Drinkie or two..?

[PV74]

I’m 8 weeks post 3x bypass, and wondering about others’ experience with alcohol post surgery. Some googling tells me basically because of the meds bisoprolo and ramipril) going forward I can have probably a small glass of wine or two, ora couple of beers.

I’m not a big drinker at all, but have never really had to limit myself to two drinks before, so wondering how others have found it or any tips! (Are there any good low alcohol wines?!)

[Blackcatsooty]

Dear PV

I find that i can have one or two modest drinks, say twice a week. Quite honestly, it makes me feel so under the weather that i really don't want much booze at all.

I have for many years had a break from all alcohol throughout Lent, which keeps booze under control.

I waited a full three months post op before having a single small glass of wine.

Best wishes

Colin

[PV74 in reply to Blackcatsooty]

Thanks Colin - it is interesting to hear your experience. I think I will try a small glass on the weekend and see how it goes!

[Thecyclist]

I've not had surgery so can't advise in that regard but in terms of alcohol and meds I can sympathise, I used to be an enjoy a few drinks , but had a BP crisis a couple of years ago and was put on several meds, inc Bisoprolol, Ramipril and Amlodipine. I stopped drinking for months but decided to have a few over the summer of that year. Consultant seemed to be fine about it.

I too struggled with only a couple of beers or the odd glass of wine, I never over indulged but I have had a glass or two more than I should and to be honest I knew about it, and my heart did as well, lots of ectopics, PVC's etc. Plus I felt dreadful the next day, no hangover but just felt awful. Alcohol and meds obviously don't mix well. So now I just end up having a couple of drinks on the weekend if I do drink. It's better than nothing (is what I think to myself)and just understand that those days are no more which to be honest is no bad thing, I probably had my fair share of drink in those times in any case. I think if done in moderation and sensibly then there is a place for it, just take it very easy and see how you feel.

My go to non alcoholic drink is Beck's Blue, tastes really nice and makes me feel like I am having a beer! Not had much non alcoholic wine though, any I have had tastes like Schloer , so I would prefer that to be honest.

[PV74 in reply to Thecyclist]

Very interesting, thank you! I occasionally drink alcohol free beer but this has got me thinking about the alcohol free wine - maybe i will experiment with some!

[Ianc2]

Tesco's extra have a Spanish red tempranillo. 0.5% . It is not the same but allows me to pretend... Adnams have a Ghost ship beer. As my old mum used to say "offer it up for your sins".

[PV74 in reply to Ianc2]

Thanks Ianc2 - will check out Tesco’s offering!

[Hidden]

Hi

Sympathies!

I love my wine but I haven’t had any for months now. It’s not because of medication as I’m not on that many.

Before the OHS I was feeling anxious and the wait for surgery was agonisingly long. When I had a glass or two of wine it used to make me feel a little down so I stopped.

Now I’m 5 weeks post op I do look longingly at my husband’s glass and wonder when I can indulge. I’ve given myself a date of when I’ve had my six week check with my Surgeon and he says everything is OK - I hope!

So, not long now. 🍷

In the meantime because I like Chardonnay, I have a glass of elderberry cordial in a wine glass with my meal. Make it weak and it tastes like wine if you have a good imagination! Also pre dinner drink was always a G&T and I love a Mojito. Robinsons make a Crushed Mint and Lime Cordial. Add tonic water to that with a slice and it’s a lovely drink. You won’t miss the alcohol- well, maybe a little bit😂

Don’t bother with alcohol free wine 🤢 Total waste of money!

Cheers for a great recovery 🥂

❤️Maisie❤️

[PV74 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much Maisie - it seems starting small and seeing how one feels might be the way to go! Not long to go indeed - enjoy it! 🍷

[shaunyw]

Well there may be other factors that come into play but as a long term user of bisoprolol and ramipril I can report that I have drunk significantly much more than a couple , particularly on holiday, without any noticeable effect. We are all different and react to drugs in different ways according to our conditions but I dont think there is a particular problem with those drugs, its more that drinking heavily on a regular basis raises your blood pressure.

[PV74 in reply to shaunyw]

Thanks shaunyw thats interesting. If I may ask what bisoprolol and ramipril doses are you on? Cheers

[gibbo66]

I had a couple of glasses of wine 3 weeks after my operation and was fine. Not been drunk in the last year mind. Still keeping to 3 drinks maximum.

[PV74 in reply to gibbo66]

Thanks gibbo66 interesting to know that!

[Wooodsie]

I had double bypass last September, I drink lager and wine regularly to no adverse affect. I keep my life as much the same as before the op. I have quit smoking though. I believe in enjoying life or what's the point 🤷‍♂️😊

[PV74 in reply to Wooodsie]

Thanks Woodsie - and well done in quitting smoking!

[-007-]

We are all different.

I had a quintuple bypass (CABG x 5) on Monday. I was home on Saturday evening and immediately had a steak and a nice glass of red wine. Loved it!

Now, almost two years later, I enjoy a G&t three nights a week and a glass or two of red wine on five nights (I try to have two dry nights a week).

On a special occasion I’ve had much more (but not drunk) and I’ve been fine.

But and it’s a big BUT... I’ve taken my blood pressure after I’ve had the drink and my BP is very good, as it is always. And I’m only on 1.25 mg dose of Bisoprolol and 80 mg Altrovastatin.

The cardio rehab team said that 14 units of alcohol spread over a week is ok.

I do drink a little more than that but not too much more, mostly lol.

================

My name is Bond, James Bond and I take my aspirin shaken not stirred 🍸

[PV74 in reply to -007-]

Thanks 007 - very interesting! I think I will budget a small glass of red this weekend and see how I feel).

PS your signature made me chuckle... I thought I wonder if you have a license to “Pill” 😆

[-007- in reply to PV74]

Hahahaha Licence to Pill. Love it. I’m stealing that 😂😂😂😂

[PV74]

Thanks for all your experiences and advice - think I will do some non alcoholic “booze” purchases in my next Tesco shop and see what they are like.

And try a small glass of wine or two this weekend and see how it makes me feel!

[Thanksnhs]

Hi my cardio team just told me to stick to the national alcohol guidelines, I think 14 units for a female, although I could be wrong, I was on bisoperol and entresto, ramipril before that and I never had a problem with a few glasses of wine, although I know it could affect different people in different ways char

[Battle2020]

My father-in-law had a triple and now enjoys a few ( occasionally ,quite a few ) drams and he is fine - he's now 82 yrs old and still enjoying his whisky.

Im on Diltiazem and was told by my cardiologist that alcohol is fine . All things in moderation of course .

We still have to enjoy life so why not give it a go and enjoy your wee drink

👍