One of the questions I see posted on forums often revolves around the ability to drink alcohol with an ostomy. Though every ostomate is different in what they can tolerate, I thought I would share my experiences. Now I will say straightaway that I am not a big drinker. Months can go by where I don’t drink at all. I even sometimes have beers in the fridge that reach their expiration date. Crazy, I know. However, even though I don’t drink that often, there is nothing like cracking open a cold beer after doing a successful climb, relaxing with a brew at a baseball game or enjoying libations at a special occasion.
Enjoying drinks with friends is something I hoped I could still do after surgery, and I am happy to report that I have no problems drinking wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages with my ileostomy. Here are a few of the things I notice:
- If I drink on an empty stomach, I get pure liquid output that rushes through my system, and I can get dehydrated. I make sure to always eat a meal when I drink alcohol. When I do eat food with the alcohol, my output isn’t affected at all.
- Even when things don’t rush through, I notice that alcohol still dehydrates me. Therefore, I make sure to drink a lot of water. Last night, I had two drinks and drank two 12 oz glasses of water with each one.
- I can drink wine, beer (as long as it is gluten-free due to being gluten intolerant) and any other alcoholic beverages. I notice no appreciable differences in the way they affect my stomach or output.
- Some people find that carbonated beverages like beer can cause gas which makes their pouch puff up. I have not found this to be the case and notice no difference from the normal “poofing” I get everyday.
- The effects of alcohol seem more pronounced now that I have an ileostomy. I am very careful to assess my transportation options before I drink any alcohol.
Last night there was much reason to celebrate. My friend, Sarah, had passed her prelims and is now a Ph.D. candidate for her Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Her final next step will be to complete her doctoral dissertation on the research she is doing on elephants in Africa. She even started an organization to help the Tanzanian people form a personal connection with the wildlife in nearby Ruaha National Park in hopes that it will lead to a local ethic of conservation. Sarah is a super inspirational person, and had worked so hard to reach this milestone. Celebrating over margaritas and beer was most definitely in order.
Amanda, Sarah and I celebrating after Sarah aced her Ph.D. prelims.
I often write about how meaningful the small things in life feel after being sick. It felt so good to be sitting there in the bar last night, laughing and enjoying drinks with my friends, basking in the camaraderie and hearing stories of hard tests and accomplishments reached. I looked around and saw everyone at the booths and tables around me smiling and having a fun time. It was one of many moments this year when I had the profound sense that everything is wonderfully normal and good in my life again.
I hope that after my surgery that I can be as active as you are. I am scared yet anxious.
Hi Carol,
I can definitely relate to what you are feeling. Though I was pretty excited to get my colon out because it was making me so sick and medications were causing me painful side effects, I was still completely terrified before my surgery. I am not going to sugar coat things… the initial days after the operation hurt. Still, even with post-surgical pain, I knew the day after surgery that I felt better without the diseased colon in my body. The learning curve of managing an ostomy is huge at first, but before you know it you will be a pro. Take it day by day. Be patient and don’t worry about figuring it all out at once. Once you heal up, you will get back to the things you love! Best wishes.
-Heidi
Seeing as I have UC is it possible for the UC to travel somewhere else. I will have colon removed and rectum as well as anus. Seeing as it started in the rectum first and spread I figure that type surgery will be done. I had a test done recently and my liver count was high and I have had this happen before. Like I told my doctor I don’t want to have added problems to deal with besides the problem I already have. I do not want a bad liver.
Carol,
I remember my surgeon telling me that there was a liver condition that, though rare, sometimes went hand-in-hand with UC. He said the surgery helps UC, but would not make the chances of the liver condition go away. I would continue to work with the doctor to see what the cause of your liver troubles are. When I was on some UC medications, my liver counts were also out of whack. Once I went off the medications, my liver counts went back to normal. It is a bummer that sometimes there are extra-intestinal manifestations with ulcerative colitis. At least after the surgery though, one does not have to deal with having a colon in their body that is constantly making them sick even if there are some other troubles.
Thanks so much for the reassurance that life with an Ostomy does go on! I had surgery 4weeks ago to remove my colorectal cancer tumor and I’m excited to say that we are currently in the car, driving to my boys’ football tournament in Florida! I was anxious I would not be able to make this trip! I’m being careful to take care of myself and drink LOTS of water, but I’m looking forward to having a beer on the beach to celebrate their victories! Hang in there, y’all! I think we’re stronger than we give ourselves credit for!
Football Momma,
Yippee! I am so glad that you were able to get out on the trip to your son’s tournament. I love to hear positive stories from other people with ostomies. You are so right! We are strong and can do anything. And then celebrate with a beer!
-Heidi