How do I know if I have any type of liver disease or damage? - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

WOlfman67 · 06-02-2005, 07:44 PM

Hello all...

I had a very stressful job that led me on a path of poor nutrition and too much drinking.
I relocated back to my home state depressed, underweight and sickly-looking.

I have been eating better now that my appetite is back but for the longest time I seemed to have a gluten-intolerance.
I went to GNC and I have been taking enzyme caplets and liquid vitamin drink every day.
Still, I don't seem to be gaining that much weight back. I started exercising again but I still look skinny, especially around my ribcage.
My skin seems to "snap-back" when I pull it. Like I have no body fat at all.
I totally stopped drinking coffee, soda and eating crap like fast food and cookies.
I was 145lbs when I relocated to TX for the job and moved back to PA at a low 125. I am a 38 yr old male that stands about 5'6".
I have been to the doctor and I had my stool tested for parasites and a blod test for H.Polori. All negative.
Now I am getting tested for Arthritis because I have been having serious chills in my hands and feet at times. Like all the blood is sucked out leaving my hands all wrinkled. Really strange.
Any suggestions?
I did my share of partying in my days but I wasn't an alcoholic. Do you have to be an alcoholic to get liver damage?

OhioMOM · 06-02-2005, 08:58 PM

if you think you have a liver problem, ask your doc to run a liver panel... its a very inexpensive lab test... they also can feel your liver and know if there is any enlargement... the important thing is that none of us can answer this question, only a good doctor and some lab tests can! good luck and good health

by the way, not all vitamins process well in the liver if you have liver disease... dont try to self treat, find out if you have a problem and then let the professionals help!

WOlfman67 · 06-03-2005, 04:34 AM

I am getting checked for Rheumatory Arthritis (my brother has that) and I am having my blood checked for and deficiencies. The first blood test I had in Dallas I was checked for any thyroid disease. My iron and sugars fell within range.
I am scared though. I definitley want to have my liver checked. I never considered myslef a hard drinker but maybe everything finally caught up with me. Is it too late to repair your liver if you have liver disease> WHat about liver cancer? By the way...I don't smoke. I think in my life I maybe had 30 cigarettes and I would never inhale that deep anyway. Maybe a few cigars.

OhioMOM · 06-03-2005, 09:36 PM

there are lab tests that tell you whether you have a liver problem. i listed some of those under another post. those tests are billirubin, alts, asts, alk phos, ama and ana tests... there are others but one of these will come up abnormal if there is a problem most likely. if the problem is quite serious you will have other problems, kidney problems, bleeding varices, enlarged spleen and liver, which, believe me, you will know you have..... the important thing is to have the lab tests drawn... dont worry until you have to.

WOlfman67 · 06-06-2005, 08:33 PM

I'm getting my results mailed to me this week. The receptionist already told me that my liver is healthy. I just don't understand what the hell is wrong with me. I am definitely switching to a specialist.