GERD and Alcohol

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi,

 

After having GERD problems for a few months now I haven't touched any alcohol.  However, I now have a few occasions coming up where I wouldn't mind trying a bit of alcohol but I am a bit sacred! So, just thought I would ask what do people find helps and have that doesn't seem to cause too much trouble with acid reflux? Thanks!

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Amanda

    I, like you have not had a drink for a couple of years. Got a bit fed up over Christmas/New Year and decided to have a couple of drinks on a few occasions. It didn't affect me at all in making he reflux worse (just made me forget about it for a bit smile )

    I should think you will be fine as long as long as it is only in moderation

    • Posted

      Hi moonbuggy & Amanda,

      I treat myself once a week to a pale ale which makes me feel normal for just a little while before the whole miserable things starts all over again! I have a hospital appointment tomorrow with a gastro doctor really hoping he can help as I am at my wits end.

      Best wishes,

      Lynne

       

    • Posted

      Hi,

      Many thanks for the reply.  That has given me some confidence.  I am young and single and would'nt mind the odd drink I obvsiously won't be going out all the time drinking like I used too but the odd drink on occasions would be nice.  I can only try it and see how I get on.  The forgetting bit sounds good ha, ha!  I am still trying to get some solid foods down me as I have been mainly on liquids with a lumpy throat feeling but have had the all clear after having a gastroscopy a few weeks ago once I have some food down I will give it a try.  Do you find any foods which are best to avoid?  Or is it just a case of trial and errore for everyone?

      Many thanks,

      Amanda x

    • Posted

      Hi Lynne,

      Thanks for replying.  Does the pale ale make you worse afterwards?  I have been having probs anyway whilst on a liquid only diet so once I am eating a bit better I will try a bit of alcohol to feel normal again too!  I have had the all cear after a gastroscopy but am still under my gastro dr until I am feeling better which is good.  What are you having problems with?  Mine has been no heartburn but just a lumpy feeling in my throat which puts me of eaing solid foods!

      Thanks,

      Amanda x

       

    • Posted

      Hi Amanda,

      I have been unwell for the past 18 months chest pain/heartburn/back pain everyday. Doesn't seem to make any difference what I eat within 2 hours I feel awful. My story is a long one ...... I have had umpteen tests including 3 gastroscopies and nothing significant has been found, but I still struggle everyday. Really sick and tired of it all. Hoping for a miracle when I see the specialist this afternoon!

      Don't think the pale ale makes me feel worse - makes me feel better for just a little time.

      Hope you are feeling better soon.

      Best wishes,

      Lynne

    • Posted

      Hi Lynne,

      Aww poor you, mine has been about 3 months so I shouldn't complain too much as I know people are worse off like you.  It is just a pain with not being able to eat properly!  I am glad that my gastro dr hasn't written me off just yet until I am feeling better he said that there are two more tests that I can have done, a Barium Swallow and the PH testing - have you had any of these done.  Its strange when the Gastroscopies are coming back clear but we still have problems, although it is good that they are clear as things could be worse.  I am sorry that you are suffering so much. I hope that the specialist can help out out.  Please let me know how it goes and keep in touch.

      Take care,

      Amanda.

       

    • Posted

      Hi Amanda,

      Thank you for your kind words.

      Yes I have had Barium Swallow and PH test both test were normal although I am not convinced I had been off medication long enough to give an accurate result of the PH test - I am going to discuss this this afternoon - I have waited 6 months for this appointment and so I have written everything down to make sure I remember to say everything!

      Is is reassuring that nothing significant has been found but I know something is wrong - just want to feel well again so I keep on punching!

      I hope things get sorted for you soon.

      Best wishes,

      Lynne

    • Posted

      Hi Lynne,

      How did you find the two tests, the swallow and the PH test - did you find that difficult having the tube down your nose for 24 hours, that is what puts me off having that done, its hard to believe that was normal with you having so many problems, that is what worries me with all these tests and everything is clear but why are we having problems then!  It is a good idea to write everything down as you can never remember everything once you get talking to them. You are right to keep on until you feel better! I hope that it does well this afternoon.  Good luck and let me know how you get on.

      Best wishes,

      Amanda.

       

    • Posted

      Hi Amanda,

      The barium swallow was fine, you have to swallow a chalky liquid. The PH test was uncomfortable but sometimes needs must.  

      This afternoon...... The consultant I should have seen wasn't there the doctor I did see knew nothing about me so although he offered reassurance I have to wait 6-8 weeks for another appointment.  Still taking it all in at the moment........ and on it goes!

      Thank you for listening and I do hope things get better for you soon.

      Best Wishes,

      Lynne

       

  • Posted

    No it's not fine, you shouldn't even touch alcohol. It won't make GERD worse but it will contribute to development of cancer. Put your health before you sensational desires.
    • Posted

      Hi, I am not taking about getting absolutely blind drunk everyday I am on about just having a few drinks now and again on special occasions, I am young and single and would like to enjoy life now and again.  Thank you though.

       

  • Posted

    Be the designated driver when you all go out and get free soft drinks all night as everyone will be very grateful that you saved them from the high taxi bill

    Telling and showing everyone the stupid things they did drinking the night before can be so much fun!!

    • Posted

      I can drive but haven't got a car otherwise that is a good suggestion.  Thanks.

       

  • Posted

    There is an alternative approach for the ph test to the tube down your nose which I have had done for 48hrs which is not pleasant but okay. Last year I had my monitoring done via a capsule which was left inside of me while they did the endscopy and I carried a wireless receiver around. It was also much easier to sleep as I found trying to sleep while being hooked up to the monitoring unit not easy. Its worth asking if this is an option. Knowing the NHS probably not but if you don;t ask you don't know

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