Too much drink

[Rennoc]

Hello how can you tell if you have ascites, I drink alcohol every day, only lager nothing else, I would really like to stop or severely cut down, my stomach looks a bit swollen and hard, or it could just be all the weight I have gained from eating too much rubbish, thanks

[AyrshireK]

For a definitive answer you'd need to see your doctor and they will do a percussion test (tapping on your tummy) to see if it is fluid they may also arrange a scan. As you have acknowledged an issue with your alcohol intake (doesn't matter what the drink of choice is as it's the alcohol that does the damage) and have a desire to stop you should see your doctor and be totally up front and honest about your intake and get the help you need.

If this is fluid build up (ascites) it would be a symptom of a very much struggling liver which will need some care and attention. Ascites fluid can also become infected and cause major problems so as you do have this concern I would urge you to get a check up with your doctor.

Best wishes, Katie

[BritishLiverTrust12 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Hi Rennoc,

We would agree for you to seek advice from a healthcare professional around your liver related concerns. They will be the only ones who have access to your medical records and can do further testing if needed.

If you are in the UK and would find it useful to talk things over with a liver specialist nurse, our helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330

Best wishes,

British Liver Trust

[SoberDrunk1]

Do please talk to the doctors about this. Regarding moderation/total abstinence, I can offer some input. I myself tried moderation several years and then I tried to stay stopped on my own. But my mind would trick into picking up a drink after a few days/weeks or even months. Finally I had to reach out to a shrink who hearing my family background suggested I seek a spiritual solution and reach out to AA. There I learned more about alcoholism from the book AA. I could relate to the concepts laid out in the book. You can read the book online and see if you can relate too.

aa.org/sites/default/files/...

aa.org/sites/default/files/...

This is from the preface: ""If you have a drinking problem, we hope you may pause in reading one of the forty-two personal stories and think: "Yes that happened to me" or more important. "Yes, I have felt like that" or most important, "Yes, I believe this program can work for me too".One of the best stories is the story of the co-founder Bill W. Here is the link to the story:aa.org/sites/default/files/...

[MilliganHorse]

Just as Katie has responded, I urge you to see your doctor and get it checked out, this is exactly how my husband started off nearly 12 months ago and after definitive diagnosis he stopped drinking overnight. The ascetis continued and he was being drained every 15 days or so it really is important that you get it checked and do everything possible to help your struggling liver you have made the first step by admitting you think you drink too much and by asking the question here so good luck as what can lie ahead is not something I would wish on anyone but thank god my husband is now on the road to a better future.

Best wishes

[Roy1955]

"Only lager"Whatever form your drug of choice takes the drug is the same, and yes alcohol IS a drug!

3 pints of Lager is about the same as a bottle of wine.

8 pints is a bottle of vodka.

Never say "only Lager" again.

[Readlots]

The fact that you are asking the question and are concerned is a positive step. As Katie and others have said, you need to ask your doctor. I hope it isn’t ascites because it really isn’t nice. But even if it isn’t, you are obviously concerned about your alcohol use, so talk to your doctor and get support with giving up. I’ve read on here from others that AA works for lots but isn’t for everyone so it’s important to knownthere are other sources of help out there. Good luck