Possible fatty liver disease or worse?

[GroupHugTherapy]

Hello, I've recently been feeling unwell. I'm 24 years old, just turned in January, and after a trauamtic experience in my life at around the age of 22, I began drinking heavily up until two weeks ago. I would drink every day, mainly whisky, between 5-10 shots per day. There were only two days in the last 18 months where I have abstained entirely from the bottle. Anyway, it all started with generalized itching, all over my body. After after a week or so, I went to see the GP who said my liver edge was palpable and sent me for some blood tests. (I am also awaiting an ultrasound). I ended up in A&E with pain in the upper right area of my abdomen, just under the ribcage. The A&E doctor felt my abdomen and said he could feel the liver edge but that it's sometimes normal in tall people. A few days later the blood tests came back with elevated liver enzymes. Everything was normal except for the ALT being 51. I was called by the doctor and told I needed a retest. Long story short, I ended up in the A&E department again where they gave me another blood test which came back normal with the ALT being 38. But since then I've had extreme fatigue, lack of appetite, barely eating at all, and the itching still remains. The doctor at the emergency department also felt my abdomen but said he couldn't feel an enlarged or palpable liver and that he could only feel my ribcage. It's all a bit strange. I'm worried beyond belief.

[Hidden]

Leaving alcohol after a period of heavy consumption can result in some rather dramatic and distressing symptoms. Anxiety, anorexia & brain fog/fatigue are par for the course.

It took me around 3 months to get back on an even keel once again during my recovery.

Most all regular drinkers develop alcoholic fatty liver, which would be palpable, but this should fully resolve without lasting damage.

I'd schedule a worry date for around 90 days into your recovery and try to put this all on a back burner until then. I'm betting you'll be feeling a lot better.

Best of Luck, & Godspeed

[LAJ123]

Good morning,

To repeat what has just been said.

Anyone who is heavily dependent on alcohol should NOT cease all alcohol rapidly / abruptly without medical supervision.

This can result in serious harm. You need to see your GP who can refer you to the appropriate services.

Alternatively you can refer yourself directly to local alcohol / substance abuse services.

Some A & E departments automatically have a alcohol liiason nurse specialist see those admitted with alcohol related injuries / illness.

As already mentioned, if there is no serious damage to your liver, with the right approach, there is no reason your liver wont return to a good health.

Go to the British Liver Trust website for advice on how to care for your liver.

Take care,

Jim

[L444]

Ask gp for a referral to a gastroenterologist actually don’t ask tell them you need to see a specialist. For the years of drinking gave you a boost to carry on . For every action there is a opposite reaction . This is your body telling you to take a break your young you have a good chance to recover . Also get checked for hepatitis A B and C good luck