Coumadin (a-fib) and cocktails?

[steve c]

OK, so I may have to take Coumadin for the rest of my life (especially if cardioversion is a "no")...And I guess I may have to give up hockey refereeing, if necessary (reason: sometimes you're simply "in the way" and get run over by skaters or have your head quickly introduced to the plexiglass boarders around the rink <yes I wear a helmet>).

I also make my own wine and enjoy alcoholic beverages...Before consulting my doc (which is a definate), I'm curious to see what the "word on the street" is concerning this matter...

Again, Thanks,

Steve

 

[Simon Gee]

consistency's the key

consistency's the key

Hi Steve,

Your situation is very similar to mine before I had my avr in October 2000. I eventually chose the St Judes mechanical and accepted that I would have to take warfarin, but I've really not found it a big deal other than it meant I had to give up rugby once and for all.

As for alcohol, the advice given to me, and my subsequent experience, is that drinking is fine so long as you are consistent in what you drink. Don't abstain all week and then go mad at the weekend, but drink a similar amount every day. I haven't touched spirits since my op, and I did so enjoy scotch, but stick to a couple of glasses of red wine or a beer. Maybe I would have chosen to drink more on a few occasions, but my wife is certainly glad that I'm now always able to drive home if we've been out!

Good luck with your choice and, whatever it is, it will be the right one for you.

Simon

 

[Perrster]

Raise a glass for duty and humanity...

Raise a glass for duty and humanity...

The Three Stooges.


Simon Gee is right on. Consistency is the name of the drink, uh game, I mean.

I did one of those foolish splurge weekends a few years back and learned very quickly from that mistake. It gave me a chance to actually quit alcohol completely (which turns out that I didn't miss it at all). I have slowly brought a few drinks back into my diet, but with a lot more control and consistency. I've even learned to "taste" the stuff and appreciate a good "ale" or wine now and again instead of slamming them down carelessly like I used to.

It's also "cool" to be the designated driver now and again too.

Take care of yourself and enjoy it consistently.

Cheers!

 

[Johnny Stephens]

I've been wondering about this myself. I've never really been much of a drinker, and don't even have any alcohol in the house. Not because of any moralistic views, I just never developed much of a taste for it.

However, on rare occasions, such as holidays, major work functions, I do have maybe 2 beers or a gin & tonic. This only happens 2 or 3 times a year, but on those occasions, I do enjoy it.

So, if I go 6 months and then have 1-2 beers, should I get an extra PT check?

 

[JBriau]

Hi Steve:

I also take coumadin. I never was a big drinker, but do
enjoy a drink now and then. I have maybe one or two
coolers a week or weekend.
My INR levels are very stable. Just remember everyone is
different and after while you will be able to tell what is right
for you. I know the first year I was on coumadin it was
like a rollercoaster regulating my INR.

Best Wishes
Judy

 

[Sunshine susan]

Most things in moderation...

Most things in moderation...

Hi Steve! I had a St. Judes implanted 2/99 and my INR has rarely been out of line, and the reasons then were known. I pretty much eat and drink what I want to, and not always consistently, but don't binge either. I drink little of the hard stuff, but do like wine, ice cold beer occasionally, and coolers. I believe moderation is the key to whatever one on coumadin wants to eat and drink. It is really an individual type thing and you probably need to experiment with what is best for you and your lifestyle. Alcohol does't always react on everyone the same way---good luck! Susan

 

[Rain]

consistency, consistency, consistency

consistency, consistency, consistency

I hate that word!! "consistency" lol

I drink alcohol, I eat salad, I do all the stuff I did before coumadin.

Well.... Maybe I don't play quite as rough as I used to. lol

Rain

 

[Zipper]

Rain,

I loved your answer...I hate "consistancy" too..lol. I mean...when the seasons change so do the food and drink. I have not learned, yet, to know how to eat 'seasonal' and be 'consistant'. Makes me 'NUTS'..LOL.

I eat crab galore in 'crab season'..(live on Ca. coast) Salmon in tha season...Artichokes and asparagus in 'that' season....etc...fruits are another long list. So far..my INR stays fairly consistant anyway...Hmmm...must do something right. Maybe it's that glass of wine with dinner...LOL!

Zipper

 

[Granbonny]

2 swinging ladies

2 swinging ladies

Hi Rain and Zipper...Monday I will celebrate 12 weeks post-op and my 62nd birthday..and you better believe I'm going to the Texas Roadhouse..eat a salad and a steak (need that iron) and have a Margarita.....Can't let something like Coumadin steal my joy in life....Don't test for another week..be fun to see what my inr is..3.1.....2 weeks ago......Yall are 2 swinging ladies. ha

 

[Granbonny]

Thanks Janie

Thanks Janie

Thanks for birthday wishes...I like the Texas Roadhouse better than Longhorns..2 great restaurants in nearby Gainesville, Ga...and I don't have to worry about senior citizen tickets..My hubby is retired Delta Captain..fly free..but we still prefer our motorhome..See the USA on the ground....Waiting for my protime..It's in the works....Many thanks for the Birthday wishes..Bonnie

 

[Rain]

Happy Birthday Bonnie!!

Happy Birthday Bonnie!!

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you...

I wish I could 'clink' a glass with you on your birthday.

Hey Janie.... ?Road kill? is best eaten in the forest over a campfire!! lol Come on, Bonnie..... lets pack up the steaks and the Margaritas and head for the woods!! Everyone's invited!!

You?ll love your Protime machine. I don?t know how I ever lived with out one.

Happy Birthday!

Rain