Introduction

I've been a lurker on this great site for a few months and thought I'd introduce myself. Very few people have been taking me seriously particularly my family and friends (understandable). I've seen 6 different GP's over the past 4 months of which 2 were concerned, the rest think I'm riddled with anxiety (which is true). I keep reading posts by people who have one or two symptoms of cirrhosis and I seem to have 7/8.

I'm 36 and a heavy drinker. I've stopped a month and a half ago and will never touch it again. Always at the weekends and never during the week. Every weekend and all weekend. I've been on this routine for about 18 yrs. Never thought for a moment that I'd get cirrhosis. Always felt that I had given my liver plenty of time to recover during the week. The reality is I never understood the damage I've been doing.

About 4 months ago I got a flare up and I began having abdominal pain on both the left and right side (this has continued), right shoulder pain (occasionally feel it now), random unexplained bruising, I suspect terry nails particulary on my toes, red palms, thread/spider veins beginning to show under the surface of my left abdomen and some itching/irriatated skin at the back and sides of my lower back - not sure if this is to do with hayfever though? And prior to this set of problems I was getting incredibly itchy soles of my feet although this has subsided by and large.

I've my bloods done twice and they've come back normal, a gastroscopy done (normal), an ultrasound of my abdomen done at Ultrasound Direct (not sure how reliable they are but they seemed very professional) which showed 'a slight subjective increase in echogenecity showing early fatty liver changes' and a CT scan which came back fine in regard to my liver and other organs. The CT scan did pick up diverticula in the bottom and upper left abdomen which would explain the pain there. It also discovered slight spondyloisthesis of L5 on S1- I've had back issues since my early 20's.

The Gastro who I saw (privately) was shockingly uninterested. He interupted me half through explaining my symptoms to declare that I was just stating random symptoms at him. I had explaiined my drinking problem to him. His reasoning being that my first round of blood tests and the US were normal bar the early fatty liver (which I don't believe).

Apologises for the long rambling post but I needed to write that down I think. I need to see a Hepatologist but living in N. Ire its pretty difficult. There are a few Gastro's who have an interest in Hepatology.

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who contributes to this site. I know you all are reluctant to give your opinions on diagnosis but the information on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes has been excellent. Not one GP or consultant offered any advice regarding this! Thank you.

[AyrshireK]

It's very possible that you have dodged a bullet, from the tests you've had it would appear that you have early liver change (fatty liver) and perhaps some symptoms that may or may not be linked with excess alcohol use - alcohol related hepatitis (this just means liver inflammation due to alcohol) can mimic some advanced liver disease symptoms. Good news is that fatty liver can be reversed and where alcohol is the cause of liver issues sobriety can often halt the worsening.

We get many new posters who do convince themselves they are far more ill than medical tests show but you do have to trust the doctors - they are the ones who have the results in front of them and the expertise to translate them. Health anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms too so it's all about getting some control of that side of things too.

You can help yourself here, maintain your sobriety, eat healthily and take exercise and fingers crossed you can put yourself on a path to a long, happy and healthy future.

The BLT has a page all about alcohol and the liver which might be worth you reading together with other pages about generally looking after your liver.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Best wishes, Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for the reply Katie. I've done some damage to my bowels to what extent I don't know yet. All I can do now is stay healthy and positive. And no more alcohol!

[Hidden]

Hi Hidden and welcome,

Katie has kindly linked in our Alcohol and liver disease publication above which is worth reading. As is our general information on Diet and liver disease.

The Royal Victoria does have a liver unit and hepatologists if you wanted to consider a referral there via your GP?

Royal Victoria Hospital, 274 Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BA

belfasttrust.hscni.net

Best wishes

Trust1

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the info. I'll ask my GP about that.