Alcohol & Osteoporosis

Posted , 6 users are following.

I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis at 27 years old. My numbers were actually in the mild osteopenia range, but I have stress fractures so the endocrinologist said that it's clinically considered as osteoporosis. 

The doctor told me to limit myself to 1 alcoholic drink a day, which is fine. However, I have friends coming over in the near future to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I don't need to drink more than one drink, but I would prefer to have 2 or maybe 3. If I don't drink at all that week, would it be OK for me to have a little more on that one day? After all, 3 drinks isn't considered a binge. But I don't want to do anything that'll hurt my body. Just thought I'd ask!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Kristin

    Personally I  would really think it's really  important to go with what your doctor has told you  and stick to the one drink a day . Its clearly been said for a reason so I would be in your best intersts to go with it .Enjoy St Patrick's day on the 17th as I'm sure you will with your one drinkbiggrin

    • Posted

      I agree Nat. Hi Kristin. Your Doc has given this instruction for a reason. I am not clinically trained, but I do work with ppl who have osteoporosis and who are no longer able to mobilise because of stress fractures. Don't do anything to exacerbate this disease as you won't be able to turn the clock back. I realise you are young and quite rightly want to enjoy yourself, but is it worth it?

      Sorry hon x

      Have you looked at any forum discussions regarding osteoporosis? You might get a more comprehensive answer. Just a thought

      Regards

  • Posted

    i am glad you care enough about your body to post your concerns. my old way of thinking would have been the same as yours...i would skip a few days and then indulge more than usual for that special occasion. but it's really not the right thing to do. you could ask your doctor to see if it's okay...or just stick to that "one". even if he hasn't explained it to you completely, i'm sure he has a good reason for saying that only one a day should be your limit. besides if you're like me, that 2 to 3 could probably turn into 5 or 6 or god only knows...but regardless whatever you do, enjoy your friends and the holiday!

  • Posted

    I will go against the other answers and I am probably the only that has had a long stint in hospital due to alcohol. If you go a couple of days without alcohol, I can see no reason why you can then not have three drinks when your friends visit.

    Alcohol is a long term problem, a couple of extra drinks on one day is not a problem. The problem is when that becomes extra drinks every day.

    • Posted

      Hear what you are saying RH from an alcohol perspective. However, I do know there are contraindications with osteoporosis and alcohol. I believe Kristin has asked her question on the wrong forum.

      I don't believe that Kristin will have problems with alcohol itself, but she needs to know what will happen if she has more alcohol than advised with her condition. Kristin should go back to her GP or go to a forum for osteoporosis for further information

      Regards

      JA

    • Posted

      I'm coming from the angle, that her GP, has said a glass of wine a day is fine. If she were not to have a glass of wine on Monday and Tuesday, but have two or three on Wednesday, I cannot see a problem.Osteoporosis is not one of those issues that sneaks up on us or is that critical or sensitive. I'm sure the GP meant long term, cut the alcohol down to one drink a day.

      The OP has already posted in the osteoporosis forum.

    • Posted

      Not just the condition, contraindications with some meds. If her GP is advising no, why is she not heeding it?

      I am not going to endorse this. On this occasion I am going to agree to disagree with you RH x

    • Posted

      Hi JulieAnne,

      You're right, alcohol does interfere with some drugs that treat osteoporosis. I am not, however, taking any drugs for my osteoporosis, only vitamins/supplements. The doctor's statement had more to do with the medical community's definition of alcohol in moderation, as excessive alcohol intake is linked to leeching of calcium from the bones.

      Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on this subject. I know I could call my doctor about it, but I feel a little silly calling my endocrinologist's office to see if I can "party with my friends" as it were. I reposted this on the osteoporosis forum and everyone there did seem to think once in a rare while is not a problem as long as I don't overdo it.

    • Posted

      Hi Kristin

      Glad to know you've got your head screwed on. I am sorry to hear you have this condition at such a young age.

      Paartay!

      Regards

      JulieAnne

  • Posted

    I agree with RHGB on this one kristin..it doesn't seem that you have an alcohol "problem" you just have this little delima right now about your friends visiting and you letting loose.

    Most Drs are going to tell you what is BEST for your condition. My thought process is as long as you are not doing this every week...wanting to have more than 1 drink a day...than you will be fine.  Your body is not going to be counting the number of drinks that you have...

    I would enjoy the time with my friends..have as many drinks as you want and then just stick to not consuming alcohol as much as possible if it is known to exasperate your symptoms.

     

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