hi may ask anyone have any wet brain i... - British Liver Trust

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hi may ask anyone have any wet brain issues and neuropathy?

ok5677 profile image
45 Replies

hi had neuropathy a year form dirnkinf managed to stop now feeling confused and forgetting things anyone have any experience?

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ok5677 profile image
ok5677
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45 Replies
Richard-Allen profile image
Richard-Allen

Hello, I may be a little off-target here, but “Wet Brain” often refers to an alcohol condition called, Wernicke-Korsakeoff Syndrome.

I have added this to my website dealing with Hepatic Encephalopathy, although the cause isn’t connected, the effects within the brain are similar. So a person who has Wernicke-Korsakeoff Syndrome can experience similar traits.

Wernicke’s encephalopathy often has a sudden onset and is characterised by movement and balance problems, loss of coordination, confusion, disorientation and abnormal eye movements.

Korsakoff’s syndrome occurs more gradually and the symptoms are usually attention and concentration problems, gaps in memory which are usually filled inaccurately (confabulation) and difficulty learning new information. Alcoholic dementia is characterised by a deteriorating ability in planning, decision making and assessment of risk. There tends to be a change in personality, reduced impulse and emotional control which may lead to conflict and socially inappropriate behaviour. In addition, there are problems with attention, concentration and memory.

We are not allowed to refer people to other websites, so I’ll send you a link in a private message.

BW

Richard

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toRichard-Allen

thanks I will look

Grassroots112 profile image
Grassroots112

Sorry you are going through this, I have terrible neuropathy through alcoholism, but never had wet brain that I’m aware of. If you have cirrhosis, could any confusion and forgetting things be HE?

I did for a period after quitting drinking have what I believe is called brain fog which was eerily similar to how I felt when I had Covid first time around and I’m told when someone has been a heavy drinker, even after quitting you can have bouts of brain fog.

I’m told by my wife and business partner that during the final 6 months or so of my drinking, I was very forgetful and had huge memory lapses. Today it’s weird because I can’t really remember much of the year leading up to my hospitalisation last March 2023, apparently I helped my nephew move in the February and he noticed I was turning yellow. I cannot remember helping him move at all.

Yet my memory now is fantastic, I even seem to have a stronger memory for some reason where I can vividly remember things that I did or happened when I was 5, but I’m missing a year in my memory which to be honest I’m kind of thankful for during that year I was at my worse with my alcoholism. Luckily I’ve never been an angry or violent alcoholic, I just used to drink lots of whiskey, pass out, and rinse and repeat, while still trying to function. I wish you well, good luck and take care.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toGrassroots112

Thanks I will look I just stopped dirnkinf and can’t remember things conversation and my eyes are blurry

EmmaThom profile image
EmmaThom in reply took5677

Well done stopping drinking. It took me Well over a year for my brain to heal. But it does get better to some extent, it just takes time. Eat well and enjoy every sunrise/sunset.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toEmmaThom

Thanks if can remember it and I don’t have scars on my liver yet they said

Smegmer profile image
Smegmer in reply toGrassroots112

How bad did you get ? I read that you used to drink 3 bottles of Whiskey a week, thats less than half a bottle a day. Heavy, but not a crazy amount.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toSmegmer

me ?no two bottles a wine a day and binging

Grassroots112 profile image
Grassroots112 in reply toSmegmer

I think that level of drinking, on top of being a heavy whiskey drinker for a decade and my really poor diet and lifestyle all contributed to my liver failing at the time. It’s crazy because I know some people that drink 10 cans of larger for example every day and night and have done for 20-25 years and their liver and other organs are fine, but it will eventually catch up with them in one form or another, I’ve learned you can’t keep punishing your body with what is essentially deadly toxins, the liver is remarkable in that it can heal even from a seemingly point of Jo return, but the damage alcoholism does to the body overall not just the mind, is alarming. For example my neuropathy at the moment is unbearable at night time, I want to hack my feet off!

Smegmer profile image
Smegmer in reply toGrassroots112

Exactly. My Uncle drinks 2 bottles of Red a day and is 61yo, he slowed down on the Red when he was 50yo, so he put it, so I'm guessing that means 3 bottles a day ? I also come from a small village where the locals would start supping beers midday on wards, like 10 pints a day.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toGrassroots112

Yes feet hurt too but now my brain isn’t working hope u will recover and me

Grassroots112 profile image
Grassroots112 in reply took5677

Mine is alcohol neuropathy, it’s strange because it only started to appear the moment I quit drinking, but my doctor believes because I was mostly always drunk, I either never noticed it or it didn’t bother me. It’s a strange condition because some days it’s fine and I did think I had sorted the issue through diet etc., but lately it’s become unbearable especially on the night time. I’m told there is no cure and that it will sadly likely get worse, if so I can’t tolerate these unable to get to sleep because of it nightly spells and when I do finally manage to get to sleep, sharp stabbing pains soon wake me up. It’s OK during the day I can just about manage it even though it’s noticeable and especially if I don’t work my feet, but then another issues arises where if say I walk to ease the neuropathy, soon my feet, the soles, feel like I’ve walked in rounded pebbles all day so they start to ache badly, that is the true damage alcoholism has done to my body. If that’s the worst I guess I’ll just have to suffer with it because I do know I’ve been quite lucky,I’m could be dead right now or have a while host of liver related issues like some poor people get. Likewise I hope you get help soon and make a recovery, take care.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toGrassroots112

Thanks you too

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply toGrassroots112

Same here, no symptoms for around 3 months after stopping drinking, been like this for over 12 years, never has gone away, trying to find cold spots in the bed at nighttime as my feet feel like they're on fire 🔥 😬

ok5677 profile image
ok5677

maybe it’s brain fog I don’t know thanks

Grassroots112 profile image
Grassroots112

If you’ve been a heavy drinker and just stopped drinking, it could be because of that, I would try and visit a doctor as soon as you can, however, if I was you. Stopping drinking can be dangerous. I needed medically detoxed for example. Good luck and again take care.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toGrassroots112

I went to a n they said isn’t wet brain I don’t think so they don’t know my eyes couldn’t follow his fingers and can’t remember things

Grassroots112 profile image
Grassroots112 in reply took5677

Did they check your bloods/check for vitamin deficiencies? When I was hospitalised I was petty low on a number of vitamins and minerals, especially thiamine which can affect brain function.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toGrassroots112

I will ask the gp

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963

Ex chronic drinker here, not had many issues regarding my brain function, 12 years sober but left with the long term legacy of neuropathy myself, I've also got B12 deficiency problems and this masks the similar condition, get your bloods checked and maybe injections of B12 may help ease your neuropathy symptoms, best of luck!!!

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

Thanks will ask hope ur ok

EmmaThom profile image
EmmaThom in reply toCb1963

My GP nearly fell off her chair when she saw my B12 level. Push your GP for a full suite of bloods. Have you been referred to a Gastro consultant?

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toEmmaThom

I haven’t no thanks I will ask

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

Neuropathy so difficult welldone for staying sober so long now the fear of drink and memory loss is too much I can’t drink

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

Try not to worry too much, I'm now 60 and I had a really bad experience with drinking, I've still got a decent memory, I've NO intention of ever drinking again, perhaps its a good thing you " fear" the drinking, embrace a life of no poison in your body, and your health and financial situation is going to improve 🤗

EmmaThom profile image
EmmaThom in reply toCb1963

It is tough because everything seems to involve the poison of alcohol. But when you find your own way its fantastic. X

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply toEmmaThom

Yes, I agree 👍 we are actually paying with our lives to drink poison, which is a strange way at looking at things, the same goes for smoking 🚬, I'm so glad I'm out of the drinking " culture " it became a routine and a bad one at that, I've had my days of " partying " on my own, a sad existence to put it mildly.

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

I did that too I drank alone in my room

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toEmmaThom

Yeah for sure now the fear has stopped me cravings are tough limbrium is needed

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

If you're struggling with the DT'S I strongly advise you seek medical help, not sure if librium is used these days, possibly diazapam is the medication used, if you've had a poor diet whilst drinking or not eating properly, they sometimes inject a vitamin injection into your bum cheeks, thiamine is another important factor to request, try not to panic, we've all been there, your in safe company here!!!

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

Thanks it’s so embarrassing

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

Look nobody is here to judge you, everyone has a " story " behind their drinking habits, it can be numerous problems that have caused your drink related issues, I drank because of two traumatic incidents, and drinking was the only way to block my thoughts and memories, everyone on this page will support you!!! We only want the best outcome for you, everything has way of

" healing " firstly you physical health is making sure you stay healthy, and then dealing with any fallout from the drinking, that could be saying sorry to folk you've upset along the way, money worries, but all this is a slow process and people will realise your giving your best shot at staying away from the drink, time heals let's of things on this journey, we all approach staying sober in different ways, you need to find a route that suits your brain, without it upsetting you, and having a relapse, like I've said there's plenty of folk on here who will also guide you, including me, so I will " help" the best way I can while you feel unsure about your pathway towards a better life 😇

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

I drank because of trauma thanks for ur kind words

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

I understand, and the healing mechanism sometimes needs help along the way, maybe at the moment you aren't ready to discuss everything that's happened, and I had counselling for my problems, there's numerous people involved who managed to get my life on track, and trying to " open " doors can be frustrating, but don't turn to drink, it's a depressant, and of course it can set your mind running in different directions. Like I've said we're all different, some people can take antibiotics others penicillin, the same goes with food, or even comedy, we are ALL different and you need to find a balance that suits your needs, I can't tell you how you want to approach your next stage in life, nor would I tell you on how to live your life, as I feel you might need extra support, and I'm sure your doctor or local authorities may have a alcohol referral unit, and maybe they have facilities to guide you along the way, I'm more than happy to give you what support I can offer, and chat about different things if it takes your head away from your darkest thoughts.

Remember I'm only a small part of this network on here, and hopefully others will give you information that will help you stay healthy 😊 and most all don't beat yourself up!

There's many ways to start afresh in your life, and I never thought I'd be around to share my particular journey with so many kind people on here, I hope you find solace and comfort knowing you've done the right thing in addressing some of your concerns, I'll be around at most times, so I'll sign off for now, and catch up with you again ☺️

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

Thanks so much I’m going to rehab soo.

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

Ah I wish you well, I truly hope you receive the right treatment in getting better 🙏

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

Thanks I hope I do I’m 37 got bad neuropathy and possibly wet Brain I was so stupid not to stop in time welldone for stopping

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

The neuropathy is painful, but with a decent diet and medication it can be reduced in some cases, everyone heals differently, I'm always available to talk and discuss anything you might need help with 👍

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

Thanks sure message me thanks

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

I'll have to get back to you at some point, I've not been feeling great today and I'm at hospital having some tests etc, but keep in touch and hopefully I'll be feeling better soon

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

Hope you feel better too

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

Thanks just waiting to see what the surgeon wants to do, had a few results back, possibly a scan, I've got markers in my kidney function, and the surgeon is still in theatre so it's been a long night already

ok5677 profile image
ok5677 in reply toCb1963

I’m sorry that’s distressing for you

Cb1963 profile image
Cb1963 in reply took5677

I'm a tough cookie, but struggling at the moment, not much battery life left, so I'll be offline for a while take care 😊

ok5677 profile image
ok5677

I just wonder if my meneory can come back

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