Worried

[ladybird55]

Hi all

Had 3 abnormal liver function tests last year was was referred for an ultrasound in November last year which showed liver enlarged with coarse echotexture and a small cyst, i have been a heavy drinker for many years now. I have been referred to see a heptologist but waiting times are horrendous which means i might not get seen till October/November this year. I have been suffering bouts of extreme fatigue and have constant pain in the liver area and pain in my shoulder blades, would it be right to push my gp to get seen by the heptologist as an urgent case or should i wait as my situation is self induced? Im ashamed to say that after trying to abstain my husband had a heart attack and i went straight back to drinking, feel terrible about that. Has anyone else been in the same situation? Any advice gratefully received

[Aotea2012]

Book an appointment with your GP. Explain that after a period of abstinence you have started drinking again and seek support from them to stop drinking. There’s lots of help out there and they will be able to refer you to the most appropriate place. They may also be able to speed up your appointment with the consultant. I suspect that once you stop drinking you will start to feel better and it’ll give your liver a chance to recover. Don’t just stop though, do it in conjunction with your GP.

[Roy1955]

You should ask to be seen sooner.BUT even if you were seen tomorrow the only "treatment" is going to be the advice to quit alcohol.

Guessing you already know that!

The hepatolagist will order tests to confirm cirrhosis and then it's 6 monthly checks to check for cancer, NOT to see if cirrhosis is getting worse.

Treatment, if any, will be to relieve any symptoms as they occur.

If you continue drinking the chances of a life saving transplant is ZERO.

Don't use your husbands illness as an excuse to drink, emphasis on excuse because it's not a reason!

Drinking now is suicide.