Worried about liver

[AJR1]

Hi

I have been binge drinking virtually every day for several years. I have depression and anxiety(I know alcohol doesn’t help).

3 acute pancreatitis attacks last year and one a month ago.

Had ultrasound which was clear about 5 weeks ago.

Like a twit I have relapsed again.

What worries me most is the mild itchiness, dry skin and nausea. Even though I’ve had these symptoms a couple of times before when I’ve been off the wagon.

I’m now worried that I have cirrhosis. I don’t think I have ascitis, but am just panicking over the itchiness, nausea and dry skin, which I’ve had before (though it was far worse).

Yes, I know I’m ‘hitting my liver’, and HAVE to stop alcohol, even though it’s hard.

My liver currently feels ‘full’ if that makes sense? But again, I’ve also had that ‘symptom’ before.

I haven’t (and don’t really want to have) yet more blood work.

Thoughts?

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi I don't know what does it feel like I had blood test last year had one very liver count stopped drinking for 3 month's it went into very normal range but I relapsed and still drink you could join drink free there's support on there and links from posts it's about cutting down too which I am trying to do I find swimming helps take care 🤗oh how much do you drink

[AJR1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Yes, I need to start exercising. I don’t seem to be able to ‘cut down’. My consumption is typically 10 or so units of beer a day (4 large beers).

[Hidden]

You need help, have you spoken to your GP about this? You need to address the depression and anxiety that is driving your drinking.

[AJR1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, yes I know I do. It’s so hard.

[Hidden in reply to AJR1]

Alcohol makes you depressed day after I drink most nights particularly when upset with my life but if you make yourself say right just one night off is a start, then youl feel better next day you could try AA there very supportive a lot just want to be able to cut down, I am worried again as as my house situation and life in general has got to me I binge drank yesterday been doing well too swimming boosts seratonin the feel good hormone,I know one binge could kill me that's more than 6 units I have about ten to 15 I hate myself for been a slave, to alcohol but I live alone with my cat and I also end up feeling guilty I may die and he would wake up meowing and I'd never wake up, I am going to try to have few nights off this week just think of it as heeling your liver, your heart etc suffere too take care 🤗

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome,

Thank you for sharing your situation, that is a first important step.

If you are, or have ever been, alcohol dependent or an alcoholic, discuss this with your doctor. In these circumstances it is important to get medical help to give up drinking, as stopping suddenly can, in some cases, lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations and seizures. There are many sources of support and help they can give you or direct you to.

Your GP will also be best placed to talk to you about liver tests, without them you will not know how your liver is being impacted.

Keep us posted how you get on....

[AJR1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Yes, That’s ve asked my doctor for some blood tests (again). My ultrasound was fine about 6 weeks ago, but now I’m back with mild itching and occasional nausea.

It’s a never-ending cycle.

I’ve had these symptoms before, and they went away after I stopped.

It’s breaking and sticking to abstinence that’s so difficult.

I’m only on 4 beers/day, which I know is still too much, but could probably stop without w/D’s as I have in the past.

[Kingsleybones]

Do go to your GP about your physical symptoms but have you thought about getting counselling/psychotherapy too? Problems with alcohol often have their roots in past trauma ( ie the shit we have gone through early in life). Alcohol can be used to paper over the cracks but it doesn’t necessarily work, not in the long run. So perhaps a three pronged attack on your problem might be good - the big guns - talking, AA or the like and the NHS? Anyway the first big step is recognising the problem. You have done that already. So gather your courage again now to change and grow. Take all the help you can. The alternative might be much harder to cope with, as our friends on this forum can vouch for. The best of luck to you, my friend. Love and light!

[AJR1 in reply to Kingsleybones]

Well I’ve requested yet another blood test from my doctor. I’m really anxious about it, but figure I’m going to have to face this issue.

I don’t know what state my liver is in.

I had my ultrasound 6 weeks ago, and that was fine. I’m just fighting to stay off the drink.

My main symptoms at the moment are nausea, very mild occasional itching, and dry hands.

No jaundice or ascitis, so it’s hard to know.

And yes, I do drink alcohol to ‘cope’ even though not in humongous quantities (4 beers a day typically), but it adds up, and I know I have to stop.

Thanks

Adam

[AJR1]

Well went to docs today. They don’t think it’s necessary to do a blood test atm.

They suspect my chills and itching may be down to a virus, as my temperature was up.

They still want me to stop the drinking though, so tapering @ 1 bottle/day down from 4.

They said abdomen felt fine.