Aa
Booze
Ok...for the gajillionth time.
Is booze always off limits after successful treatment? Last year there was a woman here named "BritGirl" who moved to Brazil and was looking forward to having an occasional glass of red.
Today I read about a person with SVR who rotted out their liver.
My doc has told me that because I have mild damage and no inflammation that a beer or glass of wine now and then is fine (ever without SVR).
I'm sure that anyone with a healthy liver can drink it into oblivion over a course of time.
Can anyone point to a study that gives data about HCV patients drinking modest amounts; both SVR and non-SVR.
Someday I'd really like to have the occasional glass of wine with dinner and/or social settings.
OK...I have braced myself for the wrath of Revenire, etc.
I'm hoping to be normal again someday.
Mike
Is booze always off limits after successful treatment? Last year there was a woman here named "BritGirl" who moved to Brazil and was looking forward to having an occasional glass of red.
Today I read about a person with SVR who rotted out their liver.
My doc has told me that because I have mild damage and no inflammation that a beer or glass of wine now and then is fine (ever without SVR).
I'm sure that anyone with a healthy liver can drink it into oblivion over a course of time.
Can anyone point to a study that gives data about HCV patients drinking modest amounts; both SVR and non-SVR.
Someday I'd really like to have the occasional glass of wine with dinner and/or social settings.
OK...I have braced myself for the wrath of Revenire, etc.
I'm hoping to be normal again someday.
Mike
My doc has told me that because I have mild damage and no inflammation that a beer or glass of wine now and then is fine (ever without SVR).
When the time comes, I would ask the doc again & also get a 2nd professional opinion & then make your decision.
I too, am picturing myself on a beach in the Caribbean probably around spring of 2008 when this is all said & done. With a lemonade? I doubt it!
I WILL ask my doctor first tho & will have that Frozen Miami Vice someday. Moderation baby.
:)
When the time comes, I would ask the doc again & also get a 2nd professional opinion & then make your decision.
I too, am picturing myself on a beach in the Caribbean probably around spring of 2008 when this is all said & done. With a lemonade? I doubt it!
I WILL ask my doctor first tho & will have that Frozen Miami Vice someday. Moderation baby.
:)
Scroll down and click on "Monto" study. Then go duck, hide
and run :)
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/hcv/litreview1.htm
and run :)
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/hcv/litreview1.htm
You say:
Today I read about a person with SVR who rotted out their liver.
Who was this and what was the sitation? I think you need to use good judgment and an occassional glass of wine if you are SVR and started with low damage should not be a problem. I think on these situations where it can lead to problems is,,,,if one had a drinking problem before starting their tx. You wouldn't want to start any of that up again. Also of course if there was severe damage to the liver, you would not want to chance it.
I've had hcv about 20 years and do not have liver damage and my doc said occaisional glass of wine is fine. I am on tx now so I dont at all but someday maybe.
I think it should also be said that opinions vary on these types of questions, even between so-called "expert" doctors and researchers. While it's harder to find definitive studies on this subject, there are studies on the ill effects of alcohol on the liver, and particularly while *still having* any type of *liver* disease. My own doc seems to hold a popular opinion among experts, that if you have slight liver damage, and you are SVR, an occasional drink should not hurt. Then of course it will get into semantical questions as to what an "occasional" drink is, ha ha!
Since there seems to be a difference of opinion among our own doctors, I figure it's prob a good idea if we each factor in our own common sense and judgment as informed patients while looking at a lot of the data out there. Sometimes we all need to follow our gut on these things to a certain extent.
What I do object to, (a little)....on a personal level, is the notion that I don't have a "normal" or happy, or *whatever* kind of life cause I no longer drink. (I mean this generally speaking, I'm not directing this towards anyone.) While not being able to drink alcohol was irritating at first, I soon got really used to it, and found out I didn't really need that drink at a social gathering, or after work, to either unwind or loosen up in a social setting. I found out I had all those resources anyway, and I don't even miss it anymore. That being said, if someone wants to drink occasionally and not alcoholically? if they are SVR and not really damaged? what the hey? Just my opinion.
Since there seems to be a difference of opinion among our own doctors, I figure it's prob a good idea if we each factor in our own common sense and judgment as informed patients while looking at a lot of the data out there. Sometimes we all need to follow our gut on these things to a certain extent.
What I do object to, (a little)....on a personal level, is the notion that I don't have a "normal" or happy, or *whatever* kind of life cause I no longer drink. (I mean this generally speaking, I'm not directing this towards anyone.) While not being able to drink alcohol was irritating at first, I soon got really used to it, and found out I didn't really need that drink at a social gathering, or after work, to either unwind or loosen up in a social setting. I found out I had all those resources anyway, and I don't even miss it anymore. That being said, if someone wants to drink occasionally and not alcoholically? if they are SVR and not really damaged? what the hey? Just my opinion.
That's it. I'm going to go bust the seal now on that half gallion of Jim Bean I'd been saving for a REAL rainy day (just kidding :) I knew I had read something before on the alcohol consumption thing being an "iffy" subject (moderation that is). I just was never able to find it again, though.
You post the best stuff! Great site, great article (and more great ones to read, I see.)
You post the best stuff! Great site, great article (and more great ones to read, I see.)
from Monto article....."What does this mean for our patients with HCV? It seems to this reviewer that the stern warnings we have previously given about the possible dire consequences of even modest alcohol intake now must be tempered. Alcohol abstinence may be the safest course of action, but an occasional drink appears not to harm the liver in those infected with HCV."
This is contrary to other posts.
We socialize with culinary people and a glass of good wine over a great dinner is truely missed.
This is contrary to other posts.
We socialize with culinary people and a glass of good wine over a great dinner is truely missed.
I found my brother dead on June 14th, as many of you know, from deciding to drink a little even though he had liver damage. His liver could not filter it so the alcohol poisoned him.
I have one question. Not for me, but for you. WHY TAKE THAT RISK??
I miss him so much, and that was one deciding factor in my own decision to treat because I NEVER want my family to go through what they have been through since losing Jeff.
I have one question. Not for me, but for you. WHY TAKE THAT RISK??
I miss him so much, and that was one deciding factor in my own decision to treat because I NEVER want my family to go through what they have been through since losing Jeff.
I'm so sorry about your brother. I was just teasing (in fact teasing 100% because I'm an alcoholic and believe it was the decades of being alcohol-free that saved me from advanced liver disease and dieing from ESLD and Hep C complications.) I pray I never ever pick it back up. I have a friend who can't put it down, though (he has cirrhosis). It's very sad. I'm so sorry about your brother.
I guess I didn't understand... you want to drink *while* having this disease? Even in this article it mentioned, "while abstenence is probably the safest course of action, etc." Why wouldn't anyone take the "safest course of action" while having a potentially life threatening disease? Even if there is some small dispute about it? That's what I could never understand for myself...But like I said, we all should decide for ourselves what the best course of action is....and what our priorities are.....after everything is said and done. If I misunderstood you, I apologize in advance.
I have been told by my doc that once I am done, I can go about my life as normal. (Which is about 5 house parties/outings a year.) Do as I normall do when out. MODERATION is the key, and ALWAYS what state you as an individual was in/ damage etc. Each person I am sure is different in their answer from the doctor.
My doctor told me this more than once while in treatment. If doctor/s are stating this then they need to be EDUCATED if this is wrong.
Just repeating what I was told by my doctor.
Cajun
My doctor told me this more than once while in treatment. If doctor/s are stating this then they need to be EDUCATED if this is wrong.
Just repeating what I was told by my doctor.
Cajun
Why worry about a study?
These days it seems that one can find a study somewhere which can justify about any conclusion they want to reach. If one really wants to drink then they can see 50 studies which say no, but somehow forget all of them if one is found which says yes.
I don't quite understand why this thread keeps starting over and over again when the archives are chocked full of previous threads on this subject.
A word of advice, if one finds themself beating a dead horse, dismount!!
These days it seems that one can find a study somewhere which can justify about any conclusion they want to reach. If one really wants to drink then they can see 50 studies which say no, but somehow forget all of them if one is found which says yes.
I don't quite understand why this thread keeps starting over and over again when the archives are chocked full of previous threads on this subject.
A word of advice, if one finds themself beating a dead horse, dismount!!
LOL GO,,,,people want someone to tell them its ok to go get wasted and no harm whatsoever will be done and in fact be told that their is studies showing that letting loose and getting filthy drunk is good for you. That is why the repeat on questions or just to know also that others are out there being stupid as you,,,makes one feel better! haha I'm not talking about anyone in this thread,,,,just in general I speak!
totally agree with your post btw...I just was talking to a cousin of mine (sheesh, my family) and her speech was a little slurred so I casually asked what she was taking for her "panic attacks." She was taking both xanax and valium, at kind of high doses on a routine basis- not per panic attack. I asked whether she found this a little bit of an overkill? She retorted with the usual...well my doctor prescribed them to me!
Not that this is on the exact same par with the questions asked here, it isn't in my view....but at 53 years old, I've found that we can always find a doc or study to back up whatever we want to do, that is why I was talking about personal responsibility to ourselves in sussing these issues out, along with studying all the data. I only answered cause I find going through these archives a little exasperating, but sometimes I can be a little lazy :)
Not that this is on the exact same par with the questions asked here, it isn't in my view....but at 53 years old, I've found that we can always find a doc or study to back up whatever we want to do, that is why I was talking about personal responsibility to ourselves in sussing these issues out, along with studying all the data. I only answered cause I find going through these archives a little exasperating, but sometimes I can be a little lazy :)
Also wanted to say how sorry I am for your brother...my family has been wresling with the same issues with my younger sister, and I personally know how sad and frustrating this stuff can be...be well...
thanks so much for asking...she's in rehab right now for an addiction to seroquil(?) and methodone, along with god knows what other pills...we're hoping that she stays in there to do her some real good, and not just detox off the stuff to get "her weight down>" Sad, but that might be her biggest consideration. I have no idea if she still even wants to go on "a list".... perhaps once she has some real sobriety (not just off of alcohol) she will. I'm glad she hasn't drank in 3 and half years, but we all know there is more to this. Sometimes all I can do is hope for the best, cause she's on her own path...she's a walking miracle as it is, maybe she's got a few more miracles in store for her....I hope youre well...
Amen to that!
I know personally I can say that is why Lamentation 3:22 "It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not." has become my foundation verse as I know without a doubt where I was heading, on an express route.
Sorry to hear about your brother Mkeela!
Please take heart in knowing that contrary to some beliefs, one often times does not have a decision in the matter. In fact, more often than not those caught in chemical dependancies continue despite their decision and desire not to. It was this very complexing fact which eventually led Bill W. and Dr. Bob to what became the foundation of AA.
I know personally I can say that is why Lamentation 3:22 "It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not." has become my foundation verse as I know without a doubt where I was heading, on an express route.
Sorry to hear about your brother Mkeela!
Please take heart in knowing that contrary to some beliefs, one often times does not have a decision in the matter. In fact, more often than not those caught in chemical dependancies continue despite their decision and desire not to. It was this very complexing fact which eventually led Bill W. and Dr. Bob to what became the foundation of AA.
I'm an optimist so I read your post as very positive. I'm well and thanks for asking. Mike
Said: OK...I have braced myself for the wrath of Revenire, etc.
Just shows me that this argument was started for no other reason than debate/argument etc.
Anyone with a brain the size of a pea realizes that liquor isn't "good" for ANY liver let alone one with liver damage and disease.
If you can't NOT drink then you can't NOT. But to look for studies to prove it's a good thing.........well I'm sure you can find studies that say massive amounts of heroin aren't damaging to the liver - but really...are you going to do it? No difference. At all.
Just shows me that this argument was started for no other reason than debate/argument etc.
Anyone with a brain the size of a pea realizes that liquor isn't "good" for ANY liver let alone one with liver damage and disease.
If you can't NOT drink then you can't NOT. But to look for studies to prove it's a good thing.........well I'm sure you can find studies that say massive amounts of heroin aren't damaging to the liver - but really...are you going to do it? No difference. At all.
Back up! It's like you're waiting to attack.
My question was are there scientific studies available about the "safety" of an occasional drink after achieving SVR.
My hep doc has said it's OK to have an occasional drink now which I haven't done because I'm not SVR. If I do get SVR I'd like to hear the scientific reasoning about whether I should, or not.
About Revenire...I respect (and like) the guy. Booze and pot are always a spot of contention for him.
I don't appreciate you quick temper.
My question was are there scientific studies available about the "safety" of an occasional drink after achieving SVR.
My hep doc has said it's OK to have an occasional drink now which I haven't done because I'm not SVR. If I do get SVR I'd like to hear the scientific reasoning about whether I should, or not.
About Revenire...I respect (and like) the guy. Booze and pot are always a spot of contention for him.
I don't appreciate you quick temper.
This is always an interesting topic.
Since, we tend to be a moralistic society, alcohol is off the list for anyone. I believe we support each others reality, all the way from researchers to laymen. Who hasn't heard the phrase, 'alcohol is like setting fire to the liver' (I'd like to know who first phrased that one)? What about the other drugs, prescription or OTC, which are also filtered through the liver? Or even spinach?
My doctor and NP are of the opinion that one can drink in moderation before and after treatment. Since they are not sure about during treatment, they ask patients to not drink, just in case. My NP also said that the medical society is not as much against alcohol as several years ago.
However, moderation in all things!
Just my opinion :)
Since, we tend to be a moralistic society, alcohol is off the list for anyone. I believe we support each others reality, all the way from researchers to laymen. Who hasn't heard the phrase, 'alcohol is like setting fire to the liver' (I'd like to know who first phrased that one)? What about the other drugs, prescription or OTC, which are also filtered through the liver? Or even spinach?
My doctor and NP are of the opinion that one can drink in moderation before and after treatment. Since they are not sure about during treatment, they ask patients to not drink, just in case. My NP also said that the medical society is not as much against alcohol as several years ago.
However, moderation in all things!
Just my opinion :)
I'm sorry, but drinking in moderation before treatment? has anybody's doctor tried this themselves? how many of them? they don't have the disease (I can only think of one) and they can't possibly know how alcohol is going to effect a person - with this disease - on a case by case basis...
So once again, is it worth the risk? I remember getting a flare up of this disease because I was taking aspirin for a toothache for awhile...but then again, I know a guy who drank before treatment, during treatment, and he SVRed...anyone else feeling that lucky? are we supposed to extrapolate from this one case, that everyone else can get away with this as well? I think not...
This is just an excerpt from one article, they are all over the net, and it is waaaaay more in the against direction, as far as drinking while having this disease....
Cell Studies Shed Light on Liver Disease
Immunology researchers have demonstrated that alcohol promotes the proliferation of hepatitis C virus in human liver cells. By studying molecular mechanisms in cell cultures, the researchers help explain the role of alcohol in aggravating hepatitis C infection and interfering with drug treatment for the infection.
I dunno, maybe I'm nutz, but things like this would have me thinking, no matter what my own personal doctor says...with all due respect to anyone reading this....
So once again, is it worth the risk? I remember getting a flare up of this disease because I was taking aspirin for a toothache for awhile...but then again, I know a guy who drank before treatment, during treatment, and he SVRed...anyone else feeling that lucky? are we supposed to extrapolate from this one case, that everyone else can get away with this as well? I think not...
This is just an excerpt from one article, they are all over the net, and it is waaaaay more in the against direction, as far as drinking while having this disease....
Cell Studies Shed Light on Liver Disease
Immunology researchers have demonstrated that alcohol promotes the proliferation of hepatitis C virus in human liver cells. By studying molecular mechanisms in cell cultures, the researchers help explain the role of alcohol in aggravating hepatitis C infection and interfering with drug treatment for the infection.
I dunno, maybe I'm nutz, but things like this would have me thinking, no matter what my own personal doctor says...with all due respect to anyone reading this....
Sorry if I stepped on your toes.
I should have clarified that one should have little damage and inflammation. My medical team would never tell a person who has moderate to severe damage to drink.
When my doctor says moderation, she is saying light drinking, say 1 or 2 a week. If a person is a problem drinker they should not drink anything! From what I have heard and read the liver can process a drink per hour. A drink an hour is out of the question, but 1 or 2 a week doesn't seem unreasonable.
There does seem to be a paradigm shift happening in the medical society regarding drinking.
Mer
I should have clarified that one should have little damage and inflammation. My medical team would never tell a person who has moderate to severe damage to drink.
When my doctor says moderation, she is saying light drinking, say 1 or 2 a week. If a person is a problem drinker they should not drink anything! From what I have heard and read the liver can process a drink per hour. A drink an hour is out of the question, but 1 or 2 a week doesn't seem unreasonable.
There does seem to be a paradigm shift happening in the medical society regarding drinking.
Mer
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
