Hello fellow CP'ers;

As you all know, having Chronic Pain is surrounded by stress. Stress causes more pain, more pain causes more stress, and on, and on, and so on and so forth. AND SO my husband surprised me with an upcoming cruise with some dear friends. His hope is to get me completely away for a week where I can relax and do anything I want to. Naturally, I'm thrilled and soooo excited
(This, of course, has severely stressed our tight budget but what the heck, life's too short, right?)

So this is where I need your help and opinions. I am on methadone - 70 total mgs. broken into 4x a day: 6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. and midnight. I have been on this particular regimen for over a year. I know if I ask this question to my pain doc, she will flip out so I'm coming to you. Do you think a glass of wine with dinner (just one) would be harmful to me? Please advise. . .

Love to all,
nancy-h

Hi, Nancy.
How exciting about the cruise. I have no knowledge of how alcohol enteracts with methadone, but, I think you should try a small amount before the cruise. You need to know how it will effect you before you get too far from home. Make sure your husband is with you to observe any signs of unconciousness, shallow breathing, and ability to maneuver.
I'm no expert, but, please be careful so you won't spoil your trip.
Maggie

I think you'd probably be okay as long as you're careful. I drank a mixed drink a few weeks ago with some special friends, and it didn't make me sick or anything. I just took it real slow, little sips that made the drink last for a long time. I can tell you that I really felt the alcohol, though, and I got more than a little bit silly!

Hope you enjoy your cruise!