Liver Pain: Hi, I have been drinking... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

36,242 members17,905 posts

Liver Pain

sono12 profile image
4 Replies

Hi, I have been drinking heavy the last 3 years and have stopped drinking today. I have liver pain and I am wondering how long will it take for the pain to go away.

Written by
sono12 profile image
sono12
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
4 Replies
AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK

Pain in the liver region possibly indicates liver inflammation/enlargement. The liver itself doesn't have pain receptors and so the the liver doesn't give off pain, however, it is enclosed within a capsule called the Glissons Capsule and when the liver is enlarged it stretches this membrane and that can be painful.

It is good news that you have taken the decision to calm your drinking, however, you should do this under medical supervision if you have been using lots of alcohol since withdrawal itself can cause medical issues.

It would be a good idea for you to discuss your abdominal pain with your doctor, explain about your alcohol usage and get some tests to see what state your liver is in just now and that might help gauge what timescale you might expect to see some recovery in. It won't be overnight and indeed depending on your level of inflammation or possible damage will also affect matters.

Have a wee read at the British Liver Trust page on alcohol and the liver :- britishlivertrust.org.uk/li... and it will give you some guidance though you should make an appointment and be honest with your GP. Request liver blood tests and a scan (fibroscan or Ultrasound) and get a good picture of the state of your liver.

All the best,

Katie :)

jules45 profile image
jules45

Hi, firstly, well done for quitting the boozè and hope you can manage to stay off it. I get cramp in my liver and spleen area which I've had for years and my hepatologist doesnþ seem concerned. Suggest you go to the doctors who can arrange a scan and blood tests. My situation I different as I suffer with cirhossis and used to drink heavily leading to liver failure twice.

Let's hope you find out what the pain is via your go.

Best wishes, Julie x

BigSpuds profile image
BigSpuds

Hi

I'm more concerned that you're perhaps expecting a bit much in having 'just stopped'. D'you mean as of NOW or a few days ago as you're in for a bit of a rough time over the next few days if you haven't been through your detoxing yet. Go to the docs and tell him what you're doing , stressing you're definite, determined and in the right frame of mind and that this is it - no more- and he'll help you over the next week, in one of a number of ways to ease you through . This is by no means normal practice, but my doctor knows me really well and this (the last time) allowed me a Librium home detox, which was brilliantly suitable for me as we both knew I'd made my mind up - and I've not looked back, but not everyone has such a great relationship with their GP - in fact I don't know anyone else who has. It also requires a nurse to come for two home visits during the detox, so it's not something they organise lightly.

As for the pain, it's different for everyone, mine was only a couple of weeks, but then it was only a dull ache to begin with - you can talk that over when you visit the docs.

Hope this helps.

Jill

19581979 profile image
19581979

Does your area have a detox service? Some areas do. From what I can gather you have to have stayed off for a few days first to show your intentions but if you have been off for some time then you have clearly got through a dodgy period and you need to tell yourself well done. Gp is the best person to ask or your local drug and alcohol support voluntary service if you have one. We have one in our area.

You may also like...

Pain in liver - fatty liver

Hi a few years ago I have been told after scan and blood test that I have fatty liver cause I'm over

Liver pain cirrihosis question

I have stopped drinking for 2 days however prior to this I was drinking for 5 years very heavy I...

Liver pain from alcohol...

5'6. I have been drinking moderate to very heavy for the past 1 year only. I was a moderate...

Alcohol and liver pain

right sided liver pain 😭😭 actually hate myself.... Especially when I know when I don't drink it...

liver pain in side. Terrified

slipped back to my old ways of very heavy daily drinking and now have pain in my right side. I am...