Worried out of mind

[Wjohns]

Dear all, I'm 44 years old and up until 5 years ago was as fit as fiddle. I would run 3 marothan s a year. Ive had two major back ops so for the last ten years have taken a lot of pain medication. In addition I've always been a big drinker but I did always have at least two days of week. My drinking would be beer and wine. I had a blood test two weeks ago and I was given an enzyme score of 83 but live function normal.which has really shaken me. I'm not overweight but I do feel very bloated and my abdomen feels bloated and I'm worried out my mind it's because Ive damaged my liver significantly. I have two young daughters and I'm livid for myself for allowing this to happen. I did speak tyo the doctor on the phone last week he just advised that I stop drinking for 3 months. I'm absolutely fine with this and since his call have not drunk anything, But I feel there is something more serious. I cant sleep and I'm shaken. Surely if I had a bloated stomach form liver damage it would ne more serous then a score of 88%. I know this is probably small fry for some but for me I'm really scared.

[Barnetaccounts]

Welcome, take a deep breath. If your liver is significantly damaged the bloating could be down to excess fluid or ascites as it is known medically. But your doctor has said your liver function is normal. There could be many reasons for your current situation and it will require further tests to establish exactly what is going on. In the meantime stay dry, and reduce your salt intake. I have Cirrhosis and HCC (Liver Cancer) and although I used to drink excessively every day, it wasn’t the result of Alcohol. I haven’t had a drink for nearly 16 years. The liver is an incredible organ, and when it is damaged can invariably repair itself. Once it has been damaged too much it can still function well, but you must pay it the respect it deserves. It is the most important organ in the body and the functions it performs cannot be replicated by a machine. They can keep blood flowing around your body and push oxygen into your blood stream artificially, they cannot replicate the functions the liver does by machine. Keep healthy, request further tests and if the results show anything get referred to a hepatologist.

Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

Ray

[Wjohns in reply to Barnetaccounts]

Thank you Ray, very humbling I’m so sorry for your condition and appreciate you took the time to chat. I’m hoping for a call back from doctor, not slept much from worry. Surely if my liver was that bad my score would be higher then 88 percent. Can’t stop thinking of my daughters and feel so guilty.

[Hidden in reply to Wjohns]

Hi Wjohns,

Welcome to the forum.

It may be a good idea to see your GP and try to get some more information regarding which enzyme was raised and what that could indicate. Has your GP arranged to re-test your bloods?

You may also want to discuss a request for an ultrasound scan which will provide more information.

Perhaps your doctor could also physically examine you and check your stomach and bloating?

We have a publication 'Liver disease tests explained' that may be useful to read. We are in the process of updating this as it is a decade old but there is still useful information in it, here is the link;

britishlivertrust.org.uk/wp...

We hope that is helpful and you will find the forum a supportive place to visit,

Best wishes

Trust1

[Wjohns in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I’ve just spoken with my Doctor and said my high result is the Gamma enzyme it was 80 percent. My ALT was 52 percent and AST was not done as he felt it did not need to be. I’m stopping pain killers and alcohol for 6 weeks and testing again.

[Wjohns in reply to Wjohns]

He felt he was not overly worried and that it should be reversible. I’m obviously relieved as he seemed very confident.

[Wjohns in reply to Wjohns]

Thank you both for your kind replies.

[Wjohns in reply to Barnetaccounts]

Ray thanks for replying to me earlier it meant a lot.

[Barnetaccounts in reply to Wjohns]

My pleasure, keep an eye on your blood results. Elevated Gamma GT is an indicator of potential liver damage. Sometimes we have to take what our doctors say with a pinch of salt. I had an attempted liver transplant which unfortunately due to a major haemorrhage was aborted and I went into an uninduced coma for 12 days. My familywere told I wouldn’t make the night. My wife even began making funeral arrangements that was 20 months ago. I am still here better than ever questioning everything. This is not to scare you but a mere example that what one says another would disagree with. Stay safe and in touch. Just for tonight hug your kids tight and tell them how much you love them. That should help you sleep with a smile on your face.

Ray

[Yellow12345]

I have had a blood test and don't know the numbers but my doctor wants to speak to me about liver function and serum lipids. I have been waiting 9 days and this is my 10th day of no alcohol. I also have 2 young children and I'm 37. I feel ok, possibly bloated at times also, but no other symptoms.

I'm absolutely terrified that I've damaged my liver irreversibly so I know how you feel. I feel so stupid that I was that naive, thinking only the worst alcoholics would suffer long term damage from booze. Not drinking is fine with me if I get to live to see my kids grow up but after reading horror stories on the internet I've scared myself into thinking I could die early.

No doubt you have done the same. Google is terrifying! My doctor is calling me at 2pm and I'm dreading it but at the same time it can't come quick enough as I need to know. Good luck

[Andiball]

I know this sounds impossible but I was told by my consultant that the live can regenerate if a drinker stops drinking, my condition isnt caused by alcohol and because of that it wont quite work that for me but my ex drank like a fish which is why I had mentioned it. I felt like my world had completely fallen apart when I was diagnosed as I had young at home, I was diagnosed on 07 and my youngest is starting uni in October and its now 2018. I started seeing my consultant in 04 but my biopsies were done in 07. I hope things r ok for u and im always up for a good chat xx