A question...

[kayla71]

Does anyone know what would drinking do to someone with cardiomyopathy??

[mflanagn]

Kayla, depends on the medication you are taking. My daughter (15 1/2 yrs) has HCM and asked her cardiologist that same question. He was very honest with her. He told her he has more concern with mixing the alcohol with her propronolol than with the coumadin she takes. He told her it is dangerous. She was very pleased that the cardiologist was honest. She will not be drinking alcohol with her friends when they are out at a party. Her friends understand and do not push her or harrass her about it.

Talk to your cardiologist. They should be able to tell you the risks.

Hope this helps.

[angusjcampbell]

Check with your doc for sure. Looks like you have time for that ;-). It's all about the meds (and risk of dehydration).

When I first started on disopyramide, my cardio guy warned me about the side effect of dry mouth. I said "Ha! nothing a pint of Bass Ale won't fix!". He just laughed and said "OK but don't overdo it".

The biggest risk for me is de-hydration, as that is a side effect of alcohol and will antagonize HCM symptoms. But with my dry mouth from the meds, I go no where without a bottle of water anyway.

All the best and happy holidays.

[Toogoofy317]

I was diagnosed with hcm at 21 derailed my drinking pretty quick. I usually only have a couple of drinks during the year one around the holidays and one on my birthday.

I know if I drink more than say one it affects me I tend to get dizzy quite easily.

I also am beginning to believe I'm the world's easiest person to get dehydrated. Lisa can vouch it is not a pretty sight when I am dehydrated.

So, I guess I echo everyone by asking the doc first and then in moderation. Only you know how you feel!

Peace,

Mary S.

[pblead]

I hate to state the obvious, but you are not old enough to drink legally. That being said, a couple of drinks, not on an empty stomach should do you no harm if your doctor OKs it.

[kayla71]

I know I'm not old enough to legally drink, but I was just wondering cause one day I may be with a friend, and they might ask me to drink. And it's possible I will want to test it out.

But I'm not on any medications, I've never had problems with HCM. But I mean I don't want to end up testing alcohol and then having even more serious things with my heart.

[Toogoofy317]

I'm guilty too I had my first drink a month before 21! I'm a rebel aren't I? I don't think it is too much of a problem. But, one of our members Sarah she had a glass of wine and that started her A-fib. So, you never know!

Mary S.

[Burton Borrok]

Many Jews, like many Italians and French among others have wine at the dinner table – for all. In our family it is written into the Passover proceedings (four cups of wine) and we always gave the kids their share. Now you know we never filled the glass – but was it for religious purposes or was it to put the kids to sleep and give us a chance to relax together?

Many of my drugs have said Do Not Take With Alcohol – so I haven’t for many years. Now I found that a glass of Iced Tea has 35 carbohydrates and a can of non-alcoholic beer is only 12 – I am on a drinking spree and enjoying it immensely. You can have it both ways.
Burt

[purple_ness1]

i asked the same queston on her when i was 15 or sumthink and even thou that every one gave me really good abvice and told me to take it ease i didnt and the achol so didnt agree with my heart
so if there one good peice of adbive i can give ya is that dont even try getting drunk it promble turn out bad and stay away from the smokes

take care
*margi*

[Reenie]

Margi, I'm very proud of you. I remember when you were younger and didn't want to listen to our advice very much. You've certainly grown up and I'm proud of your accomplishments. It's tough to be the different one and you've done a good job taking control of your life.

Reenie

[Largehearted]

Hear! Hear!

Leon

[Toogoofy317]

Ya know,

There is something I've found that is kinda good about being the DD (designated driver) you remember exactly what happened at the Company Christmas party that got waaaaaaayyyyy out of hand!

I remember one particular Haloween party we had soon after my diagnosis. I was quite upset being just turned 21 and not being able to drink at the party. But, as the night wore on and I'm the having to drive my drunk manager that walked out into the living room with their pants down home. Well, let's say I never got into to much trouble at work by them. Even though I am good worker it's nice to be able to say when they are talking about your judgement to remind them ever so subtly about that party :) .

Hope this helps some.

And Margi I'm happy that advice and experience are making you a more responsible adult. For awhile there I was quite worried about you.

Mary s.