Scared: I recently stopped drinking, but... - British Liver Trust

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Scared

Jennay86 profile image
15 Replies

I recently stopped drinking, but I’m nervous it’s too late. I started at 18 (now 33). I never drank everyday, but I would go a couple days binge drinking and take a week or 2 off.

Recently... the instant I start drinking my upper right side hurts. And for the past 6 months my hips have been hurting (anyone experience this complication with drinking).

I’ve been up all hours of the night researching and I’m just terrified I’ve done damage I can’t undo.

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Jennay86 profile image
Jennay86
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15 Replies

Hi Jenny

Firstly welcome to this wonderful forum of great loving people who can only advise you based on there own experiences.

Secondly you've done the right thing by giving up the alcohol, I only wish other youngsters would do the same!,

My advice to you at this stage is to go and see your GP and explain your symptoms! Trying to diagnose yourself from reading the web is the worse thing you could be doing, but we've all been there and for most of us its gained nothing and in some cases made us more concerned.

Go and see your GP and let them carry out some tests but in the meantime try and eat healthy and do some exercise! You've already made a good start by giving up the drink so congratulations from me!

Finally it might be a good idea to keep a daily list of your symptoms for future record as you maybe asked the same questions over and over by possible future consultants and it's always handy to have this information to hand.

Take a urine sample when you visit the doc as they sometimes ask for one!

Now get writing that symptom list and try and keep calm ! Remember there is always someone on this forum to listen or maybe in a position to give advise based on your future diagnosis ! Some days we crack jokes with each other and the threaded jokes go on for days. 🤣

Now keep calm and keep us updated on how your getting on

Take care in the meantime.

Love Trish x

Hi

Welcome to this caring forum. Well done from stopping drinking, that must have taken a huge effort. Please go to your GP and tell him/her everything and try and push for a referral do that you can checked out properly . Also do listen to Trish as she always has good advice. Please take care of yourself. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles

Hi Jenny

You’re very young to be having liver issues but it isn’t unknown - but I hope it is unknown in your case - if you see what I mean!

I had hip problems too but that was when I was well and truly in the depths of cirrhosis- let’s hope your hip pains are a red herring.

And yes, like Lynne says, please do listen to Trish.

Good luck 👍

Miles

🇧🇧

in reply toThreeSmiles

Venus De Milo for men.🙄Falling to bits. Armless humourous.😜

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Omg - you keep going straight over my head......

in reply toThreeSmiles

The Venus de Milo is perhaps one of the best-known works of art in the world; in popular culture, frequent reference is made both to her beauty and—often humorously—to her armlessness.🤔

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

You can’t beat a good Google 😀

I think I was looking for a more esoteric answer <only joking me old fruit 🙂)

in reply toThreeSmiles

Thinking Milo broken but still humourous with armless fun. Male equivalent of course. In my head anyways.🤕 The Hips don't lie Shakira.

Friend calls it Groogle?

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

🎼you what, you what, you what you what you what 🎼. 🙂. Noo nah time o’f 😀

mattymoo33 profile image
mattymoo33

Hiya jennay86, those of us who drank have been where you are. I was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis in 2017. Since then and after numerous set backs, I am well. Please don't sit and worry. Listen to the lovely people on here and make that appointment!

Let us know if you have questions. Dr. Google can sometimes help, but often sends you down a rabbit hole.

Lots of good wishes 🤗🤗

davianne profile image
davianne

Hi Jen, and welcome to our happy band.

You have had really good advice so far from our lovely members, and I endorse all they say.

You should get a referral from your GP to get your liver checked out, and you will then have some answers.

Well done on stopping the booze, your going in the right direction.

Just post if you need help or support, and you will always get a reply.

David

auntiesally profile image
auntiesally

Hello Jennay86, its never to late, keep going, .............................................................. take care, x

CocoChannel profile image
CocoChannel in reply toauntiesally

Agreed. It’s never too late.

Jennay, I’m nearly 50 and drank every day since I was 18. Obviously it made me very unhealthy, but “all” I ended up with was a bit of a fatty liver. I say “all” as that’s not something to be taken lightly. But once I quit, all was well within a few months. Don’t worry too much, but get checked to be sure and enjoy a healthier life from now on.

Ian57 profile image
Ian57

Hi there well done you for giving up the drink, i too have to give it up, not because it was in anyway related to my illness, but as a result of my illness ive been advised to give it up. I wasnt a big drinker anyway you might call it social a few beers and a wee gin or 2 at the weekend, i still have my beer alcohol free, found a nice one. If you concerned in anyway about pains and so on, leave Dr Google alone, see your gp

Hiya. I would definitely go get checked out, but to help calm your nerves somewhat...I had exactly the same pain for over a year. Upper right side under ribs, right sided hip pain and lower back. I've had 3 blood tests and an ultrasound all showing that my liver is fine. I used to drink spirits every night for 3/4 years with no break so was convinced I'd had it. Since stopping drinking (with a few small celebratory exceptions) my pain is 1000 times better. I'm thinking it was my liver, but rather than pain from severe damage..it was just struggling. Some people get no pain at all so I count myself lucky for the warning. My liver is my friend 😊

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