TOPIC:

Hi I read on this site that it's ok to drink alcohol while on the med's. Is this going against all that we've been told about alcohol, helping to flair up the virus?. I'm asking because I would love a couple of glasses of wine at Christmas. And have abstained for quite some time. And I'm sure that no alcohol has helped keep virus at bay. 4weeks in viral load back soon.

Well the top item on the FAQ says it won't affect DAA treatment,so I am happy to go with that.

He he - Now I know why most wants to start tx before Christmas

Personally though, after 2 years of abstinence, the thought of alcohol an strong medicines mix makes me feel a bit quiffy - I guess I could have my favoured tipple of a tea-spoon of good quality white wine mixed with a large amount of fizzy water and a slice of lemon on a very special occasion, so I can get the 'feel' of partaking in a celebratory drink.

Huhmn, I've been waiting for years...I'm not gonna sip on tx,... celebrating my christmas afterwards...

A difficult decision. My specialist told me that even with my liver condition one or two (std size 100ml or 4 fl oz) glasses of wine occasionally for celebratory purposes like Xmas and birthdays, etc would not harm me.
But....I have 4 partner & siblings birthdays in the next two months, Xmas, New Year and other events that could be considered celebratory and where others will be drinking. Which ones do I abstain for? Too hard! So I have decided to remain teetotal until SVR24 which takes me to Oct next year. That will truly be something to celebrate!
Anyway, over the last few years I have (to my great surprise!) found I really don't miss alcohol all that much. YMMV.

G

Dr F told me that a couple/ few drinks are OK as I specifically asked him
But I'm actually abstaining until NYE (8 weeks on tx)
I will then allow myself a few with a bit of a break in between drinks
As we are visiting friends over Xmas, maybe another one or two then
Then pretty much back on the wagon for the remaining weeks to week 24

Also, what London Girl says is actually a good idea at parties etc
I wander around with my 600ml plastic bottle of water which can look a bit weird lol

I've always liked a drink, but looking forward to an excuse for a bit of a break
I think the worst way to give something up is saying NO - I will not ever have any more
Just play it by ear and see how you feel
Have a couple if you feel like it, say no if you don't
It also allows everyone else to relax a bit rather than feeling guilty because they can drink and 'poor Andy can't have a drink'.
And there's just so many good boutique beers out there that it is almost your duty to partake in some over the silly season ha ha

Definitely not a wowser mate, the 35 odd years between infection and Dx were what put my liver in it's current state.

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Bloot wrote:
Also, what London Girl says is actually a good idea at parties etc
I wander around with my 600ml plastic bottle of water which can look a bit weird lol

It is, I've taken to taking my own whisky tumbler, ice, lemon, soda water (occasionally dry ginger) to BBQs and similar. I can mingle without any funny looks or questions and sip all night. The dry gets a bit too sweet after a while though.

G

(also been known to have a puff but that interacts with Dac so off the menu during treatment)

GAJ wrote: (also been known to have a puff but that interacts with Dac so off the menu during treatment)

Is that right??
Where did you read that - on this site
I'm still puffin dammit

Trying to find it now. It isn't indicated on the drug interactions chart but apparently same group effect as grapefruit so from memory in theory you need to reduce the Dac dose to compensate.

Okay, can't seem to find the reference that linked from here and directly related to Dac but it is a CYP3a4 inhibitor per the attached.

liferaftgroup.org/long-list-of-inhibitor...f-cyp3a4-and-cyp2d6/

From what I read previously it is a mild inhibitor but how do you work out what your dose was to adjust the Dac level? So figured better to just avoid while on treatment.

Okay, found the link on site here:

fixhepc.com/forum/experts-corner/108-dac...ractions-cyp3a4.html

Blimey
I'll have a bloody halo around my head by the end of 12 weeks lol

Yeah, my angel wings have already started to sprout.

G

Been off the drink for over 25 years and don't regret it a bit.

When I stopped drinking I was surprised how easy it was, but miss being able to walk into a bar and order a cold one with friends. So I'll be waiting until the 12 weeks are up and results are in.

Yep, the important think is having a nice wine glass, rather than a plastic bottle or a tumbler and having to fend off all those questions from others, also the teaspoon of wine makes you feel like you are 'involved' with the celebration somehow & slice of lemon good for liver and adds to sense of occasion. I don't have alcohol dependence, but I do miss the ritual of a nice glass of wine with food at a 'do' and I'm fed up with the questions, such a drinking culture in the UK, other Euro countries don't bat an eye-lid if you're on a soft drink.

Drank like a fish for 30 years. Didn't know I was sick. Had the bug the whole time. Lucky I was only F-1. Probably never would have known I had it but for the drinking. My enzymes just shot up a couple of years ago after some rather excessive holiday merriment. I thought just being dead tired all the time was normal. I haven't drank since I got those enzyme results. I probably will enjoy a beer or three when I get well.

Now, Mark Twain's take on the matter:
"Practice everything in moderation, including moderation"

and
"If you want to live to be a hundred, give up everything that would make you want to live to be a hundred"

or, some old dead English queens's motto on health:
"Fill whats empty, empty whats full and scratch where it itches"

Live long and prosper.

Mike