| Author |
Message |
Sophie
Member
Username: Zucchinizs
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2014
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 - 04:24 am: | 
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I was wondering if anyone in a similar situation has drunk alcohol post transplant?
I was born with liver frailer and had a transplant at 9 years old. I am now 16 and my friends and I go to partys and they drink alcohol (normal and legal in my country). I was wondering if anyone has drunk alcohol in small amounts and is fine with it?
I havnt had any rejection in 5 years and I am on the anti rejection drug tacrolimus |
Jim
Member
Username: On_the_journey
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2014
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 - 10:03 am: |
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Hi Sophie,
Congratulations on being alive, on your liver transplant, and enjoying your friends. So you were born with liver failure and had your transplant at age 9. You say you haven't experienced any rejection episodes during the last 5 years and that you're now 16? That's wonderful. And you're on tacrolimus. Okay...so does this mean that you DID have one or more rejection episodes with your new liver between the ages of 9 and 11?
Sophie, I think you would be putting yourself at risk drinking ANY alcohol, especially when you are at parties with other teenagers. You yourself know how strong peer pressure can be to fit in and to do (or drink) like the people you're with. If it's normal and legal for 16-year-olds in your country to drink alcohol at parties, then peer pressure would be all the more normal and legal. But what is normal and legal for some people may not be the healthiest approach for everyone. For example, many world-class athletes choose NOT to drink or smoke while they are in training for major athletic contests. You and I are liver transplant recipients, Sophie. We are in training not just for athletic events -- we are in training for LIFE, to be able to live as healthily as we can for as long as we have life to experience and work to accomplish. As for me, I choose not to drink alcohol, and I am also 7 years post-transplant -- like you. And the damage to my liver also had nothing to do with alcohol -- just like you -- but still, for me, the gift of new life is too precious to even take a chance with alcohol now. Best wishes to you, Sophie, and much joy! Jim |
Forest
Member
Username: Forest
Post Number: 45
Registered: 10-2011
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 - 11:22 am: |
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Hello Sophie,
I want to say congratulations to you, from one recipient to another, and for taking such good care of yourself since your transplant.  I am almost 3 years post TX, and I don't drink alcohol. Here's why, because I signed a contract with my surgeons and Donor Family, that I would PROMISE to take the best care of the organs I have received, and not endanger them. I owe that to them. It's my word, it's my bond.
You can find other beverages to drink, but I drink mostly water and unsweetened tea. No illegal drugs either, it's not worth it. Enjoy you new LIFE by getting high on being ALIVE!!! I DO.
Forest
U/C, 1993, PSC, 2000
Liver/Kidney transplant 8/21/11
St. Louis University Hospital |
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Bob2006
Member
Username: Delgador
Post Number: 264
Registered: 06-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 - 03:10 pm: |
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Hi Sophie,
Congratulations on your new life.
I also have a Liver TX going on 8 years. I too party with my friends, I don't drink at all, only water for me. My friends remind each other and me that I don't drink, and they actually watch what I eat as well, ask your friends to support you in your journey........If they really love you they will.
Liver TX 7/31/2006 due to HCC
Dr. Jang Moon & Dr. Andreas Tzakis - UM/JMH |
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Tony
Member
Username: Tony
Post Number: 49
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 - 10:43 pm: |
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Hi Sophie
I'm seventeen years since my transplant and I tried a glass of wine two years ago and I found that I didn't like it at all and that I have lost all taste for wine and when I was growing up we were given wine before water at breakfast at dinner and before bed so we'd sleep better. if you are going to drink, think, is it for you or are you just going along with the crowd. if there is something else non- alcoholic to drink when you are out with your friends then drink that if your friends question you for not drinking take a good look at them are they really your friends
A Valentines Liver
2/14/97
at Massachusetts General Hospital |
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Hostess Risé
Board Administrator
Username: Rise
Post Number: 18098
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2014 - 02:52 pm: |
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Welcome back Tony
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Diane L.
Member
Username: Diane_l
Post Number: 706
Registered: 12-2011
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2014 - 02:22 pm: |
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Hi Sophie,
My liver transplant was 6 years ago. I also had to sign a contract with my TxP team that I would look after my new liver and not drink alcohol. Some of my friends have wondered why, because I now have a healthy new liver.
But all medications and many other substances including natural herbs and alcohol are filtered through your liver. On top of everything that we have been taught through our TxP clinics, it is important to remember that our new livers are already working harder than most with all of our medications.
I totally understand that it is hard for you with peer pressure, but it is you that would have to live with any problems from drinking, not your friends.
Good luck Sophie.
I am glad that you are doing well.
Diane Lewis
Liver Transplant
Vancouver General Hospital
November 20, 2008 |
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cpnair
Member
Username: Cpnair
Post Number: 1
Registered: 09-2014
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2014 - 07:15 pm: |
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Sophie,
If it is possible to live without alcohol, then, that is the best thing for you or to any one else; I won't make judgement on the impact of liquor, positive negative or neutral, on transplanted livers.
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