Alcohol

[rmmslat]

going out tonight and I know beer kills me and I hear wine is not the best either but what about an extra dirty martini? I've been flaring and I don't want to pay for it later but would like to unwind. any thoughts?

[meResque]

I can do a couple of glasses of white wine when I'm not flaring, with some Prelief.

I think being a flare, plus any kind of alcohol is a recipe for disaster. I would DEFINITELY be paying for it later! My favorite way to unwind is to take a warm bath. And yes, I know that doesn't sound as fun as a night of drinking.

[rmmslat]

I've heard of Prelief. Do you take it before or after you eat or drink? and can I get it at any drug store? I should just stick with a nice bubble bath. If you don't mind me asking when you flare how long does it usually last for you?

[meResque]

I get Prelief at Walgreens. I would imagine CVS or any similar drugstore would carry it. It is in the antacid section. I take it before eating or drinking things that I have tested to be only minor problems for me, or foods that may have ingredients I don't know about. I can drink a few glasses of wine, have some mayo on a sandwich, etc... I haven't ever tested it on pasta sauce or soda, LOL... the two things I miss the most.

When I flare, the length depends on what its cause is... a food or drink flare generally lasts less than 4-6 hours for me. The last longer flare I had lasted a week, and was due to not realizing my seasonal allergy meds needed to be upped. When I doubled my dose, the flare passed. I have been well-controlled by meds and the diet for 8 months, however and had been on a very strict diet for 4 months before I even thought about trying anything other than the Usually Okay column! I also have very mild IC symptoms in the first place, and so should NOT be used as a barometer for trying new things that may bring you pain!

Edited to add- I just went through and read a few of your other posts. You are still so new to IC. I would strongly recommend giving your bladder a rest for a while and trying to limit yourself to the foods and drinks that do not bring discomfort to most IC'ers. I know it is very hard in the beginning- especially when there are so many things about this disease to stress out over. I loved drinking wine in the evenings pre-IC, and found it a great way to relax. I was terrified the first time I tried it after 6 or so MONTHS of being on the diet. This early stage of fear and pain usually gets much, much better, and causing yourself more pain by drinking may only prolong that happening.

[rmmslat]

Yes I'm new to here. Not sure if I have been diagnosed prior. but this last spout has gotten me good. Sent me to ER with severe bladder pain. My follow up with my urologist is next week. I havent seen him in two years due to feeling better and other med prob came about. My obgyn and rheumie is convinced of IC since it's pretty much related to my autoimmune disease.

I've had UTI problems for over 15yrs which grew nothing every time. The pain was unbelievable. Didn't know how I was going to make it. then I got Ankloysing spondylitis which is annother pain disease. Yea for me mor pain.

[kadi]

Hey just a heads up for you & any other readers out there. Many IC meds do not go well with alcohol. Be sure you check your prescription information sheets for interactions before you drink alcohol.

I also agree with meResque about not drinking until your treatment plan is steady and your pain level is managed. Why risk provoking it? Some patients find their food/drink flares are over quickly. I've had several that went on for days - over small things - like a tortilla with preservative in it, 1 small piece of banana (not even a half banana! tiny piece). I'd make your experiments with diet to be small ones and trying out foods that improve your overall nutrition. Alcohol doesn't really do anything for you nutritionally.

Just a few thoughts,

[flowerangela]

mojitos,rum,white wine..dont flare me.

[rmmslat]

So far the martini hasn't gotten me yet. Flowerangela I really enjoyed your prayer at the end of your post. thanks I needed that! I hope everyone has a great pain free day!!!

[earthlady]

I tried a pear martini and had no problems at all with it. This was after I was asymptomatic for a good while though, and wouldn't even have considered it had I been symptomatic.

[Mc2203]

I can usually have a couple of vodka and soda waters if I am not flaring. It's strange- my friends spend the night weeing more than me! my pee feels abit stingy the next day but usually if I drink loads of water and chamomile tea- I get away wit it!

[rmmslat]

The martini never bothered me but the Earl gray tea I just tried to have KILLED me. Which I love hot tea with a passion. I will add that to my list I hear I am supposed to start making for my own good.

[hoping4acure]

When I was first dx'd I drank vodka martini's with lots of prelief.

[earthlady]

I know what you mean about the Earl Grey tea. It's a killer. I don't drink tea at all anymore except for herbal chamomile and mint. I so miss my morning black tea and don't think I should be starting the day with a pear vodka martini (lol), so I'm out of luck.

[wagamama]

Kadi does have a point about alcohol and IC meds. I know I have to be careful drinking with the Elavil; it really does magnify its effects.

So, when I do enjoy alcohol, it's generally just one. Plain vodka - Ketel One on the rocks, no fruit please - gives me absolutely no problems at all. I can drink sweeter white wines like rieslings and I've had a few Corona lights here and there.

When I'm not feeling good ... no alcohol, no low-acid coffee, no "cheats." I go back to the basics. But it's nice to know that when I'm feeling better again, I can probably enjoy a few things that I like. It makes those times when I go without not seem so bad.

[Wyllyam]

I have to agree. By weird experimentation, I've found that rum, even flavored rum for the most part, doesn't hurt me. However, stay away from the Coke!