Wine with meals

[Stew64]

Is a glass of wine still ok with a meal... I'm awaiting CLL confirmation

[MistyMountainHop]

A glass of wine (lady petrol) is fine.

I hope your diagnosis is not CLL positive.

The best of luck.

[Horatio2]

my doctor told me a glass of wine is perfectly fine.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Stew64,

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We have had that discussion 112 times in the past- see healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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I suspect that your doctor would advise that any alcohol puts a little more load / effort on your liver and as long as your regular blood tests are in normal range and you are not starting treatment with a drug that adds significant work to your liver, it should be OK.

Remember "All things in moderation"

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If you have your recent blood results, look for values like these: mayoclinic.org/tests-proced....

Liver function tests check the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. Levels that are higher or lower than normal can indicate liver problems. Some common liver function tests include:

Alanine transaminase (ALT). ALT is an enzyme found in the liver that helps convert proteins into energy for the liver cells. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream and levels increase.

Aspartate transaminase (AST). AST is an enzyme that helps metabolize amino acids. Like ALT, AST is normally present in blood at low levels. An increase in AST levels may indicate liver damage, disease or muscle damage.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bone and is important for breaking down proteins. Higher-than-normal levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease, such as a blocked bile duct, or certain bone diseases.

Albumin and total protein. Albumin is one of several proteins made in the liver. Your body needs these proteins to fight infections and to perform other functions. Lower-than-normal levels of albumin and total protein may indicate liver damage or disease.

Bilirubin. Bilirubin is a substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in stool. Elevated levels of bilirubin (jaundice) might indicate liver damage or disease or certain types of anemia.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). GGT is an enzyme in the blood. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate liver or bile duct damage.

L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD). LD is an enzyme found in the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage but can be elevated in many other disorders.

Prothrombin time (PT). PT is the time it takes your blood to clot. Increased PT may indicate liver damage but can also be elevated if you're taking certain blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin.

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Len

[SofiaDeo]

If it helps calm your nerves, go for it, unless you are on another medication that contraindicates it.

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Hey Stew!

I asked that question of my Haem Team at the same moment in my journey.

Mandatory was the reply! LoL

Nevertheless know restraint. Len - above has listed the science - time to get the body into best shape.

Jig

[CycleWonder]

I enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner until my platelet count began to head south. At that point, I read that alcohol interferes with platelet production so I stopped the wine. I now enjoy wine vicariously if others have some!

[thb4747]

I was diagnosed in 2001. I’ve had a glass (or two) of wine with dinner almost every night since! Enjoy.

[morepork in reply to thb4747]

I raise you a good Kiwi Pinot Noir. Kia ora.😊

[thb4747 in reply to morepork]

Thanks. I had a glass of Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir from Central Otago with tonight’s dinner. 🍷 All the best to you.

[Stew64 in reply to thb4747]

Cheers the thought of never having a beer after golf or in the evening is pretty depressing

[SofiaDeo in reply to Stew64]

Alcohol can be an immune suppressant. So one doesn't want to do "frat party" drinking. But as part of a social ritual, to unwind/relax, sleep easier, most people aren't going to be adversely affected by a modicum. Similar to how dark chocolate has health benefits, but if one gorges on it then it becomes unhealthy.

[thb4747]

Life goes on! 🍷

[sportage21]

I certainly hope it is because I have a glass everyday with my evening meal. I've not seen anything that indicates otherwise.

[zaax]

wine is fine but whiskey's quicker

[sweatbee]

When diagnosed 3 years ago my original oncologist/hematologist told me a glass in the evening was fine. My second opinion hematologist also agreed. Later I asked my current CLL specialist, and he also agreed it was OK.

Over time I have changed my lifestyle and I only occasionally now drink wine.

[SofiaDeo]

I love wine, but generally don't drink At All during treatment except rarely. Just my preference, I tend to have some stomach issues. When I am not taking multiple meds (it's not just my CLL meds, it's also any antiviral, etc. ) I can enjoy it more.

Hope your appointment today helps calm you somewhat. "Not knowing" is difficult.