Worried what’s to come with tests...

[Jimbo2477]

So I’ve come to terms I’m alcohol dependant. Feel into the trap of having 5% beers in the evening and some times at lunch. I usually have 5-6 pints and more on weekends. My partner passed away 6 years ago and am sure I’m using it to take my mind off the difficulties of life.

I’ve had the dull ache for quite a while and sometimes itching with quite dark urine. I’ve had two LFTs and both came back normal. The last one was under a year ago.

I have stopped drinking now and am determined. I feel I should go back to doctors for further tests but always just suggest a lft.

It’s a case of not sure what they’re going to find and am worried. Should I see how not drinking goes and see if symptoms go or get straight into a specialist with these symptoms?

[Hidden]

Get yourself evaluated straight away. This will give you and your doctor a measure of the effect that your drinking has had on the health of your liver. If there is no pressing problem found other than raised liver enzymes then improvements in liver function can be measured through periodic testing. If a significant problem is found the sooner it's detected the better.

[Isabelle2]

I agree with Edward. Come clean to your GP about your drinking. Get an appointment with a specialist. The earlier they can evaluate any damage the better. A lot of liver damage can be reversed with a healthy diet and medical supervision. Let us know how you get on.

Isabelle xx

[Hidden]

Yes, please do stay off the booze. Your health will improve. Im so sorry for the loss of your partner. I'm sure you have realised booze isn't going to make you feel any better about your loss or bring them back. It's better to seek professional help/ councelling for bereavement and grief than hitting the bottle. Please also get checked out properly and do as your GP suggests, they can only treat you when they know what they're dealing with. Hope all will go well for you.

Laura

[Jimbo2477 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and to the other posts. I saw the dr today and have had a blood test so let’s see what that brings. I’m definitely making some positive changes and really hope the results are good. I don’t want to feel this worry again and will use it as a motivation moving forward!

[Hidden]

Excellent start well done.

Alcohol plays havoc with the mind as well as internal organs. It causes anxiety, depression, irrational thinking etc etc and if you suffer from any of these normally then alcohol will make it 10 times worse.

Work towards a happy healthy future 💪😆

[Jimbo2477 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks and it certainly does exacerbate those emotions. After just three days I’m noticing a difference in many areas like work and with my young son.

I just want this monkey off my back and need to pray there’s not much damage been done but I’d be gobsmacked as I’ve hit it hard for what seems like forever.

It will feel like a second chance if I get lucky!

Have been drinking lots of water and eating healthy and will soon start to exercise! Bring on the positive whatever the outcome...🥦🥕🍏🍉☀️

[Hidden]

Well done, keep up the good work. Take care Lynne

[Jimbo2477]

So I’ve had the results back and my liver readings are mildly abnormal and I’ve been advised to stay off alcohol for 4-6 weeks and have another test. Gulp!

I have private healthcare and am tempted to call and book with a specialist am I overreacting or should I wait for the next test after abstaining for booze?

[Hidden]

Continue to abstain from the booze and wait for the next result. I'm sure you will gradually see an improvement. Good luck ☺