Alcohol question with Hep C

[R3179]

How bad could a few beers be every now and then? I'm not talking pounding them back every night and getting wasted, I'm talking a few at the poker table 1 weekend, few at the bar with some friends playing darts a few weekends later. I'm 27 years old, I was never a heavy drinker before I found out I tested antibodies to HCV. I play poker every Friday night and always had a few at the table. I never abused alcohol, never passed out drunk from it and always kept my cool.

Some days I want to come home and grab a beer after a hard day at work and relax on the couch for a few. I'm an active person, I jog/walk just about every night. Before I found out I even had Hep C, I was always taking Milk Thistle, I take a mineral Vitamin everyday, always drank 60-70 ounces of water a day.

My previous blood tests were all normal, and this past week I seen the Hepatologist who sent me in for more blood work to determine my VL and Genotype, also had an Ultrasound done.

Since I've found out I've had it I've stayed clear of the beer and just kept on doing what I've been doing everyday. I'm not a drug addict, never even touched a drug in my life, never smoked cigarretts. I have no symptoms of Hep C and I feel completley fine. I still have a great appetitte, no problems sleeping, still active with whatever I do, my only issue now is having Hep C is constantly on my mind and I just can't clear that from my head. I've just been stressed over it and crave to have that beer to ease some tension.

I'm 99.9% sure I caught Hep C from a Tattoo party I went to 2 years ago.

[chcnme]

Don't drink anymore. Put it down for good.  You aren't an alcoholic (or could you be?) If you aren't an alcoholic then you should have no problem with the thoughts of stopping it for good once you learn that drinking alcohol with Hep C is like pouring gasoline on yourself and playing with kitchen matches.  Eventually, you will ignite. Put the booze down -- all of it.

Happy Thanksgiving.  (I bet you had a beer or two or three, eh?)  Tomorrow is another day :)

[jboyhk]

It is a serious question.

Point me to a serious research study that supports your claim.

I personally would cut down on alcohol but have not seen any scientific data saying light drinking causes more damage.

We have been through this argument many times and all the studies you post have major flaws.

Smoking is a major risk for lung cancer. That does not mean that smoking will cause lung cancer.

People can choose to live in plastic bubbles and wear flu masks like Michael Jackson or make risk/reward judgements based on what they want their lifestyle to be.

[Kalio1]

I think N/A  beer has no moe alcohol in it than swishing your mouth with mouthwash. I wouldn't sweat the N/A beers.

I agree with you, it should be easy as pie to make the choice. If you are thirsty, there are a zillion options to quench your thirst other than booze.

You can have just as much fun, they only problem is everyone else is drinking and they don't realize how dunb (and loud)they act!

Hope you are having a nice Holiday.

Mine's just about ready now!

[R3179]

No, I have not touched a beer in almost 2 months. Once I was told I stopped that day. I had no problem stopping, but some days after a bad or too busy of a day I'd like to kick back and enjoy one.

I just wanted to hear what other people had to say about the subject. Some people still seem to drink heavy with HCV, I chose to stop once I heard, so I wouldn't consider myself addicted or an alcoholic. I just wanted to know if that one or 2 every once in awhile is that bad of an idea, it seems like it so I won't bother.

[Kalio1]

Anyone who needs "serious scientific evidence" or they will continue to drink is in denial if you ask me. Chcnme has it right, he nailed the point. If you don't have a drinking problem, it's a no brainer. If you do, then you will look high and low to find excuses to continue to drink in some amount, any amount so you can still drink. All drinkers who can't bear the thought of not being able to drink act the same way. Not being able to deal with not drinking is the definition of problem drinking. Studies show alcohol feeds and accelerates replication of the virus AND increases inflammation. What more proof do you need?


Alcohol and hep do not mix.

[Morgaina]

Jeez, I know how you feel. I found out about my hepc about 14 yrs. ago. I never really understood the danger of it all and although I went through a couple periods (break-up etc.) where I drank more than normal, I wasn't a big drinker. I've had 3 bx. No change between 1st and 2nd but 3rd was a big change to stage 3. Now that I understand this disease better, I have to say that drinking had to be a large part of the progression. I never felt as if it was any big thing earlier. I couldn't see it, feel it or take ownership of it. It just wasn't real! Try and feel it in your body and know it's trying hard to hurt you. Drinking will comprimise your defences! Take care, all the best to you. Hang around, you'll find support!