Getting back to normal

Hi 1avender, I had chemo and cystectomy in 2023 and like you drink water mostly. But if I feel like a glass or two (small) of red or white wine with dinner I have it. I'm fairly careful because, though I no longer have a bladder, my kidneys are not as good as they were pre treatment. But I have also lost the taste for alcohol too, not that I ever drank a great deal . I suppose I might manage half a lager or bitter as well.

With Chinese or Thai food we drink green tea,  fizzy water with spicy Indian meals. 

At breakfast I drink black tea (assam) and 1 latte (caffeinated) beforehand. Coffee outside is Decaf latte. It seems to work for me maybe it's time to branch out? Or perhaps you could ring or email your CNS and see what they say.

All the best,

Latestart

Thank you for your reply. I have become very used to drinking herbal and fruit teas and I too drink decaf lattes when I go to a coffee shop. I am going on holiday soon and quite fancy the odd cocktail but I suppose I should just be grateful that I still feel relatively healthy 

Hi 1avender . I had chemoradiation back in 2013. I've never really changed much apart from less coffee. I have always liked a few pints. I did run it past my urologist who said a few beers shouldn't do any harm, but advised me to stick to real ale rather than the mass produced gassy stuff which may contain chemicals. This was my personal choice. I am now on annual checks. Best wishes.

I bet the odd cocktail wouldn't matter. Well done for choosing healthy options but now and again it's ok to have a treat, particularly on holiday in my opinion. Could you chat to your Cancer Nurse Specialist for reassurance? 

Thank you for your reply, that is really reassuring, my problem is that I never know what to drink if I go to a pub so hearing the advice that your urologist gave to you is very helpful 

Thank you for your reply, I will try to ring my cancer nurse specialist

Did anyone say why no alcohol, caffeine, or fizzy drinks? I know that many people have found these irritate the bladder, but haven't come across any other reason why not to have them, at least in moderation. Many recommend lemon barley as an option at home. You could try non fizzy fruit juices, although some of those can be taxing on the bladder. Perhaps worth experimenting with small amounts of different drinks to see what you can tolerate. 

I tend to agree with you and to previous posts. Beer is mainly water, as are most fizzy drinks. Kidneys have to deal with whatever we decide to throw at them, so if they are still in good working order an occasional tipple should be tolerable provided your willpower is robust. One can lead to another.... My love of real ale has diminished as I've got older. A sip of wine is also nice before a meal. Spirits have never been my preference and are more potent, so tread carefully if your cocktails are DIY with unknown but probably over generous measures. Moderation is key, unless your medical team are T total - if so, don't ask them.  Ray x  

Had a glass of white wine last night - no obvious ill effects and because I rarely drink it loosened me up pleasantly