drinking

Hey Everyone,

I just needed to say something that might sound dumb. I feel really guilty this morning. Last night hubby and myself we at some friends house. And they were drinking, and I finally gave in and had a couple. I have finished treatment, that was completed on Aug,15th. I won't ever do that again. Do you all think that a couple of drinks could make the hep c come back?
Thanks For listening.

Txangelsaunt

[latrobe]

no. absolutely not. can it be bad for your liver: yes. a few drinks now and then arent going to impact the hep c.  ddrinking can make you depressed, indolent impact your health. drinking can also nmake you giggle and luahg and relax.
relax...
best
m

[Txangelsaunt]

Thanks, Latrobe for yoor input. I have cleared the virus and od not want it to come back. Thanks again

Txangelsaunt

[britgirl]

I had my first drink a few days after finishing treatment (we went on vacation to Portugal) and have continued to drink socially since then. It makes absolutely no difference as to whether you have the virus or not; if the Hep's gone, it has gone. I achieved SVR 6 months later and I trust you will too. I know lots of people will write and tell you not to drink; that is their opinion, which is fine. I think here in the UK we see life a bit differently, in that everyone I know who has finished treatment and cleared now enjoys the odd glass of wine.

[Indiana]

If you have completed your tx and have cleared so far then it won't make any difference. It's either gone or it's not. All it would really do is bring it back a little faster if it's not gone.
Have you had your "end of tx" Pcr test yet? If it's comming back it would probably show up by now. Otherwise it's the 6 month test that really is the "biggie". I would try to hold the partying down to a minimun until then, but the occasional drink won't matter.

[DownThisRoad]

You state in your post that you won't ever do that again.  You won't ever drink or you won't ever do treatment?

[quak]

Moderation is the best.  I am a recovering AA and can not drink.  I have 18 years sober and I believe that my stopped drinking has saved my liver.  Lori

[new-sojourn]

It is just a question of the shape your liver is in.  I can't drink b/c I'm ESLD due to hep c.  I cl and finished tx last year.  If your liver is good to go, go for it.  B/you now know a weak spot and abuse will lead to futher damage.  That's why I smoke pot.  My lungs are great.

[MichaelT]

NO!

[terriri]

To drink or not to drink...humm. Drinking during treatment cannot be good,too much work for the liver. Drinking after treatment probably depends on the degree of liver damage you are dealing with & if you had a previous problem with alcohol. Also, drinking just after treatment if all clear in other areas depends on the condition of your blood (anemia ect). I did something foolish two weeks ago; I am newish post TX & have had trouble with my hemoglobin since stopping treatment but had a few drinks anyway. I should regret it but I don

[LvdByGod]

Drinking has no connection with bringing the virus back. It's either still in you or not.  However, if you have a damaged liver drinking can cause it to progress WITHOUT the virus being present. Drinking causes liver damage and cirhosis in some people who use it.  Now that we have damaged livers we will probably always have to watch what we put in our bodies. i'm sure alchohol in small quanities occasionally would not cause much damage  but you may not want to take the chance.

[TESSTUBE]

Don't feel guilty.  I ended tx Aug 7th and had a microbrew while on vacation shortly thereafter with no ill effects and recent liver function tests and pcr will back that up. None of my docs got hysterical if I had one glass of beer or one glass of wine every ONCE IN AWHILE while I had Hep C and I'm going to resume that limited drink every ONCE IN AWHILE after I get back on my feet from TX. I also respect a person's decision not to drink at all and most of their reasons.  Just trying to take a sane approach to alcohol and that's all.

[doll face]

Although just about everyone here will disagree with me having a n occasional beer is not going to bring back the viris. My doctor told me that a beer or two during treatment would not hurt.Since you are off treatment go ahead and have one but remember that your liver has been damaged so don't go over board.

[jonihs]

The only question I would have is, was drinking a problem for you in the past? If not , I see no worries. I am a recovering alcoholic, so the option to drink or not, is simply be stupid or not.

[minneapolis]

your liver and your life. good for you. lynn

[MichaelT]

Drinking will not in any way bring back the virus. If your liver can take it and your not an alcoholic - have a drink.

[T-Bird]

i agree with most everyone's statements here. i "cleared" hep c close to 2 years ago. i was a more than an average drinker before, but i stopped completely during the treatment. i resumed my "old ways" slowly, against my doctors advice, and everything has worked out perfectly. but that is for me. i can only tell my story. i guess if i was giving advice, i'd say "moderation will not change anything". i should take my own advice, eh?

[GordsGal]

I know a person who drank excessively while on treatment...cleared the virus...but developed diabetes induced what ever it is called...lack of oxygen to the legs, feet and hands..has difficulty walking and holding things...so I don't think he did himself any favors by drinking.....which he still does but has problems holding his beer... (: