One more thread about alcohol

[catwoman]

I'm also very interested in what is communicated on this site and was uncomfortable with what seemed like a contradiction between what was being posted and what appeared on the Coumadin site. However, the posts above have helped me to remember that, as in all things, one must balance the ideal against the reality of everyday life and come up with a liveable compromise. That makes sense to me, so I'm comfortable with this now.

Kate:
What you see at the Coumadin site is, as others have said, CYA stuff. Anything a pharmaceutical company publishes is run past product liability attorneys & MDs on its payroll.

What you see HERE is information based on personal experience by numerous warfarin patients and anecdotes and professional experience of an anticoagulation manager (Al Lodwick).

 

[mtkayak]

Depends on the size of those 2 or those 8 drinks!

That would be the 12oz. variety

 

[geebee]

As always - what we say on this site is what we do or feel as individuals. The information posted is only meant for stating our own experiences, opinions, and activities. My posts are never meant for someone to take as directions for them - only to share my background. I don't object for someone to take my posts as possible guidelines but never as gospel or under the assumption that I am telling them what to do or what is best for them. I do believe that is the underlying position of all on this site.

 

[catwoman]

Gina has stated it better than I did -- and as I intended to imply.
What we mean to convey is that we are enjoying life despite (I hate that word!) being on warfarin.
We've learned what works for each of us, and sharing knowledge with each other helps us all and others, including newbies and occasionally even medical professionals.

 

[Karlynn]

Yes, what Gina and Marsha said.

 

[Kate]

As always - what we say on this site is what we do or feel as individuals. The information posted is only meant for stating our own experiences, opinions, and activities. My posts are never meant for someone to take as directions for them - only to share my background. I don't object for someone to take my posts as possible guidelines but never as gospel or under the assumption that I am telling them what to do or what is best for them. I do believe that is the underlying position of all on this site.

The statement that caused me to raise this issue again was "By the way, you could still ride your bike and have your drinks (in moderation) while on Coumadin." Clearly, this is not someone describing their own experience, opinion or activity. This is someone telling another person what can safely be done while on Coumadin.

Now, I actually don't think that's a bad thing - people come to this site looking for both personal experiences and factual information. I just want to be sure that the factual statements we make are accurate. I was concerned about the accuracy of the alcohol statement but, thanks to people taking the time to explain it to me, I feel more comfortable with it now. Kate

 

[Granbonny]

Kate

Kate

I read your profile..You are the same age as my daughter..born in 1967.... From your Avatar picture..you are so beautiful. Love your hair. I see where it has been ..now..one year..since your surgery.I think (as the Mother-hen on VR.Com)..: you shouldn't be worried about the Future...Just get on with your life..forget about your surgery..as long as you feel good.....don't worry about things like taking coumadin..hoping it will be way down the road for you.. ....You are so young..and many things yearly will probably change for you.....for example..2 years ago, my daughter/Hubby were childless..Now, they have 2 children, age 3/4....Adopted from Russia. Boy, have their lives changed.. ..from going on trips, dinners, ect. to changing diapers, daycare, fevers at night, ect. I'm not saying for you to forget about VR.Com..We are always here for you.. ...but, don't worry about the small stuff. Bonnie

 

[Kate]

Dear Granbonny,
What a very kind message. To be honest, that picture's a little old - what you can get away with on the Internet! But thank you. I think I keep checking in because I was so hungry for information when I first learned about my aneurysm and many people were so kind here, sharing their knowledge with me, that I want to do that with others when I can. But you are likely right - it is best to live my life while I'm healthy and not worry too much about what may or may not lie ahead. I wish the very best to you and your daughter and hope the next two years bring me as much joy and love as your new grandchildren have obviously brought to you. Take care, Kate

 

[Granbonny]

Kate

Kate

I was drawn to your thread..because..my Beautiful Granddaughter from Russia ..is also named KATE. Daughter shorten it from the Katherine her Russian name? Now, she is named Katherine Faith. and they call her Kate My name. Bonnie Kate... ..she is so beautiful..with dark curly hair and blue eyes. people stop and stare at her..Age 3 and a great personality. an all American tomboy. Loves dancing in the streets. Afraid to take my eyes off of her..when we are out. ...Bonnie

 

[Gnusgal]

I was at a party with my cardiologist one time (a friend of mine, who was also her patient, was turning 50) and SHE told me to have her husband get me a drink. I figure when you're cardio is encouraging you to drink, it must not be too bad for you!

 

[Karlynn]

My cardio always routinely asks me how many adult beverages I have in a week's time. I never lie and she never tells me not to drink. Maybe if I was having other health issues she would. But we even discussed what kind of wine we liked one time.

 

[MrP]

My understanding is that drinking consistently is what's important for the liver and one's INR lever, not unlike eating brocoli or vegetables. In addition, this thread reminds me of one of the main benefits of drinking. Not unlike natural selection where weaker and slower buffalo in a herd get killed first and eventually get weeded out of the herd leaving a stronger herd of buffalo to breed, alcohol kills brain cells. Naturally, the weaker brain cells get killed first. This is why you feel smarter after a few beers.

 

[mtkayak]

My cardio always routinely asks me how many adult beverages I have in a week's time. I never lie and she never tells me not to drink. Maybe if I was having other health issues she would. But we even discussed what kind of wine we liked one time.

Yes, my Card always has me fill out a questionaire before every visit and that question is always on there. "How much alcohol do you drink in a week?" Of course I always answer honestly with 6 (give or take).

Kate, we started talking about Coumadin, bleeding and alcohol at my visit the other day. My Card made a statement that home testing has really revolutionalized ACT management in the sense that you can test every week or a oftened as you like. Where as before when people usually tested monthly (after they stabilize their INR). The danger of GI bleeds or any other bleeds increases when you don't know your INR from week to week. For example, if you have a big swing in your INR one week and you don't know it, then you proceed to consume large amounts of alcohol then of course, you are at higher risk. If your INR is at 6 (and you don't know) then you drink, your INR could shoot way up. Staying in or around your INR target is very important. Once you start getting out of range is really when you start to worry about stuff like that.

I know somebody will be along shortly to say that is nonsense and that alcohol will eventually irriate the lining of your stomach and/ or your GI tract and induce bleeding. Constant heavy alcohol abuse can do that.

 

[Kate]

I was drawn to your thread..because..my Beautiful Granddaughter from Russia ..is also named KATE. Daughter shorten it from the Katherine her Russian name? Now, she is named Katherine Faith. and they call her Kate My name. Bonnie Kate... ..she is so beautiful..with dark curly hair and blue eyes. people stop and stare at her..Age 3 and a great personality. an all American tomboy. Loves dancing in the streets. Afraid to take my eyes off of her..when we are out. ...Bonnie

She sounds like a terrific kid - and she has a fabulous name! I'm so happy for you. Adoption is such a wonderful thing - bringing kids who need a family to people who want them so very badly. I wish you all the very best! Kate

 

[Karlynn]

My understanding is that drinking consistently is what's important for the liver and one's INR lever, not unlike eating brocoli or vegetables. In addition, this thread reminds me of one of the main benefits of drinking. Not unlike natural selection where weaker and slower buffalo in a herd get killed first and eventually get weeded out of the herd leaving a stronger herd of buffalo to breed, alcohol kills brain cells. Naturally, the weaker brain cells get killed first. This is why you feel smarter after a few beers.

My nephew just explained The Buffalo Theory to me about a month ago. I can't believe I'm seeing it repeated here. That's hilarious.

 

[StretchL]

In addition, this thread reminds me of one of the main benefits of drinking. Not unlike natural selection where weaker and slower buffalo in a herd get killed first and eventually get weeded out of the herd leaving a stronger herd of buffalo to breed, alcohol kills brain cells. Naturally, the weaker brain cells get killed first. This is why you feel smarter after a few beers.

DAMN, I like the way you think!

Along the same lines, I was trying to convince my wife that, during the renovation of our house, we should put in a wet bar with a beer tapped to a keg in the basement. Since she doesn't drink at all, I had to find a way to justify my proposal. I did some research and found out that, per ounce, beer is quite cheaper when purchased by the keg rather than in smaller quantities. I explained this to her, reinforcing my case with the observation that the best part of my proposal was that if we had the tap, we'd actually SAVE money with every beer! The more beer, the more savings! PERFECT!

As you can imagine, I was *not* allowed to install the beer tap.

 

[Karlynn]

A few days after moving in to our first home, my husband went MIA for about 3 hours. He finally walks in, a bit wobblie, and says "Hey honey, I met the neighbors across the street! They have a refrigerated tapper in their family room!" Many hours since were spent in their family room.

My son started working for a an advertising company in June. They have 2 beers on tap at all times in their breakroom, Miller Lite and Boulevard. He says that no one ever abuses the privilege, but it's nice to have around after a long day.

Stretch - if you work from home at all, you could just tell Noni that you're getting a tapper for the employee lounge!

 

[catwoman]

If we ever build another home, I'd like the patio to look like a Mexican restaurant's cantina -- complete with a bartender who knows how to make the best margaritas this side of heaven -- frozen & on the rocks.

And I'd throw an annual vr.com bash for anyone who is on warfarin.

Complete with designated drivers to the Motel 6 up the highway.

 

[mtkayak]

DAMN, I like the way you think!

Along the same lines, I was trying to convince my wife that, during the renovation of our house, we should put in a wet bar with a beer tapped to a keg in the basement. Since she doesn't drink at all, I had to find a way to justify my proposal. I did some research and found out that, per ounce, beer is quite cheaper when purchased by the keg rather than in smaller quantities. I explained this to her, reinforcing my case with the observation that the best part of my proposal was that if we had the tap, we'd actually SAVE money with every beer! The more beer, the more savings! PERFECT!

As you can imagine, I was *not* allowed to install the beer tap.

I once dated a girl who had a beer tap in her house next to the wet bar. I thought man, I wanna marry this beer, I mean girl.

 

[temp69]

drinking and driving in the life lane

drinking and driving in the life lane

to booze or not? I've been a heavy drinker most of my life and took this into account when I chose a valve. I've been told by a few drs. that it's okay to drink while taking coumadin and so far, no problem. What I don't want to do is to have to go back into the hospital.

So...I have changed my drinking habits, having 1-2 glasses of wine about 5 nights a week. Those who drink know this is moderate. Non-drinkers, those radically against drinking might differ.

So far my INR hasn't been affected much. Coumadin is kind of a pain the ass, but man, at 55, unless I get hit by a truck, I would have to get another tissue valve put in in 10-15-20 years. So...it's Mr. On-X, ticking like a fine swiss watch.

Heart rate is around 60-70, bp around 110/70 to 120/80 and feeling pretty good most days at 3 months post op.

I, too, wrestled with the drinking/warfarin dilemma. It sucks. But once you have OHS, your perspective changes a bit...main thing is, live your life, don't take it for granted.