Can you end up with long term damage from drinking

[Cb1963]

I'm currently going through a load of tests and scans etc, I've been sober for over 12 years and not touched a drop of alcohol during this period, I'm feeling bloated or perhaps weight gain especially around my waist or stomach , I originally have a growth in my pelvic region and also a couple of smaller nodules on my adrenal glands, I'm under two specialists at the hospital, one is urology and the other is endocrinology, I thought it would be all finished with by now, on going since May, and the last scan was done on my liver, didn't even expect this one , my question is can you have liver problems even though I'm not drinking, there was a slight raised levels of cortisol in my 24 hours urine collection, and I've had to retake this test again, obviously I've looked at Google regarding my urine samples but I'm not looking at anything to do with my liver, so I'm after some genuine answers if any of you good folks could help on this matter, thanks 😊

[AyrshireK]

So, I think what you are really asking is can you (having been sober for 12 years) still end up with liver problems due to your previous drinking? I think if you haven't had liver issues due to your drinking before now then it is unlikely that any liver issue you may or may not have now is down to your previous drinking.

That's not to say you can't have liver issues that are totally unrelated to your drinking, you seem to have a few other health difficulties going on which are under investigation and hopefully doctors finally get you some answers.

You can have liver issues due to medications, due to other health problems, due to less healthy lifestyle etc. I see you have ulcerative colitis (UC) mentioned in your profile ....... do you have this?? The reason I ask is there is an autoimmune liver disease PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis) which can go hand in hand with UC.

Hope your doctors get some answers for you soon and remedy some of your difficulties.

Katie

[Cb1963 in reply to AyrshireK]

Not had an attack of UC for over 35 years, but I've had a dodgy stomach for years, i just found it strange the specialist requested a liver mri scan after not expecting this procedure, I just want to get my results as this whole process has been dragging on since May when I had a kidney stone issue, obviously it's happened like this because of the numerous tests etc, I'm not duly worried at the moment, but obviously I'm piling on the pounds, and not eating huge meals either, but hopefully I'll get my results soon, thanks for your reply!

[secrets22]

i think its unlikely you have liver problems now after 12 years of sobriety but weight might be a problem.?

[Cb1963 in reply to secrets22]

I suppose being less active is another factor, I'm expecting my results through or should I say an appointment with the specialists to see what comes from the various tests etc and then I can find out more information

[Belleben]

Do you not have the Patients Knows Best website or NHS App you can see most of your blood results on there. They usually get put on there within a few hours or next day. You can look up on line what each blood test is for & what the result should read. Good Luck

[Cb1963 in reply to Belleben]

No, perhaps it works differently up here in Scotland, I'm sure they'll have a few reports to go over as I've had 4 scans done, and a camera job as well, thanks for your reply 👍

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Cb1963

If you are in the UK and would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Cb1963 in reply to BritishLiverTrust8]

Thanks for your reply, obviously I'm now waiting, I'll reach out if things aren't in my favour perhaps I'm envisaging problems that aren't here just yet

[Smegmer]

Possibly, scarring of the Liver is graded as F1, F2, F3 and F4 Cirrhosis. F3 and F4 are progressive. Although it would be very unlucky after 12 years sober, its possible that when you stopped you were already at F3 and it has progressed since, or is still at F3 but worse.

I guess you are thinking about Ascites with the middle weight gain, that is an end stage or serious Hepatitis (swollen Liver) manifestation. I would think your bloods would be deranged in several measures if that were the case. It would be screaming Liver at the Drs and that doesnt seem to be the case.

With your abdomen issues they may just be covering the all bases down there, if you have a metabolic issue you could get stones in your kidneys and gall bladder.

[Cb1963 in reply to Smegmer]

Aw thanks for your informative reply, it's two weeks tomorrow since I had the last scan, like I've said I've had 4 done each on different areas, but was surprised as when they did the 3rd one I was then told I needed to go back and have the 4th on request by the specialist, so I'm just getting anxious about any results

[Millie09 in reply to Cb1963]

Hi Chris, Hope your OK my friend , try not to worry or overthink things, very unlikely you have any further damage liver wise as your sobriety has been many years, medication long term can obviously have an impact, with me it's diet and lifestyle at present time, my chronic pain and neuropathy don't help but I do keep myself busy ,im currently grouting the kitchen tiles lol .. my best

Linda

[Cb1963 in reply to Millie09]

O i hope its not black grout it's a nightmare to wash off, that was my trade previously , I used to dread using any dark coloured grout, yes hopefully I'll get my results soon, thanks again 👍

[Millie09 in reply to Cb1963]

No it's not black thankfully ! .. I'm nearly finished now so another job ticked off my list.. Well I hope you get results back very soon Chris, nothing worse than waiting