Alcohol - how much of it is allowed in the UC?

Licho

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2007

Posts : 98

Posted 8/29/2007 1:05 PM (GMT -6)

Hi.

I want to ask you, how the alcohol impacts on your UC course. I've never drunk any alcohol drinks. I've achieved the adult age, so theoretically/legally I'm allowed to drink such stuff. However, I wonder if it can have any negative impact on my disease - in addition, I'm in a remission currently, which's been difficultily achieved with infliximab (Remicade). It would be very, very stupid, simply, if I worsened this status with drinking.

I know that some people drink pretty much and don't notice any harmful effect, but I don't know if it depends on the drink type. What is the most mild/ most harmful liquid for the UC-ers? Is beer safe?

And the most important thing: how much alcohol can I drink safely? I want to emphasize, that I'd drink only very occasionally (my liver has enough work with the drugs I take).

Cheers

My drugs (I've UC for a few years, if anybody was curious; autodiagnosed SA and depressive problems): mesalazine, azathioprine, infliximab, iron meds, vitamins (sometimes) & probiotics; the methylprednisolone therapy of several months if needed (then, protectively, potassium meds and omeprazole as well).

I worry about my liver and kidneys for the reasons above, I hope that unnecessarily.

I worry if anxiety problems (SA) could impact on the UC as well.

I have nothing more to say at the moment (I've already said very much for me...).

quincy

Elite Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 31093

Posted 8/29/2007 1:08 PM (GMT -6)

Use common sense...less is always best...but don't ever binge..that will be much harder than occasional drinking.

With UC and the meds you're on, I would say...don't drink at all and keep your liver happy.

q

*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg; Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS" worth it !!!

Licho

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2007

Posts : 98

Posted 8/29/2007 1:15 PM (GMT -6)

Hm, maybe it'd be most proper. But I feel like trying (it's not very responsible, I know)...

I worry about my liver and kidneys for the reasons above, I hope that unnecessarily.

I worry if anxiety problems (SA) could impact on the UC as well.

I have nothing more to say at the moment (I've already said very much for me...).

quincy

Elite Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 31093

Posted 8/29/2007 1:22 PM (GMT -6)

Hey, you're the caretaker of your body. Your decisions. Please don't binge...

And with social anxiety, drinking can become an easy crutch/addiction. I'm from a family of alcoholics with anxiety and depression..and if I could handle alcohol, I may have gone down the same road.

You have choices...and when you make them be it good or bad..it's YOUR responsibility.

Try not to set yourself up for too much regret.

Drink...but be responsible.

quincy

*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg; Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS" worth it !!!

Licho

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2007

Posts : 98

Posted 8/29/2007 1:26 PM (GMT -6)

I see. Thank you very much for the advices, Quincy.

I worry about my liver and kidneys for the reasons above, I hope that unnecessarily.

I worry if anxiety problems (SA) could impact on the UC as well.

I have nothing more to say at the moment (I've already said very much for me...).

ThePostmodernIrony

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2007

Posts : 344

Posted 8/29/2007 2:08 PM (GMT -6)

I went a very long time without drinking and thought that if I drank it would destroy me and set me back alot. The few times I tried it again, I might have gotten carried away and maybe it was bad timing, usually just off prednisone. I went nearly 2 years without drinking and still went out to bars despite people always puzzling over my lack of drinking, and always ordered water, since soda is a no-no for me. Lately, I have found that, just like everything else, alcohol in moderation is not the end of the world or the start of a flare. I don't ever drink beer with all the wheat in it (since I had a slight gluten sensitivity when I first was diagnosed) and the terrible carbonation. I stick to vodka and cranberry usually because cranberry juice is good for you (but sometimes they give you the syrupy kind which isn't as good so if you make it at home, you can often be better off) and recently occasionally have sangria in a bottle - not mixed with all the crazy stuff people can mix into it. I have heard/read in a number of places that high-end vodka is the purest of alcohols, hence the vodka. Either way, I have done alright with the occasional drinks and its nice to be a little social - like quincy said, don't overdo it - like doing shots, etc. The first time you try it, only have a glass or two...I think that was my mistake when I first tried it years ago getting off prednisone. Since I hadn't had anything to drink, I had more than I shoulda and paid for it just feeling overall crappy. And don't drink if you got something to do the next day. Just use commons sense. Hope this helps.

UC diagnosed January 05

Past Meds: Azasan (Imuran) - piercing chest pains after six days so tried different brand aka Azathioprine - morning nausea /didn't really help after more than 6 months, canasa (tried but got worse at the time - connected or not laying off for now)
Current meds: Asacol 2 - 3x, Aciphex (acid reflux), Remicade - 6 treatments, prednisone boo 10mg now tapering, multivitamin, caltrate 2x a day. probiotic (florasmart right now), astelin (nasal spray) as needed, allergy shots

marty1976

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2005

Posts : 2045

Posted 8/29/2007 2:13 PM (GMT -6)

I don't drink at all when i'm flaring, maybe very rarely a few guiness. But that would have to be a special occasion. When you are in remission be sensible, but you should be able to drink whatever you like. If you are partying or out drinking remember that the drugs you are on(RemiCADE) are already making your liver work harder than normal.
I have found that even when in remission alcohol causes bad IBS issues that usually last a few days. Usually pain on my right side with frequent D. Although i have recently found that Guinness does not cause me many problems. I think its because its not gassy and that it doesn't have a high alcohol content.

Marty

keep the faith

Pred50mgs/asacol/proctifoam/omoparazole 40mgs/Domperidone10mgs x 3 daily(and its not for breastfeeding i'm using it :).[/color]</b>

http://www.myspace.com/martybuzz1<FONT]

tjf

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 3238

Posted 8/29/2007 2:25 PM (GMT -6)

I think moderation is key. I don't drink when I'm flaring either. Otherwise I occasionally have a glass of wine. More than one glass and my tummy is not happy w/ me the next day.

Tabitha

100mg Azathioprine, 2 Fibercon, Colazal-9 a day (attempting to cut this down to 6 by slowly tapering), acidopholis pearls, just added Prilosec OTC

http://www.healingwell.com/donate
Co-Moderator UC Forum

potty girl

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2006

Posts : 835

Posted 8/29/2007 3:18 PM (GMT -6)

My doctor believe it are not wanted me to drink a glass of sweet red wine every night because it is suppose to lower your cholesteral. I cant take the meds to lower it and it is very high. but anyway I tried it but after about three days it gased me up really bad and I got really bloated from it and then the D started it took me about a week to get straightened back out.

Rona

synthroid .088 mg, lowpressor 50 mg x 2, cozaar 25mg x2, imdur 30 mg
nitroquick, proventol, plavix 75 mg, protonix 40 mg x 2, asacal 400mg x 9
carafate 1 gm x 4, zyrtec 10 mg, rhinocort aqua nose spray, fish oil,
potassium.

tjf

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 3238

Posted 8/29/2007 4:11 PM (GMT -6)

I deleted your duplicate post. Please only post the same topic once per forum rules. Thanks!

Luckyfrog

New Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 5

Posted 8/29/2007 5:34 PM (GMT -6)

I have been on remicade for 1 year and 8 months. I am also now in remission. I am in graduate school and like to go out sometimes. I usually dont have a huge problem with alcohol. Sometimes if i drink too much i have loose stools the next day, but other than that i am perfectly fine. It has never lead to flare or caused any other problems. Everybody is different. I would say give it a try, and slowly get a feel on how your body responds.

Rachel

Diagnosed with UC in 2001. In remission since January of 2006.

Remicade: Every 8 weeks

Imuran: 100 mg

AKB

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2006

Posts : 992

Posted 8/29/2007 11:30 PM (GMT -6)

this is a hugely important topic, b/c UC robs young people of so much fun/comraderie, and like it or not, going out and having a drink is a key social component for a vast number of people. In short, I've struggled with this constantly.

My findings:
Wine is BAD. Red worse than white. Anymore than a glass and I actually start having UC symptoms, remission or not.
Beer is BAD. I haven't tried Guinness, but I've tried the rest. Bad gas, bad IBS symptoms. Kicked off my flare last year.

Vodka is OK. I've had a LOT of vodka at times, even while not totally in remission. No problems, whatsoever. Not even loose stools the next day. Drink it straight (ugh), or with tonic (not soda water-- lots of crappy high fructose corn syrup!).

I haven't had any luck with gin, tequila, or rum, neither. A darn shame.

Dx:

Left-sided UC, Jun 2005. Flex-sig only... clear for first 20cms, then inflamed through next 30cms.

Therapies:

Pharmaceutical: Pentasa 3G/day, hydrocort 1x every 7 days
Probiotics: Acidophilus Pearls, Primadophilus Bifidus
Naturals: Caprylic Acid, Methylated B-12, Vit ACDE, Zinc (w/copper), Selenium, Turmeric, Bromelain, Luteolin
Killer Foods: Soda, Fried Food (especially french fries!), Beer, Red Wine, Pepperoncinis

love4cats

Regular Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 458

Posted 8/30/2007 12:37 PM (GMT -6)

I drink in moderation and have not stopped even while flaring. I only drink white wine and

Sleeman Clear beer, no hard stuff. It has no effect on my UC.

Dx: 2006

Meds: None so far. Garlic works to ease flares. My GI laughed when I told him and said it was just coincidence.

Diet: Regular fresh garlic, Biobest yogurt daily, Omega 3 supplements, very limited junk food, carbs and processed food, low fat diet. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies (limited potatoes).

Lonie

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2005

Posts : 6448

Posted 8/30/2007 4:56 PM (GMT -6)

I'm on Remi, and I have the occasional glass of wine; usually white as red can do me in. Although the Italian red wines dont' affect me at all -- not sure why. Anyway, just thought I'd chime in.

Carol

Remicade - will have my 18th infusion on July 12.

Imuran - 100 mgs....taken before bedtime

Vitamin B-12/Biotin, Probiotics

"Life is short -- make fun of it"

Co-Moderator for the UC Forum

superdeejayanna

Regular Member

Joined : Jul 2007

Posts : 77

Posted 8/30/2007 7:36 PM (GMT -6)

My scientific study has concluded:

Wine: OKAY for me
Tequila: OKAY, if it's a good tequila, straight up
Vodka: EH, a small amount of high quality stuff
Gin: NO
BEER: Heck NO, like soda, gives me gas
Whiskey: NOOOO (much to my dismay)
Rum: ??

I think wine and tequila are okay for me because they are not grain liquors, just my theory

Red_34

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2004

Posts : 23551

Posted 8/31/2007 7:05 AM (GMT -6)

I don't drink much but I'm the same as AKB. Any other alcohol then vodka will make cry like a baby the next day even in remission. Vodka has no affect on my Uc. I try NOT to drink but once again, like AKB said, it's rough to be in a social situation and not join in. Please be nice to your liver and don't overdo it.

^{@--->--SHERRY--<---@}

^{Left sided Uc since '92 - meds - Colazal, Canasa (when needed), 6MP (50-75mgs), Forvia, Biotin (IN REMISSION - sort of!)}

^{Secondary Raynauds Syndrome '04 - meds - Norvasc}

^{Fibromyalgia '06 - no meds}

^{Severe seasonal allergies - meds - Allegra}

^{PLEASE HELP HEALINGWELL CONTINUE TO HELP OTHERS BY CLICKING HERE: DONATE}

^{@--->--Moderator for Allergies/Asthma and Co-moderator for UC--<---@}

http://www.myspace.com/82595818

vivaitalia1

New Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 10

Posted 8/31/2007 7:17 AM (GMT -6)

Im on asacol.. and ive been binge drinking a lot in the past year without any noticeable effects on my bowel.. but then again im in remission. If i had a flare up, I dont think i would drink.. infact I dont think i would FEEL like drinking..

Clackerooney

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 45

Posted 9/1/2007 3:58 AM (GMT -6)

Like the previous post I also binge drink however I'm not in remission and it doesn't seem to do me any harm.
I spent the first 7 months of this year really ill with UC and unable to drink due to meds (cyclosporin stopped me). Now I'm just on pred, azathiropine and asacol there isn't anything medically stopping me.

I can go out on a weekend and drink for 8 hours or so, drinking mainly pints but with the odd whiskey or whatever else thrown in and have no worse symptoms the next day.
If anything I feel better as I'm back to do doing what I enjoy and not stuck in a hospital bed or sitting at home.
I wouldn't recommend binge drinking (even for people without UC), just saying that it doesn't do me any harm and I quite enjoy it.

quincy

Elite Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 31093

Posted 9/1/2007 9:31 AM (GMT -6)

Binge drinking is most difficult on the liver...it has to work mega hard to clean out the constant overload of alcohol in a short period of time.

It has no effect??? not yet. Too late once you've reached the point of the liver being compromised.

Try not to think of it as a UC issue....think of it as a survival issue..over the long term, for the meds and the fact of having UC will/can all affect the liver..with our without drinking.

The fact that you quite enjoy binge drinking is a good warning sign for continuation. It's awesome you admit it.

Live for today..yes..but it probably won't be your last day. Moderation is good.

*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg; Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS" worth it !!!

Post Edited (quincy) : 9/1/2007 8:38:26 AM (GMT-6)

ediekristen

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 1366

Posted 9/1/2007 6:33 PM (GMT -6)

For me, I personally HATE the taste of beer, so I couldn't tell you what affect it has on me. Although when I drink "girly beer" like Bacardi Silver, I tend to have some bleeding in the morning and maybe kind of gassy or burpy. I can not do straight shots of liquor because it's almost guaranteed that I will throw up. Margaritas and the like are the best for me, especially when they're the smoothie variation- I think the ice and extra water helps to keep me hydrated? I don't know, but I love them. :)

And as everyone said- MODERATION is the key.

Female, 22, Ulcerative colitis (pancolitis) since 1999; GERD; gastritis; osteopenia in hip & lumbar region of spine from long term prednisone use

Current Meds:
Primadophilus Reuteri
40 mg Citalopram (for depression/social anxiety)
125mg Imuran

10meq Potassium Cl

kevinNY

New Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 17

Posted 9/1/2007 8:10 PM (GMT -6)

Yea binge drinking is supposed to be the worse but a glass of wine a day is ok i hear

If anyone wants to get to know alittle about me this is my bebo page. If you got one feel free to add me =)

ireminduof.bebo.com

Licho

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2007

Posts : 98

Posted 9/4/2007 12:21 AM (GMT -6)

Thank you all for the responses. They've given me some knowledge about the case. Actually, I'm thinking only about moderate quatities of alcohol (although "moderate" means different thing, depending on the person).

It's actually not funny situation - the great majority of people want to try such stuff in my age, but on the other hand, I doubt if it's worth it.

Anyway, need to consider all the pro-s and contra-s.

Cheers!

tjf said...
I deleted your duplicate post. Please only post the same topic once per forum rules. Thanks!

Well, I made that post because I's trying to make a poll. Unfortunately, I didn't manage it - you've some weird system of adding the polls. I'm wondering now, how could I make one in some old topic of mine.

I worry about my liver and kidneys for the reasons above, I hope that unnecessarily.

I worry if anxiety problems (SA) could impact on the UC as well.

I have nothing more to say at the moment (I've already said very much for me...).

barnsbury

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2006

Posts : 479

Posted 9/5/2007 9:58 AM (GMT -6)

When im in remission - alcohol is usually OK - although I get hangovers much easier than before I went on all the meds I am on. Actually, just 2 glasses of red wine now give me a mild hangover.

Speaking of red wine - I am flaring, and I had 2 glasses last weekend with my dinner, and then I spent the whole night running to the toilet. And the next day was truly awful. So, it looks like red wine is now completely out :-(

Cant drink beer or alcopops at all - make me really sick..

I really miss my binge-drinking days

Back on Pred - 10mg - Steroid Dependent :-(

Azathioprine 125mg

Actonel 35mg

Predfoam

VSL #3 with Activa Yoghurt
EPA Fish Oils

~~Asacol x 9~~

~~Remicade every 8 weeks~~ (Stopped working)

~~Aloe Vera Lily of the Desert Juice~~ Gave me the worst D !

~~Primadophilus Reuteri Probiotic~~

~~Prograf Tacrolimus 4mg~~

Beth75

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2007

Posts : 2148

Posted 9/5/2007 11:33 AM (GMT -6)

These are my personal experiences and not meant to be saying it's ok to do what I do and what I did. I don't think drinking has ever affected my UC (rectum).
I was dx'd when I was 24.

I was a big drinker/hard partying person from 22 to 28 going out about 4 nights a week and drinking 4 nights a week, some nights only a few, some nights at the karaoke bar quite a lot. I mostly drank Captain Morgan, Hard Cider and Wine.

From 28 to 31 (I turn 32 at the end of this month). It really varied, my husband and I are social drinkers and rarely drink at home. I got older, got tired of the bar scene and probably went out 2 nights a week on avg and drank from a few to a lot more. stopped the captian morgan, it hurt my stomach.

For the past year I go out about 1 to 2 nights a week and rarely have more than a few drinks. I'm too old for the hangovers anymore. Plus i've been there done that night scene and actually like getting up early and doing stuff during the day now.......who knew?

Anyhoo, it's all personal tolerance, for example, my body hates coffee, but not everyone else's does.

Just a question, why do you want to start drinking? I see now problem with a couple every now and then but check w/your Doc, definitely b/c of all your meds.

Beth, 31

UC Diagnosed March 2000

Lialda 2.4mg 1xday since 8/24/07 (prev. Asacol 4800mg day)

Calcium and Vitamin D 500 mg 2xday

Simvastatin 20 mg 1xday

Diovan 80mg 1xday (dx: hematuria w/proteinuria): I have normal blood pressure, this is for my kidney - waiting for a dx.

princesa

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 2204

Posted 9/5/2007 12:50 PM (GMT -6)

This is like your coffee thread... alcohol is never recommended for someone with IBD and can do nothing positive for your health. If you're not currently drinking and would have to deal with the social stigma of suddenly NOT drinking, I don't know why you'd want to start.

Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999

Possibly misdiagnosed

Maintenance dose sulfasalazine

Probiotics, l-glutamine and fish oil caps

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