liver Problems - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

ANNE D · 09-08-2003, 11:43 AM

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.

Green Eyed Granny · 09-09-2003, 01:59 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

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PJD from Okc.OK.

ANNE D · 09-09-2003, 04:38 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.

projapoti · 09-09-2003, 10:10 PM

Quote:

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.

Moxie75 · 09-10-2003, 05:44 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

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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!

[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-10-2003).]