I have liver cirrhosis and don't drink with a husband who drinks heavily.

[Mcclean33]

In 2017 I was referred to a hepatologist by my rheumatologist to investigate Vasculitis of the Liver. Was told I would get a liver biopsy. Still waiting!! December 2017 diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer resulting in surgery chemotherapy and radiotherapy. from 2011 I have had abnormal LFT'S and this continued every 3-6 months until now. Had to go private to GP to get seen 2024 and following private tests bloods, fibro scan and echocardiogram it shows extensive fibrosis and cirrhosis in left lobe and infiltration to pancreas also. Going privately in two weeks to see specialist to see what is the next step.

I am a registered nurse working in the community and am off work at present. I see this all the time and should know how to deal with it. My husband is a heavy drinker in the last 7 years and is now drinking every other night. I just don't know how or if I can at the moment help him. When he is sober he wants to stop but appears to not make an effort too. I am struggling emotionally with our relationship and his drinking and now I am the one fighting yet another major health issue and he has nothing. I don't want to sound resentful as I want to help him but at the moment I struggle as I fight my own emotions about my condition.

[kingsnorth]

I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling life can be cruel at times l have liver damage (autoimmune) l have never drank and eat healthily l also have lupus and Sjogrens l exercise and try to do medically what I'm advised to do to help myself. Mentally I'm very bitter when l see people drinking and smoking who appears fit and healthy. My partner reminds me constantly he has never had an illness in his life. (Well bully for you!!)

[Patdoyle]

I totally understand. I have never been a big drinker but now have liver issues and my husband has drunk heavily every night for 30 years and no issues. He’s still downing 2 bottles of red wine a night and has no intention of quitting as he’s now 76. Doesn’t seem very fair but have to just get on with it.

[0range5520 in reply to Patdoyle]

Hello, I know the feelings of frustration that can be felt when you’ve led a healthy lifestyle yet you get a diagnosis which is sometimes a result of excessive drinking, excess weight, etc.

I have been diagnosed with Crytogenic cirhossis. Fortunately both my husband and I both have never drank alcohol so at least I haven’t got those thoughts of how come he can drink and I can’t. My colleagues do regularly socialise and some to excess. I pray they will be the lucky ones.

It is difficult but you have to deal with the card your dealt with and come to terms that everyone is different and just get on with it.