COPD and booze.: I gave up whisky and... - Lung Conditions C...

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COPD and booze.

ffederbompou profile image
53 Replies

I gave up whisky and cigarette, both of which I really overused, last march 2016. After the first feelings of elation, this year my breathing has been getting worse, and the doctors cannot find an antibiotic to work. I am waiting for a hospital appointment at the end of the month. What I want to know is, will one medium glass of wine with my dinner exacerbate my symptoms, or do you think it will have no effect, except making me very happy at the end of the day. Your opinions please

Brian Higgins

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ffederbompou
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53 Replies
mrsmummy profile image
mrsmummy

I can't advise you to drink alcohol. I know nothing about you, your health conditions or what medication you take. What I can tell you is that I have COPD and I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine. :)

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to mrsmummy

Yes mrsmummy I to have a glass of wine sometimes more than one glass when I have night after night with no sleep, I used to make my own picking all my own berries growing some even, now I just buy a bottle when I have friends over or my daughters call I sometimes have something in to offer them I've made sure I'm not drinking anything when on antibiotics, but mind In between infections I've helped myself. It would be nice not to have to worry about it though. Well cheers anyway, here's to a hopefully good nights sleep, wishful thinking. Xx

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to Maureenclayton

Yes I tend to wait until I have a visitor before I indulge. Makes one feel less guilty.

Thankyou Maureen for that. Brian.

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to ffederbompou

All the very best Brian, please take care. Xx

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to mrsmummy

Thankyou, mrsmummy, I think as you do!

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to ffederbompou

as do so many !!!!

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL

Yes mrsmummy, I have to agree with her. I have COPD as well and have sometimes a glass of wine or a soft cocktail. But I would not recommend to drink alcohol while on medication.

Still Alcohol is not friendly to the body. While your mind may find its effects fun, your body does not. But I guess that sometimes it is ok when you feeling well. 🌼💐🌼💐

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to MELNEL

Good reply Melnel .

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL in reply to Maureenclayton

Um... don't make me blush 🤗🤗😁❣️❣️

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to MELNEL

Trouble is when I am on medication, and at my least receptive, and down, that is when a glass [no more] really helps

I am on meds and enjoy a drink. I find it ok.

Weeannie profile image
Weeannie

I’d say that 1 wee glass with dinner would do you no harm and in fact might do you some good. We can’t be 100% perfect life just wouldn’t be worth it. I have COPD and Asthma but I find a little of what I fancy always does me good, apart from a smoke I know it would most likely kill me x

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL in reply to Weeannie

You have absolutely right Weannie 😉

We still should enjoy life to have a part in it. 🌼🌼🌼

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic

I have had COPD for over 25 years now and feel fine having the occasional drink, use to have a small red wine with dinner every night at one stage with no effect. Unless you on taking medication where it advises no alcohol you should be fine.

2greys profile image
2greys

I try to live a normal life as much as I can. Quality of life is very important, you can actually feel quite well. A low quality of life brings a feeling of being unwell and depression sets in.

I go out for meal quite often and incorporate exercise into it by walking the 2.5 miles there and 2.5 miles back afterwards. Unless I am taking antibiotics I will have a couple of pints as well. Obviously with winter approaching, those visits will become less frequent.

If having a drink is part of having an enjoying time then as long as your medication allows, it can be a good thing, in moderation. Remember that it can dehydrate you too, so best not too late in the evening, to allow time to still drink some water before retiring, or you will regret it the next morning.

Your mental health is an important part of well being, alongside physical health. Living a normal life is part of good mental health and promotes a positive mental attitude.

Cheers!

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL in reply to 2greys

Oh I love you answer 2 Grey's ❣️

That's all what it should be to be and to do what you like, maybe not as extreme, but to enjoy company and entertainment to keep yourself busy as well needed. To stay positive, can really help a lot to pull yourself through a bad day. But it must be very hard if you are alone and cannot leave the house....this is the very sad part. And it breaks my heart to know that someone somewhere is alone and depressed, nothing positive to look forward to.

I hope that person is able to be a part and find it to this website!!

All blessed be 🌹🌹🌹🌹

2greys profile image
2greys in reply to MELNEL

"But it must be very hard if you are alone and cannot leave the house....this is the very sad part." I have to agree 100%. I have vowed that I will never be that person. Even when/if I have to use supplementary O2 I will still go out and about, enjoying life as much as possible.

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL in reply to 2greys

Yes I believe I would be the same, I love life and it try the best I can to manage how I want to live it.

I still cope well with it, I believe, never been in hospital. But I know I really need to stop smoking 🤐

And try my best to get it done that is my goal to start new year smoke free, to breathe claener air. 🌼🌼🌼

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to MELNEL

Oh you can do it Mel, I can tell you have the willpower and lots of support here, wishing you lots of luck with that, xx

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL in reply to Maureenclayton

Oh so lovely to say that honey pie ❣️🤗❣️🤗💃💃💃

Dmactds profile image
Dmactds

I, like you, did more than my share of supporting the spirituous liquid and tobacco industries for many years. When I finally stopped both vices after my pulmonary collapse a bit over 5 years ago, I was relieved that all traces of both substances were out of my system after a week long induced coma.

Not long after my eyes opened, my thought was "Good, now let's start over again". Haven't touched tobacco or liquor of any kind since then and don't miss either or feel 'deprived' in the least. Being completely sober and smoke free is such a relief and I'm finding fresh new ways of dealing with any 'stressers' that may arise.

It's just another, 'different' way of dealing with things.

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to Dmactds

Yes that is my experience. But I do, alas, miss the wine, at the end of a day. It sort of makes one feel better. But I cannot agree enough that no cigs, no whisky, makes one feel as though for the rest of my life I have hidden behind a fog of drugs, and its really good that I can now face the world as me, rather than druggie Brian. It is a different way, but it is a better way, no doubt. Thankyou for your note, very helpful, very reassuring. Brian

Dmactds profile image
Dmactds in reply to ffederbompou

ffederbompou, at 5 years dry and smokeless, I'm still getting used to it and discovering new ways of solving problems and 'going with the flow'.

It's a gas.

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to Dmactds

Good for you, well done. Xx

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to Dmactds

Well it must be working for you, cos your telling us all about it, keep up the good work. Let us know about the flow you are going on next lol, xxx take care.

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to ffederbompou

I'm sure you weren't druggie Brian, but someone who needed a different direction in life and look what you did, you took it, well done. Xx

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to Dmactds

Well done you, I'm

Pleased you have found other things to take the place of both? Keep up the good work. X

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to Dmactds

I think that you are marvellous to have made such a huge change in your life like you have, and I'm pleased you've found other things in your life to take there place. You have probably added a few more years to your life by making these changes. I wish you all the best.

Dmactds profile image
Dmactds in reply to Maureenclayton

Thanks Maureen, I had my pulmonary collapse in August of '12, exactly when my father died in 1977, a couple of weeks before Elvis 'left the building'. Also, I was the same age as he, 69; he had been a 'substance abuser' all his life and when he finally figured a couple of things out about his behaviour, it was too late. First one leg , then another was taken off because of diabetes; and of course his lungs were shot from smoking. It was all a very frightening prospect as you can imagine and not one I wanted any part of; however, all of this didn't occur to me for several months to a year after the collapse.

Initially, I simply wanted to stop doing 'what I'd always done'; I'd already stopped 'puffing away' a few years earlier so now it was 'Alky Halls' time. From the moment I opened my eyes from that induced coma til now, whenever I have the slightest tinge of desire for the weed or a sip, that image of my once big and strong Dad lying legless and with only skin and bones from weight loss is enough to derail any thought of it.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Catnip profile image
Catnip

When I was in my respiratory unit, recovering from a very nasty infection last Christmas, I moaned about not being able to have a glass of wine at night. The Matron said, "Then have a glass, you dope! It'll do you the world of good."

It did :)

Catnip

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to Catnip

hey ho, nurses know best!!!! Thankyou Catnip

Nottobad profile image
Nottobad

I have arthritis as well as copd and can't drink alcohol. Due to medication I take for the arthritis .

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to Nottobad

Thankyou that is very interesting. I have incipient arthritis. I take nothing for it, but my knees are slowly getting worse. A couple of years, and I might be struggling, we don't know, but thankyou for your comment

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL in reply to Nottobad

Hi nottbad 😉 I had a couple of times a very nice glass of alcohol free wine. There are actually quite nice and you don't taste the difference. I always get them t Xmas or my birthday, my honey get them online, even he likes it.

😉❣️❣️

Nottobad profile image
Nottobad in reply to MELNEL

I never tried non alcoholic wine. But do have mochcotails when having a meal in a restaurant .

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to MELNEL

Must admit I didn't like it but I have tried it and taken it to friends parties when I've had to drive, better to be safe, but still prefer wine even with quite a lot of lemonade in it. It's the taste thing I suppose. My hubby doesn't drink at all but doesn't mind me having a glass when I feel like it. Again not when I'm on antibiotics etc, I think it stops them from working properly. X

MELNEL profile image
MELNEL

Yeah there is quite a big rage to make them, because you don't get all the supper tasty once LOL 🤗🌼🤗 Oh I really like the Margarita Mocktails there are soooooo yummy. Had some last Sunday those things I always have at home ❣️❣️

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton in reply to MELNEL

Il have to try those next then lol. X

skischool profile image
skischool

They say an English mans home is his castle ,mine is more like a blooming Bodega or brewery.I think that moderation is the key word as is everything in life,enjoy your little tipple.................skis and a very sober cat xx

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to skischool

You must be very strong to only have a little "tipple" in a bodega! Does your cat keep you under control! Thank you for you witty e-mail. Brian

Joy123 profile image
Joy123

I don't think it'll have any effect - enjoy!

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou

thankyou joy 123, I will!

Brian

Maureenclayton profile image
Maureenclayton

Dmactds Sorry it's taking me so long to reply to you today, I'm am a bit out of fettle as we call it here. Been to hospital yesterday to see specialist and I'm not a lot further forward yet, had x Ray showed something on right lung, don't think it's much to worry about though, just sick of all the chest infections, anyhow enough of me what about you, I am reading through what you have wrote and can hardly believe what has been happening in your life. Not only your life but your poor dads too, you know we all make mistakes and like you say your dad realised to late, the reality of things are though that we just keep on making them not always the same ones but we always find something else we do wrong, it's just us humans we can't help ourselves. None of us are perfect. Your dad has probably had his own reasons why he was the way he was and I'm positive he would have had a loads of good qualities that you will also remember, Please don't dwell on those horrible images for ever I'm sure that he wouldn't have wanted that. I hope that life hasn't been to hard for you and by the sounds of it your very strong willed and making the most of what you have got, That's fantastic. Keep on trucking and be yourself. Xx

younginmind profile image
younginmind

As my lovely Mum used to say 'they can extend your life, but you don't have the quality of life' - so I believe in enjoying every day - we are all here for so long - no-one can tell - so enjoy your glass of wine, I do! You never know what may happen tomorrow, so make the best of today & enjoy!

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to younginmind

How lovely! My Mum lived to 96, and her last years were awful with the worst form of COPD you can imagine, but she was also very positive, determined never to give in. I Looked after her for ages, and her grit lives with me still. She always made "The best of the Day" even in the worst of times.

Brian Higgins

I am on Meds, I enjoy a pint and a glass or two of sherry with dinner. My Meds are all in the morning so does not seem to be a problem. I gave up everything else last year so I will carry on with that but not excessively.

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to

I think that is the general opinion. So thankyou for that, Brian Higgins

winebuff profile image
winebuff

I strongly suggest that you read , The Good News About Booze by Tony Edwards, it attempts and succeeds I think in debunking some of the stories you read of this damage alcohol can cause. In excess of course it does.

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to winebuff

Thanyou,I will. I will never drink "in excess", but a glass of wine to look forward to a dinner is a special pleasure. Brian Higgins

music profile image
music

Hi, i have a small half glass of wine or 3 most evenings before a meal and sometimes might have a few beers if i feel really good and seem ok, but do take a few bottles of water with me when i go to bed

ffederbompou profile image
ffederbompou in reply to music

Seems a lot to me! I always have water at my bedside if a coughing attack hits. But thankyou for the comment Brian Higgins

music profile image
music in reply to ffederbompou

Hi and yes think your right but that is only sometimes 3 small half glasses which could mean not even one large glass and maybe a beer has well but again not all the time.

The trouble with me is booze and tobacco have always gone together in my life, and it was so hard enough to give up the smoking but i had to.

but do still enjoy a glass of wine of an evening or the odd beer.

not saying you should do that because everyone is differant with this nasty COPD

With me i think that giving up the smokes and trying to keep has active has i can..walkng...swimming helps.

Good luck

Best wishes

Music

alinemh profile image
alinemh

I can only drink New zealand wine as I find the sulphites have an aggravating effect on the asthma which in turn affects the copd. Although nz wine has sulfites it's in much smaller amounts than say californian. I do find most other wines bad for me and can't have too much.

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