Drinking

clementine · 3rd September 2010, 11:55 AM

I went to the Doctors today for a check-up.
The nurse took my blood pressure, which was normal. She also weighed me and I was within normal paremeters.

Then she asked how much I was drinking a day.
I told her 4 tins of lager (maybe more) and a few whiskys.

She went balistic and told me I was in severe danger of running my liver into oblivion, in so many words.
This alone equated to 70 units a week when the recommended limit is 21.
I was shocked and kind of embarassed because I felt that I had reduced my alcohol intake dramatically over the last few years.
Hell, I use to drink much more than that. I am 47 now though and beginning to wrinkle.

This may hurt:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000281.htm

I know some of you like a drink but what about that?

Eric Frei · 3rd September 2010, 09:34 PM

Did you have a blood test and check out your liver functions?

clementine · 4th September 2010, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

Did you have a blood test and check out your liver functions?

No, I didn't.
The nurse suggested that at those levels of alcohol intake I may damage my liver beyond repair.

I don't feel any ill effects from what I drink each day but I can't tell if any real damage is being done. I certainly didn't worry about it until she mentioned it.
The nurse also tried to sign me up for a "give up smoking" therapy class, but I declined for the moment.

A mate of mine died recently from prostate cancer, he was a year younger than me.
Another old mate, who moved to the USA over 20 years ago, has just had a heart attack there his mum told me today. He's only 43 years old. He survived but his mum reckons he'll carry on drinking too much.
They both liked a good drink.

Garry Brockley · 4th September 2010, 05:02 AM

The wifes uncle is a drinker and smoker, he had his right foot amputated four years ago because of vascular disease, then six months later they took it to the knee, last year they took his left leg completely. he "cut down" but only to what he thought was a good amount, his liver is pickled his brain is getting mushy and even after the docs telling him to quit or he will die he still smokes he's 48 and will live no longer than 5 years or 2 if he keeps drinking and smoking.
I don't see how anyone can let smoking and drinking run thier life.
i wish you all the best clem i hope you kick the habit.

Eric Frei · 4th September 2010, 07:57 AM

I quit smoking around 1996, I smoked 40 a day, B&H Special Filter!

Another sign of over doing alcohol is gout, do your toe joints (especially big toe) ache?

Jeff Darby · 4th September 2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

I quit smoking around 1996, I smoked 40 a day, B&H Special Filter!

Another sign of over doing alcohol is gout, do your toe joints (especially big toe) ache?

Same here, haven't smoked in over a decade...but it took me around four attempts to give up...you have be witty about all the sub conscious mind tricks your own mind plays on you to light up.

Alcohol was much easier, I simply finnished my beer and did not buy another, mind you I do not miss the gout...

as far as my health now is it better than it would have been ? well I hope so, however we have nothing to compare me with as there's only one JayD....lol.

I must say though I do not miss my old habits, nor do I look down at those who still drink and smoke.

clementine · 4th September 2010, 09:34 PM

Blimey Galbee, your wifes uncle sounds really unlucky to have been affected so badly by his habits. Some people are more prone to problems than others. I think that remaining physically active helps a lot, my work keeps me active most days and I do try to fit in some cycling and swimming.

Well done to you Eric and JayD for kicking the habit, it can't have been easy. I bet you've already forgotten coughing up chunks of phlegm in the mornings.

40 a day is a lot, I smoke about 20 but have gone onto the roll-ups to slow me down a bit.
I gave up for 3 months once but was still going to the pub back then when smoking in pubs was still allowed and I eventually cracked again.

I will be giving it another go as we are moving back to England and @ £6.00 a packet is just not affordable. Beer and Whisky are pricey too so will have to cut down even more, which won't hurt I guess.

Eric Frei · 10th September 2010, 03:59 PM

Home brew, the shop brews me a special batch. low carb and low alcohol .... 2.8% alc!

Got it in the fridge on a keg system with a tap hanging out the door.

Garry Brockley · 11th September 2010, 07:14 PM

is that next to your favorite seat too

Brent Ferris · 12th September 2010, 08:43 AM

If you have vascular disease - common among tree climbers, and other folks that stand around a lot, or sit a lot, Niacin (B3) which opens up the capillaries helps a lot, and so does Citrus Bioflavonoids (Rutin, and Quercetin are also flavonoids).
Citrus Bioflavonoids help to make the veins less leaky, and strengthen the valves in the veins so blood can be returned to the heart more readily. Still have to exercise, but the veins will do the job they are supposed to do - also minimizes the bulging of veins on legs and elsewhere.
If the legs are in really bad shape, taking a Horse chestnut supplement can get rid of a lot of the built-up fluid in a hurry(contains tannins) but can only take it for about 3 weeks and then take a break for a week. Compression socks can also make a difference.
And once the legs are back to normal, the citrus bioflavonoids should keep everything in shape.
I have been on both for years, and don't have the lower leg vascular problems other people do in my age bracket.
The Niacin gives a flushing action which is really kind of neat., If the capillaries are in poor shape you can get an idea of how far they are opening up by how far the flushing (and heat) goes. When I started (in about 1998), the face and neck flushed. After about a year it was 2/3 down my back; this past spring I could feel it in my lower arms and upper legs. Now I don't notice it at all - suggests the capillaries are wide open, blood is getting to all the cells, and that means the toxins are being carried away as well. And that is good!

THe job also tends to deaden the nerves, chainsaws are really good for that, and alpha lipoic acid helps to regenerate nerve tissue. I think it works -- I no longer have the carpal tunnel problem, the finger nails get red sooner unless I completely stretch my fingers, and most of the time, my arms don't go dead on me.

If you're having liver problems Clementine, maybe you should do a liver detox -- it's not fun, but does help get rid of a lot of toxins in a "rush".

I can't make any comments about drinking and smoking, I have never done either. BUt still lots of other things to go wrong.

dov · 12th September 2010, 11:09 AM

I quit smoking in 97 for memory, both types of smoke. I must say that the green type did a lot more damage than the other, which was bad enough. Took a few years after quitting to get reliable reception of reality FM going if you get my drift. My lungs took a few years to free up as well, but by about 2002 they were great.

Stopped drinking around 2004. Wasn't too good at controlling my drinking (sometimes I used to only drink twice a month - but for two weeks at a time!) Also I have to take meds for an hereditary illness and the alcohol doesn't agree with them, so drinking is out.

All in all I feel a lot healthier without all the added nasties in the system. Don't think I'd be able to even keep up with all I do if I was still drinking.

clementine · 13th September 2010, 08:16 AM

Hi Treeshaveneeds, I don't think that I am having Liver problems. Infact I think I've been one of those lucky people that has managed to drink and smoke excessively for years without showing any outward signs of it, not yet anyway. I may be knackered inside without knowing it.

I did notice you mentioned about the Carpal tunnel problem and arms going dead.
I spent years using pneumatic jack hammers when I was younger and I do get a touch of white knuckle and one of my arms goes dead at night and takes a bit to free up in the mornings.

Well done Dov for kicking the smoke, I did green for a while and know what you mean. I gave up when I started to get a bit paranoid generally.

A lot of us are brought up into a heavy drinking environment. When I started, way back in 1977, there were no hard facts about the effects of heavy drinking, well, there may have been but we hadn't heard about them. Nor smoking or the effects of the Sun on the skin.
All my mates use to drink heavily nearly every night and all weekend and smoking was the norm.

Brent Ferris · 18th September 2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clementine

Hi Treeshaveneeds,

I did notice you mentioned about the Carpal tunnel problem and arms going dead.
I spent years using pneumatic jack hammers when I was younger and I do get a touch of white knuckle and one of my arms goes dead at night and takes a bit to free up in the mornings.

The point of using Niacin and Alpha-lipoic acid and B- complex is to regenerate the nerves and eliminate the loss of feeling.

Jeff Darby · 18th September 2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clementine

Well done Dov for kicking the smoke, I did green for a while and know what you mean. I gave up when I started to get a bit paranoid generally.

A lot of us are brought up into a heavy drinking environment. When I started, way back in 1977, there were no hard facts about the effects of heavy drinking, well, there may have been but we hadn't heard about them. Nor smoking or the effects of the Sun on the skin.
All my mates use to drink heavily nearly every night and all weekend and smoking was the norm.

I hear ya ! Clemy...it was a way of life for us older blokes, good news is your liver can regenerate if you hit the brakes before bad damage is done...mines good, however I'm going for chest Xrays for a persistent cough that seems to return regulary, my doctor seems to think it could be damage from my smoking days... such is life...

clementine · 20th September 2010, 07:35 AM

I very much hope that the Doc is wrong JayD, Good Luck to you.
What ever he says, get another opinion if it's bad and no matter what...Keep a positive attitude!

3rd September 2010, 11:55 AM	#1
clementine Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 507	Drinking I went to the Doctors today for a check-up. The nurse took my blood pressure, which was normal. She also weighed me and I was within normal paremeters. Then she asked how much I was drinking a day. I told her 4 tins of lager (maybe more) and a few whiskys. She went balistic and told me I was in severe danger of running my liver into oblivion, in so many words. This alone equated to 70 units a week when the recommended limit is 21. I was shocked and kind of embarassed because I felt that I had reduced my alcohol intake dramatically over the last few years. Hell, I use to drink much more than that. I am 47 now though and beginning to wrinkle. This may hurt: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000281.htm I know some of you like a drink but what about that? __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons - for you are crunchy and taste of chicken!

3rd September 2010, 09:34 PM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Drinking Did you have a blood test and check out your liver functions? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

4th September 2010, 05:02 AM	#4
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,641	Re: Drinking The wifes uncle is a drinker and smoker, he had his right foot amputated four years ago because of vascular disease, then six months later they took it to the knee, last year they took his left leg completely. he "cut down" but only to what he thought was a good amount, his liver is pickled his brain is getting mushy and even after the docs telling him to quit or he will die he still smokes he's 48 and will live no longer than 5 years or 2 if he keeps drinking and smoking. I don't see how anyone can let smoking and drinking run thier life. i wish you all the best clem i hope you kick the habit. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

4th September 2010, 07:57 AM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Drinking I quit smoking around 1996, I smoked 40 a day, B&H Special Filter! Another sign of over doing alcohol is gout, do your toe joints (especially big toe) ache? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

4th September 2010, 09:34 PM	#7
clementine Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 507	Re: Drinking Blimey Galbee, your wifes uncle sounds really unlucky to have been affected so badly by his habits. Some people are more prone to problems than others. I think that remaining physically active helps a lot, my work keeps me active most days and I do try to fit in some cycling and swimming. Well done to you Eric and JayD for kicking the habit, it can't have been easy. I bet you've already forgotten coughing up chunks of phlegm in the mornings. 40 a day is a lot, I smoke about 20 but have gone onto the roll-ups to slow me down a bit. I gave up for 3 months once but was still going to the pub back then when smoking in pubs was still allowed and I eventually cracked again. I will be giving it another go as we are moving back to England and @ £6.00 a packet is just not affordable. Beer and Whisky are pricey too so will have to cut down even more, which won't hurt I guess. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons - for you are crunchy and taste of chicken!

10th September 2010, 03:59 PM	#8
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Drinking Home brew, the shop brews me a special batch. low carb and low alcohol .... 2.8% alc! Got it in the fridge on a keg system with a tap hanging out the door. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

11th September 2010, 07:14 PM	#9
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,641	Re: Drinking is that next to your favorite seat too __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

12th September 2010, 08:43 AM	#10
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: Drinking If you have vascular disease - common among tree climbers, and other folks that stand around a lot, or sit a lot, Niacin (B3) which opens up the capillaries helps a lot, and so does Citrus Bioflavonoids (Rutin, and Quercetin are also flavonoids). Citrus Bioflavonoids help to make the veins less leaky, and strengthen the valves in the veins so blood can be returned to the heart more readily. Still have to exercise, but the veins will do the job they are supposed to do - also minimizes the bulging of veins on legs and elsewhere. If the legs are in really bad shape, taking a Horse chestnut supplement can get rid of a lot of the built-up fluid in a hurry(contains tannins) but can only take it for about 3 weeks and then take a break for a week. Compression socks can also make a difference. And once the legs are back to normal, the citrus bioflavonoids should keep everything in shape. I have been on both for years, and don't have the lower leg vascular problems other people do in my age bracket. The Niacin gives a flushing action which is really kind of neat., If the capillaries are in poor shape you can get an idea of how far they are opening up by how far the flushing (and heat) goes. When I started (in about 1998), the face and neck flushed. After about a year it was 2/3 down my back; this past spring I could feel it in my lower arms and upper legs. Now I don't notice it at all - suggests the capillaries are wide open, blood is getting to all the cells, and that means the toxins are being carried away as well. And that is good! THe job also tends to deaden the nerves, chainsaws are really good for that, and alpha lipoic acid helps to regenerate nerve tissue. I think it works -- I no longer have the carpal tunnel problem, the finger nails get red sooner unless I completely stretch my fingers, and most of the time, my arms don't go dead on me. If you're having liver problems Clementine, maybe you should do a liver detox -- it's not fun, but does help get rid of a lot of toxins in a "rush". I can't make any comments about drinking and smoking, I have never done either. BUt still lots of other things to go wrong. Last edited by Brent Ferris; 12th September 2010 at 08:54 AM. Reason: clarity

12th September 2010, 11:09 AM	#11
dov Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 649	Re: Drinking I quit smoking in 97 for memory, both types of smoke. I must say that the green type did a lot more damage than the other, which was bad enough. Took a few years after quitting to get reliable reception of reality FM going if you get my drift. My lungs took a few years to free up as well, but by about 2002 they were great. Stopped drinking around 2004. Wasn't too good at controlling my drinking (sometimes I used to only drink twice a month - but for two weeks at a time!) Also I have to take meds for an hereditary illness and the alcohol doesn't agree with them, so drinking is out. All in all I feel a lot healthier without all the added nasties in the system. Don't think I'd be able to even keep up with all I do if I was still drinking.

13th September 2010, 08:16 AM	#12
clementine Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 507	Re: Drinking Hi Treeshaveneeds, I don't think that I am having Liver problems. Infact I think I've been one of those lucky people that has managed to drink and smoke excessively for years without showing any outward signs of it, not yet anyway. I may be knackered inside without knowing it. I did notice you mentioned about the Carpal tunnel problem and arms going dead. I spent years using pneumatic jack hammers when I was younger and I do get a touch of white knuckle and one of my arms goes dead at night and takes a bit to free up in the mornings. Well done Dov for kicking the smoke, I did green for a while and know what you mean. I gave up when I started to get a bit paranoid generally. A lot of us are brought up into a heavy drinking environment. When I started, way back in 1977, there were no hard facts about the effects of heavy drinking, well, there may have been but we hadn't heard about them. Nor smoking or the effects of the Sun on the skin. All my mates use to drink heavily nearly every night and all weekend and smoking was the norm. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons - for you are crunchy and taste of chicken!

20th September 2010, 07:35 AM	#15
clementine Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 507	Re: Drinking I very much hope that the Doc is wrong JayD, Good Luck to you. What ever he says, get another opinion if it's bad and no matter what...Keep a positive attitude! __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons - for you are crunchy and taste of chicken!

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