Likelihood of irreversible damage at 24?

[99uplight]

Hi all, I know no one here can offer medical advice. I guess I’m looking for hope if anything.

I’ve been drinking pretty heavy since I was about 18. I’m now 24. I was averaging maybe around 16 units per night up until maybe 2 years ago where mg intake has decreased a lot, maybe to 30ish units per week.

I have recently quit weed and because of this I have been drinking a lot more to “replace it”. Past 3-4 weeks I’ve been drinking at least 8 units a night. Right side of my abdomen gets a lot of shooting pains and a full ache that feels like it’s always there, my gout comes back more and worse and I just have a general “bad” feeling - if that makes sense.

I have decided to try and quit alcohol for good. Today is day 1. I have a 10 month old son and I want to be there for him.

I am getting a blood test done tomorrow. However this is just a general blood test and I’m not sure if it will look at my liver levels.

What is the likelihood I have developed cirrhosis after only 6-7 years of drinking? Is age in my favour here? How do I go about getting my liver checked properly? Every time I call my GP they don’t have appointments for weeks…

Thanks all.

[AyrshireK]

It's possible that the pains you are experiencing are just a degree of liver inflammation due to your high alcohol intake or indeed something as ordinary as gall stones. Most standard blood tests do indeed include those they call LFT's - liver function tests (tell whoever is doing your test that this is your concern).

As you've got gout and pains in your liver area it would be very, very wise to reconsider your relationship with alcohol and if you want to be around for your little one going forward this is hugely important.

Keep pushing for a GP appointment - hopefully if there is some indication of a problem on your bloods they will arrange further testing.

Being young doesn't necessarily mean you won't have damaged your liver but fingers crossed it will be ok and an improvement in your lifestyle choices you'll give it the best chance of recovery.

Katie

[99uplight in reply to AyrshireK]

My GP don’t book appointments over the phone. They tell me to use the online portal and every time I try it just says no appointments available. They are useless and won’t give me any alternatives

Have been trying to get an appointment for weeks. It seems in this country they don’t care until you’re dead

[Ewife]

Hello! What goes in your favour is that you are aware you're habits aren't healthy, you want to address them, and you have so much to live and fight for.So do the right thing, ask for help if you find it difficult, get the tests done to see where you're health is at and then give it all you've got!!

Lots of folks on here will support and listen to you, and don't forget the most important thing, you're 10 month old 🤗

Wishing you all the best!

Ewife

[juneblue]

Hi there. I know this is a scary time for you. Sounds like your on the right track to a healthy life.

I wish I had quit drinking at 24. I’m 56 haven’t drank for 9 months and my liver is healing a lot. Had to change diet and stop drinking. Those were the only things under my control. They have given me a diagnosis of rule out severe liver cirrhosis Gastrointesternoligist said I’m definitely at level 1 possibly 2 we will see

That being said, everyone’s liver and system s are different Excessive alcohol intake will damage anyones liver no matter what their age Please don’t try to manage your alcohol intake that’s what I did for years ie drink heavy on weekends none in the week, two to four beers a night every day etc I was a functioning alcoholic you need to quit and never go back

Keep pushing for a visit with a physician No matter what the outcome of the tests, you will live a longer and healthier life without the alcohol

Wishing the best for you God Bless