Hi guys, I drink a bit, only beer and the odd rum, I don't think too much but my wife would disagree with me on that point. We where talking about it the other night so I decided to see what I could find out about Alcohol and SCI.
In addition to these general alcohol-related risks, people with SCI need to be aware of several unique concerns. To begin with, weight loss after SCI may cause people to become more intoxicated if they drink the same amount as they did before injury. Alcohol lowers the body's ability to fight infections. Even one drink temporarily lowers immune function; regular drinking lowers immune function more and the lowered immunity can last up to two months after drinking stops. Compromised immune function can reduce your body's ability to fight urinary tract, bladder and skin infections.
So maybe we are not as invincible as we thought ???
Alcohol can interact dangerously with other medications, especially those used for pain, spasticity and infection. Using alcohol along with pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen can cause stomach and intestinal bleeding. Repeated use of alcohol at the same time as acetaminophen can cause liver damage. If used with narcotic pain medications (Oxycodone, Oxycontin), antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxitine, citalopram, sertraline, nortriptyline, trazodone) or anti-spasticity medications such as diazepam (Valium), alcohol can cause confusion, greater drowsiness and motor incoordination. Alcohol can also change or reduce the effectiveness of other medications and cause them to build up in your bloodstream. Drinking while taking blood thinners (warfarin/Coumadin) can cause excessive bleeding or blood clots. Drinking while on antibiotics can cause facial flushing, nausea and vomiting.
So be careful my friends when your enjoying yourselves.
This is an excellent post Butiki ...I have seen some friends in rehab who drunk so much at weekends..they were told off for doing so but im sure they were not explained the implications.
I think everything in moderation is the key here too
I quit drinking after my injury.It's difficult to use a catheter when you're drunk.The doctor told me that the booze can stay in you're body longer and increase your chance of alcohol poisoning.Whether that's true or not I don't know.I admit that occasionally I enjoy a Bloody Mary or a Captain and Coke.
What I used to be able to do all night now takes me all night to do.
been SCI for 30 years , still enjoy a beer out fishing, or a few drinks with friends and always enoy a glass of wine watching the sunset at the lake or a spice wine in the fall around a fire, have had no problems , helps with the spasms, Cheers my friends