Right upper quadrant pain / liver pain

[farranccc]

Hi everyone,

There have been a few posts lately about people suffering with pain that they believe is their liver but their tests results come back as normal.

I have been suffering with this on and off for years and have blamed it on everything I could but knew deep down that it was being caused by alcohol. I got myself into a real state and became anxious and worried - very much like the spiral that others have been talking about.

As a result I stopped drinking and changed my life and lifestyle. I started exercising a lot, ate healthy food, slept more and reduced stress levels.

Today, after probably 8-9 months is the first day that I haven’t felt the pain in the area! 🥳

I truly believe that the changes I have made have given my liver some time to begin repairing itself. I am sure there is still a way to go but it is now back to a state where it is less damaged. There are a few things that I have learnt on this journey that I really want to share...

1) Doctors generally know what they are talking about. Of course mistakes are very occasional made but they do know what to look for and do act accordingly

2) There are a lot of unknowns of the human body. Whilst tests may indicate everything is ok it doesn’t mean it things can’t hurt or ache and warn you of damage

3) If you want to quit alcohol you need to replace the time you spent drinking with other activity. I chose the gym but it could be anything - there does need to be something though

4) You will find out who your real friends are once you quit booze. Some will (unbelievably) react badly to your choice

5) I believe that if I had carried on drinking at the rate that I was (a few everyday and more Friday to Sunday) I would have ended up very ill. This process has served as a stark warning

6) Finally, there are some amazing people around. I cannot believe the kindness I found on here (even when I wasn’t the easiest or nicest person to deal with). Some of the people are almost super heroes - dealing with their own issues and those of their families whilst making time to guide, help and advise complete strangers. Epic!

I hope someone will find something from the above helpful in the future.

Thank-you

[Wass71]

Love this post Farranccc, its great to see your optimism and enthusiasm shine. I agree with many of your sentiments, and totally agree with you on the quality of this forum.

I wish you continued good health, and hope you carry your positivity forward to continue this healthy lifestyle.

Best wishes and take care x

[Isabelle2]

Hi

I totally agree especially with points 3 and 4. Drinking is a big part of the life of someone dépendant on it and you need to find another activity. Sport is good as it releases endorphins but there are loads of things to do. Also some people feel threatened if their drinking buddy stops. They can feel guilty and belligerent to ex-drinkers and claim they, the non-drinkers, are boring etc.

As for point 6, yes there are some great people around and some inspirational ones on this site.

I’m glad you’ve turned things around and are reaping the benefits of an alcohol free lifestyle.

Isabelle

[Ruthie2]

Very well said!!! What you said is so true. It's especially difficult when folks are first diagnosed. It's scary!! Thanks for your kind suggestions for others.

[Hidden]

Hi

You've done remarkably well. You should be really proud of yourself. Yes, exercise is great, do you also like reading? You've made some very valid points. Everyone on here are brilliant, I've learnt so much.

I have nash caused by meds from my drs. I get so much pain from it. My consultant said I will need a transplant in the end!! Please take care Lynne

[Ajo13 in reply to Hidden]

Is it right upper quadrant pain that you experience? Battling doctors currently to find out what’s wrong with me. They say it can’t be NASH because my liver enzymes are normal, but the ER doctor who found my fatty liver said otherwise. I have pain there ALL the time. If I slip up and eat one unhealthy meal, it’s awful.

[Hidden in reply to Ajo13]

Yes, it's upper right quadrant pain, going through to my back, shoulder and shoulder blades, my spleen is also enlarged and also gives me pain. Hope you feel better soon. Take care Lynne

[Ruthie2 in reply to Ajo13]

Have you had our gallbladder checked out. Often pain with that is upper RQP radiating to the back, shoulder, especially after a meal. You may want to check that if anything to rule that out. UGH! it's always something as Gildna Radnor used to say.

[farranccc in reply to Hidden]

Hey Lynne, yeah I have also read a lot more since quitting.

Can I ask what led you to having a biopsy to diagnose your fibrosis?

All the best x

[Hidden in reply to farranccc]

Hi

I was in so much pain my consultant suggested I have biopsy. I'm still as bad as ever. See consultant in February . Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Hidden]

farranccc

Well done on making some very important changes and thank you for sharing your positive post with the forum.

Warm wishes

Trust1

[Hidden]

Hi

I had my gall bladder removed in October 1985!! I should have known I would have more trouble, I was 20 when I had it removed!! The Dr said you are supposed to be fat, fertile and 40!!! Love and hugs to you all Lynne xxxx

[Hidden]

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for all your posts. I've been following them and I have found them really helpful. I saw on an old post you got to 100 days sober a while back- hope you're still going! I have 13 days today, determined to make 100 and beyond x

[farranccc in reply to Hidden]

Hey! Thanks for your message and I am delighted that something I wrote has been useful.

Yep, still sober and it has become the norm now. Just been out for dinner and didn’t even consider a drink whereas before it always would have been a few pints.

Well done on your 13 days - that is an amazing start. The first couple of weeks were really tough for me so you are doing a great job.

Will you keep in touch and let us know how you’re doing? X

[Hidden in reply to farranccc]

I will thanks. I have a good appointment tomorrow, I'm a bit nervous.

[farranccc in reply to Hidden]

How did you get on?

[Hidden in reply to farranccc]

Ok thanks. The doctor thinks I'm right when I say that I have spider angiomas but she's not completely sure as she says they're normally rather than what I have. Physical exam was fine, no fluid, no enlarged liver. She says she isn't too worried but is sending me for more bloods. So fingers crossed! Thanks for checking in though, that's kind. X