Alcohol

succotash

Without the risk of sounding like an alcoholic I am missing the glass or 2 of wine a week that I enjoy.

I am taking ibrupofen and codeine. Codeine says to avoid alcohol so I apart from one day where I deliberately didnt take codeine so that I could have a night out I have not had a drop.

My hobby is homewine making and I have lots of fresh fruit wines laid waiting to be consumed. (probably around 60 bottles)
It looks like I will not be able to keep up this hobby as I cant drink the produce
Also it looks like I will be giving lots away too

stickywicket

I'd miss my glass of wine too, herestinker, so I can well see where you're coming from, especially with lots of it lying, temptingly around.

The honest answer is, I don't know. I take very few - usually only a couple per day - of the lowest dose cocos. That much I can get away with but I've always found my joints are worse if I drink a lot of alcohol - presumably either the alcohol itself messes them up or it interferes with the action of the meds.

I've only had codeine on its own when in hospital and I don't think I'd have liked to try combining it with alcohol. I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to. It might be because of what it does to your head or it might be what it can do to your liver.

Why not ask your pharmacist? Maybe you could have the odd day, like you did, when you have a glass instead of the codeine. (Or a change of meds???)

lindalegs

When I was on codeine regularly last year I stopped all alcohol because the two don't go together. Though at one time I was on one-a-day codeine phosphate in the morning and I asked about alcohol at a hospital appointment because I was going to a party and they said I could try a glass but it would probably make me very sleepy.

If it was me and I wanted to have a glass of wine I wouldn't take any codeine at all the day I was having the wine.

I have been on some meds which say DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL not just avoid so its a case of erring on the side of caution trying a bit and seeing how you go if you really want to have the occasional glass.

As Sticky says a pharmacist is a good source of advice.

Hope this helps.

Luv,

freesia

NOT ADVICE..... speak with "your" GP or pharmacisit for that, they know you & your medications & conditions ect.....

But, I am on 7 or 8 different medications (pain relief including codeine, amytripyline ect..) which ALL say do not drink alcohol.... For me after speaking with MY GP, I have the odd glass of wine here and there, maybe a couple a week at the most & not every week - with no problems at all, obviously I don't drive the next morning if I feel at all drowsy...

But 'my opinion' is so long as your GP is happy - the odd glass of wine is relaxing and a social thing too.... ARTHUR takes so much away from us, and I am NOT letting go of a small treat here & there.....!!

P.S. - you will soon know if the alcohol does not agree with you, you will probably feel nausea...and maybe dizzy & lightheaded, so you will know to stop.... as the others said - seek advice from your GP/pharmicist...

freesia

Further to my above post..... you could maybe try a "Spritzer...??"

Avrielle

I have hardly had a drop of alcohol in around 1 1/2 years, since my injury to my foot and having to take dihydrocodiene.

Honestly? I don't find that I miss it at all, but I do really crave a party which really isn't like me. I'm thinking of a small house party for my 25th next month, just me and a few friends. Will probably give it a gothic theme. I just cannot wait til halloween! Heh!

But the drinking I don't miss at all. Despite a lot of other people around my age love nothing more than going out and having a drink (living above a pub proves this too) it just isn't for me. I used to drink like a fish, but stopped abruptly as I discovered that I just wasn't finding much fun in it at all anymore. It's friends and having a laugh and music you like that is fun, but consuming alcohol feels more like some sort of excuse!

There are some situations where you feel it difficult to refuse a drink though, especially when everyone else is drinking. Like christmas and new year and such. But I find ways around that by buying grape juice to substitute wine, and pinapple/orange/mango/other fruit juices to make it less obvious that I'm not drinking as if you fear being iscolated by not having alcohol in your hand, then fruit juice (or even cola) can easily be claimed to have vodka or rum in and no one is the wiser.

If I drink on my Dihydrocodiene then I just fall asleep. Not exactly the thrill of the party! Heh!

But I understand it must be really difficult if you want to have a drink. Even missing your tablets for a night to drink then going back on them right away can still leave you ill as it is still in your system. But both my partner and I both find that paracetamol (which is also in co-codamol and co-dydromol and other combination drugs) is actually the worst thing to drink on as it makes us both feel sick and woozy. Paracetamol (in my view, but always listen to your doctors advice) is not a very nice drug to use. I preferably like to stay clear of paracetamol completely, and instead of taking co-dydromol or co-codomol, simply taking dihydrocodiene, or codiene on it's own without the paracetamol. It is also worth knowing that Paracetamol is known for raising blood pressure, so if you have high blood pressure, it may be worth while to speak to your GP and see if you can have the paracetamol removed or replaced with something else.

Ibuprofin is another one that if taken regularly can cause stomach upsets and heartburn and discomfort when drinking. There are many other forms of anti-inflammitarys, and I'm suprised that a lot of doctors still insist on the use of ibuprofin long-term. However, it is worth to note in mind that quite a lot of anti-inflammitarys such as diclofenic and ibuprofin are likely to cause stomach upsets and stomach problems with or without alcohol, if taken on a regular basis.

Basically the rule is that if you don't feel good after having a glass of wine or other drink, then avoid it as best you can. If you are unsure, then your GP should not mind at all if you go in for a visit to seek advice on drinking on your tablets.

succotash

Thanks for understanding. I dont take paracetamol as it really upsets my stomach but I can take ibuprofen with no problems. The codeine I take is just that, codeine. It does give me a dicky tummy but without it I find it is too painful!

I really am not a big drinker but do love to make wine out of fruit and flowers, it gives me a real sense of pride thinking I have produced the wine without additives and hardly any preservatives. And it tastes good without ever giving me a hangover!!!

I suppose I will still keep my hobby just scale it down a bit and not make so many different types.

earthspirit

sugar which is alcohol contains in great quantities, goes straight for your joints and can cause far more pain.

an odd glass or two is ok, at home, when off meds but i agree with what avrielle is saying about the need people feel to have a drink.

we have a society which puts far too much emphasis on booze = fun

its toxic and poison and really isnt good for you.

i used to drink like a fish but dont drink any more, preferring the luxury of being able to drive and always having my wits about me.

life changes can be hard to make but sometimes this is the very best you can do for your body.

you can still go out, you can still have fun socialising - sorry to put such a downer on things but there is no real benefit to you from drinking

dreamdaisy

It's a matter of personal choice and discovering how you react with such a combination. I know what I can and cannot do and behave accordingly - most of the time. Arthritis has taken a great deal from my life but will I let it remove that small pleasure? No. During various 'dry' spells I felt considerably worse in myself, the 'wet' spells are better but that is my consitution. Everyone is different in what they like, want and need. DD

Avrielle

earthspirit wrote:

sugar which is alcohol contains in great quantities, goes straight for your joints and can cause far more pain.

an odd glass or two is ok, at home, when off meds but i agree with what avrielle is saying about the need people feel to have a drink.

we have a society which puts far too much emphasis on booze = fun

its toxic and poison and really isnt good for you.

i used to drink like a fish but dont drink any more, preferring the luxury of being able to drive and always having my wits about me.

life changes can be hard to make but sometimes this is the very best you can do for your body.

you can still go out, you can still have fun socialising - sorry to put such a downer on things but there is no real benefit to you from drinking

Thankyou for elaborating on the effects of alcohol. I know that drinking is bad for my partner and his arthritis, but I have never been able to put a reason as to why. It does make him worse, and I try telling him that, but the fact is that he does enjoy a drink, though he drinks far less than he used to, perhaps just two or three beers every 2 months or so. Far better than drinking until drunk every few weeks.

I forgot to add that my partner brews his own beer and really enjoys it. And now he enjoys drinking his beer for the pleasure of the taste and the pride that he made it, not for the sake of drinking it. He doesn't brew it very strong either (but he has made mistakes in the past). But we have around 50 bottles around the house, undrunk, and a lot of it tends to go to friends who come round or as gifts for people who help us out etc.

The main problem with making your own is that it can be difficult to make in small quantaties. My partners recipies do for 30-40 bottles each time and he says he finds its difficult to cut the quantity any lower.

You could always experiment with non-alcoholic wines, experimenting with elderflower or heathers and such. My partner had loads of fun experimenting with a beer he named "stumblebee" which is made from heather and heather honey instead of sugars, and while it turned out utterly delicious (after watering it down) the sugars in the honey must be stronger than other sugars or something as it bumped up the alcohol percentage to double figures!!

But experimenting and turning your kitchen in to some sort of organic factory for a day can be more fun than drinking it!

stickywicket

I think maybe we need to lighten up a bit here. Herestinker was only enquiring about the possibility of a drink or two not, as I understood it, planning on regular proverbials in a brewery.

Yes, there is a great deal of alcohol abuse about but it is still possible to enjoy it sensibly. I believe it is actually good for us in small quantities. Very little is good for us in huge quantities - even the meds.

Check it out with a pharmacist, herestinker, and, if (s)he gives you the go ahead, then proceed with caution would be my advice.

frogmorton

Didnt recent research (on here I am sure it was :? ) say that wine was anti-inflammatory???

My Mum used to make homemade wine too How I remember picking elderberries/flowers rosehips etc

I think you should keep the hobby up and try to find someone to drink it for you!! I do exactly what you ahve done when I drink...no amatrip for instance

Take care

Love

Toni xxx

lindalegs

May I add that I drink socially, just at the weekends, and it tends to make my joints feel better.

I think it loosens me up and makes me less tense.

In moderation,I think alcohol does us no harm at all.

I look forward to my glass at the weekend.

Cheers!

diamond

I agree with Legs alcohol is fine in moderation.It is like meds in a way what suits one is off no good to another.x

ruby2

One point I would make about pretending to drink alcohol as was mentioned earlier is the danger of someone kindly topping your drink up for you, especially if you cannot tolerate alcohol.

If you make it clear you are drinking alcohol free drinks at a party ...no one goes near your bottle it lasts far longer

After searching for realistic tasting substitutes I have found a site which does a lovely sparkling wine and realistic red. Let me know if you would like to know the web address.

succotash

Those of you who make beer or wine will know how satisfying it is making your own. Its not all about the drinking but lots about the making of it. Making my own means I can control the ABV which is fab.

Also wether its good for joints or not I enjoy it. If I am cheesed off and in pain I need something to enjoy and look forward to.
I can understand people not wanting it for what ever reason but personally I enjoy it and am upset at not being able to have the bit that I do. As for switching to non alcoholic, I dont see the point really and it doesnt taste as good.

I am normally the designated driver when ever we go out as I am not too bothered by commercial drinks. I just like my own lol

I am on the tea tonight as I had to take 30mg of codeine after a walk today

Sorry if this thread has sparked off an upset it was not my intention. Not really looking for advice or to be judged just pointing out that its another part of arthritis that unfair and pants!

lindalegs

I don't think you've upset anyone we're just having a discussion.

I agree with you in that if we enjoy something why should we let arthur ruin it for us unless we're forced.

I'd try a little of your homemade wine and see how it makes you feel or as Freesia suggested a spritzer.

(We used to make our own but now our son does it for us and it does taste lovely.)

If you do try some it would be interesting to know how you go on maybe you could let us know?

Luv,

ruby2

Herestinker
my apologies if you found my post judgemental I can assure I was merely empathising with the fact that many of us find abstinence difficult, and was offering my findings to anyone who may be looking for some realistic alternatives.

I don't think you have sparked upset just a good discussion.

Take care

ruby2

You beat me to it Legs we have almost used the same words!

lindalegs

ruby2 wrote:

You beat me to it Legs we have almost used the same words!

SNAP Ruby !

Luv,

earthspirit

my post was maybe a bit radical but im forgetting there are people on here with all sorts of arthur and not just rheumy arthur. my advice was specifically for inflammatory type and not wear & tear or osteoarthritis, of which i dont know the effects of alcohol.

if you have RA and drink alcohol it will hit the joints straight and cause pain, just like anything else containing sugars

salamander

earthspirit wrote:

my post was maybe a bit radical but im forgetting there are people on here with all sorts of arthur and not just rheumy arthur. my advice was specifically for inflammatory type and not wear & tear or osteoarthritis, of which i dont know the effects of alcohol.

if you have RA and drink alcohol it will hit the joints straight and cause pain, just like anything else containing sugars

I was curious when I read this post so googled alcohol and RA. Studies seem to say exactly the opposite, that those who drink experience less pain than those who don't. There also appears to be evidence that teetotallers are more like to develop RA than drinkers. Not much of a drinker myself so might explain why I got it.
Obviously, it is not a green light to drink loads and especially have to be careful with meds but I just might start drinking just a little bit more!

Avrielle

My apologies for de-railing this thread a little bit... I was just giving my and my partners experience of drinking alcohol (or not drinking alcohol) on our medication and pointing out that if you (anyone) do wish to find out more, then see your doctor about it as I'm no medical proffessional.

Of course, everyone has different effects and different tolerance levels. And it really is a shame to give anything up or reduces something that you enjoy because of a medical condition that is no fault of your own.

((Hugs))

Avrielle

salamander wrote:

earthspirit wrote:

my post was maybe a bit radical but im forgetting there are people on here with all sorts of arthur and not just rheumy arthur. my advice was specifically for inflammatory type and not wear & tear or osteoarthritis, of which i dont know the effects of alcohol.

if you have RA and drink alcohol it will hit the joints straight and cause pain, just like anything else containing sugars

I was curious when I read this post so googled alcohol and RA. Studies seem to say exactly the opposite, that those who drink experience less pain than those who don't. There also appears to be evidence that teetotallers are more like to develop RA than drinkers. Not much of a drinker myself so might explain why I got it.
Obviously, it is not a green light to drink loads and especially have to be careful with meds but I just might start drinking just a little bit more!

I found this interesting because I know my partner with RA suffers more when and after drinking alcohol. :?

salamander

Well, of course, people's experiences differ

dreamdaisy

It can be hard to remember that we are not all 'tarred with the same brush' as arthritis in all its guises is a very personal disease. What helps and works for one person may not do the same for another, even if the arthritis-type is the same. I found life worse without alcohol (it doesn't get that much better with) but I think the benefit for me is that I relax, physically. I am aware that I am usually quite 'rigid' in my body, due to pain, and although that is a natural reaction to pain it does set off muscular aches etc. After a pint or two I'm not and life is a little easier and that is lovely. DD