Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

HCV Resolved & Alcohol

Most of the alcohol use questions I read are for chronic HCV.

In 2010 I had acute HCV and it was resolved shortly after by my immune system with no damage to my liver.   My question is since it is resolved with no liver damage is it ok to drink a few beers from time to time.  I do not have a drinking problem and do not drink hard liquors and haven't even drank beer since infected,  I am talking about drinking 3 or 4 beers at the most say once a month or so.  My doctor doesn't give me a clear answer on this, but he is very conservative religiously so I don't trust his answer on this as he doesn't believe in drinking at all.  Thanks for any help on this.
11 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
i also dont think the odd couple of beers is going to hurt you  we all like the odd one my hubby finishes 24wk tx next Monday and he too as had the odd couple after getting the go ahead from hep doc so cheers and bottoms up!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To answer the question, the last time I was tested for antibodies was when I developed symptoms of hepatitis.  Since my quantitative test resulted in my HCV being resolved my doctor only checks my liver enzymes on an ongoing basis and so far they have been normal.

Again thanks everyone for your input it has really been a big help.  
Helpful - 0
1840891 tn?1431547793
Congrats on having resolved the HCV without the need to treat it! As far as your liver goes you should be in very much the same boat as the general population: drinking small amounts on an irregular basis is fine, but be careful not to mix alcohol with other meds. I'd be more concerned about the diabetes, as alcohol is pretty bad for blood sugar levels. Be careful to keep an eye on those levels and be especially careful about drinking on an empty stomach, when it could be absorbed very rapidly.
Helpful - 0
766573 tn?1365166466
Wow this is interesting. I am not sure. I would think if you have type 2 diabetes, that's probably OK to drink in moderation as long as your blood sugar is under control. I know you said your Acute HCV resolved in 2010 and it's probably a non-issue but I was wondering when the last time you were testing for the Hepatitis A, B & C Antibodies.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes my liver enzymes became elevated and I became jaundiced, the doctor took me off all oral meds for a short time, there was no other treatment, an my enzymes returned to normal.  Months later the lab results showed rwolved.

The biggest other variable is I am diabetic type II so that is another reason I don't drink beer anymore, even though I drank light beer before, but that is another subject but is a variable.

Thanks everyone for your input,  I have searched online for my situation and I always run into chronic HCV and alcohol, so this helps.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm in the same boat and was told at the end of my treatment last year that I could drink in moderation, so enjoy!
Helpful - 0
1815939 tn?1377991799
I agree with Can-do and Bali. Enjoy!
Helpful - 0
979080 tn?1323433639
I second Cando and say "Cheers" to that !

b
Helpful - 0
766573 tn?1365166466
Quite honestly I encourage you to see another doctor as this is a legitimate question pertaining to your health and well being that you deserve an educated and informed response to.

On the other hand your doctor simply may not know.
Acute Hepatitis C as you may know only means you were exposed to the virus and you cleared it on your own. Elevated liver enzymes are often a symptom of Acute HCV so if that is the case with you, have they returned to normal values?

I encourage you to seek an answer to this. Meanwhile based on what little you have shared in your post and absent any other circumstances (yada, yada, yada) I am not really seeing why you would not be able to drink. Especially since it does not appear Hepatitis C is an issue.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Since you do not have Hep C and have no liver damage then you are no different then anyone else out there...... Bottoms up and enjoy.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i like to have a few drinks now and then and do so because quality of life edges out longevity in my perspective...

i am told by my treaters that a drink now and then is not a problem, i assume it is not beneficial, but then....

i did read a study that said those who drink after recovering from HCV have a higher incidence of death than those that do not..i found it by googling that very question in some form or another..

i even have a few drinks now and then while in TX and they say it is ok as long as it is not excessive (i'm on all oral sofosbuvir/gs-5885+riba)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
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.