New here

[ChannaZ]

Hello everyone,I have joined this site because I feel very scared about my future. (I actually live in Australia but couldn't find many groups online that had such informative posts as this one.

I am a 36 year old female, who has drank heavily at times over the years since my young 20s but never been an every day drinker. After having my youngest daughter 2 years ago though, I must admit my Alcohol intake increased alot. A couple of months ago I went to the ER my main symptoms was lower back pain (on both sides) (minor rib pain both sides) told them about my drinking habits, they ran some tests and told me that liver enzymes were slightly raised but "what they would expect to see for a drinker?) I was discharged and continued having my beers here and there as I didn't think anything was wrong with my health they said it was most likely a back muscle issue and told me my results were "normal"

As time has passed though, the back pain had gotten worse..yellow stools ( I thought it was only an issue if they were white/pale) coloured but I've now since read different) I went back to the GP this week about it, he read my file from ER and said the results for liver were abnormal so now I'm very worried. I had a CT scan done yesterday as well as more bloods so now awaiting the results. I am no longer drinking which hasn't been an issue for me as i am not alcohol dependant just enjoyed it to wind down.

I don't have any nausea or vomiting of blood/ jaundice I did want to ask though with severe liver damage did most people see more symptoms than what I am having? I don't feel extremely unwell overall, but there's definitely something happening. I was also wondering with swelling of the belly the dr checked me this week when I had my appointment would he have known if it was asecites? I have been feeling a bit bloated but it's getting better now I'm not drinking, no swelling of the feet or ankles. I was getting some issues with feeling out of breath especially when lying down but that to has subsided a little since I stopped the alcohol..

I realise no one here is a dr but I thank you all for reading, wish you all the best

Chantelle

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear ChannaZ

Here is a link to some information on our website about preparing for future appointments, including questions to ask your doctor, which you may find helpful.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[juneblue]

Hey ChanazZ,

I am not a dr. That just means we can’t diagnose. I can definitely talk about my self and what my physicians have told me and trust me most people on this site are very informed about their illnesses. With that being said, the liver is a very complex organ and there are numerous reasons why it could be feeling under the weather. Not all reasons are detrimental but still need to be addressed!

My liver problems stem from drinking alcohol which I have stopped for 10 months now. When I was admitted to the hospital last May I was near death. Ammonia levels were over two thousand, the dr said he had never even read about numbers that high before. Blood work was a mess. Jaundice etc etc. Took three days of I V meds and fluid to bring me back. A physician told me at discharge that one more beer could be the one that I couldn’t come back from. Sure enough one week later I started drinking again for a short period. That’s when the ascites and edema started. It’s been an up hill climb from there.

I’m going to make a long story short. Doing much better now. Strenuously walking 15 miles a week eating as healthy as possible and most importantly not drinking alcohol. With that being said.

You are so young, if you do those three things and keep a positive attitude, you will be able to live a long and healthy life. Do the things you have control over to maintain over all good health. Remember your liver works with many organs in your body if one is not functioning properly, it can effect all systems. Listen to your drs. But always do your own research. Drs are not always right. There’s a difference in learning about your body’s systems and obsessing over them. Live life to the fullest, and may God bless you and your journey.

[ChannaZ in reply to juneblue]

I am so glad that you're feeling better and that you are ok! Thanks for sharing x

[Timeforachange41]

Hi Channaz,

I think we are both in a similar situation regarding your symptoms and how anxious it can make you, I'm a few years older than you, and being honest, I have abused alcohol throughout most of my life, my situation is partly expected. I'm sorry about your situation, especially as you have a daughter. Waiting for results doesn't help with your brain working overtime and thinking the worst. It's early days for me, not drinking at all now although it's only been a few weeks of complete abstinence but I cut down a lot 6 months ago. I hope things work out for you, the liver is extraordinarily resilient, I just wanted you to share and you are not alone.

Alex

[Readlots]

Hi Chanda, waiting for results is horrible and it sounds as if you’ve fallen into the Dr Google trap and identified all the most horrific symptoms. Lots of us on here hav various types of liver disease. Many of us only have mild symptoms, and are living active and otherwise healthy lives. Try not to panic. Wait until your results are back. If they indicate liver problems ask for a referral to a liver specialist and get support. And do use the BLT website - it’s reliable information. Good luck

[ChannaZ in reply to Readlots]

Yes you're right I was on google to much and was getting myself into a mad panic! I am glad I joined this group instead, I'm well aware that Google can always give you the worst case scenarios but I still did fall down that trap haha

[Readlots in reply to ChannaZ]

We all do from time to time, glad you’ve found the forum. There are many knowledgeable and kind people here 😊

[ChannaZ]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies they have definitely made me feel alot better. So the CT scan did show fatty liver, as well as the bloods, I think he said the results were 5.6 for liver enzymes but supposed to be about 5.5? they did tell me I now need further blood work I guess that is to see exactly how well the liver is functioning. I also was developing small skin tags on my eyes which I didn't even know can be related to all of this. (Only one week of no drinking and they're going away already) The Gp said that the hospital were right a few months back in that the results are still only slightly elevated so I guess that's one positive that it hasn't got worse yet. I'm not obese, maybe a little extra weight for my height but nothing extreme. I am a fairly active person but I definitely think my diet could be improved. He did also say that my iron was incredibly low.