I was in a similar situation in the first NG(X-Box). I couldn't beat that fking Fire dragon because i had half a life and maybe only 1 drink iirc w/ no resurecction. I finally just got too pissed off to play it anymore.
Then I got it when it came out on the PS3......**** that, it's even harder.
****, that Fire Dragon is hard as hell. I don't think I beat him the fair way, I just hit him and kept healing myself. I could never hit him without taking some damage.