To drink or not to drink

[rocky]

Well this might ellicit different responses but I hope I hear from "family" and others who

have some suggestions or advice without being critical. Having been a child

of the early late 60's and early 70's I did a lot I wasn't proud of. After college I continued partying but mostly stayed with legal beverages. As I've gotten older it's wine and beer and maybe cocktails on a special event. Alas, doctor says, well there's some spots on liver. So you should immediately stop drinking. Sounds like good advice but what if I don't want to? Yes, I know I'm ruining my health but hell I could have 30 years left. Anyhow question is, if I were to have some beverages over the weekend which I like to do, is there a better one for not increasing problems. I've heard red wine, white wine, white beverages but no dark beverages, etc. Just interested. If you want to lecture me feel free but hoping for some constructive advice from those who still like to hang out in Key west, Provincetown, Ft Lauderdale and have some beverages. Thanks, Rocky

[seaboy4hire]

Did you get a second opinion? Also did your Dr. ask how much you normally drink?

 

Hugs,

Greg

[KMEM]

No finger pointing. I know a lot of intelligent people (some of them in the medical field) who advocate limiting the intake of alcohol to the week-end. Their theory is that the liver can recover as much as it is going to in 5 days and the damage is minimal.

 

Maybe not as easy as it sounds but the other alternative is no drinking.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ Lucky]

Absolut

 

This is a question that you ask your loved ones, or yourself, in a moment of deep truth. Getting the opinion of a bunch of guys on a message center who don't know you, who or what you are, is a waste of time.

[Guest ryan2552]

Getting the opinion of a bunch of guys on a message center who don't know you, who or what you are, is a waste of time.

 

Not really a waste of time. It might be that rocky is going through some personal issues and testing the waters here. If he keeps this in perspective and realizes, as you suggest, the best place to ask is family and close friends then no hard done. Its a process and this might be his way of working through the process. Good luck to you rocky.

[+ purplekow]

From a heart point of view 1-2 ozs of alcohol may have beneficial effects. If you have fatty degeneration of the liver with cirrhosis any alcohol will make it worse and likely shorten your life. Should you have some other condition, it may be that the doctor was sounding a general warning. Best to ask your doctor what the danger of moderate alcohol intake would be for your condition.

[+ g56whiz]

I got the same message from my doctor 20 years ago. In view of the alcoholism on both sides of my family and a few cases of cirrhosis, I didn’t bother for a second opinion.

 

Fortunately, that was just about the time several fine non-alcoholic beers entered the US market to replace the awful Moussey and Wartek that were all that was offered previously. Actually it was several recent mothers that told me about Becks new non-alcoholic beer. As of now, Becks, St Pauli Girl and Clausthaler (all served cold) are almost undistinguishable from their alcoholic counterparts. Buckler from Heineken us also serviceable. O’Douls, Sharp and Cutter (from Coors) are OK but just barely.

 

As for wine, I limit myself to sniffing or tasting when a carafe is available for spitting. I also continue to enjoy a weekly sip of communion sherry.

 

In time, you may find, like me, that alcoholic beer tastes funny and unpleasant. About a year ago, I bought a 6 pack of non-alcoholic Becks only discover, about a third of the way through, that a bottle of full-bodied Becks had found its way into the mix. It surprised me that I really didn’t like it at all.

 

B/T/W alcohol shouldn’t be your only concern. Take to heart all those drug ads that say “not for use by those with liver disorders”. Several years ago I spent months flat on my back as the result of non-viral hepatitis from antidepressants my liver could no longer metabolize. You may want to limit Tylenol as well.

 

One other suggestion: at a formal dinner or when flying first class, I smile and politely hand back the wine glass from the table setting explaining that I’m an alcoholic. It’s easier than trying to explain a liver dysfunction. Because there’s a strong inherited biological component to alcoholism not unlike the one I have, I’ve long sense given up feeling at all guilty for the sympathy my false admission may generate.

 

Just keep in mind, that there are far worse diagnoses you could have received. Be Well!

[Epigonos]

I know this is trite but in this life we make choices. The choices I made at 18 are definitely not the same choice I am making at 68. I love rare steak, fried chicken, fish and chips and a whole host of other foods and drinks that food fascists and most doctors tell me are unhealthy. I don’t like tofu and I don’t give a damn how healthy it is. At this stage in my life I’ll be damned if I’m not going to eat tofu in place of rare steak or fried chicken. I also really enjoy having a glass of red wine with steak and if I die tomorrow because of these choices – so be it, at least I will dies happy.

If we understand the choices we are making and are willing to accept the consequences of those choices well and good. Frankly you are the only one who can decide for yourself which choice you make regarding having a weekend drink. First ask the doctor the consequences if you continue to drink and if you don’t particularly like his answer go get a second opinion. Then with that information you can make an intelligent decision that meets your needs and to hell with what anybody else thinks.

[Guest skrubber]

I used to drink A LOT. But after having a serious disagreement with Captain Morgan one night I just quit and actually haven't missed it a bit. Can't seem to be able to do the same thing with smoking though.

[Guest Merlin]

I agree you should go back to your doctor and ask for more detail. Is he telling you to give up all alcohol forever? Suppose you give it up entirely for ___months and then limit yourself to ____drinks a week. Are beer and wine better than hard liquor?

[Luv2play]

How exactly did the doctor determine that there are spots on your liver? When my doctor examines me, he just palpates the area of my liver to see whether there are any abnormalities. Knowing there are spots presumes some sort of picture or was he referring to lumps?

 

Anyway, as someone who takes a drink or two every day (but not a lot more), I think moderation is always the safest route. Unless that is you have a condition like cirrhosis which would preclude any drinking at all if you wanted to stay as healthy as possible.

 

To me drinking becomes a problem when it interferes with your health. Listen to your body as much as your doctor.

[rocky]

Thanks

 

You know thanks guys. I wasn't sure that I'd get some constructive or

destructive type advice but most was great and understanding. You

are the best Rocky