Moderate Use of Alcohol

I'm like you in regard to living a healthy lifestyle, exercising daily, etc. I was diagnosed with GCA and PMR last June, and I was on a high dose of prednisone for several months. I started at 60 mg a day, and am now down to 8. Before my diagnosis I had always enjoyed wine and beer in moderation. Because of the high dose of prednisone, I stopped drinking alcohol until the dose got under 20 mg per day. Since then I've been drinking a glass of wine with dinner several days a week. I hope to increase my exercise level soon, and then I can start drinking beer again. Right now beer has too many calories for my activity level. I would prefer not to gain any more weight.

Thanks so much for your response. I hope that you will continue to be well. With a diagnosis of a little over two weeks ago, I I am overwhelmed, but I will continue to try to do all I can to get better.

I hope you continue to be well too. I was really overwhelmed too when I was diagnosed with GCA and PMR. I felt like I had been dropped off in a strange place and was told "This is your new life - you're on your own". But things improved slowly. I got established with my new doctors (primary care, rheumatologist, and ophthalmologist), and I slowly got used to all of the new medicines and supplements. Also finding this forum was very useful, to read about what other people had gone through with these diseases. I think the most important thing at first is just to rest and recover, and let the prednisone do its work. I had lost several pounds while I was sick, had become anemic, etc. So it took a while to regain my strength. I feel much better now than when my PMR started 2 years ago.

Honestly I don’t think that one cocktail would make any difference. You have to weigh the cost benefit. If it makes you feel good and you don’t feel any adverse reactions then go with it.
I have also GCA and I have abandoned alcohol because it really affected my head aches. It’s all about listening to your body. Only you can tell

I think this is a very relevant discussion for most of us
especially seniors with health problems. I was drinking wine
daily after retiring when PMR developed suddenly. I am not ready to adopt the “No amount of alcohol is good for you.”
theory with all the conflicting data on drinking and autoimmunity. The moderation approach is my best effort.
Succeeded at dry January and doing OK on the curious sober philosophy. I have found the new zero alcohol beers
very enjoyable for off days. I can enjoy a ceremoniously crafted old fashioned 3 times a week. We don't metabolize as well as when we were young so keep the cocktails light.
When I read about managing my Psoriatic arthritis all the articles encourage moderation. Just do what you can to manage side effect of steroids on your blood pressure and
metabolism and there is no set rule on drinking while on
prednisone.

Thanks for your insight. Very helpful!

Thanks for that bit of optimism! Appreciate it! Especially in this dreary February when it's cold, icy and not very inviting to go outdoors, which I typically love!

I really appreciate tge dialogue. In the end it’s an individual matter. Ive been a moderate user of alcohol. I stopped during my first taper but didn’t notice any change. I started again and my BP and other blood tests do not show concern, but that could change.
Good luck and thanks for bringing the issue up.

I appreciate your comments. Good luck to you as well!

I very reluctantly gave up my very moderate alcohol use because of bad acid reflux. I felt like a martyr for a while (esp when my darling husband continued wine at dinner!) but I finally got creative and started making spritzes with a tsp of bitters, sparkling water, and a float of vermouth on top. Served in a nice guess with a big cube, I enjoy a special drink again without waking up in agony at night!