I’m quite new on here, 56 days sober, although I reduced how much I was drinking last year. I’m 35 years old and have been drinking heavily since my late teens. I am also very overweight. I have been having (very mild) pains in my liver area off and on since last April. I am really worried I have advanced liver disease. I had liver function tests and an ultrasound last year and both were clear, but I know that you can have cirrhosis and clear blood tests. I went back to the doctor last month and I got liver function test again, they were clear again, but my clotting time was slow, something that can be caused by liver disease. My doctor has told me to come back in 2 months for more blood tests. I don’t really have a question I just wanted to say so someone how anxious I am. That said if anyone has any advice or experience in this area I would be very grateful.
I had horrid blood tests for liver function last year, and my doctor took me off the meds I was taking to give my liver a break, told me to keep away from certain over-the-counter meds, and scheduled an abdominal CT, and I was so anxious about how badly it would turn out. Keeping away from the alcohol, following his instructions on medication, my blood tests improved and my CT scan was clear, due to the incredible healing ability of the liver. You’re doing absolutely the right thing in keeping in contact with your doctor about it, taking the tests ordered, and not drinking. I’d recommend not doing too much theorizing or Dr. Google because it can make the anxiety a lot worse and we don’t have the same training and experience as a doctor when it comes to these things.
The positive of being asked to come back for more tests in 2 months is that (a) your doctor didn’t find any need to do something more aggressive about your liver health instead, but (b) is still monitoring the situation so that if signs do show of liver damage he will know about it.
I had bloods done last year and my enzymes were raised. I then had scan (not ct) that was satisfactory. I was told that taking things like paracetamol can raise enzymes. I get pains below the liver area which I think is gall bladder or appendix or even large intestine.
You could always do a liver detox. Water melon is a super liver food full of antioxidants as well beetroots. You could also take 60 days worth of milk thistle.
Thanks, that’s helpful. I’m trying to focus on what I can control right now (no alcohol, eating healthier, exercise) rather than what I can’t (any damage I’ve already done). But it is hard not to Google stuff. Or even worse, I am studying a master’s degree and I often find myself checking all the medical journals the latest research on cirrhosis. I need to stop! You’re right; the doctor is the one who is trained for this!
Where abouts in Dorset are you? My family, up until last year, used to go to The Sandbanks Hotel every January for Ladies Festivals. Beautiful part of our beautiful country, good for you
I lived abroad for a few years and came back to the UK to get sober. One of the first things I did was go to a Doctor to have my liver and kidneys checked because of alcohol, my bloods taken because of drug use and my heart checked because of a family history of heart disease most likely causes by substance abuse.
My liver was still inflamed after about 45 days of sobriety and I was still getting pains in my kidney and liver area but I was told that it was completely normal at that stage given how much I was drinking which was upwards of 10 litres of beer/litre of bourbon a day and had been a heavy drinker for around 11 years. The liver regenerates and heals itself quite quickly and at day 160 now, I still get the kidney pains but seldomly and its only on days where i’ve drunk too much caffeine.
I was dead worried that Id done permanent damage to my liver/heart but keep in mind you’re still only 35 - you’re not getting any youger, of course but you are still young and with that comes certain health benefits. You’re still coming out of the initial shock so even though the mental and immediate physical withdrawal may be over, your body needs some time to catch up.
If you are overweight, maybe have yourself checked for diabetes as well. There’s a ton of sugar in alcohol and i’m not trying to add ailments to your list but if you are on the road to recovery and living healthier, the best way to tackle this is head on - You will need help from professionals and you have simply got to be pragmatic about it. You only get one body, we have all abused ours to oblivion so while we are at it, we may as well start taking care of it.
My GP was very helpful in offering me all the services available on NHS as i’m sure yours will too. Keep going to the doctor and whatever ailments you have if any can be taken care of or managed to the very best.
Congratulations on your 56 days - just breathe, you got this
It could just be inflammation or soreness from the beating it’s taken. I went through the same thing recently, though I’m not overweight, and since I have stayed away from heavy drinking for several weeks. The soreness eventually subsided.
Thanks! Sorry for the late reply. My latest tests have come back clear and although I still get pain in liver area, the doctor isn’t doing further tests and I am feeling a lot more hopeful. And still sober! And I’ve lost a little weight, although I have a long way to go to get to a healthy weight. Not diabetic though, phew!
I know Sandbanks well! I work in Bournemouth and live just outside the town. Studland is my favourite place to go walking. It was gorgeous there on the Easter bank holiday!
Hi @Dorsetbythesea just read your thread…so pleased that your test have come back good…liver issues were a big fear of mine too so know exactly where you are coming from… keep it going and those worries will disappear
I had abdominal pain I thought might be from liver issues while drinking. Abdominal pain can be many things though, some serious. Really best to track down with a doctor, imho.
That said, after just a few months sober, well hydrated plus moderate exercise, those pains went away for me. I’m down 47 lbs and feel fit as a fiddle almost 9 months later.
A 37 year old, worn down fiddle, but I’ll take it all the same!
Last physical the doctor did notice my vitals have also dramatically improved.
Think healing thoughts. Could be just detox pains. And the extra weight I’m sure doesn’t help…but I believe you will be fine. Negative thinking and worrying is like the plague. I suggest talking to Jesus about it. They say what you seek is seeking you. Perhaps this “illness” is seeking you. You will ALWAYS find what you are looking for. ALWAYS. If you are looking to be sick. You will find that. Someway. Somehow. Your mind is extremely powerful. Tell yourself it isn’t real. That you will be fine. And whatever will be will be. God will see you through.
Im paranoid about my liver and my heart .apparantly a month after stopping drinking short term liver damage is reversed and liver fat drops by up to 20%i think if you had advanced liver damage youd have other symptoms pain jaundice fluid around abdomen swollen ankles etc.alcohol messes up your digestion your intestines run just beneath your liver it could be air under your diaphram or stomach related.id get pain in my chest which was actually coming fromtense muscles in my shoulder blades not my heart!even a twinge coming from the ribs can radiate as pain near your liver your blood tests are a good sign and your gp would of abs of noticed if he/she thought it was advanced liver damage i would try not to worrybut know its hard
Plus an ultra sound would of tested the density of your liver and seen if it was enlarged if that was clear and within range im sure your worrying over nothing
