Should i be worried?

[Danny1979]

Hi, Ive been a heavy beer drinker since 18 and now 42, Mainly 5 nights out of 7 drinking around 7 pints a night of 4% beer. Got worried and had some basic at home blood tests which showed ALT of 62, Gamma GT 171 and rest (ALP, Globulin, Protein, Albumin) all in normal range. I had a ultrasound 2 years ago that showed slight fatty liver and cut back for a while after that but didnt last too long, Now cut back a lot now to 2 days a week drinking which i understand is still too much, but should i be worried?

[AyrshireK]

Worried perhaps not but should you do something more about it ? Then Yes. Drinking with fatty liver is going to exacerbate matters, eventually that fatty liver is potentially going to turn to fibrosis and thence to cirrhosis so maybe it would be wise to re-evaluate your relationship with booze. Maybe 'Dry January' might be something to consider. Turn a new leaf into the New Year and give your liver a good break and a healthy future.

alcoholchange.org.uk/get-in...

It may also be worth (when you can) getting some bloods done at your GP's as these will be more accurate and reliable. Your ALT and GGT are both elevated indicating that your liver is under a degree of stress just now and is showing signs of inflammation.

Katie

[Danny1979 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you, makes complete sense, thanks for your reply

[Aotea2012]

Yes you should be worried. Worrying, however, won’t achieve much unless you do something about it. I used to worry about my drinking...then had a glass of wine to forget my worries. Then another...I’ve now stopped. Not before I was admitted to hospital in March with a deep rooted infection and diagnosed with cirrhosis though. My alcohol consumption was heavy for many years, only wine, didn’t like spirits so rarely drunk them. I knew I should cut back, and successfully did on many occasions, only for life to take over and my alcohol consumption to return to previous levels. I’ve now completely stopped and really don’t miss it. I’d have been amazed if you’d told me that last New Years Eve. No hangovers, clear skin and eyes and feeling well. I’ve had to look after myself since my diagnosis, eaten well, taken up running and of course no alcohol. My bloods are normal and whilst having 2 small grade 1 varicies, no signs of problems with them. I consider myself lucky, I had a brush with the grim reaper which I won’t forget. Not touched a drop since. I wish I’d been more proactive at the stage you are. I could have avoided a lot of anxiety and pain, as well as using up precious NHS time. You are drinking at damaging levels but your tests are not showing a catastrophic situation. Stop now and you’ve probably got away with it. Carry on and it’s a not particularly nice journey. Go and see your GP, be honest with them about your alcohol consumption and follow their advice.

[Danny1979 in reply to Aotea2012]

Thank you, a very direct and honest reply which is 100% what i was looking for. All the best for yourself and well done on kicking the booze!

[briccolone]

Hi Danny & Happy New year-both excellent posts from Katie & Aotea. I would concur. You sound very similar to me. I'd been drinking wine for years and then found I had high GGT and eventually fatty liver. Like Aotea did various spells of abstinence even as much as 9 months. Drinking alcohol on a fatty liver only makes things worse. My advice just avoid alcohol as much as possible -eat a healthy diet. Don't worry too much.

[Danny1979 in reply to briccolone]

Thank you for your reply

[LAJ123]

Danny,

This is from someone who got the advice too late and after a year of deteriating health had to undergo a Liver transplant.

You do not want to go down that road.

Take on board all the advice and then go to the British Liver Trust website and follow the guidance on maintaining good Liver health.

Have a great new year,

Jim (and Lucy)

[Danny1979 in reply to LAJ123]

Thank you for your reply