Questions to ask at a blood test?

[IFW2016]

Hi all, thank you for letting me join this forum. I'm the wife of a highly functioning, in denial, alcoholic. Whilst he has always been a heavy drinker, it's not been too much of an issue until recently. Over the past 2-3 months I've noticed he's lost a lot of weight, the whites of his eyes are yellow, his skin tone has started to turn yellow and the most recent development is a swollen abdomen. Of course Dr google can throw up all sorts of answers so I try to steer clear of it, however there is no denying that there has been a rapid deteriation in his condition. He had a Bupa health assessment that he tells me didn't take a full blood count but did show high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His GP has asked him to have follow up blood tests (not enough info from the Bupa ones apparently) that I have finally managed to convince him to book, two weeks after he was told this. He's booked them for 3 weeks from now, is there anything he should ask them to focus on specifically (sounds stupid I know!) and from your experience should I ask him to get tests done sooner - there is a walk in clinic he could go to. Part of me feels like he's taking a huge step personally to even book the tests that if I push it further he will rebel and not have them done, but I'm so worried he's on a helter skelter heading one way and needs help fast. BTW, no one in his family and friendship circles knows of his addiction so it's all on me at the moment, and I'm exhausted by it all. I think his fear is the blood tests will result in him being admitted to hospital, and then the whole can of worms is opened..,. How do you get through this in one piece?.

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I've sent you a private message x

[cammeag]

Hi. Sorry for your pain over the years. Your love and loyalty is truly admirable. There’s a few points here and you and hubbie won’t like them. 1. It sounds like he’s already in trouble. Immediate attention is required.

2. He’s showing all the signs for liver decompensation. In other words, if he does not stop immediately, he’s heading to a very messy end.

3. He’s not being responsible. To win. To beat this critical situation he’s going to need to be humble, honest, abstinent and determined. His life depends on it.

Please. Show him this message.

I have been where he is. It is not nice. But, it is possible to come through happier, healthier and more excited and appreciative of life and those around you than you have ever been.

I hope, for you and his sake, you both succeed.....together. Take care.

[Roy1955]

"and then the whole can of worms is opened..,. How do you get through this in one piece"

You dont.

But you need to open that can of worms right now and dont wait!

I had to face up to it and so does he.

The alternative is a LOT worse.

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Welcome,

It sounds like you have a lot to cope with at the moment, we hope you get support from our lovely members.

Here is our information on 'Alcohol and liver disease 'and also 'liver disease tests explained';

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

If you are in the UK and would like a supportive chat, our nurse helpline is open today 10am to 3pm Mon to Fri ( closed on BH Mon)