Liver inflammation

[NewDayToday]

Hi. Quit drinking 2 weeks ago. Was heavy abuser. Fatigue is gone but have right shoulder discomfort/mild pain and occasional right abdomen and mid-back discomfort. Other than sleep issues no other noticeable symptoms right now. Afraid of cirrhosis and cancer. Going to see a doctor in 2 weeks. My question is, after stopping drinking does inflammation continue and maybe get worse due to cytokines? What stops it? Just time?

[Ubwa]

You are correct in going to see a doctor.

If you have any damage, yes time is what it will take. You didn’t do any potential damage in 2 weeks so can’t expect it to magically go away so quickly….

But before we panic, let’s see what doctors say. Can’t you be seen sooner than 2 weeks?

[NewDayToday in reply to Ubwa]

Thank you very much, Ubwa, for your reply. It helps the mental state. Take care.

[NewDayToday in reply to Ubwa]

Hi Ubwa. Thought was feeling better. Worked out yesterday and did good. Today, however, malaise is back. I know my mind is not right. Lack of motivation and energy. 2 1/2 weeks of being sober. Should I expect to feel better than this? Have GP appt on 7/20 for blood work.

[Aotea2012]

Well done on not drinking for two weeks. The key thing now is to keep on this path. At first it’s not going to miraculously feel wonderful. Although you will start to feel better and your skin and energy levels will improve. Those were the things I noticed. In a few months, you’ll feel a whole lot better. I found that alcohol was a good anaesthetic so hid a lot of things which when I stopped, I started to notice. Including aches and pains. Try to get a sooner appointment with your doctor if you can. They’ll be able to offer you more support than just trying to soldier on alone. There’s lots available which will help avoid a relapse. You also want to get some bloods done to see if there’s any damage for which you may need further tests. Good luck and well done.

[NewDayToday in reply to Aotea2012]

Thank you very much for your kind comments, insights and suggestions, Aotea2012. I appreciate it. Actually made appt with hepatologist. Could not get in sooner. Maybe could with GP. Might be worth doing that.

[Browsingquietly]

In my experience, yes inflammation can continue for a while after you stop drinking, continuing to stay abstinent, eating well, keeping hydrated and getting some exercise will give the best chance of things improving. In another couple of weeks, you could find you feel much better. The discomfort you're feeling could also be unrelated to the liver, and you're only now noticing it with a clear head. Best thing is to carry on with the good stuff, and see your GP for a check 🙂

[NewDayToday in reply to Browsingquietly]

Thank you very much, Browsingquietly, for your helpful response.

[Sjc1c1]

Hi my mother was a really heavy drinker. She had same problem and it was her pancreas. She now takes tablets for life maybe speak to doctor and mention that. Could also be gall bladder that give u mid back pain und pain in right upper g.i

[NewDayToday in reply to Sjc1c1]

Thank you very much, Sjc1c1, for your help! Will do.

[drittz78]

Don't panic as you don't know if there is any damage. Going to the doctor's is the best course of action. Well done for stopping drinking as well. You don't need alcohol.

[NewDayToday in reply to drittz78]

Thank you, drittz78. I appreciate your input. Will keep that in mind...and, I agree. Imbibing is not worth it.

[Oldbits]

Well done for stopping, keep it up . It takes a long time for the liver to forgive. My husband stopped 5 months ago and says he feels better than he has in years. He too had aches and pains but with gentle exercise , good diet and no alcohol started to feel a lot better within the first month. Chat to your doctors, they can give the best advice and look after yourself. Be proud too for making those first steps.

[NewDayToday in reply to Oldbits]

Thank you, Oldbits. Appreciate the perspective. Helps in keeping sanity.