I know you cant drink during treatment. But once treatment is done can you drink again
Posted by rks (Member # 24316) on :
No! You can never, ever drink again! In fact, just looking at alcohol will do you harm! ; )
There are some who will argue both for and against an occasional glass of wine during treatment and up to six month after, but I really don't see the harm if you are feeling good. If you are really sick, then obviously the answer is you should not drink at all. But, if you are still in treatment and have been feeling good for a while, I, personally, don't think a glass of wine will hurt. That doesn't mean a glass every day or even once a week, just rarely.
Ok, let the bashing begin! ; )
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
but once your done with treatment you can drink again though right?!
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
but once your done with treatment you can drink again though right?!
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Someone really wants to drink : )
Posted by stork (Member # 24167) on :
I am very curious about this myself.
Posted by BHealthyNow (Member # 22537) on :
I plan on it. I still will be careful about drinking too often, but my doc has ok'd occasional drinks even on treatment.
Posted by rks (Member # 24316) on :
I think you might be drinking now as you are repeating yourself! ; )
Yes, you can drink like a fish; buy a bar and celebrate your victory over lyme buy drinking yourself silly; pickle yourself to your hearts content; live on skid row inside a wine bottle; undo all the things you've worked so hard for to get well!
Honestly, from what I've read, "they" say you still should not drink until six month after recovery and even than you should still maintain in moderation, just like everything in life. Moderation is key. Good balance.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- What most LLMDs will tell you is no alcohol during treatment and for at least two months after you reach remission.
Once in a good remission, most can drink a glass of wine a couple times a week and feel fine. However, if there is liver damage, alcohol may need to be avoided on a continual basis.
Below are excerpts from other threads that may be of help.
Yes, this can be puzzling but I found it helps to explore why LLMDs stress the importance of avoiding alcohol. Then, it all makes so much more sense. It's all about the safety of our cells - our own safety and longevity.
Very itchy the next day from drinking can be a signal of liver toxicity and dysfunction. Lyme hits the liver VERY hard. Even after treatment, it can take a very long time for the liver to heal enough to be able to handle even one drink.
Alcohol - any at all - entirely changes how both pharmaceutical medicines and herbal supplements work - it alters chemical properties to create something totally different - increasing risks while also diminishing effectiveness.
Several reasons to avoid alcohol until FULLY recovered -- one of which is that the liver is dealt a huge blow with lyme and damage can be severe. Add to that the need for medicine and that puts even more stress on the liver.
The lyme spirochete produces one of the most toxic substances known to man, similar to that of botulism. The liver is the primary organ to metabolize those toxins and get them out of the body. That is no easy job.
Many (if not all, as at least one LLMD thinks) lyme patients have excess porphryrins - from the liver being overwhelmed. The porphyrins, in excess, can kill cells of all types but especially nerve cells.
Alcohol uses the cytochrome P-450 liver detox pathway. Patients with the porphyria problems have that pathway damaged to varying degrees so the very best of self-care is vital.
As well, the brain cells don't do well with alcohol. Nor the lining of the stomach. Alcohol really does not mix well with any medicine.
And - remember that spirochetes don't recognize your best mates' birthdays, or holidays. Every day, we have this toxic infection to deal with and, every day matters. Liver damage from even one drink can happen and that damage might not be repairable.
====================
These links may be a sort of "Scared Straight" approach, yet, each one helps us to understand WHY alcohol can be devastating to someone dealing with such a life-threatening and toxic infection.
I think it helps to know HOW & WHY. That's a long explanation but basically, the health of our liver will be one of the most important determining factors in the level of success we are able to achieve.
BIOCHEMISTRY OF LYME DISEASE: BORRELIA BURGDORFERI SPIROCHETE / CYST
by Prof. Robert W. Bradford and Henry W. Allen
EXCERPT:
. . . A discovery of great importance relating to a toxin produced by the causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, has been linked to a similar toxin produced by the organism Clostridium botulinum (botulism). . . .
- Full article and great photos at link above.
=====================
This book is specific to lyme and other chronic stealth infections (such as Cpn).
A helpful search: "Hepatic Encephalopathy" and "Lyme Encephalopathy"
"Fatty Liver Disease" is also relevant and it's important to know that lyme greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes. The sugars in alcohol can blast that increased risk to a quick reality. -
Posted by hhoskins72 (Member # 26190) on :
I started drinking again after my first and only remission. I am convinced that it was a HUGE factor in causing me to relapse. Just my opinion...
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
I for one will be having the best Champagne money can buy when/if I get well.
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
i do not drink a lot, but when i do go out to dinner once or twice a month i like to have a glass of wine with dinner or a cocktail. How do I know if I have liver damage from lyme. Should i get an ultrasound?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ultrasound usually won't tell you much. It's not just the liver but also the brain, the heart, nerve cells that also can die with alcohol and lyme combination. Lyme patients are much more likely to develop diabetes. Alcohol is a fast track to that.
Alcohol also totally changes the chemical make-up of medicines. Not good. Not good at all.
� Bottom line: "absolutely no alcohol" until well into remission. �
Lyme can be fatal. It's a very serious disease that requires serious attention. Some don't make it. You want to be sure you have a chance. Spirochetes and cell damage don't take a day off because we want a drink.
Find other ways to enjoy life.
Please be sure to nurture yourselves now and enjoy good flavors and good times - every single day. Sure, we may miss some favorite foods and drink but there is still so much flavor to enjoy in so many other healthful ways.
Whether reaching for relaxation or celebration - or just ways to cope - there are are so many ways to feel good and celebrate while taking in health. -
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
I am so new to all of this. I just got dxed on thursday with Bartonella. And they believe lyme but they want me to take an Igenix test.
I also have Vitiligo and Hashimoto Thyroid. Vitiligo started after a bug bit interesting could have been lyme.
Then this year I got the gardasil vaccine and boom my life changed. I got Hashimoto's and the dxed w/this.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Alcohol would be off limits with ANY of those. I'm sorry for the shock but this is a very serious combination. I don't want to scare you but it's important to know that whatever kind of vector borne infections - whether one or more - treatment is a very serious matter. Some do not make it. Most do but only with extreme diligence.
Important to keep in mind as to why we have to take the best care we can of ourselves: ----------
UNDER OUR SKIN - in the documentary and in the bonus footage produced some time after the initial filming, we walk along with some dear people who do not survive yet still inspire us with their strength and courage. We also see many others who manage to overcome lyme on various levels.
SUCCESS STORIES -
Posted by elizzza811 (Member # 24713) on :
Wine is the only thing that helps me sleep. Please don't tell me I can't drink:-( OMG, I sound like an alky...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- If your LLMD has not informed you of the risk of alcohol with lyme, he or she is not doing right by you.
"Absolutely no alcohol" seems very clear. This is not to be mean but because it's so toxic at a time when the body is overwhelmed with toxins.
Alcohol . . . and many sleep and pain meds are toxic and/or hard on the liver and kidneys, here are some suggestions for sleep support that can safely nourish & calm the body: ---------------
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements -
Posted by 'Kete-tracker (Member # 17189) on :
My L.L.N.D. said that once your well into remission, you might have a some wine with your dinner, or a little champagne or beer on special occasion, BUT... you can never "drink to get drunk" EVER AGAIN. Too much risk for a relapse.
Nor can you- or should you- ever force yourself to stay up REEAL late. You'd just be ASKING for a 'repeat performance'. Thank God I normally go to bed at 2AM... & get up at ~9:30. G'night, folks!
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
Years back, early into treatment, I would enjoy some wine here and there. I've now stopped completely. BUT I fully intend to enjoy modest amounts of wine and champagne when I finally kick this thing. It's just not worth the risk while still sick. My body is working so hard for me right now, I want to be as kind to it as I can so it will return the favor.
Posted by PTrain (Member # 28773) on :
From my experience (and I love the taste of beer) once you get away from the alcohol it's not so hard to stay away. If you drink often, like several days a week, or even every day, at first it will be difficult.
The first couple of weeks for me were rough, but now I feel way better. Keebler is right, you just need to find other ways to enjoy life.
You will be surprised how much better you feel. Alcohol is a depressant. Initially, it can be a social stimulant, but that wears off and you are just left a little more tired and none of us needs that.
I had to give it up and do the yeast free sugar free diet. In the long run your head will be clearer and your body will be better off. Why would anyone voluntarily hold a loaded gun to their head?
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
When I first was finished with treatment I still had alcohol intolerance. I was very toxic and I had just started treating KPU, which also causes alcohol intolerance. I would feel toxic/hungover after a few sips. After I worked on a lot of liver detox (several Hulda Clark detoxes, Dr. Natura, etc.), I could drink again.
However, likely due to the KPU because Lyme and coinfections don't show up at all in ART testing, I can't drink very much at all. Two is my limit. This also runs in my family going back generations and I really don't think all of them have/had Lyme, more likely KPU, which is hereditary.
Posted by JunkYardWily (Member # 24271) on :
i use to LOVE beer. i gave up alcohol a year ago. i still feel like crap. i gave up sugar. still feel like crap. i gave up carbs/gluten. still feel like crap.
im beginning to wonder if giving up so much really makes any difference.
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
well, this is so overwhelming and confusing...how come certain ppl, beat these and others cannoot?
Posted by penguingirl (Member # 28688) on :
Can we cook with wine? One we're in remission? I love using wine or sake in some cooking dishes.
Maybe it's ok since the alchol will be cooked?
Also - is red wine vinegar and/or champagne vinegar not good to consume during treatment?
I bought Braggs apple cider vinegar yesterday for salads but was just wondering if I can mix in other forms of vinegar?
Lucky me - I am not a drinker - I can do without it.. maybe have one for New Year's once I am in remissiong but that's about it!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Cooking with wine adds sugar and sulfites. Wine vinegars are a mine field of sugar and sulfites, too. It's best to avoid all that until health is better. -
Posted by jlp38 (Member # 27221) on :
Six --- what do you mean lyme & co don't show up in ART? My doc does this and he found them? At least that's what I thought.
Junkyard -- i get ya. I was so so so strict on my diet for so long and it never seemed to matter. So lately I've been slack. I know how important diet is but it's hard to stick with it when you feel like crap no matter what.
Posted by momlyme (Member # 27775) on :
Six - correct me if I am wrong...
I think when Six said "Lyme and coinfections don't show up at all in ART testing" - she meant they don't show up for her... because they are not a factor for her.
Lyme and coinfections will show up in ART testing if they are causing havoc in YOUR body.
Posted by jlp38 (Member # 27221) on :
That makes much more sense Heather. Thanks.
Posted by tclimb (Member # 29508) on :
I think we all need a script for marijuana Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
I agree!!!!
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
I am not gunna lie I do use medical marijuana occansionally
Posted by tclimb (Member # 29508) on :
I haven't, know some who have. but really, the physical side effects on even a healthy body are far less serious than alcohol and cigarettes!!! Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- when using medical marijuana, be sure to consider methods that do not involve inhaling the hot smoke.
Some put it in butter (for "funny butter"), etc.
Not sure how much particulate matter goes through a water pipe but, beside hot smoke, particulate matter is never good to inhale so be sure the filters are in place and that you'd get only vapor that is not too hot.
There are some helpful effects from medical marijuana - it's just that any smoke can be a killer to tender throat and lung tissue.
![[spinning smile]](graemlins/spinsmile.gif)
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)
![[loco]](graemlins/loco.gif)