Alcohol Consumption After Surgery

[CM2002]

I had successful surgery in March 2002. Every since, I suffer blackouts when I drink liquor. I know I could just quit drinking but I like to have a margarita/drink every now and then. Has anyone else encountered this? I never had blackouts prior to surgery so I am thinking that my brain chemistry is out of whack.

[KurtPT]

I'm glad it's not just me!! I have the same issue, which really ***** since there is a drive through daiquiri place right down the road that has the best margaritas.  I still have yet to figure out if it is medicine interaction related since I am on Lamictal among others or from other issues such as the CM and surgery.  I'm definitely interested to find out more about this.

[ZilZil]

Ha!  Love the "life of the party."  Apparently, I'm a lot of fun, too.  I've got more "white wine stories" than most people have "tequila stories."  Or so they tell me.   I just don't drink them at all anymore.  

On a side note, most of the meds I avoid that my neuro has prescribed net similar results.  I have developed an incredible intolerance for most pain meds and muscle relaxers in the last few years.  Intolerance being either GI or simply losing days.  I teach college and have my own business; having no recollection of my actions is markedly bad for my career.  Again, I don't know if it's just my body chemistry or a result of the Chiari and surgery.  So I just deal with the pain and other symptoms.  It's better than the alternative.

[CM2002]

Apparently I am the life of the party when I drink in public. Unfortunately, however, I don't remember anything. I know it has something to do with Chiari surgery as I used to be able to drink everyone under ths table in college and remember everything. I guess I will keep searching for an answer other than stop drinking.

[kwalker0004]

I never was a heavy drinker couldn't stomach the smell? It makes me very sick. Unless it liqour. But now that I'm beginning to not stomach sweets I wonder if its going to have effect on that as well. The ns told me no drink as I already clumsy and get light headed and dizzy fast. He also tried to take my horses away but I'm a show rider. That's how I make my living since I ccan't hold no regular job down. At least when I get my migraine attacks I can go home and rest and not worry about getting fired. But I guess it is what it is

[selmaS]

  I was never told not to drink.....but I can only imagine that it might affect the nervous system and since ours is impaired already....and we do have balance issues as well...for me, I did not like the HA's and nausea that I already had, so I tended to avoid drinking...just something I did ,..

[kwalker0004]

I was told not to drink at all. Which is fine, I haven't drank in 7 years anyways besides a little bit of moon shine when I get a cold. I wonder why I was told not to! Could it be that the drs dont think we know our cut off points and afraid we could get drunk of our feet and could possibly fall and hit our heads and cause damage? I know I haven't drank in many years but I think when I go to the Bahamas I would love to enjoy myself. Even if I have to rediscover my threshold.

[selmaS]

  LMAO...Oh I know I was told the same thing...I was stressed out....must have been the Sassoon verses the Gloria Vanderbilt's for me...

It is so crazy that Drs do not listen to us and they feel they know how we feel better then we do.....sigh....

Have u ruled out EDS as it can cause issues with many different things...allergic like reactions to meds...foods...etc....

[ZilZil]

I don't know if it is the Chiari or just me, but I can't tolerate white wine/champagne, even very small amounts.  I will black out after less than a glass and have no memory of the rest of the day.  Inconvenient at weddings, but red wine seems to have no effect.  I just avoid the whites.

[CM2002]

I am just a social drinker (a couple of drinks a month tops). Now I can't enjoy a beverage unless I am at home. I had never had this issue before so I am thinking that it stems from brain surgery. I had hip replacement 7 months after Chiari surgery then pneumonia so I would guess that my chemical make-up recalibrated. I should probably call my neurosurgeon but it's been so long ago. He would probably just tell me to stop drinking alcohol anyway. Lol! I am just curious if anyone else who had surgery for Chiari experienced the same thing. Thanks for your response. I wish more people knew about CM. In junior high I was told that I was just stressed out. I guess the decision between parachute pants or Gloria Vanderbilts sent me over the edge.  :)

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I have never heard of this, but I was not a drinker b4 my surgery nor am I one post op....I might have some wine....but it is usually a small glass and does not affect me.....

Have u asked ur Dr about this issue?.....