Our daughter’s PFIC diagnosis made us rethink drinking at Christmas
We're learning to enjoy the holiday festivities without alcohol
I love Christmas. What’s not to like about being with friends and family, taking winter walks, and eating too much food? My dad’s always been skeptical about the holiday’s consumerist nature, so we’ve lovingly nicknamed him Ebenezer Scrooge. As the years go by, though, I relate to him more and more.
My mindset largely shifted after my daughter Eva was diagnosed with the genetic liver disease progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). At the same time, I found out that I was a carrier of the disease and had my own liver problems.
During the holidays, my social media feeds are full of photographs of people drinking and being merry. Alcohol seems to be ingrained in the festive cheer. But given our family’s liver problems, I’ve been wondering: At what point does the drinking go too far?
Creating Christmas traditions of our own: Our family picks out our tree at the Christmas tree farm. (Photo by Ann Sutton McCarthy)
Alongside the festive photos, I’ve come across a few interesting articles, likely targeted at me by the social media algorithm, about the impact of binge drinking on the liver. I was surprised to read that, for women, having two large glasses of wine in one sitting counts as binge drinking. That number seems to be the norm among many of our friends and family. I have to admit that during my university days, it was also the norm for me!
I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of a damaged liver, and I don’t want to damage mine further. In the years since Eva was born, I’ve felt more and more like I’m on the outside looking in at binge drinking. I struggle to relate to the habit of drinking so much and so often, especially at Christmas, to the detriment of one’s health.
Doctors have said any alcohol would be harmful to Eva. As parents, we want to set a good example by not succumbing to peer pressure. We want to show her that we can have a good time without alcohol.
We’re lucky that friends and family have embraced somewhat sober stays at our house, apart from the odd glass of mulled wine. I hope that the fear of missing out doesn’t become overwhelming for Eva and that her friends will be equally supportive. She’s only 4, but it’s hard not to worry that teenagers won’t be so kind, especially since the legal drinking age here in the U.K. is 18. I have a newfound respect for the higher drinking age in the U.S.
Note: Liver Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Liver Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to liver disease.
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