I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Home Dialysis - NxStage Users => Topic started by: melissahumm on June 25, 2008, 07:34:42 PM

Title: Drinking alcohol
Post by: melissahumm on June 25, 2008, 07:34:42 PM
Since my son is 19,he has been asking about if he will ever be able to drink.  Can anybody tell me what their experience is.  I am not encouraging him to drink,but he is a normal teenager and temptations may arise.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Chris on June 25, 2008, 07:54:41 PM
Not sure while on dialysis because I never tried. After transplant, my transplant center says an occasional drink is ok, beer or wine. Hard alcohol though they want you to stay away from.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on June 25, 2008, 08:04:38 PM
I'm assuming that your son is on dialysis or close to it. At 19, he's still legally too young but that is your decision. I'm on dialysis and I still drink a few but my numbers and urine output are still good. Beer should probably be avoided due to the potassium content.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Bill Peckham on June 25, 2008, 10:23:29 PM
I have an occasional drink (some times even a couple) - I see nothing wrong in giving the liver something to do putting aside the age question.

I've always said that with dialysis it is the amount of fluid more than type of fluid.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Zach on June 26, 2008, 08:14:53 AM

I've always said that with dialysis it is the amount of fluid more than type of fluid.


 :beer1;
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: cabarle on June 26, 2008, 08:41:56 AM
I do not drink beer, but occasionally have a glass of red wine. I would estimate I drink 1 glass/month. My nephrologist, nurse and wife all know about it and assured me 1 glass/month would not do any damage. 
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Meinuk on June 26, 2008, 08:54:30 AM
I drink too.  And I have to say, I really enjoy the social aspect of drinking more now that I am dialyzing 5 times a week on NxStage.  Having a couple of drinks out with friends is generally the highlight of my week, or picking out some wine to have with dinner at home.

Your son is showing good judgment and maturity in the way that he is integrating his friends into his Nxstage therapy.  I remember what my life was like at 19, and I don't know if I would have been able to do what he is doing.

As far as youthful temptations, the fact that he is asking about it just shows that he is considering the impact.  (I think that is a good sign)  The freedom that NxStage gives you with regard to diet takes a bit of getting used to.  (I still have to remind myself to add potassium to my diet)  The most important thing is that your son gets to know his body and how it reacts to different foods/drinks.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: melissahumm on June 26, 2008, 10:14:04 AM
Just to clarify,I know that my son is not old enough,and I am not ok'ying drinking.  I am however,a realist and know what it is like to be in college!!  I know that he would never do anything to put himself in danger he was just curious and embarrased to ask a Doctor for fear of a judgemental response.  You know how that is!!! It is just nice to hear from others. Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: twirl on June 26, 2008, 03:53:35 PM
I know what you mean
my son is going to Texas A&M
the police chief was the first speaker
and they were warned---- they will go to jail--
Allen is only 18
so, who knows
I can only hope that if he does drink, he will drink very little
I think all teens will drink but hopefully not to the extreme
when the head coach told the football players to stop drinking coke like drinks, Allen stopped "cold turkey"
so I can hope he will listen again
Allen is not on dialysis but he does have a big chance of having PKD
Sunday he is going to start football at A&M and the players have to go to summer school :'(

Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: skyedogrocks on July 02, 2008, 06:05:52 AM
Rob isn't a big drinker, but does have a beer now and then.  He'll take a couple of binders with it and be fine.  His labs are great so he can afford to do this. 

It's all about moderation.  Heck, he still eats cheeseburgers!
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: RichardMEL on July 02, 2008, 08:49:55 AM
mmmm I can has Cheeseburger.... :D

Absolutely re moderation.... drink within your limits (fluid, phosphates) and all is fine. I drink a little bit when the situation dictates... a max of 2 beers more for the fluids than anything else... and you just have to make up for it elsehwere. If I know there will be a social situation coming up then I prepare for it and it's OK and that way I can fit in and participate which is the important thing.

Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on July 02, 2008, 09:11:39 AM
I never drink beer anymore because of the fluid volume. The average cocktail is only 4-5 oz and fits my fluid allotment much better.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Trikkechickk on July 02, 2008, 12:43:10 PM
I never drink beer anymore because of the fluid volume. The average cocktail is only 4-5 oz and fits my fluid allotment much better.

Yes, and 4 - 5 oz can still get the "job" done!
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: KR Cincy on July 02, 2008, 12:46:36 PM
So I gotta ask...has anyone ventured into the world of non-alcoholic beers? While I'd like to pretend to still be able to drink now and then, I wonder if those things are worth the fluid they are made of and should I just be content with my cranberry juice or sprite?
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on July 02, 2008, 01:03:03 PM
They are not bad especially if you just like the taste of beer. I'm not sure if they have the same amount of phosphorus and potassium as regular beer.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: KR Cincy on July 03, 2008, 06:25:31 AM
YEah I should check that out...

I spent so many years believing that if you're going to drink beer, drink beer and if you're not, don't pretend....funny how your perspective can change, huh???
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Chris on July 03, 2008, 06:14:49 PM
I tried fake beer once and only once at a bar, YUCK!!!!!!  :puke;  I could not finish it whats so ever, not even two ounces worth. This was however when they first came out with non alcoholic beers, but after that, I'm not willing to try especialy when it cost the same as a regular beer. :urcrazy; :banghead;

I'll stick to my dark beer everyonce in a blue moon in Feb, Apr, and Nov. Well maybe this August would be an excption.  ;D
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on July 03, 2008, 10:30:26 PM
Ever hear of the old bluegrass song "Blue Moon of Kentucky Keep on Shining"? It works for us.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: del on July 04, 2008, 06:22:28 PM
Hubby has a beer or a glass of wine occasionally.  Beer more often during the summer - a nice cold beer on a hot day  :2thumbsup;.  He is on nocturnal 5 nights a week so the potassium, phosphorus and fluid aren't any big deal.  In the summer he usually has to drink a lot more fluid because he loses a lot through sweat!!  He had to drink 500 ml extra a couple of nights ago before he hooked up because he was below his dry weight.  He drank a coke!!!  What a treat!!
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: kitkatz on July 08, 2008, 09:30:08 PM
You talkin' about that there moony shine.  You been makin' it in the back wooded lot of yer property! Be careful of those revenuers!
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on July 08, 2008, 09:41:51 PM
Actually you can make up to a certain amount for your own personal use. Similar to making your own wine or beer at home. It's pretty much legal as long as you don't try to sell it. I strictly use it for medicinal purposes.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: kitkatz on July 08, 2008, 09:48:03 PM
Yeah...Uh huh... and Uncle Sam and his revenuers are not looking for you and a still?
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on July 09, 2008, 02:55:35 PM
I have developed a new drink that is totally awesome. I call it the Kidney Kocktail.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: twirl on July 09, 2008, 05:39:14 PM
 :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;
SHARE
or put it on that tv show------ Greatest's American Inventors :beer1; :beer1; :beer1
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on July 09, 2008, 05:42:17 PM
1 jigger vodka
1 jigger kahlua
1 can vanilla Nepro (chilled)

shake well and enjoy
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: twirl on July 09, 2008, 05:48:49 PM
I know what vodka is but not sure what it tastes like
I am placing all three on a shopping list
I am allowing myself to drink on night
and I am going to get drunk
have not done so in years
unless, I die first from alcohol abuse
usually I am a one bottle of wine person
remember --- Apple wine and Ripple------------cheap college days
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: mark m on July 10, 2008, 05:56:59 PM
Good one Flip... :rofl;

The worst part about drinking on dialysis is that the alcohol gets sucked off.  Dialysis is however a great hangover cure... 

Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: twirl on July 10, 2008, 07:06:02 PM
so if I go to dialysis drunk
I will come out sober ???
 :puke; could be useful
I may have dialysis Jan 1 again
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Chris on July 16, 2008, 10:52:42 PM
If I remember correctly, Vodka should not have a taste unless something is added to it like these new flavored Vodkas. Been years since I had Vodka. I think the last time I had it was 1992 or 1993.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: RichardMEL on July 19, 2008, 08:59:06 AM
Correct. The best vodkas do not actually have a taste. If they have a taste (that isn't an added one like citrus, vanilla, cranberry etc) then it's usually a poorer quality distilation.

Indeed I was taught in Russia the proper way to drink vodka (well one of them anyway) was the shot of vodka followed by an olive and/or a piece of bread - for taste!

Incidently when I was there 10 years ago you could get 1 litre of vodka for about USD $3. Yes, it had a taste... but phew... it was ALMOST cheaper than water!
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: flip on July 19, 2008, 03:39:40 PM
Thanks, Richard. I bought a jar of olives and a loaf of bread on the way home from dialysis today.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: tubes on July 19, 2008, 08:25:42 PM
I started drinking again this month, now that I'm back in Omaha and with friends. We go to the bar tuesday nights. I'll have a couple screwdrivers and a shot of jager or 2. No beer, cuz I have to drink too many to get drunk. So I stick to the hard stuff...throw a few back and I'm good to go. My nurses know I drink tuesday nights. Tuesday nights are perfect cuz I have dialysis wednesday morning. I always have my binders on hand...can't forget those.
Title: Re: Drinking alcohol
Post by: Chris on July 19, 2008, 08:41:53 PM
Haven't done jager in many years. I remember my first experience with that shot, oooh boy that was a fun night out.