Liver Concerns

[Wysey]

Hi, I’m in a bit of a panic over liver issues. I’ve developed spider like veins on my chest and blotchy red palms. I did drink too much and now I’m concerned I may have crossed the line. Is there anything else I should be looking out for?

[Hidden]

Hi Wysey, I see you joined up sometime ago now, but this is your first post.

One of the wonderful things about the liver (which there are many) is it's ability to forgive and repair it's self. It can put up with a lot of abuse and only complains when it's had enough. For you, this may well be your wake-up call.

Spider nevus commonly occurs when you have a lot of oestrogen in your system, as is the case with chronic liver disease or during pregnancy. Spider nevus is more common in people with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (liver disease) than in those with cirrhosis not related to alcohol.

I think you should have a word with your GP as this may become serious. It's your bodies way of telling you that something's not right. Ask your doctor for an ELF blood test, these are becoming a lot more reliable than the liver function tests. Some hospital phlebotomist should now have certain markers that can now check for not only liver fibrosis, but also fatty liver. Then, depending upon the results, further tests may be required.

I have put together my own Alcohol-related website, which you may find of interest. There's quite a lot to read, but have a look at the section, "Medical Consequences": taep.co.uk

Now you've identified a problem, it's now up to you to make is right. Don't put if off my friend. Listen to your liver, and above all, start to care about your liver too.

Good Luck

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Hidden]

I don't drink except very very rarely but I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis. My arms, chest and back are covered with spider naevie. It's quite embarrassing as I look like I'm covered in insect bite marks.