What do you do if your GP thinks you're imagining liver symptoms

[Phil1983]

I had an episode after drinking heavily at the end of January. I felt drunk the next day and I noticed some yellow underneath my eye. I had various sensations on my right side nothing painful but they persisted for 3 weeks.

I panicked and went to see my GP. I got a blood test and he was worried about my GGT being 247. He told me I'd be ok but didn't even examine me.

I think I've been marked as a hypochondriac.

I stopped drinking and had another test 4 weeks later my GGT was 87.

I stupidly started drinking again not heavily but a month ago I drank 7 beers and a few days later i started experiencing some mild pains on my right side and abs most at the bottom of the rib cage and an ache in my right shoulder. A few days later I had 3 days of feeling very light headed and giddy with a few more dizzy spells over the next few days. I noticed that my ankles had become bruised with the veins becoming more prominent.

I took another blood test. When i spoke to my GP I told him how I was feeling he said it was all in my head. my GGT was now 22 he said my tests were great. He put me on anti-depressants.

I called him again last week because my stool was a greenish yellow colour. He said it was nothing to worry about.

I've been sober for nearly 5 weeks, eating well and exercising. The Anti-depressants have just kicked in and I feel great. Only problem is my right side under my ribs feels swollen when I lie on my front in bed and I still get a sensation in my shoulder. Also some ringing in my ears whoch I had before but it seems to have gotten a little worse recently.

I feel that whatever I say to my GP he'll think it's just anxiety.

Is there anyone else I can talk to? do I have to get a referral?

Can the NHS even do tests right now?

Can you go private?

It's so difficult with the pandemic but I feel I have to do something.

I'm obviously not drinking and I'm being sensible with my health but I'm worried I'll have to turn yellow before anyone takes me seriously.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Phil

[Laura009]

Hi Phil. Just continue with a healthy diet, plenty of excercise and stay off the booze. If in a few weeks or so you are still having the same symptoms see your doc again, they may be completely unrelated to your previous drinking episodes but you have to give your body time to rid it of the toxins . Whatever you do do not drink especially as you are on antidepressants!

Good luck

Laura

[davianne]

Hi Phil, laura is right, keep off the alcohol.

Alcohol is a depressant, and therefore will be acting against your antidepressant meds.

Have you considered that it could be you sleeping on your front is putting pressure on your liver? Although the liver doesn't have pain receptors, the capsule around it does. I was told many years ago that sleeping on your front is likely to cause discomfort to your organs and spine.

Please don't think that turning yellow is a sign of cirrhosis, it can be caused by other conditions, and many people who have cirrhosis, have never had jaundice.

You are doing all the right things, so just carry on with your regime, and if you need to, ask to see a different GP who will listen to your concerns.

David

[Hidden]

Hi Phil,

If you would like to talk over your concerns our nurse led liver helpline is open today until 3pm on 0800 652 7330

Best wishes

Trust1

[Phil1983]

I rang the helpline the nurse was really helpful thanks

[Hidden in reply to Phil1983]

Great do call again if you need to.