Guest guest Posted May 6, 2003 Report Share Posted May 6, 2003 Jeni I come from a large family of social drinkers - myself included - and, like my rheumy says, if I was 90 years old it would be another story. But I am 57, have a terrific job that I love, great kids and am about to become a grammy in October. I will gladly trade my drinks for the opportunity to pick up and hold that child, take him for walks and such. Nowadays they make decent non-alcoholic beers, the wines are lousy. It wasn't really that hard to switch and when you are drinking something that looks like beer - people will leave you alone. No need to explain. Might work for him too. Good for him that he values his life. adriane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2003 Report Share Posted May 14, 2003 OK Kids , Soapbox please Dan...I promise this will be short... If you are on the same dosage of a drug as someone else and they have been told they can have a drink of alcohol, this does not mean you can!!! Please please please, remember we are all so different and our drugs, bodies , everything so unique that what is good for one does not mean good for all!!!! Do Not Drink Alcohol with your meds unless your physician, not down the streets or Sally up the blocks YOUr YOUR YOUR, says YOU can. Sorry, I worry....someone help me down here before I fall again, only two falls this month!!! lol one on a public street and one at a party...not bad...lol With Love , Goddess/Mother Hen MA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2003 Report Share Posted May 14, 2003 You Go Girl!!! Lynn Renae Dudenhoefer lynndude@... -On any path that you may stroll, -keep your angel in your soul! -- Re: MTX and ALcohol OK Kids , Soapbox please Dan...I promise this will be short... If you are on the same dosage of a drug as someone else and they have been told they can have a drink of alcohol, this does not mean you can!!! Please please please, remember we are all so different and our drugs, bodies , everything so unique that what is good for one does not mean good for all!!!! Do Not Drink Alcohol with your meds unless your physician, not down the streets or Sally up the blocks YOUr YOUR YOUR, says YOU can. Sorry, I worry....someone help me down here before I fall again, only two falls this month!!! lol one on a public street and one at a party...not bad...lol With Love , Goddess/Mother Hen MA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2003 Report Share Posted May 14, 2003 Oh NO don't encourage her Lynn. Me back is suffering from toteing round that damn soap box. (hope ya are feeling better Lynn, MTX takes a while to work, wishing ya best of luck) Dan BS > You Go Girl!!! > > Lynn Renae Dudenhoefer > lynndude@g... > -On any path that you may stroll, > -keep your angel in your soul! > > -- Re: MTX and ALcohol > > OK Kids , Soapbox please Dan...I promise this will be short... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2003 Report Share Posted May 14, 2003 Thanks Dan, just have one big headache now that started right after I started the MTX. This could be a real problem as I have to get Cat scans whenever I have headaches. Probably had about $5,000 in tests on Monday to confirm that my shunt is working and that I did not need brain surgery. Hope my doctor has a good idea on what we do now! I get on soapboxes a lot too so watch out!! Lynn Renae Dudenhoefer lynndude@... -On any path that you may stroll, -keep your angel in your soul! -- Re: MTX and ALcohol > > OK Kids , Soapbox please Dan...I promise this will be short... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2003 Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 I was told no way, but i'm on remicade and mtx.... although the doc told me that after a night out with the girls and many margaritas later =)) [ ] MTX and alcohol > I saw a few messages and questions here a few weeks ago around taking > alcohol while on MTX. > > I asked my doctor today and he mentioned that since my blood tests > came back OK, one or 2 drinks a week are acceptable (I am on 15mg > weekly). > > He mentioned to avoid taking alcohol on the day you take the MTX, as > well as the day before and the day after. > > Frederic > > > > > Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at: > http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ -- created and edited by list member aka(raharris@...). > > Also,in August 2001,list member Jack aka Cornishpro@... began to conduct extensive research which he publishes as the " Psoriatic Arthritis Research Newsletter " , monthly in our email and digest format. Many thanks to Jack. Back issues of the newsletter are stored on our PA webpage as well as the archives of the list. > > Don't forget that the list archives comprise a tremendous amount of information (Over three years of messages and answers).Feel free to browse them at your convenience. > > LET'S HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU LURKERS out there! If you have a comment or question, chances are there is a person who has been around a while who can help you out with AT LEAST an educated guess for an answer! If not,we can steer you in the right direction with a good website to go to, > > Blessings and Peace, > > Atwood-Stack, Founder > Alan , Web & List Editor > Jack , Newsletter Editor > Pat Bias, List Editor > Ron Dotson, List Editor > Orin, List Editor > , List Editor > and any others who help in any way (thank you!) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 I'm on 15 mg weekly of MTX and take Naproxen for pain. Both my GP (an internal med dr.) and my rheumy stressed no alcohol at all if I want to avoid potential liver problems. Incidents of liver problems while taking MTX, even longterm, are relatively rare, unless you also drink alcohol. It ain't easy - I used to love my glass of merlot at night and now drink non-alcoholic beer. But you get used to it and frankly, it isn't worth risking longterm problems over. adriane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 > I saw a few messages and questions here a few weeks ago around taking > alcohol while on MTX. > > I asked my doctor today and he mentioned that since my blood tests > came back OK, one or 2 drinks a week are acceptable (I am on 15mg > weekly). Hi Frederic, I'm on 10mg of MTX per week and my Rheumy told me in no uncertain terms " NO Alcohol " . In the beginning I asked if small amounts are possible. " NO " . He also said, that I could drink if I wanted to, but It's my liver. Could I get another one? I should add that He also said that from my regular blood tests he would NOT be able to tell if I had been drinking. All that said, I have abstained since starting MTX. I did " cheat " once, and had a drink. After thinking about though, I realized that I wanted to get drunk. That certainly would not happen with one drink, so why have even one? I was never an alcoholic, but there were times that I had too much. I have several friends in AA and I recognize that drinking to get drunk is, at least,a warning sign. Interestingly, some of our european & austrailian list readers have reported that some of their doctors, do not advise against alcohol. I would advise no drinking, after all, How easy will it be for you to get a new liver? Stay Well, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 My husband's family is having a really hard time dealing with the fact that he cannot (will not) drink anymore. He is on Arava and MTX. They don't understand. One sister in particular keeps telling him to get a second opinion, and that she would never take anything that wouldn't allow her to drink. Let me see - drinking - walking. Tough choice isn't it. Re: Re: [ ] MTX and alcohol I'm on 15 mg weekly of MTX and take Naproxen for pain. Both my GP (an internal med dr.) and my rheumy stressed no alcohol at all if I want to avoid potential liver problems. Incidents of liver problems while taking MTX, even longterm, are relatively rare, unless you also drink alcohol. It ain't easy - I used to love my glass of merlot at night and now drink non-alcoholic beer. But you get used to it and frankly, it isn't worth risking longterm problems over. adriane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 In a message dated 6/11/2003 6:34:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, JENISMER@... writes: > . He is on Arava and MTX. They don't understand. One sister in > particular keeps telling him to get a second opinion, and that she would never take > anything that wouldn't allow her to drink. Let me see - drinking - walking. > Tough choice isn't it. > LOL. That's a no brainer for me. I would give up a drink anytime, any day to not have pain while walking. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 " Jeni I come from a large family of social drinkers - myself included - and, like my rheumy says, if I was 90 years old it would be another story. " He has tried na beer, but has a bad attitude about it. He always says that if he can't get a buzz, what's the point. He has always been a social drinker also. When he was in the military he drank a lot more. (I mean a lot more) But, he has resigned himself to the fact that this is his life now, and it's okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 I should clarify - when he was only on MTX, his rheumy said 1-3 drinks a month was fine, but now with all his other meds, he said no more. The combination of drugs in itself is tough for the liver, then add alcohol and it could cause more problems. He really does miss it though. He does sneak a half glass of wine on occasion. (Riesling is my favorite :-) I drink a glass of Reisling all the time. I have been on MTX for over 1.5 years. BUT....... We are all different. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2004 Report Share Posted August 20, 2004 Hi Peggy, The subject of MTX & alcohol has been widely discussed in previous posts. Some docs say ZERO alcohol, others allow some beer or wine. What my rheumatologist told me was NO alcohol. I've been on MTX for about 2.5 years. Yes, I have cheated on a few occaisions with a glass of wine. I told my rheumy. His response was that an occaisional cheat most likely would cause no harm, but regular use/abuse would certainly take it's toll. He also told me that the regular blood tests I have done might not show evidence of liver problems. The regular tests are a first line of monitoring. A liver biopsy is the next level. Luckily my rheumy & I speak quite candidly. He said that if he suspected I was using more alcohol than an infrequent glass of wine, He would reccomend a biopsy. He also made me aware that because the total amount of MTX I have now ingested is over 1 gram, a biopsy is indeed indicated, but we both agreed that my low dosage 10mg and almost zero alcohol consumption, makes me a low risk for liver damage. So, we decided to wait a year and revisit the question of a biopsy. Your husband should not be drinking as much as he is, possibly not at all. But If he chooses to drink, he should at least let his Rheumy know how much or little he is drinking. There could be other factors that could affect his health. Obviously, there are choices we all need to make. I choose to not drink 99% of the time. I often feel like the odd man out at social outings. But, I don't want to take unnecessary chances with my health. I've already been dealt a hard blow with PA, I don't need to be dealing with adding my name to a liver transplant list. It's wonderful that you care so much for husband, but it really needs to be his choice. Regardless of his choice, he should be honest with his rheumy. Stay Well, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2004 Report Share Posted August 20, 2004 Dear Peggy, You really have your hands full. I understand how your husband feels right now. He is scared and he feels out of control from the pain and the disease. It’s really hard to take if you have never been sick before. He is hoping by drinking to numb his pain or at least block out the emotions he is feeling from being ill. Unfortunately, I have first hand experience with this. I was lucky the disease skipped me personally, but my sister is a bad alcoholic. I’ve dealt with her problems for over 30 years and watched her go from a wonderful active beautiful person, to a mean lying alcoholic. I still love her, but I hate her behavior. If your husband’s behavior has only been going on for about 6 months, then hopefully he will realize soon how he is not only hurting himself, but you as well. Have you discussed this with him yet? It is really hard to get them to admit there is a problem. There are a couple of things you can do. You can confront him with other family members and tell him you are all upset and care about what he is doing to himself. (These aren’t easy to do, but they do work for a lot of people.) Or for your own piece of mind, you could go to Alanon, which is for family members of alcoholics. I realize that even the word alcoholic is hard to accept and a lot of times it’s hard for family members to even accept it. You have to realize that he is really endangering his health. Mixing alcohol with the medication he is taking is not only dangerous it could kill him. Please believe me that I’m not an “anti-drinking” person. I had my days in college like almost everyone else, and until I got sick and went on my medication, I still had an occasional drink with my husband at dinner or a party. If you read any of the medical warnings on the drugs he is taking, almost all of them warn against use with alcohol. If you feel like you have tried to get through to him and it hasn’t helped, then try to go to Alanon yourself and they maybe able to help you deal with the problem and provide you with some answers on how to help him. I know it’s frustrating to think you have to be the one to go to a “meeting” when there is nothing wrong with you, but just living with a alcoholic regardless of what the reason for drinking, is hard and very stressful on anyone. Don ‘t give up if the first meeting you go to, doesn’ t help. Sometimes it takes awhile to find a group you feel comfortable with or one that seems to have similar problems like yours. You realize real quickly at one of these meetings that you aren’t alone and many many people suffer indirectly from alcohol. My guess on his first blood test, he was just lucky. I’m sure if his doctor knew he was mixing his medication with alcohol he would have a fit and insist he stop. I can guarantee you that if he keeps it up; it has to affect him physically in the long run. It’s probably because he never had this problem before that he is doing so well right now. The sooner you can get him to stop the easier it will be. I know that sounds too simple, but the longer they drink the harder it is to stop. (At least that’s been my experience.) Peggy, I’m not trying to scare you, but I’ve gone through this and it can be hell on you. If you could get him to a good psychologist that might help as well, if he has problems with the term “alcoholic”. I wish I could tell you it would all just go away or you can ignore it and pray it will. It doesn’t work that way; at least it never has for me. I think I’ve tried every kind of excuse or different way of looking at my situation and it boils down to nothing has helped. Until they want to help themselves you are only able to deal with it the best you can. Alanon can at least give you some advice on how to not make it worse. You can write me directly any time at fran@... <mailto:fran@...> . I’ll just say one more thing and then I’ll get off my soapbox..lol. Your husband is really lucky to have you on his side. That will help him more than anything else and it sounds like he is really a nice guy. I hope he can get some help and realize he can’t hide from this disease. Believe me we all try to do that in one way or another when we first find out we have PA. It is scary and life can seem uncertain. Maybe getting him to join this group would help and he will see that people worse off than him can cope with PA and are leading “happy” lives. Good luck and I hope this helps in some little way. Take care and let me know if I can do anything else. Love, Fran [ ] MTX and Alcohol Hi, I've been a lurker for a few weeks now. I was lurking on the RA group for about 6 months, when my husband's diagnosis was recently changed to PA. His rheumy assured us the treatments were the same, just subtle nuances in the symptoms lead him to the change. He's on 25 mg weekly of MTX, and bi-weekly Humira, folic acid, along with intermittent Indomethacin; as well, aciphex and alluporinal(for gout). The history is I'm sure like many of you - twisted, until the final diagnosis. He had a flare 3 years ago that was diagnosed as an allergic reaction to medication. We now know it was this all along. Last fall was a blur to us. Here's this very healthy, very vibrant and active 57 yr old guy, suddenly incapacitated. He was out of work for 3 1/2 months, at times on 80mg pred, all of us scared to death about what was going on... Any way, I digress from what the main topic is. Once this all set in, he was good about diet and alcohol. Total abstinence. Then, as months progessed, he added back in a few drinks here and there. Now, it's to an excess. Five to eight drinks per night is the norm. I try to reason with him, but honestly, it's hard. I don't have to tell you how insidious this disease is. I was holding my breath till his last rheumy appt - and as awful as this sounds, hoping his bloodwork was off. Maybe that would make him cut back. Good news or bad news, his rheumy tells him his bloodwork has never looked better. I wanted to hug him and hit him (his rheumy)at the same time. I was so happy that we finally had some good news, but I'm concerned because I know (and my husband does too) that MTX and alcohol don't mix. I don't blame him - this disease sucks. Have any of you experienced this? Do you drink alcohol? In what quantities? Can the alcohol still be doing damage even if the tests show everything's okay? Thank you for being there to listen. PD = concerned, but not judgemental wife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2004 Report Share Posted August 20, 2004 Hi Peggy, Alcoholism is a disease. It is a disease that kills. I know you know that your husband is an alcoholic. It is not judging an alcoholic to say that sooner or later his disease will destroy him. Before it destroys him, it will destroy your entire family. Addictions must not be judged, but they MUST be treated or they will do irreparable harm. One blood test proves nothing. Take just one cup of liquor and pour it onto your dining room table. It will eat the wood. Imagine how it is eating your husband's stomach, liver and kidneys. Please don't turn a blind eye while he kills himself with booze. Al Anon and many other service agencies can help you figure out what to do. This is not about PA and how many drinks one can mix with MTX. It is about your husband being an alcoholic. He can beat this disease, but he needs your help. Not judging him is an important step but there are many other steps that you must now take to help him. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this very difficult disease. Kathy F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2004 Report Share Posted August 20, 2004 Hi Peggy, As others have written, you'll have to work with your husband (and any outside help you need) to try to tackle the alcoholism. As that is likely a long-term project, I would suggest that until your husband is able to stop drinking, you should talk with him and his doctor about stopping the methotrexate. I don't know his history or why he's taking both MTX and Humira, but it may be that Humira is doing the heavy lifting in stopping PA and that the MTX won't be missed too much. Indomethacin can be harsh on the liver too. Good luck in a tough situation. - [ ] MTX and Alcohol Hi, I've been a lurker for a few weeks now. I was lurking on the RA group for about 6 months, when my husband's diagnosis was recently changed to PA. His rheumy assured us the treatments were the same, just subtle nuances in the symptoms lead him to the change. He's on 25 mg weekly of MTX, and bi-weekly Humira, folic acid, along with intermittent Indomethacin; as well, aciphex and alluporinal(for gout). The history is I'm sure like many of you - twisted, until the final diagnosis. He had a flare 3 years ago that was diagnosed as an allergic reaction to medication. We now know it was this all along. Last fall was a blur to us. Here's this very healthy, very vibrant and active 57 yr old guy, suddenly incapacitated. He was out of work for 3 1/2 months, at times on 80mg pred, all of us scared to death about what was going on... Any way, I digress from what the main topic is. Once this all set in, he was good about diet and alcohol. Total abstinence. Then, as months progessed, he added back in a few drinks here and there. Now, it's to an excess. Five to eight drinks per night is the norm. I try to reason with him, but honestly, it's hard. I don't have to tell you how insidious this disease is. I was holding my breath till his last rheumy appt - and as awful as this sounds, hoping his bloodwork was off. Maybe that would make him cut back. Good news or bad news, his rheumy tells him his bloodwork has never looked better. I wanted to hug him and hit him (his rheumy)at the same time. I was so happy that we finally had some good news, but I'm concerned because I know (and my husband does too) that MTX and alcohol don't mix. I don't blame him - this disease sucks. Have any of you experienced this? Do you drink alcohol? In what quantities? Can the alcohol still be doing damage even if the tests show everything's okay? Thank you for being there to listen. PD = concerned, but not judgemental wife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2004 Report Share Posted August 21, 2004 Hi Peggy, A belated welcome. Good to see you coming out of lurk mode. I read your mail yesterday and saved it as I felt I was going to have to think about this before answering. I have just read the latest posts and now see that the others have already given you good replies so I don't really have anything that I can add to those. I don't know about anyone else but I can fully understand how your husband could get to the stage that he is currently at. We realise though that going down that route is going to rebound on us eventually. We all have our own ideas about whether or not we can take alcohol and if we do take it, how much, but I reckon we all agree that what your husband is taking is far too much. I go out with my friends every three to five weeks and take something on these occasions but keep it sensible. (I know some will think taking anything is not sensible but as I said we all have different ways of looking at it) Hope you can talk to him and get him to go and get some help. He is gambling with his health at the moment. So far he seems to be winning but he could lose in the end. Keep in touch if you can. We are all behind you (and him) on this. Take care, . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2004 Report Share Posted August 21, 2004 In a message dated 8/20/2004 2:03:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, Pugnfriend@... writes: Please don't turn a blind eye while he kills himself with booze. Al Anon and many other service agencies can help you figure out what to do. This is not about PA and how many drinks one can mix with MTX. It is about your husband being an alcoholic. I am happily married now 20 years for the second time. My first marriage was to an alcoholic. I was young and naive and didn't realize the big problem until we had a child. He was always drunk and verbally abusive and would not go for help. Eventually I left when my daughter was 8 months old. He never bothered with her and when she was 10, I got a call that he passed away at age 40. The drinking defininately must have killed him. Try and get help and if not only for him then get it for yourself. Anytime you want to talk, I am here. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2004 Report Share Posted August 23, 2004 A specialist put me on MTX a few years ago. The same night I took my first dose I went out and danced and drank all night. For the next few weeks, while still taking the MTX, just having one drink made me feel hung-over, because my liver just couldn't process the alcohol. After the first blood test, they took me off the stuff. At that time, I simply felt that stopping drinking was asking too much. I was a very unhappy person (not much better now, to be honest) and my hopes of a normal social life had been pretty much ruined by my psoriasis. Drinking was one of the very few pleasures I had, and these few pleasures were more important to me than a healthy person could ever understand. A few years later my drinking had gotten worse. I was not as bad as some, and - fortunately or unfortunately - I had a friend who really was a full-on alcoholic, who served as a helpful example. I found myself drinking in the morning and realised, from my friend's example, that I was at the edge of a slippery slope. I immediately took myself in hand and cut back. I only really cut down a couple of years ago, because it was worsening an already-turbulent relationship I was in, and because, getting as little sleep as I do, any substantial amount of alcohol would almost make me pass out. I ended up teetotalling for a while, with the occasional social drink for the sake of politeness. Somehow I had found the maturity to live without regular drunkeness. I would probably now be classified as a " casual drinker " . Sometimes I have 1-2 drinks per week; sometimes I go through a period of regular drinking, occasionally overdoing it (although these days " overdoing it " means 4-5 drinks, not 8-9). During my teetotal phase I found that it had no effect on my PA, so I don't have to worry about that, although I understand for some people it's a crucial factor. There are a few tricks that can help control drinking: avoid salty snacks - they'll make you thirstier; start the occasion with a non- alcoholic drink - it prevents you from rapid drinking due to thirst or hunger; alternate hard and soft drinks. At home I dilute my white wine 50:50 with water, so I don't have to be too stingy with my sips. Sorry to have gone on so long, but I hope my story has given you some insight. For most people, heavy drinking coincides with a stressful life situation, and gradually evens out after things improve. Your husband is understandably stressed, and drinking gives him comfort. It does have negative effects, of course. He's VERY lucky not to have liver damage, if he's taking MTX. Also, a large alcohol intake reduces the body's ability to retain and use nutrients, which can lower health over the long term. I think you'll have to accept that your husband won't change his drinking until he wants to, and that may take time. In the meantime, perhaps all you can do is ask your husband to cut down. Eight drinks a night is too much, but (according to the Australian Alcohol Guidelines) up to four drinks per night is a low risk for an adult male - except where medication and alcohol-affected diseases are involved. He may well find that 4 or 5 drinks will do as well as 8 or 9, and he'll feel better for it the next morning. I suspect that some others on this list might also have tales of alcohol abuse brought on by the negative life effects of PA. (It might be more of a shock for someone who's enjoyed good health for most of their life.) Eventually, though, we have to adjust to our situation and start addressing the problem at hand, which means meds and a responsible diet. Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Why would they be off-limits, Betsy? Not an MD On Wed, May 27, 2009 at 2:08 PM, Farchette <eafarchette@...> wrote: > > > Does anyone know if the non-alcohol beers are included as a no no when > taking MTX???? I would LOVE to be able to have a cold " beer " on the beach! > > Betsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.