Suspected alcohol related liver disease

[anon51]

I'm 51 and just started my journey, although no official diagnosis yet. I'm waiting for an appointment with hepatologist due to FIB4 fibrosis score 12. Low platelets, raised ferritin, deranged LFT. Alcohol related liver disease suspected.

[RugbyMama]

Welcome to the board.

There's a wealth of information here so do ask questions etc, Google is not a friend to liver disease!

Have you stopped or reduced your alcohol intake? You will likely need to do this. Secondly, any history of haemochromotosis in your family or do you have Irish or Scottish parents? It's a genetic blood disorder more common in Scotland and Ireland that can lead to liver disease and can cause the test results you mention. My husband was diagnosed with this and while his alcohol consumption impacted his liver, it wasn't the only factor.

[anon51 in reply to RugbyMama]

Hi there, thank you for your reply.

I was only at the doctor's last Monday but I have gone from drinking practically every day to nothing at all. No family history or Scottish/Irish parents.

I initially went to the doctors with sores on my skin, thinking they were bites, and it was only from having all my bloods done that a lot of my results came back abnormal. Had repeat liver ones done and that's when he said he was referring me with suspected liver disease.

I had a scan on both my liver and kidney's about 2 to 3 years ago and showed no signs of scarring.

I do have the swollen belly and fatigue as well as a little oedema in my right calf/ankle.

I'm currently waiting for the referral appointment to hopefully get some answers.

[juneblue in reply to anon51]

Hey there. The liver is a very forgiving, tough organ but it does have its breaking point. It sounds like alcohol is the culprit. Removing the poison from the body, eating healthy, and exercise will do wonders. The liver will fight to heal it self however you must help it to do so. It might be a long road, but being so young it’s definitely a fight you can win. I and many people on this site have fought back and won. God bless you.

[anon51 in reply to juneblue]

Thank you for your reply. It's the waiting to find out so I know what I'm dealing with. The drink has gone so it's a good start! I'm glad to hear you won the fight too