Alcohol

[fluffiebunnie]

I have not been diagnosed but have symptoms that are being tested.  It all started only a couple of months ago and at present I have had constant swollen salivary glands, dry mouth, eyes and nose... after the initial flare up the fatigue and pains seem to have diminished but I am left with what I have mentioned above.

Now I am not a big drinker.. only occasional .. but with Xmas approaching and the office party coming.. I wondered what your thoughts would be on alcohol?   I am on no meds at present and my condition seems stable... my concern is that alcohol might flare up my glands again.. which I am scared of because of the pain and what I look like (they are still hard and raised but not hurting).

What would you do?  Do you drink with no problems or do you avoid?

[Pooh]

I'm allergic to alcohol so it's a no brainer for me.  I avoid it at all times. 

If you aren't on any meds I would think it wouldn't to have a drink or two.  If you are really concerned, then ask your doctor to be sure. 

Just have a happy holiday and don't make yourself sick. (Have a Pina Colada for me, please)

Pooh

[Chico]

Fluffy,

I too am allergic to alcohol so it's not an issue here. But imagine I'd approach it the way I do my only cup of coffee (both are triggers) each day. Drink with lots of water. sip slowly, give myself points when I don't finish it all and enjoy.

Chico

[fluffiebunnie]

Is it a coincidence you both are allergic to alcohol and have SJS? I am a bit allergic I think - I get hayfever symptoms when I drink.... bunged up nose, sneezing etc? 


Are allergies connected to SJS as I am quite an allergic person?

[tsharrard]

I dont think am am allergic to alcohol, but over the last year if I drink a glass of wine my face turns beat red, hot and my ears also turn red, it doesnt matter if it is red or white wine. If I drink a glass of beer it will also do the same thing. i love a glass of wine but I dont know what this reaction is. anyone have a similar reaction?

[Katybarstool]

I love whisky and regularly have a drink or two . I have never been a beer drinker but used to occasionally have a glass of wine, but for the past few years I have been really sick whenever I have had any wine, so now I just stick to the whisky.

Kathyx

[Maria3667]

Hi Fluffy,

The alcohol itself will probably not cause a flare.
But for many people with Sjogren's, alcohol aggravates the dry mouth.

Whenever I have a glass of wine, I have to accompany it with some (sugarfree) chewing gum to keep the saliva going. It's not a tasty combination...  but it's better than nothing.

Best wishes,
Maria

[Chana M]

I get the red face thing too, usually with the single glass of white wine I drink if we're with company. 

I have the occasional beer or shandy, mostly while watching a football/soccer match on TV.  Not sure I get a red face then, or if I do it's only if 'my' team (Spurs) are doing badly!  Which was all the time until the past month or so.

Is the red face thing a sign of an allergy or sudden dehydration?  Since starting a cocktail of meds a few months ago I haven't drunk any alcohol at all. 

Chana x

[jazzcat82]

I have a beer about once a month or so and I get tipsy easy cuz I had bariatric surgery..I am on meds and I have that when I drink, I actually feel pretty good..Almost like "The old me" sooo I would just say..dont over do it and let someone else drive..

[SeaBreeze]

I get the red-face too. I've been told its the sulfytes in the wine.  I stay away from wine and most alcohol because of all the meds I take... If I do have something, its a splash of scotch and tons of ice...

[clementine]

I say have a couple...if you can stop at a couple.  I am not one that likes to stop, so it's best for me to not do it...unless I have
my husband close by to babysit.  I used to go out and drink all the time but the last few years I never get to.  I don't know if I am allergic or if it definitely doesn't mix with the meds, but I usually regret having wine.  Surely just a couple aren't going to do harm.
EAT FOOD!

Have fun.
Clem

[Bonnie]

If I am having a drink now, I treat myself to a nice cocktail, and limit myself to one or two then change to cranberry juice, I just ask to get it in a nice glass.  I have never been a big drinker, but have always had a red flush on my neck when drinking red wine. 

[wen.uk]

Hi there

I enjoy the occasional drink - just love Champagne - but can't drink as much as I used to as it really seems to increase the brainfog tenfold plus it can make me feel pretty lousy the morning after too, even if I've only had 3 glasses.  So I stick to my limit and enjoy it.  A little of what you fancy does you good!!!

[JannaLee]

I think it's okay, but I usually wake up with a real sore tongue the day after because of the drying effects of alcohol.

If you'd like a cocktail it's okay by me!

Happy Holidays, honey!
Janna

[Patze]

Now a days, I don't drink much - maybe a beer or two a year (or a shot or two) - yeah, I know, boring!   I also turn beet red from head to toe, and the old heart starts speeds up a lot, so I guess the old drinking days are pretty much over for me.  


Patze