Really scared & looking for some advice :(

[Steve_7]

I've been a quiet observer and admirer of this forum for a while now, the support and advice from complete strangers is really uplifting. I hope people know that it means a lot to others to have an outlet to voice their concerns and in return gain compassionate responses.

My situation is as follows: I've just turned 28 (Jan), previously I've been a social drinker, mainly on weekends but all my jobs have had very social atmosphere's, Record labels ect, and in truth, I've probably consumed in the 29 units a week range for last 5/6/7 years, although this is a guess and some weeks it would be far less, and some potentially higher. I'm ashamed of this amount and for how long I've massively overstepped the guidelines, there's no excuse, it's always on us to monitor and watch this.

I started to experience symptoms last year which at the time I didn't connect to liver issues, reading this forum was really insightful and has made me completely change my lifestyle, I was experiencing real problems sleeping, on two occasions itchy skin, slight redness in palms, and some mood changes.

Since reading this forum I've convinced myself I've done serious damage, and quite possibly already have Cirrhosis, I completely cut out alcohol in Decemeber as a starting point and proceeded to do dry Jan quite easily, and intend to carry this on over the next few months.

Reading advice from others on other posts I booked a liver blood test which came back normal.

I've also ramped up my exercise and improved my diet. My only question now is, now the blood tests have come back okay could they just be a reflection of the little/0 amount of alcohol I've had over the last few months and should I push for a scan to determine any underlying issues?

Thanks so much for reading through - appreciate it's a lot of detail.

Take care & stay safe

[Hidden]

Hi Steve,

Welcome to our forum. Its really positive that you have started to improve your lifestyle.

A set of liver bloods is a good place to start to investigate your liver and you could also discuss an ultrasound scan if needed too, that would provide more clinical information.

Its quite easy to google and quickly convince ourselves we have advanced disease, a well meaning suggestion would be to deal in facts and move from there.

If you are in the UK you are most welcome to call our nurse led helpline on 0800 652 7330 10am to 3pm and we would be happy to have a chat through your concerns.

Best wishes.

[Steve_7 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much, appreciate it!

[Hidden in reply to Steve_7]

👍😀

[jazzjam]

You have done fabulous for changing your routine and health plan. You should be pleased with the blood tests, they are really good. Just remember that a lot of people think that binge drinking is the thing that causes harm, of course it does but long term drinking can also have the same effect which you might not realise until you start having problems and go to the doctor. So i would just be aware of whet and how much you are drinking especially when this covid period eases, as you will most probably drop back into your old habits.You are doing fabulous! Of course I would say giving up totally is always better 😁

[Steve_7 in reply to jazzjam]

Thank you for your kind words, this has been a real eye-opener, and I do not intend to slip back into any dangerous habits that's for sure