Cramping limbs

[Liberty82]

I haven't been diagnosed with any kind if liver disease but I used to be a big drinker in my twenties and I took 4 paracetamol over doses. 3 in my late teens and one accidental one 2 years ago and that is when my symptoms started. They are upper right quadrant pain which also is in my back and side. The whole area seems sensitive to the touch at times. Irregular periods after the overdose, they were irregular for 18 months straight after it but are now back to normal. They've always been regular between the ages of 12 to 35 so it was really odd and I had my hormones checked and they were normal. Heat coming over the liver area, it feels like someone has rubbed deep heat inside me, it's a strange feeling and sometimes the heat is very intense like having your back to the radiator but it's never a burning sensation. Sweating - this was the first symptom that told me something was wrong, its waves of heat and it happens daily. Its much worse after fatty food, paracetamol or many other medications or alcohol (which I haven't had in almost a year.) Bouts of intense itching, right under the skin. Really awful! But so far it's been only a number of isolated episodes. Pale oily stools, which have been progressively getting worse. Foul smelling sulphur burps after anything fatty. And the most recent one is cramps. These are in my limbs, so thighs, calves, feet, arms, hands and fingers. They are not intense just mildly discomforting, they just scare me because I'm aware something is wrong. I've had 3 sets of liver function tests, the last being in April and all were normal. An ultrasound in April, normal too. And a fibroscan done by the BLT in May which was 5.4. I'm so scared. And I'm keeping it all to myself because all my tests are normal it's like no-one believes me. I finally talked to my husband about it today and he joked and called me a moan. He's got no idea how scared I am every day, well, he kind of knows but he thinks I'm fine. I'm seeing my GP on Monday but the last time I was there I was just fobbed off so I had an ultrasound done by ultrasound direct. This time the symptoms are much worse. And obviously he can't say it's all the mind because of my stools. I'm paying yo have an ELF blood test next month. I'm scared though. I've put off trying for a baby for the last 2 years and I think time will just pass me by now because of my health. I'm sad for me and my husband, that'll we'll miss out on that. Sorry for the moan. I know everyone on here has their own pain and fears. Could I really have all these symptoms and it not to have progressed to cirrhosis? Thanks for any replies x

[Bootandall]

Hi Liberty,

Thankfully yes, you could have escaped permanent liver damage, because the liver is the only organ capable of regeneration! Possibly by giving up booze and eating a less fatty diet, your liver has recovered from any paracetamol damage. That's truly good news!

I hope you find out what is causing your symptoms soon, and that you get some relief. There are many possibilities, and anxiety factors into all of them, but digestive issues are exceedingly common so maybe a chat with a gastroenterologist would be in order?

You probably need a referral from your regular doctor, be prepared to share this info with them and all of your test results. It is my experience they may even require the same tests again, this is to compare previous results to current ones to spot ongoing trends. Try to relax, and get someone to go with to take notes. If you really want a baby, you shouldn't rule that out just yet, but ask lots of questions regarding long term effects of any treatments prescribed.

I hope this helps! x

[Hidden]

Hi Liberty

Firstly welcome to this forum of great loving people !

Secondly your not alone as I do understand how your feeling as we all know when our own bodies are reacting up and sometimes numerous results can be normal when your feeling .....politely putting it crap! Take this from someone who knows and has been under investigation for 18 months, and still is, due to numerous flare ups with normal and abnormal test results.

Here's a few suggestions prior to seeing your doc on Monday!

1. Make a list of all symptoms and start dating these. Keep this information on going for future reference as you maybe referred to numerous consultants.

2. Keep a record of what you eat and drink ! Eat healthy and stay away from fatty greasy and sugary foods! Exercise if you can as this may help with your cramps etc. I drink lots of of low calorie tonic which seems to help

3. Re GP appointment ! If possible take a stool sample with you in a sterile jar! You can obtain this from the chemist or GP receptionist. I would also take a urine sample too! This shows your GP that your serious and want answers and further tests to be carried out.

4 if your husband wont go with you to see your GP try and take a trusted close friend or family member as 'Boot' suggested in her message as they can take possible notes.

Finally, please try your best not to stress, keep focused and dont loose heart! Show your GP your serious that you want answers!

Good Luck for Monday and please keep us updated even if your having a ....sorry to say this......shite day which we all have!

Remember we're here to help and cheer you and others up if we can .

Now go and start that list !

Loads of love Trish ❤

[Roy1955]

Health anxiety is a very real disease so if tests are all ok tell your Dr what your going through.

Your past means stress and anxiety are probably a big part of you so get help dealing with it.

[Hidden]

Hi.

Welcome to this wonderful forum. Everyone's brilliant and so caring. I really feel for you as we all know what it's like to feel rotten. Please start your list which Trish suggested you did, she's brilliant like everyone on here. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Liberty82]

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I'm seeing my gp on Mon so I'll certainly update you on how it goes x