MS and Alcohol - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

CPA66 · 01-16-2004, 11:52 AM

Does anyone know the effects alcohol can have when DX with MS. And does anyone know if there are any adverse effets of drinking and taking Copaxon.

Thank you.

Mom_of_two · 01-16-2004, 02:41 PM

That's something I've always wanted to know myself. I started Copaxone last October (I take it a couple of hours before bed), and although I am not a big drinker, I do occasionally like to have a glass of wine. I would think it would be okay in moderation, but probably best to check with your doctor.

SapphireSky · 01-16-2004, 10:13 PM

I was just reading Montel's new book tonight, and he says that he stopped drinking altogether because alcohol makes the CRABs less effective.

I would just check with your doctor to get their advice on it.

CPA66 · 01-17-2004, 06:46 AM

Thanks; the advice is not for me, but my boss, whom I am close too. He was DX about 10 years ago. He has ignored it until lately. I notice when we go drinking, that it seems to kick in a few of his symptoms into overdrive. Sometimes he may only have about six beers, and it makes him look like he has had 12. A few times recently, after having around six to seven beers, he was not able to walk. It is like his back goes out. He slurs much more than he should at that point.

Since that has happened, he finally went to the doctor for more info. They told him, that he had lesions on the brain? Is that normal for MS? And that he has to start taking shots.

Another question. Is it possible that his MS will not get any more severe than it already is? Since it has been 10 years, he seems to have a very mild case. Or will it progress not mater what? If so, are there any standard time frames of the progression?

Thanks for any help on this.

jen0777 · 01-17-2004, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPA66

Thanks; the advice is not for me, but my boss, whom I am close too. He was DX about 10 years ago. He has ignored it until lately. I notice when we go drinking, that it seems to kick in a few of his symptoms into overdrive. Sometimes he may only have about six beers, and it makes him look like he has had 12. A few times recently, after having around six to seven beers, he was not able to walk. It is like his back goes out. He slurs much more than he should at that point.

Since that has happened, he finally went to the doctor for more info. They told him, that he had lesions on the brain? Is that normal for MS? And that he has to start taking shots.

Another question. Is it possible that his MS will not get any more severe than it already is? Since it has been 10 years, he seems to have a very mild case. Or will it progress not mater what? If so, are there any standard time frames of the progression?

Thanks for any help on this.

hi, i technically have not been diagnosed, i am still being tested, but i am a nursing student and have done extensive research since, my "possible" dx. ms is a progressive disease with no cure, and yes lesions are common on the brain and/or spine. it can cause a variety of symptoms, from person to person. i don't know of a specific timetable or what will happen in the future, it is different for everyone. as far as the alcohol, i don't know. there are different triggers, like heat and stress, so you never know what will send someone into an exacerbation. hope i helped a little, the one thing i have learned is that there are no clear cut answers with this disease. -jen
p.s. i have read that interferon injections can help slow the progression and time between relapses.