Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Squeemom2 10/22/2012

Good morning and happy Monday!

Ok, first and foremost, I'm not an alcoholic. I don't abuse alcohol. But....I do like to have a drink (or a few drinks or more than a few drinks) 3-4 times a month with my friends or husband. If I'm not in an exacerbation, is there any reason not to drink with MS other than personal preference? I don't have any real residual problems yet. I've made it out of this particular exacerbation with almost everything intact. The fatigue is still getting me but that is nothing new. My left foot is still tingling if I do too much and if I get real crazy it starts to creep up my leg. But I feel relatively good.

What are your opinions on drinking and how do you handle it or not handle it?

STEVP 10/22/2012

I never had any problems for years drinking with my friends or having a few while BBQ'ing. I think it helps keep a person sane sometimes.

We finished our outside work last night and I had 3 beers while we enjoyed the great weather that we are having. Of course I had to use the facilities 72 times, but that was okay. ;)

deleted_user 10/22/2012

I only have a few drinks with friends a few times a month- mostly over dinner with my husband and it's wine so I may not be able to give the best advice since I don't "go out" much anymore and drink it up with GFs ... I never have more than 3 glasses of wine and that's pushing it these days... hits me much harder but probably from the meds I'm on. I think it affects everyone differently just like this disease does us. Some say, NEVER drink with MS--- whatever !!! It's gonna depend on how it makes you feel and you will figure out soon enough. Just don't overdo it, LOL.

bleedinblue 10/22/2012

I dont drink much much but when I do my symptons seem better. Its my legs and balance so a few does not affect that much. But like Steve said may have to visit restroom more. Dont overdo it you deserve to have a good time.

Squeemom2 10/22/2012

Thanks for the two cents everyone! The Friday before my most recent (and TERRIBLE) exacerbation I was really tired so I stayed home but then I went out on Saturday and had a few drinks and stayed out until bar close. I know from looking back at how I was feeling that my body was already on the track to wherever it was going but now I can't help but link the drinking with the exacerbation. I'm sure this incorrect association will fade with time and the next time I'm feeling so run down I'll take a weekend to rest instead of partying.

Tallie86 10/22/2012

I used to struggle with alcohol, Ok not just struggle but I had a problem. I can say that now. I spent every day for well over a year drunk, this was many years back now. (please don't judge me for that) I can honestly say that I regret that time of my life.

I do find that drinking make me feel worse now as the numbness for obvious reasons increases to a point I can't take it and even though I only have 3 beers max if I go out, the next day I feel unable to do anything. My body just decides it hates me for a few days. I really do just try and avoid drinking altogether now. I need to focus on my health more, also I don't trust myself some times.

wisconsinteacher 10/22/2012

My balance goes even with a little bit of alcohol. So I am fine just sitting at home, but certainly not up doing an activity. If out, I am sure to have a hand to hold just to be extra cautious. I used to be an athletic person with good coordination, so I can manage, but wouldn't promote others do this.

deleted_user 10/22/2012

if I have any alcohol at all my symptoms get so much worse

Squeemom2 10/22/2012

I've had a couple drinks a couple of times recently but I haven't gone past 2 and I've been spacing them out at 1 an hour. It's not because I felt bad but because I'm just worried about what it will do. Then again, although I'm fairly certain (like 99.999999%) that I have MS, I still do not have a definitive diagnosis and maybe the alcohol did contribute in some way???? I don't know. I guess I'll just do what feels right and if it makes me feel bad, I'll stop.

deleted_user 10/22/2012

Wish I liked alcohol and coffee,,,,,

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