Alcohol?

[7tonemonte]

Im just curious if anyone has had some strange experiences after drinking alcohol. I had quite a few too many on friday night and I am on Nifedical. I did find one warning to "limit" alcohol on this medication after I already overdid it. I was extremely exhausted and a little bit shaky would be the best way to describe it. It was not a typical hangover. I didnt feel as bad in the am when I woke up but I took my morning Nifedical and about an hour later started getting worse. Pretty much the last year or so even before I was diagnosed I was starting to get a pounding sensation in my chest in the am after drinking, but this saturday, anything I did all day took every ounce of energy I had. If anyone doesnt know, Im waiting for more testing as I have a BAV with what has been described as everything from "major regurgitation" to " Not that severe!" I have been told to replace the valve asap from one cardio, replace it within a few years from another cardio, and fix the valve from one surgeon so far. I know everyone is going to tell me to cut out the drinking, and I am not too bad usually, but did overdo it on friday.Anyone have these symptoms, is it the meds? I do work in the heat also and this week was bad around here. Im hoping it was just a combination of all things, but wandering if it is just the heart and something to do with blood being thinned out with alcohol or something. Feedback would be appreciated.
Tony

 

[hensylee]

you have opened a door we often walk through. There have been many discussions on this subject so you will get lots of feedback. I can't help because I don't drink (one small 1/2 glass of wine does me in) but the gang will all be here before the night is done to carry on the discussion. keep checking back.

 

[TenPly]

8 months before my surgery last year, about a week after my 21st birthday, I went drinking with a couple friends. It was my first time drinking and that night, I tried a little of everything. At the time, I had a mitral valve that was severely regurgitating, an aortic valve that was also leaking and an aortic root dialiated to 5cm. I'm not an expert on alcohol, so I can't say those very serious conditions played a role in how the alcohol affected me, but after that night was over. My heart was NOT happy! It was pounding out of my chest, and I started getting these sharp, piercing pains right in my chest. The pain caused me to double over every time it shot through my chest and heart. To this day, I get chills thinking about it. It eventually went away and I never drank again (and I never will -- but that's a personal preference). Months later, I had my surgery and the rest is history. I don't know whether it was the alcohol that affected my ailing heart so badly back then, but I do know that I drank too much, too soon. And drinking too much when you have a heart condition can't possibly be a good idea, so I would say that until a resolution has been reached between you and your doctors, treat your body with the best care that you can. Don't exascerbate any existing heart problems with lack of self-control and excess. Take care of yourself -- you only get one body, make it last!

 

[Karlynn]

I think the dehydration that occurs with the over consumption of alcohol is a big factor in how you feel. It's what causes headache hangovers and it's what makes your heart pound because it is having to work harder as your body is operating on less fluids.

 

[Elpidio]

Is it ok to have a few beers after having an aortic valve replacement? I usually drink 2-3 beers a few days a week and on weekends drink twice as much.

 

[temp69]

A few beers?

A few beers?

Well, a "few" could be 2 or 5. Don't drink 5. A couple is probably ok. My cardiologists all vary on this. The simple thing for them to say is "don't drink." But the honest ones say drink in moderation. If you can't do that, then it's best not to drink at all, just be glad you're alive.

I've been sticking to one glass of wine every couple of days and it's ok. But I'm too close to post op (six weeks) -- and actually feel better, like I'm healing better, if I don't drink at all.

 

[Nancy]

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a684028.html

Says not to drink while on this medication. It doesn't say not to drink too much, it just says not to drink. I think your body is telling you that what this information says is true, so do what they tell you to.

Lots of the medications that are used for your heart are powerful and shouldn't be fooled around with. You are on these medications to save your life.