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Post Viral Fatigue and Alcohol

Posted , 7 users are following.

joanne71205
joanne71205

Hi, I was diagnosed with PVF about 3 months ago following Labarynthitis. I realise PVF is probably slightly different to when you have been ill for over 6 months and diagnosed with CFS, however, both are categorised together on the NHS website. I have read on numerous websites that people with CFS & PVF are often alcohol intolerant and even the smallest amount can set people back significantly. I was just wondering if people have any personal experience of this? I have felt well enough, on occasion, in the last two weeks to have a glass of wine but I am too fearful of a setback to try. Thanks in advance! 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • seidman
    seidman joanne71205

    Posted

    I got bad Hepatitis then CFS.  Some docs advise me to be tee-total, others that I could have a little now and then.  I've  not missed it!  I've discovered tap water!
  • Fidd
    Fidd joanne71205

    Posted

    I've found that alcohol is bad, and this seems common within CFS, but not universal. tbh, there's so little good research and evidence in this area that I think people are often best just seeing what works best for them rather than taking the advice of others.
  • jackie00198
    jackie00198 joanne71205

    Posted

    I think it's a very bad idea to drink alcohol when you have this illness. And labels like PVF and CFS are very fluid. I was diagnosed with CFS, which my doctor also called PVF, after only about 2 months. You are wise to be too fearful of a setback to try wine. Since you are newly diagnosed, you're in a time frame where you have a good chance of recovery. It's important to do everything you can to maximize this chance. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, get plenty of rest, and pace yourself.
  • artistmike
    artistmike joanne71205

    Posted

    My doctor usually refers to my ME as PVF and I've had it for fifiteen years now. There was a time I used to have a little alcohol but realised that I was always a little better without it and with ME or PVF, any little improvement is more than welcome and can make a lot of difference over time.

    My advice would be to stop it until you're very sure that you're well again, and I hop sincerely that you are soon.. :-)

  • Beverley_01
    Beverley_01 joanne71205

    Posted

    Hi Joanne,

    Controversially, I feel better (at the time) for having a drink but feel the same amount of "hungover" with or without a drink, often worse without? A friend with cfs/me however felt much worse after drinking a glass of wine and occasionally has tried it to see how they feel after.

    Someone else in this discussion says give it a little time to see about recovery first? And someone else states-see what works for you.

    I have cfs/me and not pvf so we may differ,

    I will add however that I have had recurring labyrinthitis in the past and that the balance and dizziness were seriously heightened and I stopped drinking then.

    Hope that things settle for you soon.

  • joanne71205
    joanne71205

    Posted

    Thanks everyone, all useful info. I think I will wait until I am feeling a little more improve, and have no upcoming events to risk missing, before I try it. Thanks again. 
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