Hello, I am fairly new to this forum, I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis due to Alcohol and the results of the MRI scan show a mass of nodules. What I am worried about is that I did not tell any of the professionals that my father died of cirrhosis which turned into liver cancer. My Nanny and Grandad and an uncle also died of liver cancer. But did not really drink alcohol. The doctor's are keeping an eye on me. I have another MRI in 3 months and have a telephone conversation with the consultant, in 6 months time. So they are now just letting me get on with trying to live a healthier lifestyle, which I am endearing to. My question is, how do I tell them or do I tell them my family history, after not mentioning it to them before, or just let it go... Am I being a pure idiot, after not mentioning this before.
Do I or Don't I : Hello, I am fairly new... - British Liver Trust
Do I or Don't I
Absolutely you must tell them about your family history. In order for them to monitor, treat and take care of you in the best way possible they need to see the full picture
Hi 🙂
Yes (only answering your "Am I being a pure idiot" in a nice way) YES!! 🤗
Definitely tell them!!
The more they know about you, your history, the better. Don't feel daft, or embarrassed 😳 you haven't mentioned it, but make it one of your 1st priorities today.
Look after yourself and get on the phone now.
Take good care 😊
I absolutely would tell them. Your only doing yourself a disservice if you don’t. All the best
Hi , yes do tell them straight away , my dad died of liver cancer but was not a drinker but my cirrhosis is caused by alcohol. I gave up by slowly coming down from drink over a month and have been sober for 5 years, I went to AA which was so good as lots of people in exactly like myself there and could relate to them and didn’t feel alone and so guilty for having an alcohol problem. They check me every 6 months with an ultrasound especially to check for cancer as it’s in my family. Don’t feel worried to tell them , I didn’t even tell them I drank at first but once I told them I felt so much better and they were all so supportive . Good luck stay strong and get in the phone now 😃
Hi Cazza,
It is really important to let your consultant know about your medical history.
You could consider speaking to the medical secretary and requesting another appointment and also to clarify with the consultant the findings on the MRI.
Keep us posted.
Hello,
I have left voice messages with the consultants secretary, but I know she is busy, but I never seem to get a phone call back
I have also left voice messages on the patient Pathway co-ordinator's phone and the hepatology nurses phone.
I have also sent an email to to the GastroPPC at the hospital asking for the information to go into my notes. Cc in my own GP doctors as well
Hopefully, this will work and I might get some acknowledgement that something has happened
Thank-you all for your help. At least I have done something now...
Caz
That must be really frustrating. Have you thought about contacting Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) ? Each hospital will have a PALS department and they can often help resolve concerns and get you in touch with your team
nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospita...
Good luck.
Thank-you. I did call my hospital's PALS service, they were very helpful. Someone has replied to my email that I sent, so I will now wait and see.Thank-you for your help I had never heard of that PALS service before. Now in my contacts list...
Im delighted we helped, good luck 
Hello Cazza,
Firstly, I don’t think you're being an idiot at all. Many of us who develop an alcohol problem can become the most devious, and unassuming people ever. We sort of exist in a world of denial, “Oh, I don’t have a drinking problem”, “No, my liver’s fine”. How could you be expected to confide in others when we don’t acknowledge the problem in the first place?
We are all human, and this means that we all go through life making mistakes, and learning as we go. Understanding and admitting that we have a problem is the first step in making things right. We have to confront our demons and acknowledge past indiscretions. This can sometimes be a bitter pill to have to swallow, but it is all part of the healing process.
As for not telling the professionals, they have seen and heard it all before. They are professionals and they are NOT judgemental. Their job is to make you better, not to judge you.
Try and accept the situation for what it is. “This is what’s gone wrong, and this is what I’m doing to make things right”. These are positive actions, and people will admire your honesty and wanting to make things right. There should be no shame in making mistakes, just as long as we can learn from them.
Have that positive attitude, and you’ll be surprised how it can make you feel stronger. Say to yourself. “Liver disease has taken away so much of my family. Well, it’s not taking me.”
You now know just how dangerous alcohol is. You really don’t need alcohol in order to have a wonderful life.
Good Luck to you. You can do this, positive thoughts.
Richard
Thank-you Richard, I have replied to the trusts email. Hopefully have done something now to at least let them know.
Well done you. Now comes the waiting game. just hang on in there.
hi.i would think its best to mention about your family members,who have suffered liver problems. things can be treated better when the professionals now what there up against .and no ....your not being an idiot....... your just thinking carefully take care . chris
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