British Liver Trust

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Can LFTs come back normal and still have cirrhosis

3 months ago•50 Replies

I am really confused. I have felt unwell for several months. Tired, glands up foggy brain. Then got pains under ribs in abdominal area and more on right side. Pale stools with undigested food and fatty sheen. Tight chest and shallow breath etc. But lots of bloods and stool samples and everyone says normal.

GP thinks gallstones? But pain is more constant not sudden acute attacks

My big question is has anyone else had normal LFT s and still then had a Cirrhosis diagnosis

I have been drinking above recommended for many years and had a heavy run for a few months of 50-70 units a week in the lead up to feeling ill.

Thanks

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Shoe2

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BritishLiverTrust3Administrator3 months ago

Dear Shoe2,

If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

3 months ago

My LTF's are normal now and I've had cirrhosis for 8 years.. But they weren't at the outset.

Male47 in reply to 2 months ago

Mine too, we're awful when diagnosed cirrhosis 6 weeks ago, now all within normal range.

kensimmons3 months ago

"My big question is has anyone else had normal LFT s and still then had a Cirrhosis diagnosis"

Yes. But that is a rare case. Stop drinking and being a fool a you can guarantee good results while you can.

Shoe2 in reply to kensimmons3 months ago

Many thanks. I have stopped drinking 6 weeks ago - this is the wake up call I dearly needed. Got Ultrasound next week.

kensimmons in reply to Shoe23 months ago

Good for you, that is your first step in getting better. I hope this will continue, almost no case is hopeless when the drinking is stopped.

montgo633 months ago

A very rude and unhelpful comment to someone who has reached out for help!

Cornwallgal in reply to montgo633 months ago

please report the comment.

montgo63 in reply to Cornwallgal3 months ago

Done x

Iro13 months ago

Sometimes straight talking is required although I personally do not mind being bothered. I have never had an addiction so find it difficult to understand those who have but it does seem like the addiction often wins. What to do about it? I dont know.

Rshc in reply to Iro13 months ago

there is a difference to straight talking and basically telling someone to get lost and stop bothering us. There are not 2 tiers of people suffering with liver disease, whatever the cause everyone deserves the same compassion and advice without judgement

Shoe2 in reply to Rshc3 months ago

thanks for the support. If I am tough love honest with myself my heavy drinking period of several months is in reality more like 30 months. I am new to all this opening up and am still applying the stigma to myself. My symptoms all point to liver/gallbladder/pancreas and I know from reading BLT website symptoms are normally the impact of liver damage on other organs. My journey starts here. Thanks all.

Rshc in reply to Shoe23 months ago

You have taken a big step facing up to the fact that you are drinking too much. My partner was diagnosed Christmas of 21 with Cirrhosis due to alcohol and he has not had a drink since that day. He wishes of course that he faced up to it sooner however thankfully he is doing ok, from being admitted to hospital with very alarming liver function tests and a spell on the transplant list, his liver function is now basically within range so its a waiting game. Giving up drink is the first and very big step but you need to eat healthy food, avoid salt and be kind to yourself. It would be worth speaking to your GP about stopping drinking as suddenly stopping after drinking heavily can be dangerous and you might need some support here. I would say that everyone we have come into contact with in the NHS has been compassionate and non judgemental so don't feel fear about speaking honestly to your GP. I wish you all the best and do not hesitate to come back here and ask for any advice you need. Take care

Lrm3115- in reply to Rshc3 months ago

My husband was 54. He died about 6 months ago. He had Cirrhosis. The constant drinking killed him. Running back and forth to the party store. It was beer and hard liquor too. I wish that I would've taken him right to the hospital when I first saw his stomach swell, but I never heard of ascites. He was told December 2021 that his liver was enlarged. The doctor wanted to repeat the test in a month, but he never went back. He may still be alive right now, if he would have just stopped drinking. He had saved up enough money that he could've went into a 3-day detox. I know that is not much, but it would've been something to get that alcohol out of his system. The drinking has got to stop.

Shoe2 in reply to Lrm3115-3 months ago

Thank you for reaching out. And so sorry to hear your husband lost his fight with it. Really grateful for you taking time now to help others like myself

I am definitely sitting up and listening now. I ignored a low B12 result in early 2020 which GP said could be from drinking ! And found hiding my drinking by using spirits was easier than beer or wine! Which is how the units racked up. I am noting symptoms daily to check on changes. And NOT drinking. Other replies have given good options if AA is no help personally.

I am 50 years old and have a wife and 2 teenage kids who I love dearly and they rely on my support and income. Too much to lose and ignored the risks for too long.

I honestly had not realised symptoms only occurred after the damage is irreversible. Head in the sand I guess.

All these replies have been so comforting that I am not alone. I am in a perilous position and have to do everything possible to stop this where it is and work on living with this and its physiological impacts.

Lrm3115- in reply to Shoe23 months ago

Thank you. He was given a warning right there and he apparently didn't take it seriously. Please get back with your doctor and work together to keep your life. We have two daughters too and a grandchild. I grew up without a father and I didn't want that for my children. My youngest daughter is almost 16 and I have to raise her effectively without any paternal guidance. I have not candy-coated about how he died to her, but I admit to not going into every detail. But someday, the reality of what he did and exactly how he died, will become crystal clear to her. Hopefully she will be very aware of a genetic influence on alcoholism, considering that not only her dad, but her own (paternal) grandfather died the exact same way, too.

Iro1 in reply to Lrm3115-3 months ago

Absolutely the drinking has to STOP it is not offensive to say that

pushthrough in reply to Lrm3115-3 months ago

I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. Alcohol is a terrible drug packaged and presented as harmless.

Lrm3115- in reply to pushthrough3 months ago

Thank you. You see these commercials where people are watching football games and having family picnics and drinking a beer like it's as natural as Kool-Aid. And then you'll see these ads where people are drinking wine like it's glamourous. They don't think of the addiction and craving. The dependency. Interfering with family relationships, Drunk driving or even Vehicular Homicide. There's nothing harmless about any of that.

Shoe2 in reply to Lrm3115-3 months ago

the social acceptability of drinking is alarming. Every social event. Never a query why drinking but always if you don’t. I guess it becomes so normalised. We do need more education on the risks like cigarettes. I honestly did not realise the symptoms are only when it is at this late stage !

Iro1 in reply to Rshc3 months ago

Agreed, but STOP drinking!!!!!!!! as they say

Badger12345 in reply to Iro13 months ago

I really don’t like your tone with people looking for support. Very off putting.

Iro1 in reply to Badger123453 months ago

so you think he should keep drinking in 'moderation' then?

xeno100 in reply to Badger123453 months ago

Yeah you're right, it isn't what is being said but the hostile tone over and over.

Badger12345 in reply to xeno1003 months ago

You wouldn’t believe the utterly nasty response sent to me for my post. Really shocking and inappropriate, but fortunately the BLT deleted it. People posting here deserve compassion, kindness and support.

xeno100 in reply to Badger123453 months ago

It is incredible how some can be so nasty and abusive just because someone disagrees with them. Nobody deserves that especially on a forum such as this, where as you say, and amazing that you should have to, that it is about support through kindness and understanding and showing a bit of compassion.

redpoint72 in reply to Rshc3 months ago

Fully agree with rshc....just a little empathy can go along way.

Iro1 in reply to Rshc3 months ago

STOP DRINKING AT ALL!!! is both supportive and helpful.

Rshc3 months ago

wow who are you to say who should and should not ‘bother’ people on here. Your response only adds to the stigma that so many people with alcohol issues feel which stops them from reaching out for help. It is never as simple as ‘a drink problem’ there are more often than not underlying reasons why they are drinking to excess. You may consider your attitude ‘tough love’ but it’s rude, unhelpful and without empathy.

Cornwallgal in reply to Rshc3 months ago

agree - please report the comment. We are a kind and supportive group.

kensimmons in reply to Rshc3 months ago

If I did not have my best friend, who is also my spouse, pretty much punch me in the face (not literally, I am speaking figuratively) I would not be alive today.

Thankfully she did and I have been able to help others. Some people benefit from a soft touch and others need a slap. I needed it and sorry if I give it out sometimes to others.

Look at what someone posted above -

My husband was 54. He died about 6 months ago. He had Cirrhosis. The constant drinking killed him.

Maybe someone should have been "not nice" to him when he was not 54 but 34.

I am not a cruel person. I love each and every one of you and pray that whatever is needed for each and every one is found, utilized, and saves lives.

Peace be unto you.

Rshc in reply to kensimmons3 months ago

Ken, you really cannot be dishing out that kind of comment to people you don't know from behind a computer screen, however well intended. It could have sent the poster away from this site fearful to return. Its one thing for your wife who knows you to say similar face to face. Please don't take it upon yourself to dish out tough love to people who's story or who's mental health you do not know.

kensimmons in reply to Rshc3 months ago

You make a great point. I may need to tone it down a bit. Thank you. Your post has made me reconsider my style. Thank you.

With that having been said, at a certain time there are some folks who need a bracing talking to (think of it as an ice bucket poured on the head). But perhaps this is not the forum for that, but I will say, it is what I needed.

Thank you for your excellent reply, I will keep it in mind.

pushthrough in reply to kensimmons3 months ago

Hey Ken, I needed the tough love to quit. Like you without my wife calling me out on my crap and most importantly the specialist at the hospital plainly stating, “If you don’t quit drinking you will not live to see your 40s” I likely wouldn’t be here. Haven’t had a drink since. Some people respond others don’t no matter what help or people say. As you know, alcohol is a terrible drug and I now see why specialist say only 1 out of 10 people quit drinking after being diagnosed.

To Shoe, be that 1% and quit drinking forever while you can. You don’t want to end up with this disease. This is a judgment free zone. I think some of us just wish we had quit drinking when the writing was on the wall before it developed into cirrhosis. Love all of you that are in this liver battle!

Shoe2 in reply to pushthrough3 months ago

Thanks. I intend to be the 1 of the 1:10. Pretty sure some damage already done but if I can stop it there I will. Just hoping I can maintain my life and responsibilities. I appreciate all the supporting words.

kensimmons in reply to pushthrough3 months ago

Thanks push on through, i meant no harm, but sometimes the "soft love" does not get it done. On other occasions it the best course.

This is an example of why our friends the doctors have it so super hard!

We should remember how tough it is for them to make judgements on what is best for what patient!

May God bless each and every one of you.

redpoint72 in reply to Rshc3 months ago

Ive got to fully agree with rshc again. Finger pointing at me at my lowest ,was truly horrible, I already knew what I was doing to myself was killing me,but the finger pointing attitude of some at the time,I wasn't on the forum then....made me want to end my life,and to hide away, I was already so ,ashamed,embarrassed, disgusted with my self...it was not called for at all....and so not fair.......

People need to delve a little deeper, before they cast judgment.

Fortunately I've had some great folk who have helped me tremendous with counciling, and for that I'm eternally grateful.

Also the forum, some lovely folk,just some support at times,of which we all need at times.

So here i am,abstinent for over 4 years now....I never thought it could be done....

While some folk may respond well to what is called tough love....I didn't, and a softer more understanding approach has got me where I am now.

And I'm sure I'm not the only one.

The forum is so good.

My best. Chris

xeno100 in reply to redpoint723 months ago

Well said redpoint. No excuse for being obnoxious to someone especially when they are reaching out for support. Can drive people away and make them less likely to seek help. Can make someone feel as if they are being put down when they are already feeling very low.

redpoint72 in reply to xeno1003 months ago

I agree,folk are on here the blt website looking for some help,reassurance ,understanding......They have reached out for some sort of help and Information.....as I did.....

And there are some really great folk on here,who have helped so many of us.

Its the hardest thing ever to reach out for a bit of support,,,and thankfully I received some great help,and I so appreciate that.

Chris

Aotea20123 months ago

That’s a lot of units of alcohol, which if you continue will cause problems for your liver, if it hasn’t already. I have normal LFTs and have cirrhosis..but they weren’t normal when I was first diagnosed. After stopping alcohol for 2 years now, and following a much better diet/exercise regime I’ve maintained normal results. You are at a crucial stage. Stop drinking and see what happens to your health. I suspect you’ll feel tons better in a short time.

Shoe2 in reply to Aotea20123 months ago

many Thanks. I will indeed keep off the drink forever now. Going to join some AA meetings for support. I will find out in due course what the state of my liver is. Cheers

Aotea2012 in reply to Shoe23 months ago

That’s great. It’s not an easy journey but is hugely beneficial. Make sure you get support…if AA doesn’t suit you (it wouldn’t have helped me) there are lots of alternatives. Your GP will advise you on local services. I was supported by Turning Point who were brilliant. Good luck and well done.

Poppy234 in reply to Shoe23 months ago

Yes thats good, support is so important. For any health problems you have a course of treatment, with addiction its the same, treatment is needed and that treatment is often support, learning and counselling type activities (plus faith if you accept it).

Lils20193 months ago

Hi there,

Welcome!

My husband was admitted through a&e in June 2020 with bleeding varices, he was later admitted into icu, and he had various scans, bloods etc done, and blood transfusions, he had 9 units of blood, he had lost so much.

He had normal bloods and the consultant was extremely concerned at this point because his bloods were not matching what the scans revealed.

He was discharged back into the care of his GP, who ran bloods in the sept, abnormal, so repeated them again abnormal, so a referral back to the liver team.

His liver disease was actually caused by excessive amounts of alcohol, and at his worst he was consuming 230 unit’s a week, he was detoxed whilst in hospital and never touched a drop afterwards. He did say that there isn’t enough warnings out there about the dangers of alcohol and the damage it can do, and it’s just part of society, and way of life.

I hope you can quit the drink, and I do appreciate that it can be hard going.

I wish you good luck and take care of yourself x

Shoe2 in reply to Lils20193 months ago

Thank you. I am finding the strength to stop. Not drunk for 6 weeks which is my longest in over 10 years. When I don’t feel so ill will be the hardest part and I will join a support group and speak to GP about other support.

redpoint72 in reply to Shoe23 months ago

Fella,well done for the 6 weeks abstinence......keep at it,im not saying its easy,because it isn't. Best foot forward fella.

If I can manage it,im sure you can.

Best of luck to you.

My best . Chris

Shoe2 in reply to redpoint723 months ago

Thank you so much.

Lils20193 months ago

I wish you all the luck in the world, sadly after my husband was detoxed he never felt well, always said he felt like he’d been hit by a bus, felt unwell most of the time, sick, bloated, had sugar crashes from the liver not been able to function well enough to store energy, chronic fatigue, bruising and bleeding very easily, he had a tooth extracted last year and we ended up back in a&e four times in a week due to excessive bleeding and we couldn’t stop it. Very scary for him and me. Water retention, chronic HE, honestly our journey was horrendous, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

Last September he had a fall and tore a chest muscle, I returned home from work to a very poorly man, rang for an ambulance, the hospital had trouble stabilising him, did eventually but sadly he continued to deteriorate, despite the hospital’s best efforts he passed away last October. He was 60 years old.

He was poorly for 2 1/2 years and in that time never had another drink, honestly your health is worth so much more than drink.

Good luck on your journey, and remember we are all here to support you, this forum was a very good, reliable source of information and I valued all the input and advice I got.

Take care of yourself xx

Tazzyguy13 months ago

Hello I hear what your saying, in August last year, I was diagnosed with decompensated liver disease now compensated, I was drinking every day for almost 30 years. Well done for stopping drinking firstly! Our livers are very complex and do many things to help our bodies! Like a massive filter, and I damaged it badly, it's now like a rusty old car,, but it's getting by doing what it needs to do with love a good diet and obviously not drinking.I was in hospital recently I had went yellow again and I was in pain everyday. My liver was struggling because I was eating the wrong foods, but as a result of that it was hurting other organs and it flagged up I had gallstones! And an enlarged spleen, I got lucky as I went to hospital straight away, my GP told me it was trapped wind! Good job I never listened to him! A healthy diet is a must, lots of fruit and vegetables, chicken breast, fish, cod and salmon, tuna in water, sardines not in brine, all help, wholemeal bread, potatoes, lots of water, black coffee helps too. Lots of good advice here and support i found that to be my experience anyway. Today we have a choice! To live, because prior to my illness I want not living, life is okay today. I'm very lucky I have a lot of good friends who have become family to me, NO ONE is a fool here and we are here too support each other guide each other, listen to each other too. Nurses here are great, I am awaiting my results from having a CT scan, but today I'm feeling okay, you are doing great keep asking questions, keep reaching out, I wasn't armed with the facts before but now I am and you will be too. I was homeless 30 years and I have a beautiful flat now and hope in my heart. WITHOUT Alcohol, and due to this platform I'm no longer alone! Keep in touch and remember step by step!!!!!!

Best wishes

Taz

Shoe2 in reply to Tazzyguy13 months ago

Thanks Taz. I am learning fast! I agree GPs not helpful - mine saidI had long covid as my LFTs were normal. Had to push and now waiting for ultrasound. I am glad I have found this forum. It is more helpful than my endless googling. But I am preparing for a long journey of feeling constantly ill whilst trying to establish just how ill I am whilst working full time and being here for my teenage children and wonderful wife. I just hope I can manage to keep working as an the main earner.

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