saying no to alcohol
Thu, July 28, 2011 10:37 AM
Hey everyone... I'm a 27 year old who's had crohn's for 6 years, was actually diagnosed on my 21st birthday! Fun! Anyway, I know you are not supposed to be drinking alcohol really, but I always told myself that having a "few" every now and then wouldn't hurt. I've recently realized it's not worth even trying because a "few" can always turn into "too many", and I'm out of commission for awhile from one night of fun. What is everyone's take on drinking alcohol, just say no?
-Jess
Joined Aug 14, 2010
Fri, August 05, 2011 7:15 PM
Reply posted for JCliff.
My nickname in my group of friends is "Everyone's Faborite DD"
I was diagnosed when I was 23. When I was feeling really well, I used to have a glass of something or other once in a blue moon without it bothering me. But now its probably been around a year without any alcohol. I don't have any problems with it though.
I was born in December, and on my 21st birthday my boyfriend at the time took me to a company Christmas party, complete with an open bar that I couldn't even think about taking advantage of because I had gotten the flu the day before and was still feeling pretty crummy that day. Me and drinking just weren't meant to be.
Joined Dec 8, 2010
Fri, July 29, 2011 11:31 AM
Reply posted for JCliff.
I think that you are wise to start questioning all the things you put in your body.. particularly alcohol. Not only can alcohol mix badly with some medications commonly used... but even just the stress to the body & organs of having a couple of drinks could be a setback to your health. Not to mention the risk of making poor choices about food and hydration if you are "having too good a time".
You can still socialize. Consider bringing fun beverages of your own to a house gathering/ ordering a non-alcoholic beverage from a restaurant or bar < the menus are getting better!>. As I don't want to be considered a teetotaler or excluded from functions... I have a few useful phrases always at the ready. " I have had some medications that don't mix well with X", or " I am the designated driver today" or " My gut's not quite up to it" . Practice a couple appropriate to your personality and how much those close to you know about your health... and they will feel natural for you and your friends - it won't feel like you made any changes socially. except no more hangovers 
As someone with relatives that drink at every meal/ get-together.... I have had to build up an arsenal of tools. If I am on/ recently off prednisone, or have taken any painkillers or antispasmodics in the same week <likely to need again> I don't even consider alcohol of any kind. If I am well, I might consider one beverage; but I am careful to eat mindfully and give myself plenty of hydration to process the alcohol and ease the gut.
So essentially....put the most healthful stuff in to your body and avoid the harmful as much as possible. Your body already has a couple of strikes.... and you want it to be as well as possible for as long as possible. Its the only one you get.
Joined Sep 15, 2010
Thu, July 28, 2011 4:25 PM
Reply posted for alanschachter.
Yuck! I'm glad you used those terms believe it or not, it makes me want to think twice about what alcohol will be doing to my intestines. It just gets frustrating having had Crohn's from age 21-now... no "party twenties" for me! Oh well, that's life I guess
Joined Aug 14, 2010
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