Aa
Can I drink a beer?
I just finished a 24 week treatment for Hep c,- interferon, ribiviron, amantadine, folic acid. I have type 2 and the virus has been cleared and I feel great! -as of now. Normal liver function, etc. For the last year I have stayed away from drinking anything. So is it ok to have a beer? My doctor has really hedged when I ask him. Any thoughts?
You do understand:
That being undetected at end of treatment doesn't equal "cleared"? You still need to be undetected 6 months post-tx to have a sustained response.
That even with a Sustained Virological Response there's no guarantee against HCC or cirrhosis - just a much lower incidence.
That if you ever need a liver transplant, there's a good chance you'd be standing in line in front of someone who had done everything possible to take care of themself - including not drinking.
With all that said and understood - knock yourself out. It's your liver.
That being undetected at end of treatment doesn't equal "cleared"? You still need to be undetected 6 months post-tx to have a sustained response.
That even with a Sustained Virological Response there's no guarantee against HCC or cirrhosis - just a much lower incidence.
That if you ever need a liver transplant, there's a good chance you'd be standing in line in front of someone who had done everything possible to take care of themself - including not drinking.
With all that said and understood - knock yourself out. It's your liver.
Maybe I'm crazy, but I had a glass of wine a week after finishing tx (I was UND at that time). A week after that I went to a wine tasting, had maybe a glass and a half, with a meal. Have had maybe 5 drinks since then, at well spaced intervals. I don't like to ever get drunk and have no problem with booze. Four months post, I remain UND.
I'd say it would be okay to have a beer, I mean A beer. Not two beers, and only on special occasions. If you have a problem stopping at one, don't do it. That's my take on it, for whatever it's worth.
I'd say it would be okay to have a beer, I mean A beer. Not two beers, and only on special occasions. If you have a problem stopping at one, don't do it. That's my take on it, for whatever it's worth.
That if you ever need a liver transplant, there's a good chance you'd be standing in line in front of someone who had done everything possible to take care of themself - including not drinking.
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Good point.
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Good point.
around here, without another alcohol thread????, oy vey!!!! lol....I wish once, someone would come on here and ask, hey, "is it okay if I could have a nice shot of heroin, maybe a speedball with a little coke kicker??? this last round of treatment has really got me down with the blues! (sorry for the sick humor...)
(disclaimer: not comparing this scenario w/ one beer...I myself would wait till I was sure I was SVR...then one beer (or glass of wine) very occasionally, depending on my liver damage to begin with...only my take, and after this, I'll pull my toe outta here...been in one too many of these discussions!)
(disclaimer: not comparing this scenario w/ one beer...I myself would wait till I was sure I was SVR...then one beer (or glass of wine) very occasionally, depending on my liver damage to begin with...only my take, and after this, I'll pull my toe outta here...been in one too many of these discussions!)
You can only have non-alcoholic beer, zero % if you care about your liver and life.
Is it okay if I go into the evidence room at my husbands employer and sample the "goods" and after that can I please have one of the few "scary looking dudes" that frequent the crowbar hotel give me a tattoo across me arse that says "fool in making" and even after that how bout if I try to remove all my used Interfeon needles from the hard plastic sharps container to wash them for future use....Geez and now you tell me I can't even have a beer - But one of your "oldtimers" on here keeps saying it is okay...
I'm with you dollface - this gets old real fast....
Huggers Beth
I'm with you dollface - this gets old real fast....
Huggers Beth
Sorry for my first entry, it's my last day of tx and I couldn't resist taking a shot at you. But seriously, you now have a taste of just how the crew around here feels about the subject!
desrt-is right on, I've had a transplant and wouldn't want to sit out the mandatory 1yr before I could get listed if necessary.
4C and others-I agree, wait a year to confirm SVR and then only after accessing your liver stage.
GrandmaA-there is no 0% beer to my knowledge, believe me I search the 4 corners! O'Douls, Sharps etc all have .5%.
jphits-salud to your SVR!
desrt-is right on, I've had a transplant and wouldn't want to sit out the mandatory 1yr before I could get listed if necessary.
4C and others-I agree, wait a year to confirm SVR and then only after accessing your liver stage.
GrandmaA-there is no 0% beer to my knowledge, believe me I search the 4 corners! O'Douls, Sharps etc all have .5%.
jphits-salud to your SVR!
hi, i want to apologize too, I'm just a sorry smart a$$! and sometimes if youre new posting, it's easy to take things the wrong way here, but I mean well!
guess you got some answers to your question, and of course, it'll be you and your doctor that will ultimately decide what you want to do about these issues...
Veg: nice to see you here!
guess you got some answers to your question, and of course, it'll be you and your doctor that will ultimately decide what you want to do about these issues...
Veg: nice to see you here!
Congrats on your SVR and congrats on feeling better. Not to get off topic, but if you don't mind my asking can you provide your stats and lifestyle and describe how you felt both prior to treatment, during treatment and after? The reason I ask is because I've always wondered how many people who treat and go on to SVR really feel better after successfully treating. Like did it resolve any symptoms they had while they were still infected? Or do they feel about the same as they did prior to treating? Or do they actually feel worse after treatment? (long term) We don't hear from many SVR's who take the time to express their feelings on this matter if they're feeling good (or great) after treatment. I recently wrapped up 41 weeks of treatment and now 3 months after stopping feel faaaaaabulous (with a few arthritic pangs). I just pray this 'freebie runner's high' I've been experiencing will continue. I praying this is the real deal, this is how people feel once they're cured...so your thoughts on the matter would be appreciated.
As to drinking, I'm not the best person to ask! I've been a microbrew lush for the past 2 months or so. Imbibing too much for my own good. But the way I see it, I started treatment with an F1 liver (i.e. minimal fibrosis) and now apparently have my SVR. If all I managed to do to my liver after having HCV for 24 years concurrently with a fair amount of alcohol consumption, then I think I can get away with throwing back 2-4 pints of the good stuff on weekend days (and maybe a tad more on just a *few* "funnerer" days ;-) And then maybe a pint or two a day during 3-4 weekdays. But that's just for now, eventually I'll tighten my belt and get back to exercising and a more moderate consumption.
As far as you are concerned, obviously that's up to you. But in my opinion, if you're in good health, have minimal (or no) fibrosis (assuming you got a biopsy, which not all type 2's do), have no alcohol dependency problem (or likelihood to develop one), and are a responsible adult, then heck I wouldn't hold back on a few glasses of wine or beer here and there. On the other hand if you do (or did) have significant fibrosis (F2 or worse), or any of the risk factors mentioned above, then I'd cool it and just learn to live without it. My $0.02 anyway, best of luck.
As to drinking, I'm not the best person to ask! I've been a microbrew lush for the past 2 months or so. Imbibing too much for my own good. But the way I see it, I started treatment with an F1 liver (i.e. minimal fibrosis) and now apparently have my SVR. If all I managed to do to my liver after having HCV for 24 years concurrently with a fair amount of alcohol consumption, then I think I can get away with throwing back 2-4 pints of the good stuff on weekend days (and maybe a tad more on just a *few* "funnerer" days ;-) And then maybe a pint or two a day during 3-4 weekdays. But that's just for now, eventually I'll tighten my belt and get back to exercising and a more moderate consumption.
As far as you are concerned, obviously that's up to you. But in my opinion, if you're in good health, have minimal (or no) fibrosis (assuming you got a biopsy, which not all type 2's do), have no alcohol dependency problem (or likelihood to develop one), and are a responsible adult, then heck I wouldn't hold back on a few glasses of wine or beer here and there. On the other hand if you do (or did) have significant fibrosis (F2 or worse), or any of the risk factors mentioned above, then I'd cool it and just learn to live without it. My $0.02 anyway, best of luck.
Hey, I liked your pirate reply "fool in the making!" Being post-TP I stay away from the drug and alcohol debates. All I know is I didn't control those habits once, so I won't test myself again. I see from your profile your 75% of the way thru tx, may SVR be yours and thanks for your wish to me.
mike
mike
you know, I'm kind of a chronicler of sorts, and I pay attention to many posts here and elsewhere over the years, and although there does seem to be many who don't feel better after SVR, there are many who feel better after treatment who didn't even SVR, and many who feel way better after SVR...just from what I've seen and heard...it would be hard to get hard and fast stats on this, so I just look at things anecdotally and from all the people I know from hep c groups, etc...
course, none of my business, but I hope you tighten your belt sooner then later, that seems to be a tad a lot ( if that makes any sense) to imbibe so soon after treatment, and generally speaking..only say this cause I like you and I'm an inveterate busybody...cause ironically, from all I've read and my doc said this as well...even though the treatment is responsible for clearing the virus, therefore clearing a nasty virus out of your bloodstream, the treatment itself is very hard on your system, and your liver and kidneys, among other things...and one should take care to heal the body after all of that...and not stress it further...(I know, I'm obnoxious)
docs say a drink or even two for men (spaced out) per day is okay, but more then that is pushing it, and this is for the general population, not even considering people who've just undergone chemical therapy as I said...for women less because women can't metabolize it as well as most men...you might get psset at me for saying all this, and that's fair, cause it's none of my business, but I guess I'd just like to address this generally as well, just my take..
course, none of my business, but I hope you tighten your belt sooner then later, that seems to be a tad a lot ( if that makes any sense) to imbibe so soon after treatment, and generally speaking..only say this cause I like you and I'm an inveterate busybody...cause ironically, from all I've read and my doc said this as well...even though the treatment is responsible for clearing the virus, therefore clearing a nasty virus out of your bloodstream, the treatment itself is very hard on your system, and your liver and kidneys, among other things...and one should take care to heal the body after all of that...and not stress it further...(I know, I'm obnoxious)
docs say a drink or even two for men (spaced out) per day is okay, but more then that is pushing it, and this is for the general population, not even considering people who've just undergone chemical therapy as I said...for women less because women can't metabolize it as well as most men...you might get psset at me for saying all this, and that's fair, cause it's none of my business, but I guess I'd just like to address this generally as well, just my take..
I don't mind your "mothering" comments, in fact I appreciate your concern. And I figured someone would bust me for my comments about how much I've been drinking lately. I know the amount I specified is a bit excessive, I just wanted to be honest. But don't worry, I'm fairly health nuttish. Not a health nazi, but definitely health conscious. Sooner or later I'll come back to earth and get on my mountain bike again and start ordering grilled ahi salads instead of prime rib and au jus. And yes water or iced tea instead of an "Arrogant *******" microbrew. But gosh darned I just can't help myself lately. I guess I sound like I'm whining here, but I went through a tough treatment. Tough for me anyway, and now that's it over...now that I'm feeling SOOOOOOOOOOO much better....now that it's really looking like I nailed my SVR...it's just pArTaY time for 'ole mremeet!!!!!!! I'm really digging this vibe I'm on, I just hope I don't crash and burn back to the way I used to feel when I was chronically infected. But right now, the surf is *definitely* up mon!!
Anyway, you're a real sweetie foresee for saying what you did, thanks for that. And I like your pic too by the way, you sure are a pretty gal. I'd say you and pam (pln) are some of the purdiest girls here. Well, amongst the purdiest, I'm sure there are plenty of lookers here that hold their cards a bit closer to their vests...and not to leave anyone out!! (so don't hit me if I didn't mention your name!)
Anyway, you're a real sweetie foresee for saying what you did, thanks for that. And I like your pic too by the way, you sure are a pretty gal. I'd say you and pam (pln) are some of the purdiest girls here. Well, amongst the purdiest, I'm sure there are plenty of lookers here that hold their cards a bit closer to their vests...and not to leave anyone out!! (so don't hit me if I didn't mention your name!)
That's "Arrogant B@stard" microbrew. Darned filters...
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so nice to hear this, as I sit here in my bathrobe, with my glasses on, my hair pulled up in a untidy librarian bun, no make-up...a big zit on my chin...if you saw me right now you'd do a lot of coughing while you were walking backwards, real fast, lol....remember, I'm from Hollywood and we know how to "clean up real good" with the hair and make-up, but thanks for the compliment, there ARE a lot of lookers on this board! certainly well groomed people who are not the creepy stereotype we've been hung with....
you know, I took PDS (Charlotte's) death kinda hard, considering I didn't know her that well...really made me think, how we take life for granted, and think death is some foreign concept we don't need to think about....but it can happen to anybody....hep c or not...we should really take care of ourselves as well as possible and do things that matter while we're here, sorry about waxing so philosophical ...such a nice eulogy 'of sorts' you wrote for her...really touching...
you know, I took PDS (Charlotte's) death kinda hard, considering I didn't know her that well...really made me think, how we take life for granted, and think death is some foreign concept we don't need to think about....but it can happen to anybody....hep c or not...we should really take care of ourselves as well as possible and do things that matter while we're here, sorry about waxing so philosophical ...such a nice eulogy 'of sorts' you wrote for her...really touching...
I you have not in the past had troubles due to alcohol and are truly a social drinker...then on special occasions, like reaching SVR..You may be able to enjoy one.
For me...alcohol is not an option, I've already filled my quota card for this lifetime. I do actually enjoy life more without it. That chapter in my book is closed and the future looks brighter without it.
I was in clinical trials 11 years ago. 0 Liver Damage, Nomal ALT , AFT, when I got to UND....i didn't do any 3 mo. checkup (I was pretty ignorant) or anything...I just ran outta there and never looked back, A few years later I started drinking wine again, often to excess. Bottom Line: in less than 5 years of this, I now have Stage 2, Bridging Fibrosis Grade 2-3
Alcohol can do some swift deadly damage...believe me.
For me...alcohol is not an option, I've already filled my quota card for this lifetime. I do actually enjoy life more without it. That chapter in my book is closed and the future looks brighter without it.
I was in clinical trials 11 years ago. 0 Liver Damage, Nomal ALT , AFT, when I got to UND....i didn't do any 3 mo. checkup (I was pretty ignorant) or anything...I just ran outta there and never looked back, A few years later I started drinking wine again, often to excess. Bottom Line: in less than 5 years of this, I now have Stage 2, Bridging Fibrosis Grade 2-3
Alcohol can do some swift deadly damage...believe me.
Foresee - Yep, losing Charlotte was a real shock. Especially so sudden like that, and especially after just coming out of such a tough treatment for her. When I met Charlotte in the blood draw waiting room (as described in my previous post), I was speaking to two HIV patients who were also taking experimental protease inhibitors similar to VX950. One of them was a Brazilian woman, and I'll never forget what she told both me and Charlotte as we sat there huddled together. She told us that she felt great and was living life to its fullest. She looked perfectly healthy, as did the other nice gay guy we were speaking with. Having HIV, both Charlotte and I were silently glad we weren't in their unfortunate shoes (us just having "mere" cases of HCV). We politely smiled and congratulated her on her good health and positive attitude. I think the Brazilian woman intuitively sensed our pity, and told us that she didn't think of herself as living under a death sentence at all. She said there were perfectly healthy people walking around today that do not have HIV; and yet some of them will die long before her because of some other cause. Or that she herself might be struck down by something completely unrelated to HIV. I thought that was a bit rationalized and defensive of her to say that, but then again I knew it was also true. How true, and ultimately prophetic that statement would turn out to be, I don't think either me or Charlotte really fully appreciated at the time. Well I fully appreciate it now, and if anyone else is reading this, you'd be wise to do the same.
PS>> I'm in central south CA right now for a little work jaunt, any good places to hang on weekends?
PS>> I'm in central south CA right now for a little work jaunt, any good places to hang on weekends?
ladywhy: the great thing about these boards, is that your honesty might hit somebody that really needs it, you could even be saving a life (who knows?) with your one little post.....it prob doesn't even occur to people that you could still do damage to the ole liver even after your SVR - if you don't take care of yourself...we're prob all so worried just about the virus...thanks for that...
Mremeet: youre a kind of profound guy huh? thanks for the story...You know, I know beans about central CA, except the coastline, and if youre around there, I'd see the Hearst Castle (really nice coastline thereabouts, all down the coast of CA) depends on how long you stay of course...there's a really nice little village there, Cambria...and then there is a beach where all these walruses go (have no idea how to spell the plural on that) really beautiful rolling hills, coast highway, etc...I think there are a few people here from Central Ca....could tell you more...
Mremeet: youre a kind of profound guy huh? thanks for the story...You know, I know beans about central CA, except the coastline, and if youre around there, I'd see the Hearst Castle (really nice coastline thereabouts, all down the coast of CA) depends on how long you stay of course...there's a really nice little village there, Cambria...and then there is a beach where all these walruses go (have no idea how to spell the plural on that) really beautiful rolling hills, coast highway, etc...I think there are a few people here from Central Ca....could tell you more...
I'm wishing you the best too! a good friend of mine is on his 13th year with his liver transplant, he's a special effects guy for the movies, works really hard, and has a blast, so to speak! lol...
I have to say that before my treatment I felt fine. I am 26 and have had the virus since birth, but no symptoms/ liver damage. Infact I only found out about a year ago when I donated blood. The treatment went well, and I now finally feel "normal" again.
It would be nice to drink again but I did not realize it was such a big deal. The idea of not drinking for the rest of my life is a little hard to swallow but I obliviously want to maintain my liver health.
"That if you ever need a liver transplant, there's a good chance you'd be standing in line in front of someone who had done everything possible to take care of themself - including not drinking. "
Anyone that goes though interferon treatment is trying to do everything possible to take care of themself.
It would be nice to drink again but I did not realize it was such a big deal. The idea of not drinking for the rest of my life is a little hard to swallow but I obliviously want to maintain my liver health.
"That if you ever need a liver transplant, there's a good chance you'd be standing in line in front of someone who had done everything possible to take care of themself - including not drinking. "
Anyone that goes though interferon treatment is trying to do everything possible to take care of themself.
this is probably hard to take from me, cause I haven't even started, but I kinda know what you are saying, but there are qualifications...if you've been around the boards and have read as many personal hep c stories as I have...
I have always thought it ironic that someone who has gone though the hell of treatment, would turn around and take their liver for granted after all of that, but it does happen...there are all types of problems people experience on God's green earth....
So i don't quite buy that everyone who has done treatment has done everything they can to take care of themselves, there are exceptions, there is one's life before and after treatment that has to be factored in...I have read of many who have gone to extreme partying after SVR (and much worse yet, without SVR) and kinda screwed themselves up in the process...ie, Ladywhy's post, we're lucky to have a poster who is so honest and forthcoming...and willing to help others with her story...
But I stand by what I originally said before I went into so many directions lol..., after all I've seen and heard from the experts and others, wait till after youre sure youre SVR, and then drink very, very moderately depending on the liver damage you had to begin with (if you had a lot of damage, better not tempt fate, and take care of your liver instead)...
If one has alcohol problems and has trouble drinking very moderately, then learn to live without it...I concur with some others here who think that's it's really no big deal to give up alcohol in your life, pleasure and joy doesn't hinge on it.... you get used to anything, and I have a lot of fun without it....though I found it annoying to give it up many years ago now, it wasn't gut wrenching...and now I don't even miss it at all...just my take...
I have always thought it ironic that someone who has gone though the hell of treatment, would turn around and take their liver for granted after all of that, but it does happen...there are all types of problems people experience on God's green earth....
So i don't quite buy that everyone who has done treatment has done everything they can to take care of themselves, there are exceptions, there is one's life before and after treatment that has to be factored in...I have read of many who have gone to extreme partying after SVR (and much worse yet, without SVR) and kinda screwed themselves up in the process...ie, Ladywhy's post, we're lucky to have a poster who is so honest and forthcoming...and willing to help others with her story...
But I stand by what I originally said before I went into so many directions lol..., after all I've seen and heard from the experts and others, wait till after youre sure youre SVR, and then drink very, very moderately depending on the liver damage you had to begin with (if you had a lot of damage, better not tempt fate, and take care of your liver instead)...
If one has alcohol problems and has trouble drinking very moderately, then learn to live without it...I concur with some others here who think that's it's really no big deal to give up alcohol in your life, pleasure and joy doesn't hinge on it.... you get used to anything, and I have a lot of fun without it....though I found it annoying to give it up many years ago now, it wasn't gut wrenching...and now I don't even miss it at all...just my take...
You made me crack up cause honestly I am as sick as you and have always felt the same way
", hey, "is it okay if I could have a nice shot of heroin, maybe a speedball with a little coke kicker???"
Probably if we are SVR we can...after all as long as it's good grade it shouldn't really hurt the ole liver that much right? :)
", hey, "is it okay if I could have a nice shot of heroin, maybe a speedball with a little coke kicker???"
Probably if we are SVR we can...after all as long as it's good grade it shouldn't really hurt the ole liver that much right? :)
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