Hi! This is the first time ever I'll be honest with people. I'm so embarrassed of myself but the truth is the truth.
Before talking about my liver disease fear, I wanted to say that I have mental problems that weren't diagnosed yet. I'm scared of going out and I'm scared of people in real life. Seeking medical help it's a challenge for me. I'm female, 37 years old.
For 16 years I have been in a alcohol problem. My brother had this habit of smelling cleaning alcohol to get drunk. And I started doing the same and after a while I was drinking it. First was 92% and later was 96%. This took 4 days to drink 1 liter when I had access to it. I am aware of the absurd of it and that is why I never had the courage to tell anyone and I can't seem to find anyone with similar experience.
Now I'm scared I already developed liver disease and maybe even cirrhosis at this point. Considering the amount of alcohol I have been drinking. I can't stop thinking everyday. I have developed several health problems and I'm getting worse.
Some of the symptoms I have been feeling: Pain under the rib cage, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, mind confusion, itching, bruising easily, yellow loose stools. Smelly and darker urine even when hydrated.
Symptoms I'm not sure:
My periods are coming late and in smaller amounts. Headache. Dizziness. Light sensitivity. Racing heart without pain. I'm overweight and I'm not losing weight despite eating a little and this seems the opposite of what happens with liver disease. I'm much more sensitive to alcohol now and even a small amount makes me feel very sick. Eating anything solid is painful.
I know only a doctor can diagnose me. But any friendly word, sharing experiences and just talking here would make me feel much better. I don't know if I'm going to be able to see a doctor and I can't stop thinking of being too late for me. Thank you!
Hi Joey, welcome to our merry band. Sorry to hear of your health worries but hopefully you'll get support here to gently nudge you to make that next step of heading to the doctors for tests.
A massive well done on taking the huge first step of actually acknowledging you have a problem with alcohol, for many is the hardest part of the process and well done on going public and coming here to seek help.
Next step does have to be a trip to the doctors, you'll need to be open and up front with them about your history with booze and your current concerns. Only they can do the necessary tests to find out what sort of state your liver is in. The cleaning fluid situation is a bit dire and it sounds like you probably have done some damage. How much only the doctors can say.
In order to get maximum help and support from doctors you'll need to tackle your alcohol use - you may even need medical support with this.
We've got lots of members here who have gone through the whole alcohol and liver disease issue and others who are supporting loved ones through it. (In my case I am supporting my hubby with cirrhosis caused by auto immune liver disease rather than alcohol but happy to support all).
The British Liver Trust has a page all about alcohol related liver disease which might help you and a page with details of a patient charter which includes questions to ask and what to expect from your care.
britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...
britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...
I hope the next time you post you've progressed things and managed to get to your doctors for tests.
All the very best, Katie