Alcohol problems/ intolerance

Julie D · Newbie Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

I am a 42 year old woman and I'm not sure I have an alcohol intolerance. I can have a couple of drinks and really enjoy them. About 2 hours after my last drink, I'll get anxious and restless. It seems by body is having trouble breaking it down. I can't go near caffeine in any form and sugary and processed foods can "hype" me up. I have a "love/hate" relationship with alcohol, as I enjoy drinking. Sometimes the problem is really bad and other times it is hardly there. Probably feel it 80% of the time. Unfortunately I drink thinking it will be the lucky 20%. I'm looking at allergy treatments but not sure if they will benefit me. I would appreciate any feedback.

tlee · Newbie Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 1

Hi Julie,

I am a 41 year old woman that has very similar symptoms that you have. Unfortunately, mine has gotten to the point where I can't drink at all because I feel terrible a few hours after (heart palpitations, anxiousness, chest feels tight). It only takes one glass to feel the symptoms. I've found out through a very good doctor that my adrenals are exhausted and that my body can't handle the alcohol. He's put me on supplements and I have to watch what I eat too. I can't have caffeine, sugar(very minimal), processed foods, anything with MSG and refined foods.

Have you had your adrenals tested? My primary physician and endocrinologist did not do a thorough exam. I saw another endocrinologist out of pocket and I had a saliva test done which determined my adrenal fatigue. Maybe you could look into that. Also, another consideration is that your hypoglycemic?

Hope this helps. I am having a thorough allergy test done next week to rule out any other cause of my symptoms. Ofcourse, ths is another out of pocket expense that my insurance doesn't cover but its worth it in the long run.

Guest · Guest

I usually feel my symptoms after I go to bed and try to sleep. My heart races, I am anxious, and feel really sweaty hot. As much as I like to have a few drinks after a rough day or to celebrate I'm coming to the conclusion I can't drink at all if I want to enjoy a good night's sleep and function the next day.

Guest · Guest

I have the same symptoms. I usually feel fine while drinking two or three drinks, but once I try to go to bed, my heart starts racing, my head spins, my stomach hurts, and my body temperature rises. I cannot fall or stay asleep. Depending on what I ate, I may make several trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The first time this happened, I thought it was a result of something I ate, now that it has happened a few times, I am starting to see a pattern.

Guest · Guest

What some of you are experiencing (heart palpatations, sweating, etc.) is from your body not being able to biotransform alcohol into vinegar so you get an allergy or histamine effect when you consume even small amounts of alcohol. This syndrome is prominent in people of Asian descent and also of Native American descent.

shazzyt · Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

Hi,
This all sounds too familiar to me. I'm 21 and I've had the same symptoms as you describe, plus violent shaking and lower abdominal pain. I find that 2 paracetamol rid me of the symptoms for a few hours but they come back again later, the last attack, including shaking went on throughout the night for about 6 hours. The abdominal pain and high temperature can carry on for days afterwards.

I've been to see my GP and she told me that I'm suffering from panic attacks, but I find this strange as it is only triggered by alcohol, however it doesn't happen every time I drink. I feel like I've been cheated a bit, as every time it happens I feel like I might die, but I've been offered nothing to cure or calm the effects and told next time it happens to go back, however since it tends to happen overnight (it can even come on while I'm asleep) so this isn't really an option. I was simply told "if you could just control your breathing it would go away", does anyone here find that helps? It doesn't seem to do anything for me. It's getting so severe that last time it happened my mum was there and wanted to take me to casualty. If anyone could offer any help or advice I'd be so grateful.
Thanks,
Sian

mandy4889 · Newbie Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

recently i was diagnosed with alcohol intolerance & that the alcohol was also stripping my throat of its protective lining. i first realised something was wrong with me when my dad put whisky in the coke & i fainted, but i tried some vodka & the same thing happened, except my throat felt on fire, i got all these tests done & was diagnosed. i have never really like any form of alcohol so it hasnt really fazed me, but i still have to check ingredients & stuff.

Guest · Guest

I can definitely relate. I have been experiencing similar symptoms for the past 8mos. Prior to this point, alcohol did not affect me. I can consume up to 3 beers without any affects. Anything more than that results in me waking up 2-3 hours after going to bed. Although I want nothing more but to sleep, I am wide awake. My heart is racing and I am simply sick to my stomach. I cannot concentrate on anything (tv, reading, etc.). Basically, I just ride it out until the morning when my symptoms start to improve (sometimes 8 hrs after it starts). It is very scary. My doc suggested that I was hypoglycemic. This made sense;however, I do not think this is the case. I make sure I eat before going to bed and if I wake up with these symptoms I try to drink juice, etc. My doc's suggestions have not worked and I have not been back to the doctor since. Drinking is just not worth the after affects. However, I miss having the opportunity to unwind.

Guest · Guest

Hey guys you might have celiac's disease. Head to your doctor and get a blood test.

Guest · Guest

I have the same symptoms and I was 32 when it began to really affect me. I can't drink at all now. I wake up with my heart racing and if I step out of bed my heart rate will only increase (hospitalized with 170bpm) . I have shaking, feel cold and nauseated. If I eat a few pieces of candy it subsides and then I can have some sort of protien to feel somewhat normal again. I have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia but the alcohol (and potatoes) seem to trigger my episodes. My doc told me that my blood sugar readings never reached high levels. I have monitored them myself and they rarely reach 130.

Prior to noticing my symptoms I had taken several rounds of antibiotics for a persistent infection. I sometimes wonder if that played a part in this because the antibiotic I took was said to make someone severely sick if they drank while taking it. I did not drink while taking it of course. I also took one that was said to be responsible for liver damage. I wonder if this could have something to do with the sudden symptoms.

Alcohol problems/ intolerance

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