ANNE D
09-08-2003, 02:43 PM
Hi Everyone:
I know this sounds awful but for the last 10-12 years
I have been a weekend drinker. 5 years ago I was told
I had an enlarged liver and abnormal blood tests results. Because I was fearful I never went back to
the doctor nor did I change. I quit drinking about
1 month ago. I feel better and the constant soreness I felt on my upper right side is gone. I don't have any other symptoms like red palms, swollen ankles stomach or any of those things I have been reading
about. The only real symptom I had was pain over the liver area which felt like inflamation pain. I was wondering if anyone knows if you have to be a daily drinker to develop cirrhosis of the liver. I don't feel I was an alcoholic I had just one nasty weekend habit. I've had no problem going without. I have had
gallbladder disease for the last 15 years including
gallstones. I have only had one attack 15 years ago.
I think my doctor was blaming my liver results on my
gallbladder condition which is why she was not alarmed. If you ever met me you would not take me as
a drinker so I am quite sure that was the last thing
she would have suspected in me.
Anne.
I know this sounds awful but for the last 10-12 years
I have been a weekend drinker. 5 years ago I was told
I had an enlarged liver and abnormal blood tests results. Because I was fearful I never went back to
the doctor nor did I change. I quit drinking about
1 month ago. I feel better and the constant soreness I felt on my upper right side is gone. I don't have any other symptoms like red palms, swollen ankles stomach or any of those things I have been reading
about. The only real symptom I had was pain over the liver area which felt like inflamation pain. I was wondering if anyone knows if you have to be a daily drinker to develop cirrhosis of the liver. I don't feel I was an alcoholic I had just one nasty weekend habit. I've had no problem going without. I have had
gallbladder disease for the last 15 years including
gallstones. I have only had one attack 15 years ago.
I think my doctor was blaming my liver results on my
gallbladder condition which is why she was not alarmed. If you ever met me you would not take me as
a drinker so I am quite sure that was the last thing
she would have suspected in me.
Anne.
Sponsor
Green Eyed Granny
09-09-2003, 04:59 PM
Hi, I don't know how much you drank on those weekends, but I did the same thing for many years, and about three years ago had elevated liver enzimes. I didn't go back to the Doctor either for any follow up tests, at least for about a year. When I did I found out I had an enlarged speen, hep c and they did an ultra sound and said I have cirrhosis.
I do have a large stomach, but its from all the weight i've gained since I quit smoking, and working, other than that no symptoms either.
I would go find out whats going on if I were you, so you can relax.
Even if you have cirrohsis, if you take care of yourself you'l be okay. Look at me i'm sixty two. God Bless
------------------
PJD from Okc.OK.
I do have a large stomach, but its from all the weight i've gained since I quit smoking, and working, other than that no symptoms either.
I would go find out whats going on if I were you, so you can relax.
Even if you have cirrohsis, if you take care of yourself you'l be okay. Look at me i'm sixty two. God Bless
------------------
PJD from Okc.OK.
ANNE D
09-09-2003, 07:38 PM
Hi Green Eyes,
Thanks for your response. I think part of my problem
is the stigma that is attached to a lady indulging in
too much booze, especially when I have five sons. I
am 46 now by the way. I started this nasty habit when
I learned one of my twins had autism. Anyways.......
Typcially I would drink a micky and 3 beers a day for
two days straight and then nothing for the next five.
I am not a small woman either so I actually was never
staggering around or anything like that.....I feel
really embarassed to tell that to a doctor! Like I
said if you met me you would likely be shocked.
Do you take any medications etc. for your hep C and
liver disease?
Anne.
Thanks for your response. I think part of my problem
is the stigma that is attached to a lady indulging in
too much booze, especially when I have five sons. I
am 46 now by the way. I started this nasty habit when
I learned one of my twins had autism. Anyways.......
Typcially I would drink a micky and 3 beers a day for
two days straight and then nothing for the next five.
I am not a small woman either so I actually was never
staggering around or anything like that.....I feel
really embarassed to tell that to a doctor! Like I
said if you met me you would likely be shocked.
Do you take any medications etc. for your hep C and
liver disease?
Anne.
projapoti
09-10-2003, 01:10 AM
Originally posted by ANNE D:
Hi Green Eyes,
Thanks for your response. I think part of my problem
is the stigma that is attached to a lady indulging in
too much booze, especially when I have five sons. I
am 46 now by the way. I started this nasty habit when
I learned one of my twins had autism. Anyways.......
Typcially I would drink a micky and 3 beers a day for
two days straight and then nothing for the next five.
I am not a small woman either so I actually was never
staggering around or anything like that.....I feel
really embarassed to tell that to a doctor! Like I
said if you met me you would likely be shocked.
Do you take any medications etc. for your hep C and
liver disease?
Anne.
Hi Anne...don't be nervous about telling something to the doctor--trust me, they've heard it all and they're there to help. Not gonna lie to ya, you probably don't have cirrhosis at this point, but you may have alcoholic hepatitis. Obviously the best thing for you to do is to stop drinking, and it just might go away. If not, you probably should go to the doctor and there are some tests that can be run to see if you indeed to have some type of other liver problem.
Don't be shy.....the doctor won't judge you for what you've done in the past. You're there for his/her help and that's what (s)he will offer you. Better to go now before it's too late.
Hi Green Eyes,
Thanks for your response. I think part of my problem
is the stigma that is attached to a lady indulging in
too much booze, especially when I have five sons. I
am 46 now by the way. I started this nasty habit when
I learned one of my twins had autism. Anyways.......
Typcially I would drink a micky and 3 beers a day for
two days straight and then nothing for the next five.
I am not a small woman either so I actually was never
staggering around or anything like that.....I feel
really embarassed to tell that to a doctor! Like I
said if you met me you would likely be shocked.
Do you take any medications etc. for your hep C and
liver disease?
Anne.
Hi Anne...don't be nervous about telling something to the doctor--trust me, they've heard it all and they're there to help. Not gonna lie to ya, you probably don't have cirrhosis at this point, but you may have alcoholic hepatitis. Obviously the best thing for you to do is to stop drinking, and it just might go away. If not, you probably should go to the doctor and there are some tests that can be run to see if you indeed to have some type of other liver problem.
Don't be shy.....the doctor won't judge you for what you've done in the past. You're there for his/her help and that's what (s)he will offer you. Better to go now before it's too late.
Moxie75
09-10-2003, 08:44 AM
Woman do not have to drink that much to develop liver issues. Our bodies are different from the men and they can handle more. I too have had elevated liver enzymes and drink like you did. I am not ashamed because I know I am not an alcoholic and you do not sound like you are one either.
Maybe you should go to an AA site to see what a real alcoholic looks like. Is your life unmanageable would be the first question? I would not be emabarassed you do what alot of women and men start to do at the age.
I am 45 and we never drank until about a few years ago. All social drinking like weekends and vacation. So who doesn't like to unwind with a coctail? It should not make you ashamed.
My GI man asked me several questions and one of them was have I ever done mainline drugs. I looked at him and said "what? have I ever bought drugs on the Mainline?" thinking he meant an area near me called the Mainline, it's where the wealthiest people live.
I had no idea what he really meant. Apparently mainling is when you shoot up..Well we had a good laugh he knew then by my reaction that I was not a drug user..hang in there and get it checked out thoroughly and do stop the drinking..Lisa
------------------
ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-10-2003).]
Maybe you should go to an AA site to see what a real alcoholic looks like. Is your life unmanageable would be the first question? I would not be emabarassed you do what alot of women and men start to do at the age.
I am 45 and we never drank until about a few years ago. All social drinking like weekends and vacation. So who doesn't like to unwind with a coctail? It should not make you ashamed.
My GI man asked me several questions and one of them was have I ever done mainline drugs. I looked at him and said "what? have I ever bought drugs on the Mainline?" thinking he meant an area near me called the Mainline, it's where the wealthiest people live.
I had no idea what he really meant. Apparently mainling is when you shoot up..Well we had a good laugh he knew then by my reaction that I was not a drug user..hang in there and get it checked out thoroughly and do stop the drinking..Lisa
------------------
ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-10-2003).]
ANNE D
09-10-2003, 02:21 PM
You guys are great and very supportive, Thank you.
Do you have any idea aside from the blood work at
what kind of testing they would do on me? As mentioned
previously I do suffer from gallstones although they
have not bothered me for years. I feel much better now
that in the 4 weeks that I have stopped.
I too have wondered if could be alcohol induced hepatitis although I have a feeling I have had that one
for a few years which is what has me really worried.
I do look healthy though so I keep telling myself what
ever is wrong it is probably (hopefully) treatable.
No, I don't feel my life is out of control but I did
enjoy drinking on weekends, listening to good ol rock
n roll and generally speaking enjoying my husbands
company and letting loose. I wonder if I should seek
out a young GP or an older one. I work in an inner city hospital although I live in the burbs. I have
currently lost a fair amount of weight through the
Atkins plan so I feel and look well. I am sure though
that testing will uncover a few problems pertaining to
my weekend past habits.
Anne.
Do you have any idea aside from the blood work at
what kind of testing they would do on me? As mentioned
previously I do suffer from gallstones although they
have not bothered me for years. I feel much better now
that in the 4 weeks that I have stopped.
I too have wondered if could be alcohol induced hepatitis although I have a feeling I have had that one
for a few years which is what has me really worried.
I do look healthy though so I keep telling myself what
ever is wrong it is probably (hopefully) treatable.
No, I don't feel my life is out of control but I did
enjoy drinking on weekends, listening to good ol rock
n roll and generally speaking enjoying my husbands
company and letting loose. I wonder if I should seek
out a young GP or an older one. I work in an inner city hospital although I live in the burbs. I have
currently lost a fair amount of weight through the
Atkins plan so I feel and look well. I am sure though
that testing will uncover a few problems pertaining to
my weekend past habits.
Anne.
Seamonkey
09-15-2003, 08:28 PM
Liver problems can be caused from all sorts of other things than alcohol. At least for me, I have drinkin alcohol for 20 years and more than the weekends. I am 36 and I don't have any liver problems. I don't drink anymore and I'm sure that will help any health issues that may arrise if I was still drinking. Alot must be genetic too.
Better to nip it in the bud before something happens. Take care of yourself and you will heal.
No matter what, don't worry. Just get the facts from the doctor so you can deal with it and sleep at night. It's not the end of the road if something is wrong...most likely, nothing is wrong with you.
The advise I would give you would be "NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL" again. It's poison in more ways than one.
Take care.
Better to nip it in the bud before something happens. Take care of yourself and you will heal.
No matter what, don't worry. Just get the facts from the doctor so you can deal with it and sleep at night. It's not the end of the road if something is wrong...most likely, nothing is wrong with you.
The advise I would give you would be "NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL" again. It's poison in more ways than one.
Take care.
ANNE D
09-16-2003, 02:37 PM
Hi There:
I am going on five weeks no drinking and I'm not even
tempted. I will go to the doctor but I am going to wait a few weeks. Firstly I feel better, no upper
right sided inflamation pain, plus if I do have a
liver problem I don't want my tests to show things
worse that what they are so I am giving myself alittle
healing time :)
I agree with you about the booze and believe me, I
quit. I used to smoke 2.5 pks cigarettes per day until
my dad got lung cancer 13 years ago and I haven't smoked since. Heres to a new life!!!
Cheers,
Anne.
I am going on five weeks no drinking and I'm not even
tempted. I will go to the doctor but I am going to wait a few weeks. Firstly I feel better, no upper
right sided inflamation pain, plus if I do have a
liver problem I don't want my tests to show things
worse that what they are so I am giving myself alittle
healing time :)
I agree with you about the booze and believe me, I
quit. I used to smoke 2.5 pks cigarettes per day until
my dad got lung cancer 13 years ago and I haven't smoked since. Heres to a new life!!!
Cheers,
Anne.