Re: Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

[Guest guest]

I would say NO alcohol ever, not a drop!!this is my opinion, have no data to back this up, but drinking with Hep C I feel would be a slow and painful death.if you went through tx, you did not drink for 48 weeks, you quit why start back up.this is coming from a ex- alcoholic, so I can't have one drink it turns into 20, but still even if you can have one drink, why take any change with things that could damage your liver?nyFrom: Christ <ludichrist2000@...>WebWarriors grp < >Sent:

Tue, November 30, 2010 7:18:15 PMSubject: [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Learn about the effect of alcohol on Hepatitis C, and whether or not its consumption, in any moderation, poses risks for people managing the virus.

by Cutler, L.Ac.

Conflicting research about alcohol’s benefits has cast a shadow of doubt over advice to completely abstain from drinking alcohol. For every article about the benefits of alcohol consumption, another seems to warn of its risks. The debate gets even trickier when deciding to drink an occasional glass of wine while managing Hepatitis C. Although there is no doubt that heavy alcohol use worsens Hepatitis C infection, many social drinkers wonder if this same warning applies to them.

Hepatitis C ProgressionThe majority of people with chronic Hepatitis C will never develop a major complication related to this disease. Because Hepatitis C is a slowly progressing virus, signs of hepatic inflammation don’t typically appear until 10-20 years after initial exposure. However, if undetected, ignored or untreated, Hepatitis C is more likely to develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Once infected with Hepatitis C, the most prominent risk factor for developing cirrhosis and liver cancer is drinking alcohol. Compared to non-drinkers, regular alcohol consumption significantly raises the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer from Hepatitis C.

It is now known that alcohol use, even in socially accepted amounts, accelerates the course of liver disease.

BenefitsConfusing the issue of social drinking, published studies are increasingly supporting consumption of alcoholic beverages. The touted health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as two drinks a day if you’re a male under 65, or one drink a day if you’re a female or a male over 65, include:

· Reduces risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication · Reduces the risk of dying of a heart attack · Possibly reduces risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes · Lowers risk of developing gallstones · Possibly reduces risk of diabetes

No JustificationWith such fantastic health benefits, even a person with Hepatitis C can find justification for infrequent or moderate drinking. However, these benefits do not apply to a person with any kind of chronic liver disease, especially Hepatitis C! If you identify with taking an occasional alcoholic drink with Hepatitis C, consider this perspective – being infected with Hepatitis C is like harboring smoldering coals in your liver. A sip of alcohol is like putting a drop of lighter fluid on those coals. While repeated dumping of lighter fluid will fuel an increasingly raging inferno, even a small amount can fan the fire. Drinking just a little bit of alcohol can push a low Hepatitis C viral load into the far upper registers.

The EvidenceImmunology researchers have demonstrated that alcohol promotes the proliferation of the Hepatitis C virus in human liver cells. By studying molecular mechanisms in cell cultures, Philadelphia researchers revealed the role of alcohol in aggravating Hepatitis C infection and interfering with drug treatment. “It was already known that habitual alcohol drinkers have higher blood levels of Hepatitis C virus, compared to infrequent drinkers, even when both are infected with the virus,†said Wen-Zhe Ho, M.D., the director of retroviral research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Three discoveries resulted from studying alcohol’s effect on the Hepatitis C virus:

1. Nuclear factor kappa B – Ho’s research team clarified why alcohol consumption parallels high Hepatitis C viral loads. The researchers found that alcohol increases the activity of a protein called nuclear factor kappa B. Increasing the activity of this specific protein causes the Hepatitis C virus to replicate. Additionally, nuclear factor kappa B plays a role in hepatic inflammation.

2. Interferon-alpha therapy – On a molecular level, the researchers found that alcohol interferes with the antiviral activity of interferon-alpha. By making interferon less effective against the virus, alcohol defeats the purpose of attempting viral eradication with medication therapy.

3. Naltrexone – Another finding with potential implications for Hepatitis C treatment was that naltrexone, a drug used to help alcoholics avoid relapse, blocks the deleterious effects of alcohol in promoting Hepatitis C infection. According to Dr. Ho, both alcohol and morphine activate opioid systems present in liver cells. These systems produce natural opiates, which play a crucial role in drug and alcohol addiction. This process may explain why naltrexone, which blocks opiates from binding to their receptors on cell membranes, reduced the effects of alcohol on Hepatitis C viral replication. “These data strongly suggest that activation of the endogenous opioid system is implicated in alcohol-induced Hepatitis C expression,†the authors conclude.

Thanks to the research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, there is no longer any confusion as to what amount of alcohol is acceptable for a person with Hepatitis C. Even though moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some health benefits, any advantages are far overshadowed by alcohol’s acceleration of Hepatitis C viral replication. Unless you are deliberately trying to increase your viral load, no amount of alcohol is okay with Hepatitis C. While the virus is present in your body, avoid alcohol altogether.

References:

Stoller, Eleanor Palo, et al., Alcohol Consumption within the Context of Hepatitis C, Alcohol and Alcoholism, July 2006.

www.alcoholism.about.com, Drinking May Worsen Hepatitis C Infection, University of Philadelphia News Release, About, Inc., 2007.

www.gastro.org, Hepatitis C, American Gastroenterological Association, 2007.

www.hepnet.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Eugene R. Schiff, MD, Schering Canada, Inc., 2007.

www.mayoclinic.com, Alcohol and Your Health: Weighing the Pros and Cons, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2007.

www.nih.gov, Alcohol Increases Hepatitis C Virus in Human Cells, National Institutes of Health, 2007.

www.patients.uptodate.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Sangik Oh, MD, Sanjiv Chopra, MD, UpToDate, Inc., 2007.

www.webmd.com, Bad Mix: Alcohol and Hepatitis C, Jeanie Lerche , WebMD, Inc., 2007.

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/10/living_with_hep.html

[Guest guest]

My mother started drinking at age 11, she was dead at age 48. I don't know about other people, but drinking made my mother a mean, abusive witch. Her death was a blessing. She was by far the worst drunk I've ever seen in my 56 years. Liver damage or not, alcohol messes with people.

-- [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Learn about the effect of alcohol on Hepatitis C, and whether or not its consumption, in any moderation, poses risks for people managing the virus.

by Cutler, L.Ac.

Conflicting research about alcohol’s benefits has cast a shadow of doubt over advice to completely abstain from drinking alcohol. For every article about the benefits of alcohol consumption, another seems to warn of its risks. The debate gets even trickier when deciding to drink an occasional glass of wine while managing Hepatitis C. Although there is no doubt that heavy alcohol use worsens Hepatitis C infection, many social drinkers wonder if this same warning applies to them.

Hepatitis C ProgressionThe majority of people with chronic Hepatitis C will never develop a major complication related to this disease. Because Hepatitis C is a slowly progressing virus, signs of hepatic inflammation don’t typically appear until 10-20 years after initial exposure. However, if undetected, ignored or untreated, Hepatitis C is more likely to develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Once infected with Hepatitis C, the most prominent risk factor for developing cirrhosis and liver cancer is drinking alcohol. Compared to non-drinkers, regular alcohol consumption significantly raises the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer from Hepatitis C.

It is now known that alcohol use, even in socially accepted amounts, accelerates the course of liver disease.

BenefitsConfusing the issue of social drinking, published studies are increasingly supporting consumption of alcoholic beverages. The touted health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as two drinks a day if you’re a male under 65, or one drink a day if you’re a female or a male over 65, include:

· Reduces risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication · Reduces the risk of dying of a heart attack · Possibly reduces risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes · Lowers risk of developing gallstones · Possibly reduces risk of diabetes

No JustificationWith such fantastic health benefits, even a person with Hepatitis C can find justification for infrequent or moderate drinking. However, these benefits do not apply to a person with any kind of chronic liver disease, especially Hepatitis C! If you identify with taking an occasional alcoholic drink with Hepatitis C, consider this perspective – being infected with Hepatitis C is like harboring smoldering coals in your liver. A sip of alcohol is like putting a drop of lighter fluid on those coals. While repeated dumping of lighter fluid will fuel an increasingly raging inferno, even a small amount can fan the fire. Drinking just a little bit of alcohol can push a low Hepatitis C viral load into the far upper registers.

The EvidenceImmunology researchers have demonstrated that alcohol promotes the proliferation of the Hepatitis C virus in human liver cells. By studying molecular mechanisms in cell cultures, Philadelphia researchers revealed the role of alcohol in aggravating Hepatitis C infection and interfering with drug treatment. “It was already known that habitual alcohol drinkers have higher blood levels of Hepatitis C virus, compared to infrequent drinkers, even when both are infected with the virus,†said Wen-Zhe Ho, M.D., the director of retroviral research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Three discoveries resulted from studying alcohol’s effect on the Hepatitis C virus:

1. Nuclear factor kappa B – Ho’s research team clarified why alcohol consumption parallels high Hepatitis C viral loads. The researchers found that alcohol increases the activity of a protein called nuclear factor kappa B. Increasing the activity of this specific protein causes the Hepatitis C virus to replicate. Additionally, nuclear factor kappa B plays a role in hepatic inflammation.

2. Interferon-alpha therapy – On a molecular level, the researchers found that alcohol interferes with the antiviral activity of interferon-alpha. By making interferon less effective against the virus, alcohol defeats the purpose of attempting viral eradication with medication therapy.

3. Naltrexone – Another finding with potential implications for Hepatitis C treatment was that naltrexone, a drug used to help alcoholics avoid relapse, blocks the deleterious effects of alcohol in promoting Hepatitis C infection. According to Dr. Ho, both alcohol and morphine activate opioid systems present in liver cells. These systems produce natural opiates, which play a crucial role in drug and alcohol addiction. This process may explain why naltrexone, which blocks opiates from binding to their receptors on cell membranes, reduced the effects of alcohol on Hepatitis C viral replication. “These data strongly suggest that activation of the endogenous opioid system is implicated in alcohol-induced Hepatitis C expression,†the authors conclude.

Thanks to the research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, there is no longer any confusion as to what amount of alcohol is acceptable for a person with Hepatitis C. Even though moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some health benefits, any advantages are far overshadowed by alcohol’s acceleration of Hepatitis C viral replication. Unless you are deliberately trying to increase your viral load, no amount of alcohol is okay with Hepatitis C. While the virus is present in your body, avoid alcohol altogether.

References:

Stoller, Eleanor Palo, et al., Alcohol Consumption within the Context of Hepatitis C, Alcohol and Alcoholism, July 2006.

www.alcoholism.about.com, Drinking May Worsen Hepatitis C Infection, University of Philadelphia News Release, About, Inc., 2007.

www.gastro.org, Hepatitis C, American Gastroenterological Association, 2007.

www.hepnet.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Eugene R. Schiff, MD, Schering Canada, Inc., 2007.

www.mayoclinic.com, Alcohol and Your Health: Weighing the Pros and Cons, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2007.

www.nih.gov, Alcohol Increases Hepatitis C Virus in Human Cells, National Institutes of Health, 2007.

www.patients.uptodate.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Sangik Oh, MD, Sanjiv Chopra, MD, UpToDate, Inc., 2007.

www.webmd.com, Bad Mix: Alcohol and Hepatitis C, Jeanie Lerche , WebMD, Inc., 2007.

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/10/living_with_hep.html

Believe

IncrediMail Letter

©studio reflections

23rd November, 2010

[Guest guest]

nyI'm with you all the way!! I had actually abstained from alcohol for 15 yrs before learning of my infection. I certainly did not get sober because of HepC. I got sober so that I could have a little saner life.As I saw it and still see it - I abused my privilege to drink and so it has been removed from me. Just since the beginning of this year, life has not been kind to me. However, not once did I think that a drink would make it all better. Now, a York Patty or a Pep definitely makes everything better, except for my waistline.Today, I took my niece shopping and she'd already told me that she was going on a diet. So, I decided I would do what she is doing.

However, I'd better get to juicing my veggies once I get back from Vancouver. My refrigerator is not working except to freeze everything. So, I've taken to keeping everything outside so it stays cool.Gloria

I would say NO alcohol ever, not a drop!!this is my opinion, have no data to back this up, but drinking with Hep C I feel would be a slow and painful death.if you went through tx, you did not drink for 48 weeks, you quit why start back up.this is coming from a ex- alcoholic, so I can't have one drink it turns into 20, but still even if you can have one drink, why take any change with things that could damage your

liver?nyFrom: Christ <ludichrist2000@...>WebWarriors grp < >Sent:

Tue, November 30, 2010 7:18:15 PMSubject: [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Learn about the effect of alcohol on Hepatitis C, and whether or not its consumption, in any moderation, poses risks for people managing the virus.

by Cutler, L.Ac.

Conflicting research about alcohol’s benefits has cast a shadow of doubt over advice to completely abstain from drinking alcohol. For every article about the benefits of alcohol consumption, another seems to warn of its risks. The debate gets even trickier when deciding to drink an occasional glass of wine while managing Hepatitis C. Although there is no doubt that heavy alcohol use worsens Hepatitis C infection, many social drinkers wonder if this same warning applies to them.

Hepatitis C ProgressionThe majority of people with chronic Hepatitis C will never develop a major complication related to this disease. Because Hepatitis C is a slowly progressing virus, signs of hepatic inflammation don’t typically appear until 10-20 years after initial exposure. However, if undetected, ignored or untreated, Hepatitis C is more likely to develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Once infected with Hepatitis C, the most prominent risk factor for developing cirrhosis and liver cancer is drinking alcohol. Compared to non-drinkers, regular alcohol consumption significantly raises the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer from Hepatitis C.

It is now known that alcohol use, even in socially accepted amounts, accelerates the course of liver disease.

BenefitsConfusing the issue of social drinking, published studies are increasingly supporting consumption of alcoholic beverages. The touted health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as two drinks a day if you’re a male under 65, or one drink a day if you’re a female or a male over 65, include:

· Reduces risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication · Reduces the risk of dying of a heart attack · Possibly reduces risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes · Lowers risk of developing gallstones · Possibly reduces risk of diabetes

No JustificationWith such fantastic health benefits, even a person with Hepatitis C can find justification for infrequent or moderate drinking. However, these benefits do not apply to a person with any kind of chronic liver disease, especially Hepatitis C! If you identify with taking an occasional alcoholic drink with Hepatitis C, consider this perspective – being infected with Hepatitis C is like harboring smoldering coals in your liver. A sip of alcohol is like putting a drop of lighter fluid on those coals. While repeated dumping of lighter fluid will fuel an increasingly raging inferno, even a small amount can fan the fire. Drinking just a little bit of alcohol can push a low Hepatitis C viral load into the far upper registers.

The EvidenceImmunology researchers have demonstrated that alcohol promotes the proliferation of the Hepatitis C virus in human liver cells. By studying molecular mechanisms in cell cultures, Philadelphia researchers revealed the role of alcohol in aggravating Hepatitis C infection and interfering with drug treatment. “It was already known that habitual alcohol drinkers have higher blood levels of Hepatitis C virus, compared to infrequent drinkers, even when both are infected with the virus,†said Wen-Zhe Ho, M.D., the director of retroviral research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Three discoveries resulted from studying alcohol’s effect on the Hepatitis C virus:

1. Nuclear factor kappa B – Ho’s research team clarified why alcohol consumption parallels high Hepatitis C viral loads. The researchers found that alcohol increases the activity of a protein called nuclear factor kappa B. Increasing the activity of this specific protein causes the Hepatitis C virus to replicate. Additionally, nuclear factor kappa B plays a role in hepatic inflammation.

2. Interferon-alpha therapy – On a molecular level, the researchers found that alcohol interferes with the antiviral activity of interferon-alpha. By making interferon less effective against the virus, alcohol defeats the purpose of attempting viral eradication with medication therapy.

3. Naltrexone – Another finding with potential implications for Hepatitis C treatment was that naltrexone, a drug used to help alcoholics avoid relapse, blocks the deleterious effects of alcohol in promoting Hepatitis C infection. According to Dr. Ho, both alcohol and morphine activate opioid systems present in liver cells. These systems produce natural opiates, which play a crucial role in drug and alcohol addiction. This process may explain why naltrexone, which blocks opiates from binding to their receptors on cell membranes, reduced the effects of alcohol on Hepatitis C viral replication. “These data strongly suggest that activation of the endogenous opioid system is implicated in alcohol-induced Hepatitis C expression,†the authors conclude.

Thanks to the research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, there is no longer any confusion as to what amount of alcohol is acceptable for a person with Hepatitis C. Even though moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some health benefits, any advantages are far overshadowed by alcohol’s acceleration of Hepatitis C viral replication. Unless you are deliberately trying to increase your viral load, no amount of alcohol is okay with Hepatitis C. While the virus is present in your body, avoid alcohol altogether.

References:

Stoller, Eleanor Palo, et al., Alcohol Consumption within the Context of Hepatitis C, Alcohol and Alcoholism, July 2006.

www.alcoholism.about.com, Drinking May Worsen Hepatitis C Infection, University of Philadelphia News Release, About, Inc., 2007.

www.gastro.org, Hepatitis C, American Gastroenterological Association, 2007.

www.hepnet.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Eugene R. Schiff, MD, Schering Canada, Inc., 2007.

www.mayoclinic.com, Alcohol and Your Health: Weighing the Pros and Cons, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2007.

www.nih.gov, Alcohol Increases Hepatitis C Virus in Human Cells, National Institutes of Health, 2007.

www.patients.uptodate.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Sangik Oh, MD, Sanjiv Chopra, MD, UpToDate, Inc., 2007.

www.webmd.com, Bad Mix: Alcohol and Hepatitis C, Jeanie Lerche , WebMD, Inc., 2007.

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/10/living_with_hep.html

[Guest guest]

This is sadly the truth!! The last 5 yrs of my drinking were absolute hell! I sure did not like me very much; but, couldn't figure out that the common denominator was ALCOHOL. In every other aspect of my life, I was fine; but, let me have one drink and absolutely nobody, me included, knew where it would end up.To this very day, I am sooo very grateful that I quit in time. My son, who is 31 now, doesn't really remember my drinking. He was my greatest incentive to find the strength to quit too. There has not been one day of my sobriety that I can say, that a drink would have made it better.Also, my son is very aware that he probably has the addiction gene. As a teenage, he

experimented a whole lot with drugs and alcohol. But, he was able to get beyond that. His addictive nature really comes out, though, when it comes to himself. Nobody could be harder on him than he is himself. OH, just typing that has given me an idea!! I should try very hard to get him to look at his situation using the 12 steps. It might help him to stop beating up on himself.Gloria

My mother started drinking at age 11, she was dead at age 48. I don't know about other people, but drinking made my mother a mean, abusive witch. Her death was a blessing. She was by far the worst drunk I've ever seen in my 56 years. Liver damage or not, alcohol messes with people.

-- [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Learn about the effect of alcohol on Hepatitis C, and whether or not its consumption, in any moderation, poses risks for people managing the virus.

by Cutler, L.Ac.

Conflicting research about alcohol’s benefits has cast a shadow of doubt over advice to completely abstain from drinking alcohol. For every article about the benefits of alcohol consumption, another seems to warn of its risks. The debate gets even trickier when deciding to drink an occasional glass of wine while managing Hepatitis C. Although there is no doubt that heavy alcohol use worsens Hepatitis C infection, many social drinkers wonder if this same warning applies to them.

Hepatitis C ProgressionThe majority of people with chronic Hepatitis C will never develop a major complication related to this disease. Because Hepatitis C is a slowly progressing virus, signs of hepatic inflammation don’t typically appear until 10-20 years after initial exposure. However, if undetected, ignored or untreated, Hepatitis C is more likely to develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Once infected with Hepatitis C, the most prominent risk factor for developing cirrhosis and liver cancer is drinking alcohol. Compared to non-drinkers, regular alcohol consumption significantly raises the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer from Hepatitis C.

It is now known that alcohol use, even in socially accepted amounts, accelerates the course of liver disease.

BenefitsConfusing the issue of social drinking, published studies are increasingly supporting consumption of alcoholic beverages. The touted health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as two drinks a day if you’re a male under 65, or one drink a day if you’re a female or a male over 65, include:

· Reduces risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication · Reduces the risk of dying of a heart attack · Possibly reduces risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes · Lowers risk of developing gallstones · Possibly reduces risk of diabetes

No JustificationWith such fantastic health benefits, even a person with Hepatitis C can find justification for infrequent or moderate drinking. However, these benefits do not apply to a person with any kind of chronic liver disease, especially Hepatitis C! If you identify with taking an occasional alcoholic drink with Hepatitis C, consider this perspective – being infected with Hepatitis C is like harboring smoldering coals in your liver. A sip of alcohol is like putting a drop of lighter fluid on those coals. While repeated dumping of lighter fluid will fuel an increasingly raging inferno, even a small amount can fan the fire. Drinking just a little bit of alcohol can push a low Hepatitis C viral load into the far upper registers.

The EvidenceImmunology researchers have demonstrated that alcohol promotes the proliferation of the Hepatitis C virus in human liver cells. By studying molecular mechanisms in cell cultures, Philadelphia researchers revealed the role of alcohol in aggravating Hepatitis C infection and interfering with drug treatment. “It was already known that habitual alcohol drinkers have higher blood levels of Hepatitis C virus, compared to infrequent drinkers, even when both are infected with the virus,†said Wen-Zhe Ho, M.D., the director of retroviral research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Three discoveries resulted from studying alcohol’s effect on the Hepatitis C virus:

1. Nuclear factor kappa B – Ho’s research team clarified why alcohol consumption parallels high Hepatitis C viral loads. The researchers found that alcohol increases the activity of a protein called nuclear factor kappa B. Increasing the activity of this specific protein causes the Hepatitis C virus to replicate. Additionally, nuclear factor kappa B plays a role in hepatic inflammation.

2. Interferon-alpha therapy – On a molecular level, the researchers found that alcohol interferes with the antiviral activity of interferon-alpha. By making interferon less effective against the virus, alcohol defeats the purpose of attempting viral eradication with medication therapy.

3. Naltrexone – Another finding with potential implications for Hepatitis C treatment was that naltrexone, a drug used to help alcoholics avoid relapse, blocks the deleterious effects of alcohol in promoting Hepatitis C infection. According to Dr. Ho, both alcohol and morphine activate opioid systems present in liver cells. These systems produce natural opiates, which play a crucial role in drug and alcohol addiction. This process may explain why naltrexone, which blocks opiates from binding to their receptors on cell membranes, reduced the effects of alcohol on Hepatitis C viral replication. “These data strongly suggest that activation of the endogenous opioid system is implicated in alcohol-induced Hepatitis C expression,†the authors conclude.

Thanks to the research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, there is no longer any confusion as to what amount of alcohol is acceptable for a person with Hepatitis C. Even though moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some health benefits, any advantages are far overshadowed by alcohol’s acceleration of Hepatitis C viral replication. Unless you are deliberately trying to increase your viral load, no amount of alcohol is okay with Hepatitis C. While the virus is present in your body, avoid alcohol altogether.

References:

Stoller, Eleanor Palo, et al., Alcohol Consumption within the Context of Hepatitis C, Alcohol and Alcoholism, July 2006.

www.alcoholism.about.com, Drinking May Worsen Hepatitis C Infection, University of Philadelphia News Release, About, Inc., 2007.

www.gastro.org, Hepatitis C, American Gastroenterological Association, 2007.

www.hepnet.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Eugene R. Schiff, MD, Schering Canada, Inc., 2007.

www.mayoclinic.com, Alcohol and Your Health: Weighing the Pros and Cons, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2007.

www.nih.gov, Alcohol Increases Hepatitis C Virus in Human Cells, National Institutes of Health, 2007.

www.patients.uptodate.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Sangik Oh, MD, Sanjiv Chopra, MD, UpToDate, Inc., 2007.

www.webmd.com, Bad Mix: Alcohol and Hepatitis C, Jeanie Lerche , WebMD, Inc., 2007.

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/10/living_with_hep.html

Believe

IncrediMail Letter

©studio reflections

23rd November, 2010

[Guest guest]

Hi Gloria,Yeah I feel very strong about this. I used to drink alot, I think that i was always drunk, even after quitting the hard stuff, I used to say, it's just beer now. That is the disease of drinking there was not one beer, there was drinking until you forgot your name, falling down. I quit when I was told I had Hep C & Cirhous. Before learning a little about Hep C, I thought chirous was only for heavy drinkers, my grandfather drank himself to death, he got cirhous from drinking. This was my wake up call, and a good one at that. I quit drugs when I ended up in jail, too bad it takes something really dramatic for me to quit things, but I am glad to say today I have free of drugs & alcohol.I am so happy I quit drinking, it is nice to know

where you wake up in the morning, and not wonder why you are in jail not being able to remember anything about last night.Hugs,nyFrom: Gloria <gadamscan@...> Sent: Tue, November 30, 2010 8:24:40 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

nyI'm with you all the way!! I had actually abstained from alcohol for 15 yrs before learning of my infection. I certainly did not get sober because of HepC. I got sober so that I could have a little saner life.As I saw it and still see it - I abused my privilege to drink and so it has been removed from me. Just since the beginning of this year, life has not been kind to me. However, not once did I think that a drink would make it all better. Now, a York Patty or a Pep definitely makes everything better, except for my waistline.Today, I took my niece shopping and she'd already told me that she was going on a diet. So, I decided I would do what she is doing.

However, I'd better get to juicing my veggies once I get back from Vancouver. My refrigerator is not working except to freeze everything. So, I've taken to keeping everything outside so it stays cool.Gloria

I would say NO alcohol ever, not a drop!!this is my opinion, have no data to back this up, but drinking with Hep C I feel would be a slow and painful death.if you went through tx, you did not drink for 48 weeks, you quit why start back up.this is coming from a ex- alcoholic, so I can't have one drink it turns into 20, but still even if you can have one drink, why take any change with things that could damage your

liver?nyFrom: Christ <ludichrist2000@...>WebWarriors grp < >Sent:

Tue, November 30, 2010 7:18:15 PMSubject: [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

Learn about the effect of alcohol on Hepatitis C, and whether or not its consumption, in any moderation, poses risks for people managing the virus.

by Cutler, L.Ac.

Conflicting research about alcohol’s benefits has cast a shadow of doubt over advice to completely abstain from drinking alcohol. For every article about the benefits of alcohol consumption, another seems to warn of its risks. The debate gets even trickier when deciding to drink an occasional glass of wine while managing Hepatitis C. Although there is no doubt that heavy alcohol use worsens Hepatitis C infection, many social drinkers wonder if this same warning applies to them.

Hepatitis C ProgressionThe majority of people with chronic Hepatitis C will never develop a major complication related to this disease. Because Hepatitis C is a slowly progressing virus, signs of hepatic inflammation don’t typically appear until 10-20 years after initial exposure. However, if undetected, ignored or untreated, Hepatitis C is more likely to develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Once infected with Hepatitis C, the most prominent risk factor for developing cirrhosis and liver cancer is drinking alcohol. Compared to non-drinkers, regular alcohol consumption significantly raises the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer from Hepatitis C.

It is now known that alcohol use, even in socially accepted amounts, accelerates the course of liver disease.

BenefitsConfusing the issue of social drinking, published studies are increasingly supporting consumption of alcoholic beverages. The touted health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as two drinks a day if you’re a male under 65, or one drink a day if you’re a female or a male over 65, include:

· Reduces risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication · Reduces the risk of dying of a heart attack · Possibly reduces risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes · Lowers risk of developing gallstones · Possibly reduces risk of diabetes

No JustificationWith such fantastic health benefits, even a person with Hepatitis C can find justification for infrequent or moderate drinking. However, these benefits do not apply to a person with any kind of chronic liver disease, especially Hepatitis C! If you identify with taking an occasional alcoholic drink with Hepatitis C, consider this perspective – being infected with Hepatitis C is like harboring smoldering coals in your liver. A sip of alcohol is like putting a drop of lighter fluid on those coals. While repeated dumping of lighter fluid will fuel an increasingly raging inferno, even a small amount can fan the fire. Drinking just a little bit of alcohol can push a low Hepatitis C viral load into the far upper registers.

The EvidenceImmunology researchers have demonstrated that alcohol promotes the proliferation of the Hepatitis C virus in human liver cells. By studying molecular mechanisms in cell cultures, Philadelphia researchers revealed the role of alcohol in aggravating Hepatitis C infection and interfering with drug treatment. “It was already known that habitual alcohol drinkers have higher blood levels of Hepatitis C virus, compared to infrequent drinkers, even when both are infected with the virus,†said Wen-Zhe Ho, M.D., the director of retroviral research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Three discoveries resulted from studying alcohol’s effect on the Hepatitis C virus:

1. Nuclear factor kappa B – Ho’s research team clarified why alcohol consumption parallels high Hepatitis C viral loads. The researchers found that alcohol increases the activity of a protein called nuclear factor kappa B. Increasing the activity of this specific protein causes the Hepatitis C virus to replicate. Additionally, nuclear factor kappa B plays a role in hepatic inflammation.

2. Interferon-alpha therapy – On a molecular level, the researchers found that alcohol interferes with the antiviral activity of interferon-alpha. By making interferon less effective against the virus, alcohol defeats the purpose of attempting viral eradication with medication therapy.

3. Naltrexone – Another finding with potential implications for Hepatitis C treatment was that naltrexone, a drug used to help alcoholics avoid relapse, blocks the deleterious effects of alcohol in promoting Hepatitis C infection. According to Dr. Ho, both alcohol and morphine activate opioid systems present in liver cells. These systems produce natural opiates, which play a crucial role in drug and alcohol addiction. This process may explain why naltrexone, which blocks opiates from binding to their receptors on cell membranes, reduced the effects of alcohol on Hepatitis C viral replication. “These data strongly suggest that activation of the endogenous opioid system is implicated in alcohol-induced Hepatitis C expression,†the authors conclude.

Thanks to the research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, there is no longer any confusion as to what amount of alcohol is acceptable for a person with Hepatitis C. Even though moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some health benefits, any advantages are far overshadowed by alcohol’s acceleration of Hepatitis C viral replication. Unless you are deliberately trying to increase your viral load, no amount of alcohol is okay with Hepatitis C. While the virus is present in your body, avoid alcohol altogether.

References:

Stoller, Eleanor Palo, et al., Alcohol Consumption within the Context of Hepatitis C, Alcohol and Alcoholism, July 2006.

www.alcoholism.about.com, Drinking May Worsen Hepatitis C Infection, University of Philadelphia News Release, About, Inc., 2007.

www.gastro.org, Hepatitis C, American Gastroenterological Association, 2007.

www.hepnet.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Eugene R. Schiff, MD, Schering Canada, Inc., 2007.

www.mayoclinic.com, Alcohol and Your Health: Weighing the Pros and Cons, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2007.

www.nih.gov, Alcohol Increases Hepatitis C Virus in Human Cells, National Institutes of Health, 2007.

www.patients.uptodate.com, Hepatitis C and Alcohol, Sangik Oh, MD, Sanjiv Chopra, MD, UpToDate, Inc., 2007.

www.webmd.com, Bad Mix: Alcohol and Hepatitis C, Jeanie Lerche , WebMD, Inc., 2007.

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/10/living_with_hep.html

[Guest guest]

My mother was/is an alcoholic.  From as far back as my early childhood I can remember her with a damn drink and the trouble it caused.  The fights between her and my father that lead to a divorce.. her fault.. totally her fault.  Her stupid decisions and her inability to control money...  alcohol related.  Her inability to have a conversation with me or anyone without it turning into a fight because she had to be right and she always wanted a fight.  Not good memories at all.  My mom had a few heart attacks a couple of years ago.  She had to stop drinking.  Thank God.  I have a different set of problems with her now but at least her being smashed isn't one of them.  Growing up with an alcoholic sucked.  Being an adult with an alcoholic mother wasn't much fun either.  There were a lot of tears and not happy tears either.  My mother was self absorbed and self centered and only cared about where that next drink was coming from.  She was a mean drunk as well.  Vicious.  

I married an alcoholic the first time..  surprise?  Life there was no fun either.  He was verbally, mentally and physically abusive.  I spent way too many years married to him but I was afraid to get out.  When I finally did, the damage had been done.  Both to me and to my precious son.  A son who told me just 2 days ago that he hasn't spoken with his dad in almost 2 years...  and he has no problems with that either.  

The reason I am telling you guys all of this?  Pouring my soul out in a way I haven't before...  I sense that there are some underlying alcohol issues here...  I'm sure the people that need to read this are reading quietly.  Several of us have become verbal about alcohol and Hep C...  I just got verbal about alcohol and life in general..  as did Gloria.  There is no place for alcohol in a diseased liver.  Not unless you want to die.  There is no nice way to put that...  Hep C and alcohol just don't mix.  After treatment, your liver will start to heal and regenerate itself..  That process can take 8 years or more.  Would you want to go thru treatment and have your liver start to heal only to bombard it with more alcohol?  Just sayin.....

This isn't directed to anyone in particular...  If it applies to you then I hope it gives you some insight.  Hugs,TeriOn Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:38 AM, Gloria <gadamscan@...> wrote:

This is sadly the truth!!  The last 5 yrs of my drinking were absolute hell!  I sure did not like me very much; but, couldn't figure out that the common denominator was ALCOHOL.  In every other aspect of my life, I was fine; but, let me have one drink and absolutely nobody, me included, knew where it would end up.

To this very day, I am sooo very grateful that I quit in time.  My son, who is 31 now, doesn't really remember my drinking.  He was my greatest incentive to find the strength to quit too.  There has not been one day of my sobriety that I can say, that a drink would have made it better.

Also, my son is very aware that he probably has the addiction gene.  As a teenage, he

experimented a whole lot with drugs and alcohol.  But, he was able to get beyond that.  His addictive nature really comes out, though, when it comes to himself.  Nobody could be harder on him than he is himself.  OH, just typing that has given me an idea!!  I should try very hard to get him to look at his situation using the 12 steps.  It might help him to stop beating up on himself.

Gloria

 

[Guest guest]

Teri,

I can feel every word you have said here. Granted I didn't go in to specific child abuse from her (emotional and physical), but because of her, I never touched alcohol and I kept a very close watch on my kids when they were growing up. Whereas some people follow in their parents footsteps, I did not. I would think that stories like yours and mine would help people who need to get off of it, I would hope. It's poison.

Hugs, a

-- Re: [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

My mother was/is an alcoholic. From as far back as my early childhood I can remember her with a damn drink and the trouble it caused. The fights between her and my father that lead to a divorce.. her fault.. totally her fault. Her stupid decisions and her inability to control money... alcohol related. Her inability to have a conversation with me or anyone without it turning into a fight because she had to be right and she always wanted a fight. Not good memories at all. My mom had a few heart attacks a couple of years ago. She had to stop drinking. Thank God. I have a different set of problems with her now but at least her being smashed isn't one of them. Growing up with an alcoholic sucked. Being an adult with an alcoholic mother wasn't much fun either. There were a lot of tears and not happy tears either. My mother was self absorbed and self centered and only cared about where that next drink was coming from. She was a mean drunk as well. Vicious.

I married an alcoholic the first time.. surprise? Life there was no fun either. He was verbally, mentally and physically abusive. I spent way too many years married to him but I was afraid to get out. When I finally did, the damage had been done. Both to me and to my precious son. A son who told me just 2 days ago that he hasn't spoken with his dad in almost 2 years... and he has no problems with that either.

The reason I am telling you guys all of this? Pouring my soul out in a way I haven't before... I sense that there are some underlying alcohol issues here... I'm sure the people that need to read this are reading quietly. Several of us have become verbal about alcohol and Hep C... I just got verbal about alcohol and life in general.. as did Gloria. There is no place for alcohol in a diseased liver. Not unless you want to die. There is no nice way to put that... Hep C and alcohol just don't mix. After treatment, your liver will start to heal and regenerate itself.. That process can take 8 years or more. Would you want to go thru treatment and have your liver start to heal only to bombard it with more alcohol? Just sayin.....

This isn't directed to anyone in particular... If it applies to you then I hope it gives you some insight.

Hugs,Teri

On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:38 AM, Gloria <gadamscan@...> wrote:

This is sadly the truth!! The last 5 yrs of my drinking were absolute hell! I sure did not like me very much; but, couldn't figure out that the common denominator was ALCOHOL. In every other aspect of my life, I was fine; but, let me have one drink and absolutely nobody, me included, knew where it would end up.To this very day, I am sooo very grateful that I quit in time. My son, who is 31 now, doesn't really remember my drinking. He was my greatest incentive to find the strength to quit too. There has not been one day of my sobriety that I can say, that a drink would have made it better.Also, my son is very aware that he probably has the addiction gene. As a teenage, he experimented a whole lot with drugs and alcohol. But, he was able to get beyond that. His addictive nature really comes out, though, when it comes to himself. Nobody could be harder on him than he is himself. OH, just typing that has given me an idea!! I should try very hard to get him to look at his situation using the 12 steps. It might help him to stop beating up on himself.Gloria

Peace on EarthIncrediMail Letter©studio reflections27th November, 2010

[Guest guest]

I find it so sad that people don't realize the damage they do when they are under the influence of alcohol.  My mother did irreparable harm.  My father died when I was 17 and I no longer had a port in a storm.  I remember promises not kept and money stolen.  Serious money stolen.  Things I can forgive but cannot let go of completely.  Those images keep me from following in her footsteps.  Granted, I will not lie to you and tell you I have never drank nor that I do not ever drink now..  On occasion, it happens.  Rarely.  But never to that extent.  

Hugs,Teri On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 5:54 PM, Studio Reflections <studio.reflections@...> wrote:

 

Teri,

 

I can feel every word you have said here.  Granted I didn't go in to specific child abuse from her (emotional and physical), but because of her, I never touched alcohol and I kept a very close watch on my kids when they were growing up.  Whereas some people follow in their parents footsteps, I did not.  I would think that stories like yours and mine would help people who need to get off of it, I would hope.  It's poison.

 

Hugs, a

 

 

 

 

 

-- Re: [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

 My mother was/is an alcoholic.  From as far back as my early childhood I can remember her with a damn drink and the trouble it caused.  The fights between her and my father that lead to a divorce.. her fault.. totally her fault.  Her stupid decisions and her inability to control money...  alcohol related.  Her inability to have a conversation with me or anyone without it turning into a fight because she had to be right and she always wanted a fight.  Not good memories at all.  My mom had a few heart attacks a couple of years ago.  She had to stop drinking.  Thank God.  I have a different set of problems with her now but at least her being smashed isn't one of them.  Growing up with an alcoholic sucked.  Being an adult with an alcoholic mother wasn't much fun either.  There were a lot of tears and not happy tears either.  My mother was self absorbed and self centered and only cared about where that next drink was coming from.  She was a mean drunk as well.  Vicious.  

I married an alcoholic the first time..  surprise?  Life there was no fun either.  He was verbally, mentally and physically abusive.  I spent way too many years married to him but I was afraid to get out.  When I finally did, the damage had been done.  Both to me and to my precious son.  A son who told me just 2 days ago that he hasn't spoken with his dad in almost 2 years...  and he has no problems with that either.  

The reason I am telling you guys all of this?  Pouring my soul out in a way I haven't before...  I sense that there are some underlying alcohol issues here...  I'm sure the people that need to read this are reading quietly.  Several of us have become verbal about alcohol and Hep C...  I just got verbal about alcohol and life in general..  as did Gloria.  There is no place for alcohol in a diseased liver.  Not unless you want to die.  There is no nice way to put that...  Hep C and alcohol just don't mix.  After treatment, your liver will start to heal and regenerate itself..  That process can take 8 years or more.  Would you want to go thru treatment and have your liver start to heal only to bombard it with more alcohol?  Just sayin.....

This isn't directed to anyone in particular...  If it applies to you then I hope it gives you some insight.  

Hugs,Teri

On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:38 AM, Gloria <gadamscan@...> wrote:

This is sadly the truth!!  The last 5 yrs of my drinking were absolute hell!  I sure did not like me very much; but, couldn't figure out that the common denominator was ALCOHOL.  In every other aspect of my life, I was fine; but, let me have one drink and absolutely nobody, me included, knew where it would end up.

To this very day, I am sooo very grateful that I quit in time.  My son, who is 31 now, doesn't really remember my drinking.  He was my greatest incentive to find the strength to quit too.  There has not been one day of my sobriety that I can say, that a drink would have made it better.

Also, my son is very aware that he probably has the addiction gene.  As a teenage, he experimented a whole lot with drugs and alcohol.  But, he was able to get beyond that.  His addictive nature really comes out, though, when it comes to himself.  Nobody could be harder on him than he is himself.  OH, just typing that has given me an idea!!  I should try very hard to get him to look at his situation using the 12 steps.  It might help him to stop beating up on himself.

Gloria

 

 

Peace on EarthIncrediMail Letter©studio reflections27th November, 2010

[Guest guest]

TeriVery well said and an excellent story to share just at this time!!Thank you for making me understand even more so, why I quit drinking. A similar thing would have happened to my precious son to, if I had continued. I definitely knew it was time when some of the junior girls used to come around to visit my foster daughter. Lots of them couldn't go home because their mothers were either drunk, getting ready to be drunk or last night's one night stand hadn't left yet. Instead of trying to believe that I wouldn't do that to my son, I knew that I wasn't very far away from doing just that. I've absolutely never regretted quitting the

booze.Gloria

My mother was/is an alcoholic. From as far back as my early childhood I can remember her with a damn drink and the trouble it caused. The fights between her and my father that lead to a divorce.. her fault.. totally her fault. Her stupid decisions and her inability to control money... alcohol related. Her inability to have a conversation with me or anyone without it turning into a fight because she had to be right and she always wanted a fight. Not good memories at all. My mom had a few heart attacks a couple of years ago. She had to stop drinking. Thank God. I have a different set of problems with her now but at least her being smashed isn't one of them. Growing up with an alcoholic sucked. Being an adult with an alcoholic mother wasn't much fun either. There were a lot of tears and not happy tears either. My mother was self absorbed and self centered and only

cared about where that next drink was coming from. She was a mean drunk as well. Vicious.

I married an alcoholic the first time.. surprise? Life there was no fun either. He was verbally, mentally and physically abusive. I spent way too many years married to him but I was afraid to get out. When I finally did, the damage had been done. Both to me and to my precious son. A son who told me just 2 days ago that he hasn't spoken with his dad in almost 2 years... and he has no problems with that either.

The reason I am telling you guys all of this? Pouring my soul out in a way I haven't before... I sense that there are some underlying alcohol issues here... I'm sure the people that need to read this are reading quietly. Several of us have become verbal about alcohol and Hep C... I just got verbal about alcohol and life in general.. as did Gloria. There is no place for alcohol in a diseased liver. Not unless you want to die. There is no nice way to put that... Hep C and alcohol just don't mix. After treatment, your liver will start to heal and regenerate itself.. That process can take 8 years or more. Would you want to go thru treatment and have your liver start to heal only to bombard it with more alcohol? Just sayin.....

This isn't directed to anyone in particular... If it applies to you then I hope it gives you some insight. Hugs,TeriOn Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:38 AM, Gloria <gadamscan@...> wrote:

This is sadly the truth!! The last 5 yrs of my drinking were absolute hell! I sure did not like me very much; but, couldn't figure out that the common denominator was ALCOHOL. In every other aspect of my life, I was fine; but, let me have one drink and absolutely nobody, me included, knew where it would end up.

To this very day, I am sooo very grateful that I quit in time. My son, who is 31 now, doesn't really remember my drinking. He was my greatest incentive to find the strength to quit too. There has not been one day of my sobriety that I can say, that a drink would have made it better.

Also, my son is very aware that he probably has the addiction gene. As a teenage, he

experimented a whole lot with drugs and alcohol. But, he was able to get beyond that. His addictive nature really comes out, though, when it comes to himself. Nobody could be harder on him than he is himself. OH, just typing that has given me an idea!! I should try very hard to get him to look at his situation using the 12 steps. It might help him to stop beating up on himself.

Gloria

[Guest guest]

a & TeriIt is very commendable that both of you managed to escape the addiction gene. However, unfortunately that does not happen very often.There used to be an ad on TV some years ago, where you see a man sitting on a stool with his little boy standing with him. He says, my grandfather drank, my father drank more ... then you are left to think about what comes next. At one point though, I liked a TV ad with a chameleon. He would jump from colour to colour; but, when he got to plaid - he lays down and has a tantrum. Well that was the way I felt as a drunk. I was so many different things to so many people, that I could never have a party because I knew I couldn't do

plaid.Now in recovery, I learned how to be open and honest with people! Ya, I still have tendencies to be a people pleaser; but, the 12 steps didn't promise us that we would be struck lily white. So, I fight that tendency as much as I can. Teri, you know what I mean; because of how much I put myself through with the fact that just 5 people, decided that they didn't like me!! Now, I just don't care!!! I still continue to be open and honest and have not found reason enough to change that.Gloria

Teri,

I can feel every word you have said here. Granted I didn't go in to specific child abuse from her (emotional and physical), but because of her, I never touched alcohol and I kept a very close watch on my kids when they were growing up. Whereas some people follow in their parents footsteps, I did not. I would think that stories like yours and mine would help people who need to get off of it, I would hope. It's poison.

Hugs, a

-- Re: [ ] Living with Hepatitis C: Is an Occasional Drink Okay?

My mother was/is an alcoholic. From as far back as my early childhood I can remember her with a damn drink and the trouble it caused. The fights between her and my father that lead to a divorce.. her fault.. totally her fault. Her stupid decisions and her inability to control money... alcohol related. Her inability to have a conversation with me or anyone without it turning into a fight because she had to be right and she always wanted a fight. Not good memories at all. My mom had a few heart attacks a couple of years ago. She had to stop drinking. Thank God. I have a different set of problems with her now but at least her being smashed isn't one of them. Growing up with an alcoholic sucked. Being an adult with an alcoholic mother wasn't much fun either. There were a lot of tears and not happy tears either. My mother was self absorbed and self centered

and only cared about where that next drink was coming from. She was a mean drunk as well. Vicious.

I married an alcoholic the first time.. surprise? Life there was no fun either. He was verbally, mentally and physically abusive. I spent way too many years married to him but I was afraid to get out. When I finally did, the damage had been done. Both to me and to my precious son. A son who told me just 2 days ago that he hasn't spoken with his dad in almost 2 years... and he has no problems with that either.

The reason I am telling you guys all of this? Pouring my soul out in a way I haven't before... I sense that there are some underlying alcohol issues here... I'm sure the people that need to read this are reading quietly. Several of us have become verbal about alcohol and Hep C... I just got verbal about alcohol and life in general.. as did Gloria. There is no place for alcohol in a diseased liver. Not unless you want to die. There is no nice way to put that... Hep C and alcohol just don't mix. After treatment, your liver will start to heal and regenerate itself.. That process can take 8 years or more. Would you want to go thru treatment and have your liver start to heal only to bombard it with more alcohol? Just sayin.....

This isn't directed to anyone in particular... If it applies to you then I hope it gives you some insight.

Hugs,Teri

On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:38 AM, Gloria <gadamscan@...> wrote:

This is sadly the truth!! The last 5 yrs of my drinking were absolute hell! I sure did not like me very much; but, couldn't figure out that the common denominator was ALCOHOL. In every other aspect of my life, I was fine; but, let me have one drink and absolutely nobody, me included, knew where it would end up.To this very day, I am sooo very grateful that I quit in time. My son, who is 31 now, doesn't really remember my drinking. He was my greatest incentive to find the strength to quit too. There has not been one day of my sobriety that I can say, that a drink would have made it better.Also, my son is very aware that he probably has the addiction gene. As a teenage, he experimented a whole lot with drugs and alcohol. But, he was able to get beyond

that. His addictive nature really comes out, though, when it comes to himself. Nobody could be harder on him than he is himself. OH, just typing that has given me an idea!! I should try very hard to get him to look at his situation using the 12 steps. It might help him to stop beating up on himself.Gloria

Peace on EarthIncrediMail Letter©studio reflections27th November, 2010