Drinking Alcohol.

[Nictesla]

Hey I feel a need to share this as I see on here almost daily people talking about drinking.

First of all I was a heavy drinker for over 40 years but always worked and looked after myself. and never even thought that I may be an alcoholic, but I lost everything a few times but still carried on drinking and blaming the world for my problems. I stopped drinking 8 years ago now and go to AA several times a week it saved my life. after I was released from prison through my drinking. They are not God squad or a cult and its FREE . you will meet other people just like you and you would be surprised how many times somebody has done what you did and thought you were the only one. I tried to stop drinking for years but could not, this works believe me I was in denial for years.

Now I have Liver Cirrhosis just recently diagnosed and am still gutted to here this. I also had Hep C and was treated and its gone now. If I had not gone for Hep C treatment I would never had known my liver is knackered now plus other health problems due to drinking. If you think you have a drink problem then you have.

Alcoholics Anonymous have a website where you can access you local meetings.

Give it a go if nothing else. Nic.

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing your story Nic. We hope you find our forum a supportive place to visit.

Trust1

[Nictesla in reply to Hidden]

Yes I do find it helps a great deal to hear other peoples story's and problems.

I have found a lot of useful information here. I am still devastated with being diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis recently but I'm not alone on here. The NHS service here in Cornwall are brilliant. My Liver nurse is a bit bossy though lol.

[Kev12564]

Interesting read, glad you’re doing well now.

Do you think it was the drinking, albeit eight years sober, or the hep c that brought on your cirrhosis?

Obviously, I’ve a vested interest being an ex-drinker with currently no more than a mild fatty liver.

[Hidden in reply to Kev12564]

Good question. Either it was there 8 years ago or it was pushed forward by the hepc. A person who doesnt have cirrhosis from drinking after they quit will not develop it 8 years later from drinking they did in the past. It simply doesn't work that way.

[Kev12564 in reply to Hidden]

That’s good to know, and what a good incentive for “healthy” heavy drinkers to stop before an illness such as cirrhosis happens.

As an ex-heavy drinker, I’m aware that my risk of certain diseases (cancers mainly) will be higher than for a light or non-drinker, but I can’t do much about that now except live healthily.

[Hidden in reply to Kev12564]

Your right its a great incentive. Even for people with more advanced disease than yourself that do not have cirrhosis can prevent it if they stop drinking.

Its cliché to a degree but its that old "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". While your chances of cancers may have gone up a bit. Its only very marginal and your likelyhood of it happening in your current situation is still very low. The odds are still vastly in your favour!

[Nictesla in reply to Hidden]

Hey Phoenix just wanted you to know I really like reading your stuff.

Your a good man mate.

[Hidden in reply to Nictesla]

Thank you Nic, I really appreciate you saying that! 🙂

[Nictesla in reply to Kev12564]

To be honest Coco I am not sure as I have Diverticulitis Disease and was liver tested on a regular basis until recently and the results were always good even though I was still drinking. I did have Hep C for years. I heard from a friend in AA that he was getting his treated, I thought it was incurable ?

I am free from Hep C now though after treatment.

I only found out about my Liver recently after my examination for the Hep C treatment. From my notes it looks like a combination of both.

Its bloody ironic that I have been a good boy for years and now I feel extremely Ill 24/7. but being here is a great comfort to me. And anybody with Liver problems SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOL. All the best Coco.

[Kev12564 in reply to Nictesla]

It’s a good job - and well done again - that you quit alcohol as it could have been far worse.

Touch wood I don’t have liver problems, except for a mild fatty liver, but I’m really bored of drinking. A friend of mine texted me to ask if I was interested in going to the pub last night to watch the football. I just couldn’t imagine anything more boring.

[Isabelle2]

Hi NicteslaI know a few people who, like you, have found ÀA fantastic. I suppose it’s horses for courses, personally it’s not my cup of tea but it’s great for many. The thing for each of us is to find the right motivitator and to remain alcohol free. I am sorry you have cirrhosis and hope you are getting the right treatment.

Isabelle xx

[Hidden in reply to Isabelle2]

Andre Gide — 'Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.'

[Isabelle2 in reply to Hidden]

Wow Snoutie. That was deep!

[Barnetaccounts]

Hi Nictesial, I too attend AA, I am 16 years + sober now and could not have managed it without the help and support that the fellowship provides. I also defend AA from the people that label it a cult, or the god squad because it’s neither. It’s helped me repair the relationships with my loved ones and my extended family, whilst smiling the whole way through. My new life is a joy despite my illness. I am a free man, I can go anywhere, anytime, with anybody. I was first diagnosed with Cirrhosis about 5 years ago. Then discovered it was due to a fatty liver caused by NASH. When they first told me alcohol didn’t play a part I couldn’t stop laughing. The very best of luck and keep doing what you are doing.

Ray

[Nictesla in reply to Barnetaccounts]

Hey Barnet. Thank you for that reply my friend as its true. I am always pointing people towards AA, I should get commission lol. I would love to have seen your face when you found out it wasn't alcohol that did your Liver in.... Your HP has a great sense of humour. I hope you live long and prosper mate.

[sophiaS1980]

I know this is an older post but if you have been sober for 8 yrs. it is very possible that your liver issues are due to other things. Many, that I have seen with liver disease due to alcohol have may symptoms such as weight loss /muscle wasting. Most don't just go for another examine and find out they have cirrhosis.