Crohns/Alcohol and Medication use

[tommy07]

HI,

I am a 22 year old male who was diagnosed with Crohns exactly one year ago this month (however I have clearly had the disease for years after realising why I had so many digestive issues). Previous treatment > Steroids/ Surgery- right hemi colectomy/ double barrel stoma - reversal (3 months ago) 80kg currently and for sure raising.

Its fresher's week this week and don't get me wrong, I enjoy a social meet up with my friends but clubbing isn't exactly my holy grail. I prefer to go the casino and throw my pennies away their instead. However me and my friend are going out tomorrow night, I haven't touched a drop of alcohol for about a year, and its fair to say I drank very rarely if it all when I was undiagnosed. Just curious if anyone here does drink, how often? What are the best drinks to consume and how much? I will be going out tomorrow even if I don't drink because, well, it will still be a laugh. I am also on 150mg daily of Azathioprine and of course, most crohns meds don't exactly enhance kidney/liver function, my consultant says its fine to drink sometimes, but obviously to its standard safe limit, as most consumers should follow.. but ye I'm paranoid I'm going to give myself a flair or something, which is super unlikely since crohns is auto immune but ye, thanks in advance.

 

[Guerrero]

Everyone is different with foods and drinks, but when I feel good I can occasionally drink wines and drinks with low level of alcohol without any problems.

 

[eleanor_rigby]

I would probably suggest shandies, or a couple of spirit and mixer drinks. Avoid dark liquid alcohols such as whiskies. Expect to feel like crap the next day and perhaps next 2 days depending how much you drink. I would try and not drink more than recommended guidelines to avoid feeling awful afterwards. Perhaps alternate alcohol with soft drinks. I feel for you it’s tough at Uni if you can’t drink but things will settle down. I try not to drink more than once every few months as we shouldn’t be really but at the same time, life happens. This disease already robs so much from us.

 

[ronroush7]

I don't think I do very well with alcohol having Crohn's disease.

 

[Magnolia24]

When I (rarely) drink I stick to wine or vodka soda - no beer or sugary mixers, and I only do if I am feeling completely well. Since your doctor says it's ok in moderation, it sounds like it's up to you to check in with how you're feeling and whether your body is up for it.