need some advice on alcohol

[Leanne41]

Hi everyone,

I was reading through the IC diet and saw that some alcohol like vodka and rum may be ok, I havent had a single alcoholoic drink for over a year I really miss joining in with my friends sometimes. I have never been a big drinker but it would be nice to have the odd one occassionally - anyway my question is how well is it tolerated in general? Does it cause many of you to flare?

Thankyou

Leanne x x

[ICNDonna]

I can have a small glass of white dessert wine occasionally. When we're with friends, I usually just have bottled water.

Donna

[emilyrose197377]

I can drink wine ok but haven't had any alcohol in a long time.

[Babs RN]

I don't drink anymore, but the one thing I would remind you is to make sure if you do drink, you haven't taken pain meds or muscle relaxants. That would make one nasty mixture.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[diane57]

I'm ok with a small amount of hard liquor (like a martini or a brandy- no mixers with fruit juice) or with a dark beer (a light beer would probably be ok for me too, but I just like the bold flavor of dark beer). From time to time I try a glass of white wine because I miss it so much; every so often I can have a glass of white wine with no effect, but most often it produces slight to moderate symptoms later that night and the next day. Haven't tried red wine at all, that's supposed to be the worst offender. I"m hoping as I continue to improve with Elmiron that someday I'll be able to have a glass of red wine. I have mild IC though; I think for those with more severe symptoms alcohol could be very flare-inducing.

[Cricketmk3]

I had a couple of beers the other night at Cooter Brown's with Cooter Nachos and it was delicious! I did not suffer from bladder symptoms but in the middle of the night I woke up with my heart racing. I've taken Elmiron for years but just started on Wellbutrin. The mixture of the three may not be a good one. I will try to refrain in the future. Maybe I'll try just one beer next time and see how that works.

[asmashly]

I think it is all based on the individual. I do have Ultra from time to time, and I do ok. Of course I am popping Prelief like it is candy. I also make sure I was good all day and have all my meds taken.

[Sarojini]

I can drink sweet white wines as long as I don't overdo (a glass or two), and I can drink vodka tonics, oddly enough -- but I cannot have red wine or any "brown" liquor.

[VickiB]

I seem to be able to drink dark beer with no problems. All my attempts with wine have caused pain, and the only hard liquor I've tried was a brandy over the holidays which put me in a world of hurt. Scared me off from trying other liquors!

Still, we're all different in what we tolerate. If you should try some alcoholic beverage, I'd recommend a small amount at first to see how it affects you. (I've learned this experimentation is best done at home when you have no up-coming events planned, just in case you do flare)

Vicki

[SrMaggie]

I haven't had any alcohol for quite awhile, more because of the interaction of medication more than anything else.

[Babs RN]

Maggie,
I was hoping I would find one of your posts. Please don't go anywhere.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[mallenajolie]

The only thing I have been able to tolerate without much problem are wine coolers or light beer. Beer causes horrible frequency if I drink too much, but my IC is moderate so I guess thats why my symptoms are much worse.

[tigger_gal]

I haven't drank in 4 years.. my last drink made me hurt so bad I wished I was dead... I reall couldn't tell you what would be safe.... My drinks of choice were rum and coke, and kahlua I got one of them mini bottles for my b-day 2 years ago and here it still sits..
Brat

[Leanne41]

Hi

Thankyou all for your replies maybe naxt time I go out and my IC is not feeling too bad I will try and have a small glass of white wine or a vodka tonic! Guess you dont know till you try.

Thankyou
Leanne x x

[cybersis]

There are new vodka coolers that are made with milk and different flavours added - chocolate, banana, strawberry. french vanilla, etc. When I am not flaring ( like for the past three weeks-ouch!) I can tolerate them quite well. I take two prelief before and then enjoy. I think they are called mudslingers or something.

[liznazz]

AFter 9 months on elmiron and atarax, I was able to drink one amaretto on the rocks with 3 prelief tablets and plenty of water. It's kind of sweet, but better than drinking nothing if you're out at a bar. The other day, (14 months of elmiron/atarax) I tried a vanilla vodka on the rocks. (with 3 prelief tablets). I had absolutely no problem. BUT I only limited myself to one. liz

[heybrej]

Even though alcohol had never really bothered me, I refrain from it, in fear that it WILL end up hurting me. I am also not a big drinker, but I do miss drinking socially with friends. I have only drank twice in the past year and a half, and both times I over did it. I guess thats because my mind says "well, you've already had a drink, might as well have 3 more!". Even though I woke up with a hangover both times, my bladder didnt bother me at all.

The last time I drank, I had a couple shots of vodka (I dont dare mix it with anything), and a Corona or two. I guess if this much didnt hurt me, I could do it more often, but it still scares me.

Oh! One time I was at a work party where they were serving margaritas, which are my FAVORITE. Well, I took probably 3 sips before I had to put it down. INSTANT pain. Serves me right I guess....all that lime juice and acid! I doubt I will ever have a 'rita again :(

[newtoic1]

When people say prerelief, what exactly do they mean? Pain meds? Or water? or zantac?

[VickiB]

Do you mean Prelief? If so, it's a calcium-type product one can take that kind of neutralizes the acid in food & drink. Here's a link with a short description of Prelief in the ICN store:
http://www.icnsales.com/home.php?cat=105

Vicki