The day after..

It was another type of headache and nausea that echoed through my body when the pill alarm went off this morning. Turns out Miss Lupus is slightly hung over, after a tipsy night out with the neighbor.
It's been quite a while since last time, and I can´t say that it's something I've missed. Although the doctors have said that I´m allowed to have a glass of wine with the food now and then, sticking to the non-alcoholic alternatives have been my preferred option. After all, my kidneys are affected and I´m on three types of medication. Yesterday, however, this caution with alcohol apparently went straight out the window. And when I forced myself to let go of the karaoke machine at 03:00 am, I realized that the plan to get home at a reasonable time also failed quite badly.

When it comes to lupus and alcohol, it´s the combination with the medication that is at the top of the list of concerns. Both with corticosteoriods and Imurel, it´s advisable to be careful with alcohol, to avoid damaging the liver. In addition, alcohol can release stress hormones and the gut bacteria is not too excited about alcohol. Alcohol being bad for us is old news, but alcohol is in fact also a vasodilator. Meaning, it causes the blood vessels to open and relax so that the blood flows more freely. In moderate amounts, it provides a little protection against stroke and heart attack.

My poison of choice is wine. Especially bubbles. The sound of popping the cork and the fizzling sound off filling the glasses has long been associated with girls' nights, celebrations, and good times. After all, life must be lived and enjoyed as well. A nice red wine for this autumn's game dinner, sharing a bottle of white wine with a friend while solving world problems. In between all the new healthy habits and routines, there must also be room for this. Lesson learned from yesterday is that I no longer tolerate alcohol too well. I also make a note to myself that my stomach prefer to have the pills served with food. Falling asleep again with only pills in  my stomach was really not a good idea. But with some food, a bike ride and some fresh air, I´m feeling a lot better. 

Sources:
https://lupuscorner.com/alcohol-impacts-on-the-body-risks-with-lupus/
Https://bindevevssykdommer.no/kosthold/