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Posted 12/26/2009 4:57 AM (GMT 0)
I know this subject has been visited before but the most recent I could find was over a year ago and just hoping for some more experiences from everyone. Also with NYE coming up, figured it was a good time.

I was DXed one year ago and was never a big drinker even before being DXed.

So when the Dr said no more (or limit greatly) the alcohol consumption, I said no problem. I didn't realize how much of a bummer it would be until later. I would just like to go out and drink 2 or 3 times a year, such as New Year's.

I drank 6 or 7 beers (PLENTY for me) at my brother's wedding and did fine, however I was still on Pred.

Since then I have tried 1 beer one night (did fine) and 3 beers about a month or two later (had two D's, one right before bed, one when I woke up). Not sure if that is considered a "flare". So since then I have been nervous.

From reading past threads about it, maybe I should try liquor as opposed to carbonated beer.

For the most part, I am in remission right now and would just like to be able to go out and drink the 2 or 3 times that "calls for it", like NYE.

So what experience do others have? Taking Immodium or similar before going out?
Posted 12/26/2009 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
You're not going to be in a flare from drinking beer unless you're already in a flare.

Some people cannot consume alcohol....their digestive system cannot handle it regardless of having UC/CD or not.

Try as you might....have one beer and limit it to that. Your gut/butt will rule.

I love the taste of wine....can't drink it because I feel awful/nauseated and weird all over. One sip or two is fine, some are easier to tolerate than others..

I used to have no problem when I was much younger.

So, why would you want to take imodium to lessen the way your body uses to expel what it views as poison?

So you can't drink....it's not the end of the world.

Sorry, not empathetic....but limit your consumption. I'm sure others will understand.

OR.....so what if you have diarrhea.....it's not the end of the world....again, limit what you drink and find what you can handle.

I can't eat the amount of chocolate I used to be able to....sigh. Both our livers will probably thank us in the long-run.

quincy
Posted 12/26/2009 10:29 AM (GMT 0)
Before UC, I had about 3-4 cups/servings of beer in a year. After UC, I did not tough any alcohol at all. It is really the envy of me that you can drink some bear. I often wish I could ask God, why do I have to go through so many difficulties?
Posted 12/26/2009 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Alcohol puts me in a flare even if its just a little in a tincture
Posted 12/26/2009 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
The only time my GI has ever advised me not to drink was when I've been on antibiotics, Flagyl & Cipro. Other than that, I can knock 'em back with the best of them! I don't, normally- I figure my poor liver is taxed enough as it is, processing all the meds I take, without adding more junk to the mix. But, I have a drink or 2 on occasion, definitely- sometimes beer (although I've sort of lost my taste fro it), Baileys Irish Cream, wine, mixed drinks.... Hell, on my birthday I had 4 martinis! And regretted THAT big time the next day, but simply due to the hangover, nothing UC related. I don't find alcohol to bother my bowels one bit. It's much more apt to give me a headache than any bathroom issues. Honestly, if I had 2 episodes of D, that is in no way a flare- that's like a normal day for me. I think you will find, that GI's opinions on alcohol differ greatly- it's much more a personal choice.
Posted 12/26/2009 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
I don't like to drink when I am flaring. I will have one glass of wine but not much more than that because my bowels are so unpredictible and I think it makes them worse. When I was in remission I drank more than I should have.
Posted 12/26/2009 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
my dr told me that alcohol is fine to drink unless it bothers me specifically.

it doesnt
i can drink wine and alcohol and beer. lots or a little and im fine.
even someone without UC will get the after-grog-bog the next morning, so its NOT a flare when that happens.
its just alcohol and drinking and what comes with it.
either D, a big poo or puking or all of the above.

drink it if it doesnt bother you and dont drink it if it does.
SIMPLE
Posted 12/28/2009 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I hate beer, but vodka and whiskey don't seem to bother me as much as rum which is horrible. Ugh. And wine is usually alright. Don't overdo it! Just have one or two, maybe three if it's wine. And not frequently.
Posted 12/28/2009 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
During flares alcohol almost has a laxative effect.
Posted 12/28/2009 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Actually havig a glass of vino right ow.  Moderation is key- i  just about everything.  Jus thasked  my doc about it and she said it was fine.  See how you do and go by that.  i have never noticed if it makes things worse. 
Posted 12/28/2009 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
I would also be curious what has little to no sugar and no carbonation.
Posted 12/28/2009 7:56 AM (GMT 0)
I find I'm able to tolerate most alcoholic beverages quite well.
Posted 12/28/2009 2:52 PM (GMT 0)

Delarge said...
I find I'm able to tolerate most alcoholic beverages quite well.

"quite well" LOL   there are times I handle it qutie well too.  JK.  4-8 glasses a week for me.

Posted 12/29/2009 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
As for me... I find that beer actually seems to help my gut.If I drink to much though I have problems. Exception to the rule is heineken or heineken lite. I have to really really consumer to much for that to cause me problems.
Most wines seem okay with me and i cook with wine alot.
I tend to stay away from hard liquor for other reason so I don't know about its effects on my gut. It either makes me bullet proof and indestructible or it makes me a mean A** H***. So I stay away from it.
Posted 12/30/2009 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
I drink a little wine - a couple of glasses on weekends with dinner, maybe more than just the weekends with the holidays (with a meal.....) it doesn't give me problems.
Posted 12/30/2009 12:46 PM (GMT 0)

Alcohol has no negative effects on my colon or UC. I drink beer, wine and liquor while in remission and during mild flares. At social settings it actually relaxes me to the point that I don't worry about urgency. After 2 glasses of wine or two stiff drinks, I can eat hors d’oeuvres and be relaxed and enjoy myself. If it's a long wait before dinner I may have another one before dinner and during if wine is served then. This has worked well for me for parties, holidays, weddings, etc.

My in-laws do after dinner Turkish espresso or Greek coffee and I'm so relaxed by that pointc that I don't have any urgency issues at all.

They sometimes have flavored liquors after all that. The next day I feel great because so much great food is eaten and everything is relaxed and fun

 

If you don't eat a lot of food with your drinks make sure you drink a lot of water while you're drinking at least.

 

I stop drinking during a severe flares only because of the dehydration it causes. Over the years I drink less because family things and driving interferes and my UC has not improved.

Posted 12/30/2009 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have 1 lemon drop martini most nights before bed, and it has not effected me one way or another if I go a few weeks and have none.
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