatened.  i still await for my 6 mo pcr and have no fear in my life over it.
bobby

[Snookmiester]

This isn't a complex question if you ask me...
Currently, your 49 yrs old, NO FIBROSIS...You have been drinking socially for years, probably most of your life.....You've probably had HCV for 20+ years, right? Most your age got in young. Again, you have no FIBROSIS....
Now if your one of the genetically gifted individuals that see no disease progression, I see no reason not to alter your lifestyle in any ways!!! Just maintain healthy diet, and do not over tax the liver..
My Dr advised that I limit myself to no more than 2 drinks at a sitting. Anything more puts stress on the liver
Best of luck to ya...You are truely fortunate, as most of memebers here are the lucky 20% that have progress, and suffer from HCV related liver disease..

[mycoldfeet]

I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers but, in 2003 dx with Hep C geno 1a my biopsy revealed nada but mild irritation, 3 years later I can't work as a paramedic because of intemittant encephelopathy (brain fog) Dr. wont let me drive my car or motorcycle because of same, I take lactelose 3 times a day to rid my body of excess ammonia, I took the 48 wk treatment and relapsed, and am on 72 wk tx now. I guess it depends on what you consider life to be, on how hard you fight the dragon, but I'm happy for you that waiting on your pcr test dosent scare you, I'm not afraid to die, I just want back what I think life is, and as you can see this disease can move fast.

[lilmoma]

My father in law died of lung cancer,...never smoked a cigarette in his life.
Genetics, factors into  many of our health issues.More than people want to admit, maybe b/c it makes people feel helpless, I dont know.
My grandfather died of cirrosis, he drank way too much, but he also had leukemia, so he didnt bother to stop drinking, cirrosis got him first.
What is my point? None really, but if you know your at risk for something, why not up your odds?!
I always wonder about people that are "SO CONCERNED" about drinking.......sounds like addictive personality voicing an opinion. HA

[Kalio1]

I lived in "wine country" wine was a big social scene and great fun. It is "healthy" at two glasses a day, right? I was that two glass a day gal, 3 or 4 days a week or so I'd say but not a big drinker at all, just enjoyed the whole wine tasting social thing. I did not know I had gotten hep c, never had an issue or raised enzymes in my life and I had lots of cbc's as I had a back issue and surgery etc. which involved steroids (I know now didnt help either) but I know the wine didnt help. I didn't even start drinking until I was in my 40's and got into the wine scene. I was too busy raising my 3 boys before that.
sure for some that might not cause an issue but you have no way of knowing if YOU might end up in that 25% that rapidly progress to cirrhotic category. I know, I am in that category. If you are lucky enough to know you have HCV, why do anything that could possibly enhance this deadly virus? I think it is an enormous risk to take.

[bobbyullc]

you did not ruffle my feathers. sorry you had problems. they do not sound like fun.
i have brain fog now 2 months past tx and all during. your case is very unusual but the fact is many of us die from old age and never know we have hep c. it is also a fact that some of us have lingering sx's years after svr. it seems like a game of chance but i waited 9 years after being diagnosed and 27 years before and never let it affect my life in any way. again i did not take it personally only a different opinion. never let anyone here make you afraid to post your feelings.
bobby

[jmjm530]

Addiction is characterized by craving and use of a substance despite *adverse* consequences. If the consequences of social drinking are not considered *adverse* by experts in the field, where is the addiction? I understand addiction. I was addicted to tobacco for more than 20 years. Stopped 20 years ago. My choice to have a couple of beers a week, isn't an addiction, it's simply a choice supported by some liver specialists I respect.

[Forseegood]

Well if a few will go back on their decisions, I'll do it too, ha ha! this will be my last, promise, promise, ha ha!

Snook, what youre posting about from Dr. Cecil is people who are SVR, (unless I'm trippin) I've said all along SVR is a whole different kettle of fish - then people who are drinking WITH this disease...the going average recommendation, I guess,  is for people who are SVR, with little liver damage, can drink socially AFTER obtaining SVR...

When you tell me that your illustrious docs say it's okay for hep c patients (who currently have the disease) to regularly drink, that'll get my attention...this newcomer in question is asking if she can socially drink WHILE she has this disease and she is "watching and waiting"...different thing entirely...

As for me, I had absolutely no symptoms at 49 either, and perfect labs (be 53 tomorrow, boo hoo, time marches on huh?) and my last biopsy, over a year ago, said I had stage 0-1 disease, so I guess I have mild liver damage as well...even now...

But as Cuteus mentioned, once a lot of women lose the protection of being pre-menopausal, their disease can ratchet up a notch (just aging can do that, there are many studies that point to this fact)...even though I continue to have pretty good labs (the only thing that is off are my alt's, which are slightly elevated) I am symptomatic now, fatigue mostly, now that I'm 53 I have to maybe see about this...whatever I do...I am personally VERY glad I quit drinking when I did, upon diagnosis...and I was not drinking heavily beforehand...

I don't think that one glass of champange on your birthday and one on New Years is going to do much harm...(2 drinks a year) but any kind of regular drinking with this disease is really taking chances...this is what my doc said anyway...and he's no slouch either...

I think the question is answered for us to a certain extent...if indeed you DO NOT have a drinking problem, then giving up two drinks a week shouldn't be THAT much of a problem for anybody...so what's the big whup? How is giving up drinking - - THAT stressful -- if it is ONLY two drinks a week? If you follow this logically...

Now, if youre having a VERY hard time giving up your drinking for this disease (WHILE YOU HAVE IT), then maybe what we're talking about is a whole other question....this seems pretty logical to me...I'm speaking of this question generally, I'm not pointing any fingers at anyone personally...

We can all point to people who took great advantage of their bodies, hep c or no hep c, and they seemed to be very lucky in that they didn't do much damage...YET....but like Clint Eastwood says, are you feeling lucky? Cause not one of us knows if WE are going to be that lucky person or not...so why take the risk? I don't think anyone would argue, even Jim, that alcohol is GOOD for hep c? I just don't see the justification to drink regularly WHILE HAVING THIS DISEASE...

[jmjm530]

Did you take the time to read the articles/studies I posted earlier? Do you have any studies that contradict them? Yes, I was allowed to have a couple of beers a week before I treated but not during. Please have the last word. I'm going to bed :)

-- Jim

[Kalio1]

There are many more experts that say to NOT drink alcohol at all if you have sustained liver damage than there are those that say it is OK. I could fill this page with links to experts who say NO alcohol with existing liver damage, particularly advanced liver damage. stage 3 liver damage I was told is "advanced." I don't think it is a good idea to drink with ANY liver damage.  Choosing to ignore them and to only believe the minority opinion of those in line with "choosing" to drink with established liver damage to me is addictive thinking at it's best. "100 say no, 1 says yes so I will go with that one" type of thinking. For those who have biopies proving they are 0-1 and have cleared HCV, it seems ok by most experts to drink a drink or two ocasionally but ony for those with 0-1 leve of damage.
We each do what we decide to do and live with the consequences.

[Forseegood]

This WILL be my only post on this, and I intend to stick to that proclamation, wink wink...

IDEALLY, even if we have developed friendships, we should be able to disagree with one another now and then and argue points, and I do disagree with some posters here...

One thing that keeps getting mentioned....that someone's "quality of life" becomes somehow compromised or diminished by abstaining from alcohol...

At least for me, my quality of life is just fine without alcohol...when I was diagnosed, I quit drinking completely on my doctor's orders, and at first it was a little strange, and I missed it a bit, I thought to myself, what am I going to do at parties? But then I found I had just as much fun, enjoyment, excitement....socializing or by myself without it...I find I don't miss it at all, perhaps I'm in the minority on this and people feel a big loss without it, but I certainly don't...Really, the only thing that bums me out is world poverty and cruelty of all kinds....AND having this creepy disease, all the other parts of my life are working out quite nicely....

As to the question about alcohol consumption while you are infected with Hep C....a poster here made good sense in that as you start to age, the disease can accelerate, your immune system ages too, so it's not like youre a healthy 20 something only having this disease a few years...if this isn't the case, there are other considerations to make...

If anything, with a "watch and wait" approach to this disease, I would go all out for doing EVERYTHING you possibly could do to make yourself as healthy as you can be....eating a great diet, exercising, supplementation perhaps....alcohol would be a non-issue for me, but I guess that's just my personal take...we're all adults and we all need to do whatever we feel is best for ourselves...I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do...

Any and all can "have at it" with my post, like I said, this is the last post I'll make on this subject, at least for this particular thread, as this subject always seems to get so contentious, hopefully not this time out...here's an abstract case anyone's interested...Hope everyone is having a good weekend....

If you’ve been diagnosed with hepatitis C, your doctor has probably advised you to give up alcoholic beverages. For some people, this can be one of the most difficult lifestyle adjustments to make. But it’s also one of the most important.

Several studies have shown that among people with hepatitis C, regular drinkers have higher levels of virus than nondrinkers, according to Wen-Zhe Ho, M.D., director of retroviral research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Studies also show that when people infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) stop drinking alcohol, levels of the virus decrease.

Now, for the first time, experts are discovering why. In an experiment Ho directed, researchers found that alcohol causes the hepatitis C virus to multiply in the liver. The findings, reported in 2003 in the journal Hepatology, show that alcohol increases the activity of a protein that triggers the virus to make new copies of itself. These new copies speed the progress of the infection and raise the risk of liver damage.

Protecting your liver

There are other compelling reasons not to drink alcoholic beverages if you have hepatitis: One of the liver’s jobs is to process alcohol. Too much alcohol can poison liver cells and cause a form of the disease called alcoholic hepatitis. If people continue to drink excessively, the condition can lead to permanent liver damage, or cirrhosis.

As you would expect, alcoholic hepatitis is frequently diagnosed in alcoholics. But it can also show up in some social drinkers because the liver’s ability to process alcohol varies widely from person to person. Women, for instance, metabolize alcohol more slowly, so they seem to be at greater risk of suffering liver damage from drinking alcohol than men are.

If you’ve been diagnosed with hepatitis C, drinking alcohol adds to the strain on the liver, increasing the risk of damage to cells. That raises the danger of cirrhosis and liver cancer. If your liver has already been damaged by the virus, drinking can make things even worse.

[Magnum]

Well, here we go again. As some of you may know. I failed 4 treatments. I was diagnosed in 1994, but have no doubt I had it longer. I'm also stage 2-3 with Fibrosis. The first doctor said absolutely not one drop. The current doctor said one glass of wine per week should be fine. So there it is...

I guess this means that it's your choice. Two different opinions from two different doctors means that YOU have to decide.

My cousin in Italy has had Hepatitis C for over 15 years and never slowed down his drinking. He drinks wine only, but enough to qualify him a borderline alcoholic. He's afraid to go to the doctor and get a biopsy, or maybe doesn't care.

Some people say "I put myself in God's hands" when it come to these type of events in their lives. When I was diagnosed in 1994, I kept drinking a steadily drank 2-3 doubles on a daily basis. Being an entertainer in Las Vegas, and under a lot of stress during the nightly performances, I couldn’t wait to get home late at night and pour 2-3 double Margaritas. Yummy...

But, at that time in 1994, the doctors merely said "we'll keep an eye on this". No mention was ever made to stop drinking. In 1999, I underwent my first treatment. Before starting treatment, the doctor said I have to stop drinking. After that visit, I Cold Turkeyd immediately.

I won't lie, on occasion, I do have a glass of wine or champagne. My birthday comes next month, I plan to drink several glasses of champagne. However, months will go by before I have another drink. In fact, the next drink won't be until Christmas, and then only wine or champagne at one or maybe two glasses.

That’s me. You must all make your own decisions. I know, I know,  controversy will follow and different takes on all this will be had by one and all, but in my opinion, the liver is an organ made to detoxify and clean. If one or two glasses of champagne will cause the end of my life, then it's not worth living anyway. I would NEVER go back to full time drinking even after I'm cured. That would be like kicking the proverbial gift horse in the mouth.

Do the right thing, and best of luck in your clearance...

Magnum

[Snookmiester]

Funny analogy up above.......But here's another..
My mother, the one from whom I was infected, was a full blown alcoholic. Heck, NA, AA, you name, she was a member..
When I had my biopsy and she admited to having HCV, and then we find out the same genotype, I forced her to have a biopsy. Her amonia levels where high, her platlets where low, and she had severe URQ pain.. My enetire family basically thought that if I was stage 3, she had to be cirrhotic, right?
Well, here is a full blown lifetime alcoholic and drug user with stage 0-1 fibrosis..
<strong>Only 20% of people infected with HCV progress to cirrhosis</strong>
Just cause one progresses, doesn't mean the next will.

[jmjm530]

I'm with the if it works, don't try and fix it school. Whatever Lori is doing seems to work for her liver.  She eats healthy, exercises, and only has 2-3 drinks a week. She has NO liver damage.

Lori, you know what's  probably worse for your liver than your drinking? The stress of recently being diagnosed with Hep C. Don't make it any harder on yourself by worrying too much, or trying to make lifestyle changes you may not have to. You're in a relatively enviable position with time on your side giving you lots of options. Your doctors seem both knowlegeable and caring. Listen to their advice and follow your heart.

-- Jim

[bobbyullc]

heck, don't get me started. i read a post stating alcohol had very little affect on fibrosis(suprise) and my mind starting in overtime. MAYBE i CAN drink a little.
please....tell me one drink will kill me in a minute so i do not have to make this decision.
bobby u

[Snookmiester]

Well, I think its fair to say that there are differing opinions on this subject, you think? I'll tell ya what, when the couple of members here keep reminding us of how great their Dr's are, and that he or she is the best...That he or she says no drinking and any Dr that advises differently knows nothing...

That's whats been said right? We've heard this from quite a few members here..

Well, upon your next visit with your so called "great" Dr's..Ask your Doc if they have heard of Dr Schiff, or Dr Cecil? I can almost gaurantee that you will get an immediate response, and a comment about them being on top of their game.. That game being HCV of course.
As you know, I have posted before of what Schiff advised me concerning drinking alcohol, and now I will direct you to a link in which Dr Cecil replied to me when asked the exact same question..

I know, I know........Who are these guys to recommend on something so serious, so life concerning, right? It's not as if they would be the guys with the most credible answers, right?

<a href="http://www.hcvinprison.org/forum_new/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=198">alcohol consumption</a>

[jmjm530]

Here's what top hepatologist/researcher Dr. Douglas Dieterich at New York's Mt Sinai Hospital has to say on the subject: http://tinyurl.com/96gxt

[Magnum]

NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Magnum

[Kalio1]

I agree with Forsee in that it bothers me also that people make this connection between "quality of life" and drinking as if not having any alcohol in your life reduces your quality of life or us folks who don't want to drink have a lesser quality of life or less fun, I beg to differ.. That is alcoholic/additive thinking that happiness or a good life is associated with booze, even small amounts of booze. It isnt how much you drink it is how you THINK about it that determines additive thinking. Alcohol is not needed to have fun or an excellent quality of life. The moment I found out I had this and alcohol could exacerbate it, all the posssible "happiness" or "quality" of alcohol in my life was out the window. It would not add anything but aversion and fear of what even a small amount might do to me and at that time I had no indicators or evidence I had ANY liver damage. The very fact that it is so highly debated to me shows how desperately people will cling to having those few drinks in their lives and how very important they are to them. people type in here often how they are looking forward to drinking on this or that special occasion in the future and that shows how much they think about it and look forward to it which is the very essence of additive thinking. I look forward to the occasion but it never occurs to me what I will drink on that future occasion. I might wonder what I will wear or who I will go with but I never think about what I will drink. I just quit smoking so I am no stranger to addictive thinking. I did/do that kind of thinking a lot around smoking, I used to so look forward to my cig after a long flight for instance. I know it is addictive thinking at it's best and dont deny that for a moment. Magnum is right, everyone makes their own choice and spins the wheel and takes their chances.

[GoofyDad]

<i>Really, the only thing that bums me out is world poverty and cruelty of all kinds....</i>

I'm with you Sister! Those and fat women in tube tops. But I digress...

[hippygem]

I have the occassional glass of wine, I know that alcohol is bad for the liver, so is taking certain medications, eating certain foods, the air we breath, the milk we drink, soft drinks everything, the exhaust fumes from cars effect us as well, even a soak in the bathtub with some aromatherapy oils etc is harmful and that includes harmful for everyone, not just us heppers.

But where do we draw the line, ive got to thinking that 'stuff it', i want to enjoy my life too, im eating properly, adjusted my life style, go walking/exercise and all that stuff, I dont binge drink like i used to, i cant drink a bottle of scotch like i used to, but i can have a couple glasses of wine every now and then, it only takes 2 or 3 to get me going these days anyway, and i drink plenty of water in between and space it out.

I also smoke cigarettes, which i would rather give up than stop having a glass of wine, but that is so hard to do, but i will do it eventually, i stopped smoking for 8 days and i couldnt believe the difference i felt, it was fantastic.  I was on Zyban during that 8 days, but the change in my personality and the way they made me feel was terrible, so i had to go off zyban.

I did stop drinking whilst on treatment, absolutely dont drink while txing.  It is too important to take real good care of yourself while on the tx.

I know a lot of you wont agree with me on this one, but its a choice we all make individually and if someone chooses to do something that others disagree with well, dont give them a hard time cos it is their choice.

I was also told by doctors that to have an occassional one is alright, and that means occassional.

[GrandOak]

Eat, drink, and be merry (but make sure Mary is alright with it).  If the spoon pokes me in the eye when I eat, I remove it from the bowl.  If my hand hurts when I hit it with a hammer, I don't hit it.  Unfortunately, my head does hurt when the frying pan wacks it, and I am making progress in reducing the number of wacks.  But being a male, I still have to keep pressing for the mark and realize I'm receiving fewer wacks now than I did many moons ago.

As previously mentioned, this is a volatile subject.  If one feels they have to drink and are determined to do so, then no one can tell them different.  Many an alcoholic/druggy has gone to the grave not admitting they had a problem and others have gone with the admission but unwillingness to stop.  So if wants to rationalize destructive behaviour, they will do so and no one will be able to convice them differently.