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Methytrexate and alcohol

Posted by marilyncarkner @marilyncarkner, Aug 20 6:22pm

I hope this is the right place to post . I have just increased Methytrexate to 25 mgs once a week I love my evening dinner with wine .How serious is it that you should NOT drink alcohol when on MTX .At 76 years of age this is a very enjoyable way to end my day

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tuckerp | @tuckerp | Sep 14 8:35am
In reply to @marilyncarkner "5 years in with PMR AND GCA. GCA in remission or gone for good.🤞Just put on..." + (show)
@marilyncarkner

5 years in with PMR AND GCA. GCA in remission or gone for good.🤞Just put on MTX with tapering Pred 15 mg 👇very slowly .I realize alcohol while in MTX is not recommended but I have a very active Social life and wine is definitely a very enjoyable part of it.
At 77 years old I want to continue doing what I like and not worry about impending liver damage. If I was in my 50’s I think I would be more diligent about the alcohol restriction . Any thoughts on this appreciated.

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I always enjoyed a glass of wine or a mixed drink in the evenings. I would have one pretty much every night. I enjoyed the few moments of relaxation. I was not on MTX but I was so sick with PMR before being diagnosed that alcohol didnt even taste right. Once I started steroids my life settled but when I would drink I found I felt sick afterwards. I still have an issue 2 years after PMR. So mine is not so much whether I its good for me but seems my body doesnt want to tolerate it. When I have gone out I drink seltzer water and lime. Yeah its to bad we dont know what our check out date is going to be. Make planning a little easier. You might live a very healthy life for another 20yrs. They say an active social life is key to longer life. Enjoy.

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1 reply
linda7 | @linda7 | Sep 14 8:58am

Methotrexate elevated my liver enzymes significantly. My rheumatologist knew I drank a daily IPA but hadn't said anything about it when I was just on prednisone and the liver enzymes were fine. With his encouragement I cut back to 2 a week and then luckily was able to get off methotrexate due to vile side effects and it wasn't helping the PMR any more. I've stuck to the IPA limit but it's tough. I have a 40 year history of back pain and, narcotics not being a reasonable option, have used ibuprofen and IPA. No ibuprofen is allowed with prednisone and now I have an alcohol limit too. At 5 mg prednisone the back pain is returning after being suppressed by prednisone.
I'm also conflicted knowing alcohol's effect on brain cells. This PMR odyssey has required lots of research and clear thinking. I notice a correlation in people my age who I have known over time between how much they drink and how much their cognitive function has declined. I've gotta have those brain cells to make it through old age!

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marilyncarkner | @marilyncarkner | Sep 14 7:42pm
In reply to @tuckerp "I always enjoyed a glass of wine or a mixed drink in the evenings. I would..." + (show)
@tuckerp

I always enjoyed a glass of wine or a mixed drink in the evenings. I would have one pretty much every night. I enjoyed the few moments of relaxation. I was not on MTX but I was so sick with PMR before being diagnosed that alcohol didnt even taste right. Once I started steroids my life settled but when I would drink I found I felt sick afterwards. I still have an issue 2 years after PMR. So mine is not so much whether I its good for me but seems my body doesnt want to tolerate it. When I have gone out I drink seltzer water and lime. Yeah its to bad we dont know what our check out date is going to be. Make planning a little easier. You might live a very healthy life for another 20yrs. They say an active social life is key to longer life. Enjoy.

Jump to this post

Thanks so much for your reply I really hate to give up social drinking but I think it may happen. My blood tests will tell the story and they are coming up .Haven’t really changed my drinking habits but I think my drinking days are numbered
As for mental decline I honestly think in some areas I am more on the ball now than in the past . I am 77 years old due crosswords and regular math problems . So from that perspective not too worried. .

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ksdm | @ksdm | Sep 15 8:31am

I agree with you. I am 82 and was taking a pain med that said no alcohol. I continued to have my dinner wine and still have a liver!

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