I love beer but my body forced me to stop.
I hope this doesn't get removed. I have alcohol induced pancreatitis. I spent two days in the hospital after a flare up last year. I was a home drinker who loved my 7-8% IPA's and had a few EVERY Friday night and most Saturdays. Other half, bells, founders, loved the seasonal releases too. I mostly did not drink during the week. Occasionally drank to excess but was not frequently getting drunk. Early last year I noticed a bloating feeling on the right side of my abdomen. CT/MRI scans ruled out appendicitis, my doctor thought it was another intestinal issue. I continued to drink and ignore this indication. As a teacher, I was drinking more during the summer. I figured with my mid week break my body had time to recover. I also eat a fairly healthy diet with lots of water and fresh fruit - figured I was good to go. Well, August 6th last year I woke up with intense abdominal pain that had me in a fetal position for about 30 minutes. Woke up my wife who took me to the hospital where I was eventually told I had acute pancreatitis. I wish I knew this was a possibility. Once I recovered, my gastroenterologist said it was a mild case (trust me the pain was not mild) and said I could have an occasional drink but I'm sticking to 4% beers, 1 or 2 max spacing them out much more. Also NA beers have helped scratch that itch. Once you have pancreatitis, your pancreas is much more likely to have another flare up. Officially, it's supposed to be zero alcohol for life afterwards, so I understand the risk I'm taking but I'm much more in tune with how my body feels. Listen to your body, give yourself a break.