S ICD

Alcohol

by Gemita - 2020-09-16 12:15:56

Hello Jonq,

It depends on your heart condition being treated by your ICD and what medication you are on in case it is unsafe to drink ?  I do not want to put a damper on your lifestyle but it may be safer to restrict your alcohol consumption, if you can, and you should certainly ask your cardiologist whether you can safely drink in small amounts.  But can you restrict drinking when you are attending your alcoholic weekends, I wonder ??

For instance, with arrhythmias, I absolutely cannot drink any alcohol without paying the consequences.  And I have always enjoyed a glass of wine with my meals, but not anymore. Alcohol always triggers my arrhythmias and I can experience some extremely high heart rates after drinking even a small glass of wine.

I do understand how difficult it is socially not to have a drink with friends.  All I can say is, be strong, have a word with your doctors and decide what amounts would be "safe for you" ?  I am sure once you are healed you will be able to get back to many of your usual activities in the knowledge that your ICD will keep you safe.  Good luck.  Good friends will understand and support you with whatever decision you come to that is best for you

Alcohol

by AgentX86 - 2020-09-16 21:21:38

At one time I used to drink (a lot) but stopped cold-turkey when I was diagnosed with Afib. Haven't had a drop since.  I spent a lot of time with friends at a bar.  Good times.  After, while I didn't drink, I found that my friends didn't mind that I didn't drink.  Bartenders would give me Diet Coke (free) and I'd be the DD for any in the group.   I'd drive their car (one was the general manager of a dealership so always had new/expensive cars to drive) so they could drink.  I've since moved a couple of times so don't do such things anymore but my point is that not being able to drink isn't the end of the world. 

Back to you. Alcohol certainly isn't good for anyone and the more one drinks the worse it is, perhaps exponentially.  It's not a good idea for anyone but it's particularly hard on the heart.  The fact that you need an ICD should be a hint. "Out with friends alcohol weekends" sounds like some serious binge drinking.  That doesn't sound good but don't believe me.  Ask your cardiologist (not so much an EP in this case).

'nuff preaching from a sinner.

Well

by ROBO Pop - 2020-09-18 15:53:26

Well Jon, let me put it this way...can I have your golf clubs? You really aren't going to be needing them if you go back to your old ways.

Amazing no matter how big the brick that hits you  some people never get the message attached