Cirrhosis and Fibrosis

[Not2late]

Hey All,

I’m 39 years old. Significant drinking history. Binge drinking (15+units) for approx 20 years at least one and sometimes 2 nights of a weekend. My drinking escalated in 2012 and I would have 6 units nightly with the binging. I am reasonably fit and have maintained exercise throughout last 10 years including running a marathon on 2021.

I have had elevated liver markers for as long as I can remember. Ignored them.

From 2017 more significant symptoms:

- haemorrhoids very painful

- gut distension and swelling

- right flank pain over liver

- kidney pains

- long term diarrhoea

- blood in stool last August (black)

it was that last episode that scared me significantly. I promptly quit alcohol and have exercised for a minimum of 30mins daily since (and haven’t missed a day)

I went to the GI doc and had colonoscopy, gastroscopy and capsule endoscopy. Found polyps and removed them but couldn’t find source of bleeding. I was honest about my drinking history and he became a little concerned. Referred me for a Fibroscan which I had today and thankfully it came back in the NORMAL RANGE.

I wanted to write this post (having never posted before) as I have been consuming content on this site since 2017 and basically convinced myself that I had Cirrhosis. My symptoms were not in my head - they were very real. I want to say to those who are consuming the stories on here but might be too scared to get checked out - you must go and do it. I lived the last 5-6 years thinking I had ESLD but did not at all. My family copped a sad individual. Health anxiety is real.

Happy to answer any questions.

[Ewife]

Thank you for sharing this. Your frank account is inspiring and will help many. Huge Congratulations on your abstinence. Atb,

Ewife

[Smegmer]

Yeh, glad you got some relief from crippling anxiety. I had it about 9 years ago, convinced I was about to drop dead in the street etc. They only ever found Gastritis and I eventually got a clear Fibroscan. Your drinking was similar to mine, but I didnt drink much in the week. My Dad has drunk like us and is nearly 80, he has slowed down the last 5 years or so, but still likes a couple of bottles of wine a week

[Worrywart1985]

this is me to the T. Except I never had the scary bleeding symptoms. Just the pain. 😬 I’ve had some labs done but not everything. I’m working towards getting fully checked out, little by little…it’s a process w my fear and health anxiety for sure. My first step was not drinking and then general wellness, meditating, exercise, healthy diet, etc. I’ve always been fit and a healthy eater tho, I’ve just stepped it up. Next step, getting fully checked. 😫 happy for you that you’re ok!

[pushthrough]

Great story. My terrible anxiety was one thing that led me to drink alcohol. It’s ironic. Being extremely anxious and worried led to me having something to actually worry about- cirrhosis. It sucks to have it but I’m extremely happy to be sober over 2 years. Btw, I was 38 when I found out I have it. Didn’t drink nearly as much as my friends but still drank more than I should have.

Please be warned anyone reading this. You don’t have to drink massive quantitates for a decade to develop liver disease. Alcohol is poison plain and simple.