I can hardly believe that I am writing this.

Hi all,

I am so upset about what just happened to me.

I went to a gathering after work this evening to celebrate a friend's birthday. At the gathering, there were two different drinks offered : punch, and fruit juice. Needless to say the punch contained alcohol. I requested some fruit juice from a friend who was also getting drinks for two other friends. He definitely got one fruit juice and two punches - he told me that he remembered doing so. You can probably guess what I am going to say next. He handed me a drink, I took a sip and swallowed and immediately after swallowing realised that it contained alcohol. I left immediately and am still really shaken up by this. It was about half an hour ago.

I'm wondering if this is going to make my liver go into meltdown. Reason tells me that it probably won't, but I can't help but worry that it will. I could still make myself sick now, but since I haven't been sick in over six months, I'd rather not have to.

Should I call my doctor? I am so angry that I have avoided alcohol for the past 7 months and that the slightest lapse of attention on my part has led to this. I can't blame my friend - I should have declined the offer and been to get my own drink.

Anyway, I thought I'd share. I am feeling really upset. Thankfully I realised that there was alcohol in the drink after just the one sip - imagine if I'd finished the whole glass!

NCL

Jamie, I am sorry this happened. But one sip is not going to wreak havoc on your liver. Since this is the 2nd time something similar has happened recently, I would either get my own drink, or order water to be on the safe side. The other alternative is to not attend functions where there will be alcohol served. Of course, in the case of a friend's b.d., you want to be there. Try to make your visit brief. And no, don't tell your doctor. It wasn't intentional.

Hugs,
Connie

Thanks guys. I have calmed down a bit now. I have drunk loads of water - not sure if it will help, but it makes me feel better.

A lesson learned! Vigilance is so important. These were close friends who know why I don't drink and what happened to me too - they were there at the hospital - so I know that it was completely a mistake.

I'm not remotely glad that it happened, but I was pleased that the taste, way it made me feel after swallowing - everything, was not remotely pleasant.

I'm not due to see my hepatologist or my alcohol nurse for several months (so happy have they been with my progress), so I won't mention it on this occasion.

Thank you so much for your replies. Caution and vigilance and one big lesson learned. I've never suffered from anxiety in my life, but after I realised the most dreadful things popped into my head. I don't want to feel like that again!

Very best wishes - a big hug to each of you.

Jamie.

Jamie - I know how you felt.

I was given some christmas cake of all things - but it was full of brandy.  I nearly choked when I tasted it and spent the next 5 mins spitting it into tissue to avoid swallowing it.

I dont think I thought it would do me much damage - it was the fact that I hadnt had a drop of alcohol for a couple of years that got to me - and I felt that this would have broken it if I swallowed it.

So I didnt!!

How are you doing with the UKs NHS?