I'm new to this group and have been checking your posts, which have already been immensely helpful!
I'd like to ask for your opinion on this: I'm 30 years old and have been having pale stools for the past year or so . More recently I started getting a lot of dizziness, weakness and palpitations all the times. I have been out of work for weeks now, as I often get too weak to even go and make a cup of tea, and my dizziness stops me from working in front of a computer too.
I was pretty certain that all of this should be related to my liver, so I spoke to my GP and got referred to do blood tests (liver, pancreas and gut health) and an abdominal ultrasound. All the results came clear, so I've hit a dead end with my GP now, they have no idea what to do next.
After researching, I'm considering booking a fibroscan privately, as I still think these symptoms can be liver-related. I heard that sometimes the regular ultrasound doesn't show signs of fibrosis etc... do you think this might be worth it? Or has anyone had a similar experience and can advise on what you think my next steps should be?
I know I might be considered pretty young to have serious liver disease, but I've been scared of it as, although I've never been a full on alcoholic, I have drunk quite significantly in the past (especially at times of personal traumas...). I've always been known to have very intense and long hangovers too (always struggled three times more than my friends who'd drink the same amount or even a lot more than me), so I guess my genes play a role in keeping the alcohol toxins in my body doing damage to my liver much more than the average person...
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance!
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Profiterole1
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Firstly is your GP aware of your drinking history ? It is important that he's aware of the full picture in order to be able to treat you and refer you accordingly. Especially if it turns out you do have some liver damage.
Secondly have you given up drinking now? If you do have a limited amount of liver damage, by stopping drinking permenantly, your liver has the capeability of recovering completely. To continue drinking though or to start again after a period of abstainance, it is unlikely to reheal and you could be on a slippery slope to major liver disease. Alcohol is a dangerous toxin which even drinking during times of stress and trauma will cause you more anxiety so is not going to help.
Has your doc not agreed to you having a fibroscan then, as you say you are considering going private?
Keep us updated, we will help you through this where we can and hopefully nip in the bud any problems you have along the way.
The GP isn't fully aware of my drinking history, I mentioned it briefly but you're right, I need to make sure she's fully aware of it, as well as of my disproportionate hangovers, so they can help me in the best possible way.
i have indeed stopped drinking, so fingers crossed whatever damage is there might be reversible!
I was informed that they can't refer me for a fibroscan because the blood tests and ultrasound were fine, which I guess is reassuring to a certain extent. I've just read a lot about fibrosis / cirrhosis not being picked up by these, and as my symptoms do indicate some damage, I'd really like to get it done for peace of mind.
Great to hear such positivity from you as regards to not drinking anymore. With a healthy diet too and a regular exercise routine, any minor damage which may have been done to your liver can gradually be reversed as I said previously.
Any further symptoms, I would advise you see you Dr again and of course be honest about your previous drinking patterns.
If your GP is at a lost then he needs to refer you to a specialist. He may not realise you have had periods of heavy drinking, but its his job to either refer you or get you hospitalised for further testing. I is appalling that a GP can even think like this. It isnt up to you to self diagnose, It may be worth attending a walk in centre, but if you are unable to make yourself a drink and have palpatations go to A & E. Id advise you not to drive either as it could be dangerous. There are numerous health conditions that cause dizziness, you need further tests to get to the bottom of this. Have someone with you for support if you can. Keep off Google too, as it will cause you to be more anxious . Hazel xx
That's right, it can get so frustrating going through the health system... I feel I get discredited a lot for being relatively young, and lots of doctors insist on going on the stress / anxiety route, despite symptoms like tummy pain and pale stools.
One of the GPs I see has been quite helpful though so I'll try to stick to her as much as possible. Have also had many trips to A&E when symptoms got to their worst but remain undiagnosed, but will keep pressing them.
Thank you so much for your help, it is so nice to have some support as it can feel quite lonely going through this and getting no answers. Much much appreciated x
This is gross but take pics of your poo. You can show this to the Dr who should have comparision charts or can look one up on the internet.One possibility is vertigo? My Mum had it and at times she was lucky not to have been run over. She often lost her balance when out shopping, and was fortunate people helped her.it was worrying because she did appear to be drunk, she would say I haven't been at the sherry . Most people consider its a fear of heights, but is the cause of severe dizziness and she felt like she was being pulled to one side. She had a special test for this and was on meds for it. It is a debilitating condition and just one of hundreds that causes dizziness. xx
Sorry it took me so long to reply! Been mostly offline dealing with the annoying dizziness. I've taken pics (yuck!) and will use them. Actually this week I've had some tests done at hospital and they're suspecting something going wrong with my insulin regulation, as my blood sugars have been really low at some point. So maybe it's not directly linked to my liver in the end... I've also been looking into vertigo but my symptoms seem slightly different. Might be worth doing the test anyway, big thank you xx
I'm still very keen on doing a fibroscan anyway so I can, if not anything else, be at peace with my liver health and make informed choices from on on. I'll keep you posted
Tests for diabetes are accurate and yes your symptoms fit . In my case fibroscans were inaccurate! 20% of people get incorrect readings. After 2.5 years and being worried sick I finally had some answers and wonderful news. I dont drink but had been on toxic prescribed meds for psoriasis. I had been told my fibroscans had showing cirrhosis. My consultant was not 100% convinced as my bloods were all normal apart from cholesterol. A fibroscan on its own is not going to give you a diagnosis.If you have been told you have no liver disease symptoms you have to trust this. I had a special scan for people who do not drink. I dont have cirrhosis, fibrosis or severe fibrosis. I have a fatty liver! Save your money and spend it on good food . Keeping of the alcohol is important . If it is blood sugars you will be given advice on your diet. You may benefit too from counselling. You have health anxiety which needs addressing. Its very real and is causing you distress. Be strong and hopefully in a few months you will be feeling a lot better xx
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