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PMR and Alcohol

Posted , 13 users are following.

Danrower
Danrower

I had an interesting experience during the 8 weeks I was untreated and misdiagnosed for PMR a year ago. I am a light drinker, but after 4 weeks of dibilating pain in more joints than not, I decided to go out on Cinco de Mayo (Mexican celebration) and try to numb my pain. From 6 pm to 10 pm I consumed the equilivant of 8 oz. of tequila, 4 straight, 4 in margaritas, with mexican food. Came home, still in pain, went to bed. Awoke @ 4 am, no longer significantly intoxicated, got up, and walked around with NO pain. The reduction in inflammation lasted till late the next afternoon. This temporary reduction in pain and inflammation pushed me to search harder for a remedy. I had lost hope. Please check my bio for additional info, if you like. I have since found additional data that  alcohol users have significntly reduced rates of Rheumatoid. I do not suggest alcohol as a remedy, but I have no idea what the mechanism was that supressed my inflammation. Could this be a path or clue to mitigation of PMR outside of prednisone?? Anyone have any similar experiences? Was it the alcohol, and or maybe the  agave (source plant for tequila)?? It was not drunkeness, there was a definite repression of inflammation. I did not try it again, as I don't like to drink that much. Lower doses (2-3 oz.) did not have the same effect. Thanks in advance, wish I had found this site during that time. Validating information here.

2 likes, 49 replies

49 Replies

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  • mark2u
    mark2u Danrower

    Posted

    I have PMR and am also a heavy alcohol user, 6-8 oz daily.  I have been using prednisone treatment for the past 14 months and my PMR has been pretty much in check.  However, I did find that during periods of extra heavy drinking, my PMR symptoms were returning while at the same time I was tappering off the prednisone. I increased my daily prednison and cut back on the alcohol and symptoms were reduced. Then I ended up having open heart surgery and I quit drinking a week prior and didn't drink again for a couple of weeks after. My PMR symptoms were completely gone and I felt great, despite the obsious side effects of surgery.  I started self medicating with alcohol again (although more moderate consumption) and my PMR symptoms immediately started to return during the day when I am not drinking alcolhol. While alcohol does provide me with temporary relief, I am finally convinced that it may also be contributing to my PMR. I have also found some studies that indicate alcohol use can increase your risk of PMR.  I have now quit the alcohol and hopefully I will see my PMR symptoms go away.
    • tina-uk_cwall
      tina-uk_cwall mark2u

      Posted

      Hi mark, I don't think the mysteries of pmr are as simple as that. I am completely tee total and yet I still developed pmr aged 52. Regards, tina
    • mark2u
      mark2u tina-uk_cwall

      Posted

      Tina, Please understand that I am not trying to explain alcohol as the cause of PMR, but I do believe it is contributing factor.  I have just found from experience that it has a negative impact on the symptoms.  I am still following my steroid taper and steering away from alcohol.
    • tina-uk_cwall
      tina-uk_cwall mark2u

      Posted

      Well done, but I do know that many patients do drink their favourite tipple but in moderation. Regards, tina
    • EileenH
      EileenH mark2u

      Posted

      For you maybe Mark. There are plenty of people with PMR who don't drink, never have done, like tina. It is impossible to say any one thing is "the cause" but for all of us there are things that seem to make it worse. There are many many potential and possible causes of PMR. I do better when I don't eat carbs - have you tried that?
    • FlipDover_Aust
      FlipDover_Aust mark2u

      Posted

      I've been a moderatley heavy drinker most of my adult life.... i don't know if it makes the PMR worse or not, but I feel better when I don't drink period. I'm on methotrexate now so compelely off the wine... I miss it terribly, but I know I'd miss my liver more.... lol
    • mark2u
      mark2u EileenH

      Posted

      Eileen, please read my post again and you will see that I did not say anything about alcohol being the cause. I only mentioned that in my experience, frequent alcohol use contributed to my PMR and compounded the symptoms. I should point out that the only reason I entered this post is because although my doctor did a good job diagnosing my PMR and prescribing the initial treatment, I was given no advise with regard to consuming alcohol.  I just wanted to share my experience and see if others have had similar issues.
    • Danrower
      Danrower mark2u

      Posted

      My original post was a data point that for me, introduction of 8 ounces of Tequila, caused a Dramatic reduction in my inflammation, very similar to the first dose of prednisone. Whether that was the alcohol, or Tequila (made from the agave plant) or the phase of the moon, who knows? I consider myself quite scientific, but understand that the variables were numerous. I have read that there is a significantly reduced incidence of RA in alcoholics. Additionally, I do have a high sensitivity to alcohol, and get sick after about 8-10 oz. I have read that there is a portion of the population who would not be inclined to  alcoholism because they have that reaction to overconsumption. Sombody understands this stuff, a bit complex for me!
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