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Health issues from alcohol

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 345

Thanks hors controle, I'll definitely check out the "body for life" workout. I really need to get into resistant exercises for my bones. I have arthritis in both hands and began a basically gluten and dairy free diet about six months ago until I totally blew it during December. All the pain and stiffness had disappeared however recently began to resurface when I deviated from my "good" eating habits. I noticed when I consumed gluten products I experienced gastrointestinal upset and when consuming dairy, oddly enough, I experienced sinus problems along with a slight headache. I am a firm believer in a nutrient dense diet (mostly raw) to help your body repair damage to your cells. (Totally flies in the face considering my "past" drinking habits. ) Again, which is why I'm here. I am now on my 8th alcohol free day and already feel more energetic. Looks like I have no excuses not to get on with the weight training. Hey, if not now when lol.

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1009

Thanks for the post hors controle. I have arthritis in my knee and I'm just getting back at my workouts. I hadn't seen that one before and it looks good.

All the best,

Dave

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 557

I have heard about that gluten free diet for arthritis. Have not tried it yet. I have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since I am 14. I am almost 55 now. Sure the alcohol keeps the pain away but what really worked for me was to start doing weight training. I have been following the "body for life" workout for the last 15 years. I have adjusted it so I can do it only once per week for one hour and a quarter per week. My rheumatologist is so impressed with my condition, he has started to do weight training too. ;-) Pain is difficult. It makes me tired and weak and I know it.So KEEP ON TRAINING!! lol Happy New Year everybody M

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 345

I know this is very late but I've just joined. Through my research I've discovered that apparently many people with inflammatory conditions such as IBS have a gluten, sugar and/or dairy intolerance.You can test this out for yourself by avoiding dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt) and gluten products (all processed foods, most baked goods, most cereals) and sugar (all processed foods, even sugar free sweeteners) for two weeks. After two weeks reintroduce one item such as bread and only one item for two weeks to see if it has an adverse effect. Stop that item after two weeks and eliminate another item to see how you respond. Of course you need to stop drinking alcohol since it may contain the very items you should be avoiding such as gluten. This process will in no way hurt you and is recommended by physicians as a way to determine sensitivities. You can check it out online and by all means consult your doctor if you're concerned. Hope this helps and good luck.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

Thanks so much for the replies. I feel like I'm alone in this sometimes, and it's nice to get a reminder that I'm not alone.

@Cryptkeeper; It's great that you found the right treatment for your problems. I know It's not easy. I went through a lot of different meds over the last 7 years and never found the right fit for me. As for my desire to quit drinking that is a great question. At times my desire to quit is very strong, I've been to a 28 and a 21 day treatment centre in the last few years. Also many 12 step and AA meetings. I was in a support group for concurrent dissorders for about a year. When I'm sober my anxiety spikes and I notice pain more, and that usually sucks the desire to quit drinking right out of me.

@foxman; That is so true about exersize. I had a severe depression about 10 years ago and the only treatment I got was to force myself to get to the gym 4 or 5 times a week. After a few months I felt the best ever. Now I struggle just to get through 8 hours a day at work. I have a lot of exersize at work and come home dragging too tired to take the dog for a walk.

@Vincenza; Thankyou for the welcome. You are absoutely right, it is hard to say what the root of any of this is. I'm always trying to educate myself on what has been positive and negative on my health. I tried lots of different things. ie. chiropractic, accupuncture, naturalpathic doctor, massage, yoga, EFT, hypnotherapy, ect. I can say for sure that each of them had a positive effect for a short time, but then it seems to get lost. I think I improve to a point then reach a plateau where I get stuck. Then I just lose confidence and hope and give up. Could be a lack of motivation. Or too much stress. That is when the drinking starts again, and of course drinking makes things worse.

Sorry for such a long post, guess I needed to get these thoughts out. thanks again....rcguy

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1853

Hi rcguy,

First of all, welcome to the AHC. It is hard to say if alcohol is at the root of your health issues, but it can certainly exacerbate those conditions. There are many factors at play and I believe it is important to understand health from a wholistic approach. How much alcohol are you drinking? Does it affect your dietary habits? Lifestyle habits? Are you active? Have you tried abstaining from alcohol in the past? If so, how did you feel?

In order to truly address your health concerns, it is important to be open and honest with your health care practitioner. I would not give up on seeing a doctor, but perhaps seek alternative practitioners for a broader understanding of your health. They may be able to offer you options (in addition to cutting back or quitting drinking) that can help you feeling your best.

Vincenza, Health Educator

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

Can I still be his patient if I don't stop drinking? Should I just lie about my drinking to get some help with other problems? Will it matter to him if I stop drinking or is the damage permanent?

I can share one thing for sure, matters only get worse if you keep drinking. I had high cholesterol and high blood pressure, depression and I was able to overcome all of them when I put the drink down and sought a spiritual solution. Today I do not take an medication and I have lost about 30 pounds. I walk the dog twice a day and few minutes of Yoga. Hope you get honest with yourself and come out clean with your doctor. They can't help us if we keep continuing this abuse.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 154

Good morning rcguy,

I also have similar health challenges for which I take medication (i.e. depression and anxiety). I also have IBS.

I'm not a physician so I can offer no professional opinion, however, I know people personally who suffer from the medical conditions you describe below who are non-drinkers. If it wasn't alcohol that caused these conditions then "What was the cause?" So I do not agree with your doctor. Heavy alcohol consumption, however, will make these conditions worse.

Whether you should continue to see your doctor or another or none at all is a difficult question to answer. As you will note from other posts on this site, people who have recently quit drinking (including myself) are feeling a lot better mentally and physically as they progress into sobriety. Before answering the questions you ask in your last para below, you might want to examine your desire to quit or moderate your drinking. If it is (i.e. the desire) strong enough then you will find help here or here (www.12step.org/steps/the-12-steps/html) and/or through a doctor with whom you can develop a good rapport.

Wishing you success in whatever choice you make.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

Hi, this is my first post here and I can't resist asking about this subject. It has been on my mind for a year now.

For some background, I have some health problems (chronic depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, IBS, and arthritis) and some injuries such as tendonitis and herniated disks.

The last time I spoke with my GP, about a year ago, I told him I was drinking alot. His response really upset me. He said that all of my "health issues" were caused buy alcohol. At first I thought noway. The opposite was true. The health problems and physical pain caused me to medicate with alcohol. I was sure he was wrong. That he was just not willing to help me with my real problems.

Now after a year to think about it, without any treatment of any kind, I feel confused about the whole thing.

Was he right? Can I still be his patient if I don't stop drinking? Should I just lie about my drinking to get some help with other problems? Will it matter to him if I stop drinking or is the damage permanent? Should I just give up on seeing a doctor at all?

Thanks for any feedback or comments, take care ....rcguy

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Health issues from alcohol