Alcohol

[Falkenbach]

Hi all

Well, I won't make a secret of it, I've always enjoyed a good drink. And, being an Aussie, one thing I've always enjoyed is a good, cold beer.

Last night, I had my first glass of alcohol - a nice cold beer - since my transplant. I have to say I didn't really enjoy it! I only planned to have the one anyway, as I was designated driver, but even if I hadn't been driver I still would not have had a second.

To stay safe, I had an extra 350ml bottle of water after the beer to stay hydrated. But the beer just didn't taste the same. I'd still like to enjoy the occasional drink with friends, but I'm not sure if last night's experience means I've just gone off alcohol?? Anyone else find this after a transplant or after becoming ill with kidney problems?

[RichardMEL]

Maybe it's because you hadn't had a good beer in a while?

The local pub near work had $2 pots the other week so we all went down and someone convinced me (ok, it was me ) to have one. I felt it tasted odd as well and it wasn't as refreshing/exciting/nice as I thought it would be.. and I kind of felt let down.. and I haven't even had a transplant yet.. Maybe it's a kidney failure thing.

Perhaps you should try a few different sorts of beer - perhaps you will like a different style to what you had in the past? I understand you can't drink heaps of booze after a transplant (boo hoo!) but some isn't bad is it?

I'm envious!

[jbeany]

Heck, a lot of things don't taste the same since my kidneys failed.  I get that metal mouth thing, like chewing on pennies, a lot of dialysis days.  I don't know about alcohol - I never was much for drinking anyhow, so I stopped completely years ago when I started on bp meds.  I was hoping a transplant would put an end to that, though.  Maybe it's a side effect of some of your meds?

[Falkenbach]

It could indeed be the meds, I guess. Also, it wasn't my usual brand.

[Sluff]

Taking the transplant and all the meds out of the picture, I'd say you've been away from the drink so long your tastes have changed. I quit drinking back in 1987 when I decided to drive semi-trucks for a living. Alcohol and driving don't mix and I've seen more results from doing just that then anyone should have too see. So I just decided not to drink anymore, now occasionally at a wedding or special occasion I'll down a shot or have a mixer and it just does not taste good to me anymore. When I was younger I drank enough to last a lifetime I guess.

[Falkenbach]

Well now, there's a point Sluff. Between the ages of about 18 - 21, I also drank enough to last a lifetime!

[Roxy]

I've noticed that my tastes with alcohol or even food changed when I was on dialysis and then changed again when I had my transplant. So now I don't really know what I like anymore!

[Falkenbach]

My tastes have changed too, but I'm placing the blame for that squarely on the prednisolone! All I want to do is EAT and I'm craving lots of sweet stuff - I've never been a sweet tooth in my life!