Drinks

[Vonnieruth]

I'm trying to pluck up courage and go out to a work colleges leaving party next weekend Problem is what is the nicest none alcoholic drink I can get in a pub Worried I may kick if AF

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Vonnie, I usually just have a J20 as I know it won't kick off my AF. If having a meal out I just have still bottled water. I tell myself it'll help me be slim ................................one day!

Jean

[Vonnieruth in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jeanie It's a meal we are having It be first time I been out since diagnosed and it be first time I seen everyone from work in months I'm very werry about going to be honest

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Vonnieruth]

Try to have a drink that doesn't have lots of additives or preservatives. I know that artificial sweeteners will kick my AF off, so I totally avoid that. Also do your best not to over-eat, as for myself and lots of other forum members over-eating is a sure trigger. Enjoy your evening.

Jean

[djbgatekeeper]

Hiya, I'm always really cautious in pubs because of caffeine being in a lot of soft drinks. I just go for a bottle of Appletiser, or lime and soda... There's also non alco beers like Becks blue... Ahhh life in the fast lane 😏 main thing is to and have a good time, don't let the AF spoil your fun 👍

[CDreamer]

Always a difficult one for me - I like spicy drinks so Ginger Beer - there are alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Or just sparkling water, or Sparkling Elderflower is a favourite. I tend to stay away fro. J2O as too much sugar. We have local organic juices in most of the pubs here in Devon and they are lovely - a natural lemonade actually tastes of lemons - not sugar! Apple juice diluted with soda water or sparkling water.

Plain old lime juice topped with soda water?

[Vonnieruth in reply to CDreamer]

Was thinking of lime and soda Quiet fancy orange juice with a bitter lemon but would that be ok

[CDreamer in reply to Vonnieruth]

You won’t know until you try. I can’t drink anything with quinine in so tonic water is a no for me, anything with a lot of sugar - a fair amount in both orange juice and bitter lemon but a couple of drinks is not going to matter in the greater scheme of things.

Just avoid any ‘diet’ or ‘reduced sugar’ drinks as they will probably have artificial sweetners in which are worse than sugar - but only in my humble opinion.

Maybe you are overthinking this and just going to enjoy yourself & catch up with workmates is more important?

[Vonnieruth in reply to CDreamer]

Just don't want to spoil night having palpitations It's my first step in getting back out there and having confidence to return to work

[CDreamer in reply to Vonnieruth]

It’s tends to be a viscous circle though - you worry about it happening can become a self fulfilling prophecy - because of the anxiety.

[Vonnieruth in reply to CDreamer]

Right so just have a drink and see what happens

[Angie06 in reply to Vonnieruth]

I always used to have lime and soda but now prefer elderflower and soda or just sparkling water, most pubs have it as it's become very popular. Hope you enjoy your night out! 😀

[giada in reply to Angie06]

greatest idea yet

[jennydog]

Try lime & lemonade. They will be happy to serve non alcoholic drinks which give them a good profit margin.

[Vonnieruth]

Yer They cost the same if not more sometimes

[Hidden]

I often go for sparkling elderflower or better still in my opinion is elderflower cordial topped up with soda water and cucumber slices and ice. ( not many places are able to oblige with the latter though !)

[Vonnieruth]

Thank you Not sure if pubs where I live will have Elderflower but will ask

[concup in reply to Vonnieruth]

very much trial and error in my view. alcohol has got a bad rap in AF because a lot of people, including me got their first attack after a binge, known as holiday heart. After that I was always wary of drinking to much, preferring low alcohol beer, which certainly worked for me, as I never had an attack after drinking a few of these. Certainly did not miss the wasted day after a binge andI could not identify any others Afib triggers other than sleep apnoea and sleeping on my left hand side, however after many years I still progressed to persistent/permanent Afib, and it no longer bothers me, I can now eat, drink, sleep and do whatever I want, I just take my daily doses of apixaban and enjoy my life to the max.

[opal11uk]

I always go for a virgin cocktail.

[Vonnieruth in reply to opal11uk]

You can get that easily

[opal11uk in reply to Vonnieruth]

yes, in most places and some do cocktail of the day with a virgin equivalent other than that I drink apple juice or J20

[Vonnieruth in reply to opal11uk]

What's actually in the cocktail

[opal11uk in reply to Vonnieruth]

everything that is non alcoholic and including fruit juices, my favourites are a Bloody Mary, so that would be predominantly tomato juice with mint leaves, maybe cucumber same as a Pimms really or Pina Colada, which has pineapple juice and so on, they make them really nice, all jazzed up so you think your getting something special lol - a Mocktail

[Vonnieruth in reply to opal11uk]

So would I just ask for a mock tail lol I'm a vodka or JD person really Too scared to try now though

[opal11uk in reply to Vonnieruth]

A Virgin Cocktail or a Mocktail is how they are usually referred to and ingredients depend on the ingenuity of the barman lol so Vodka maybe tried a virgin Bloody Mary if you like tomato juice just tell the barman or waitress to advise you on what they have and what it contains, live dangerously and experiment lol x

[Vonnieruth in reply to opal11uk]

I always did before this AF lol

[opal11uk in reply to Vonnieruth]

well at least with these I never feel left out lol and its a bit different from just have coke or orange juice etc.etc., let me know how you get on x

[Vonnieruth in reply to opal11uk]

I will thanks for help x

[wildman]

Hi Vonnie I drink Lemon,lime and bitters.

[Vonnieruth]

Never had that one before Just want a drink I be safe with and not have to come home because of palpitations I'm nervous enough about going

[StuJ019]

I have found that as long as I take my medication I can have two glasses of wine or two pints of beer without any A F issues. I don’t drink anymore than that not because of triggering my AF but because of my warfarin as I have found any more than two drinks tends to send my INR on the high side. Moderation is the key word for me these days. Just be sensible and go and enjoy. Good luck.

[Vonnieruth in reply to StuJ019]

Thank you Will try to

[diannetrussell]

Hi Vonnieruth, maybe the drinks here in Australia are not same as where you are. I have found a non-alcoholic lemon-lime-and-bitters is nice if you want something other than water. But a pub itself would probably kick me off! Just the late night, the excited energy and tension of people, cigarette smoke if it's happening... I can't handle any of that any more, AF or no AF!

[Vonnieruth in reply to diannetrussell]

It will be the first time I have also So I'm anxious about going to be honest I have made arrangements with my neighbour and she offered to come pick me up if I need to come home earlier than my boss Who is suppose to be giving me a lift home about ten

[Staffsgirl]

Enjoy yourself ! Do your best to forget AF.

[Vonnieruth]

Thank you Going to try to

[Sarah57]

I drink lime (either fresh or a dash of cordial) with soda water and NO ICE,

Works for me as ,like someone said, I find bottled drinks carry too much sugar . Try not to worry and it will really do you good to have a bit of fun out with work mates and help to lift your "internal spirits!"

Sarah x

[Vonnieruth in reply to Sarah57]

Thanks Sarah Really hope it will Haven't seen them in months

[3killeens]

At the moment I am drinking alcohol free rose sparkling wine called the Bees Knees,it tastes better than most I have tried ,good luck enjoy your evening out!

[Vonnieruth in reply to 3killeens]

Thank you Haven't heard of that one before

[3killeens in reply to Vonnieruth]

We are babysitting our grandson this weekend and my daughter bought it for me ,I had never heard of it before either ,will have to ask her where she bought it from ,!

[PALady]

Dear Vonnieruth, please DO go, whatever you drink. It's al too easy to let AF take over. I remember those anxious days after diagnosis, but I also remember that two days after hospital admission/diagnosis/discharge with PAF I flew to Rhodes and had a great holiday. If you are in the UK, you need to stay well hydrated in this hot weather (AF or no AF) and non-alcoholic is best for that. If you don't like the first drink you try, have something different next time - no 'mixing your drinks' worries with non-alcoholic! If people ask why you're off alcohol, just use the weather as your explanation (not that you should need to explain). The bonus is that you'll have a clear head at the party and the morning after. Hope you have a great night out.

[Vonnieruth in reply to PALady]

Thank you I intend to really try to go Need to get control of my life again Plus I need to get back to work money is now low lol

[AllyAF]

In hot weather lime and soda with lots of ice.

[AllyAF]

I did say lime and soda but why not have a small white wine and soda. Not suggesting you should down the whole bottle but a little alcohol may relax you and help you enjoy the evening. I am lucky as my AF is under control and nothing seems to set it off. Have a great time and stop worrying and thinking about it.

[Vonnieruth]

I don't know if alcohol would set me off to be honest Haven't had any since before I was diagnosed

[Ianc2]

Hoe about a good old shandy - especially if it is hot?

[Vonnieruth]

Oh maybe I wilk

[Polski]

For the first time stick to something really safe - There are plenty of suggestions above. Your nervousness alone could cause you problems (because of the adrenaline it sends round the system).

It will be easier to be more adventurous next time, when you are more relaxed.

[Vonnieruth in reply to Polski]

Thanks Polski Lime and soda is looking good All I have drank since diagnosis is decaffe tea and coffee Plus Cordial with it being hot

[Janith]

Ginger ale with cardamom bitters.

[Vonnieruth]

Sounds nice

[Flyer2820]

Hi Vonnieruth

I drink larger shandy, but only a few, but also have you tried the none alcoholic koperburge, it is rather sweet and not particularly cheap but is really nice with ice. In fact I and others, can't tell the difference between the alcoholic and non-alcoholic koperburge. Go out and enjoy yourself, no-one bats an eyelid when someone only drinks soft drinks these days. Don't let af spoil your life, I don't.

Regards Flyer.

[Chico1954]

Anxiety and the social occasion will be enough excitement for your first outing. Have a few bottles of Erdinger Non- Alcohol in a frozen glass - it’s fantastic and you will feel ‘normal’ in your company. Stop worrying- you’ll be fine - and don’t weaken or give into the peer pressure of others or your own mind !!! Enjoy the occasion 👍🏻

[Vonnieruth in reply to Chico1954]

Thank you I will

[Vonnieruth]

I won't flyer Just werry now as I don't know if anything will trigger my AF

[colin772]

I tend to drink apple juice or appletiser. When I go out it is usually for a meal so I also drink loads of water as well.

[Vonnieruth in reply to colin772]

Do most pubs have that in I quiet fancy the sound of apple tiser

[colin772 in reply to Vonnieruth]

Yeah, usually no problem with Appletiser. It also hasn't got any preservatives in it either. Most pubs would have the option of another brand of apple juice if Appletiser wasn't available.

[Vonnieruth]

Thanks have to watch my work mates They know I usually enjoy my vodka or JD when out lol

[Hidden]

Red wine... A glass... I usually ask if they have a really good red wine by the glass. If not, then ask colleagues if they'd like to share a bottle of good red.... alternatively just have 1 glass of house....