Liver Recovery.
Another Day in Paradise
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Upland, CA
Posts: 900
Noro,
Here is a glimpse of what might be a future with regard to your liver, some good news if you decide to keep the cork in the bottle.
I stopped drinking several years ago, 13+, the liver issue had reared its head when I was turned down for Life Insurance and went to a Dr. to see just what the problem was. I was told based on my liver’s condition, stop now or your time is very limited. I took the warning seriously as I had 4 young children and what could be a great future if I chose to stay around and be part of it.
AA which I absolutely hated, and can still be capable of getting annoyed with now and then even after 13 years of meetings, but I credit the support and so many in the program with saving my life. I knew I couldn't drink and I hadn't done enough "quitting" by myself.
Fast forward 13 years and due to a diagnosis and continuing treatment for a rare genetic based cancer, one that laughingly has nothing to do with my past misbehavior, just my gene pool; I undergo constant CT scans and MRIs.
TO YOUR ISSUE, I had to "remind" my oncologist last month as we looked at some suspect spots on my liver that I am a former alcoholic. She told me that if I hadn't told her she would have never guessed based on how HEALTHY my liver is. The organ is very resilient if you don't keep punishing it.
My suggestion is that you don't drink and find some support to help you make that a reality, for me it has been AA, but that is your call. Let the body heal itself and live a happy and forward looking life. If I have learned anything about life it is that things are just what they are supposed to be and no amount of worrying will solve our concerns. Action will make life enjoyable.
I didn't plan on cancer and certainly not on a DNA based type, hell I was living a lifestyle that offered so many self-inflicted types of possible cancers, including liver cancer that this one blind-sided me. My liver is GREAT, stomach muscle not so much, but I am enjoying each day start to finish sober and alert and knowing I am doing the best I can to stay healthy.
There are a whole bunch of us who continue to stay sober everyday with the support we have found and a resolve to live our lives to the fullest measure available. I hope you will do the same.
My very best wishes for your success,
Jon
Here is a glimpse of what might be a future with regard to your liver, some good news if you decide to keep the cork in the bottle.
I stopped drinking several years ago, 13+, the liver issue had reared its head when I was turned down for Life Insurance and went to a Dr. to see just what the problem was. I was told based on my liver’s condition, stop now or your time is very limited. I took the warning seriously as I had 4 young children and what could be a great future if I chose to stay around and be part of it.
AA which I absolutely hated, and can still be capable of getting annoyed with now and then even after 13 years of meetings, but I credit the support and so many in the program with saving my life. I knew I couldn't drink and I hadn't done enough "quitting" by myself.
Fast forward 13 years and due to a diagnosis and continuing treatment for a rare genetic based cancer, one that laughingly has nothing to do with my past misbehavior, just my gene pool; I undergo constant CT scans and MRIs.
TO YOUR ISSUE, I had to "remind" my oncologist last month as we looked at some suspect spots on my liver that I am a former alcoholic. She told me that if I hadn't told her she would have never guessed based on how HEALTHY my liver is. The organ is very resilient if you don't keep punishing it.
My suggestion is that you don't drink and find some support to help you make that a reality, for me it has been AA, but that is your call. Let the body heal itself and live a happy and forward looking life. If I have learned anything about life it is that things are just what they are supposed to be and no amount of worrying will solve our concerns. Action will make life enjoyable.
I didn't plan on cancer and certainly not on a DNA based type, hell I was living a lifestyle that offered so many self-inflicted types of possible cancers, including liver cancer that this one blind-sided me. My liver is GREAT, stomach muscle not so much, but I am enjoying each day start to finish sober and alert and knowing I am doing the best I can to stay healthy.
There are a whole bunch of us who continue to stay sober everyday with the support we have found and a resolve to live our lives to the fullest measure available. I hope you will do the same.
My very best wishes for your success,
Jon
Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 423
God bless you Jon and Noro!!
I buy most of my vitamins from the Life Extension Foundation (lef.org) and I noticed that they have a "Liver Efficiency Formula". I have been very pleased with the quality of their products ad thought I would pass it on for your review.
Take care,
Dave
I buy most of my vitamins from the Life Extension Foundation (lef.org) and I noticed that they have a "Liver Efficiency Formula". I have been very pleased with the quality of their products ad thought I would pass it on for your review.
Take care,
Dave
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 39
Noro- thank you for your share, and I truly hope things continue to get better for you :-) Posts like yours need to be shown to our youth to show how dangerous and toxic alcohol is. My battle continues, but I'm doing a lot better, but this should not be a battle because alcohol should not be legal. I used to disagree, but after personal struggles and countless hours of research on alcohol I have come to the conclusion that this is a drug no safer than the genetic make up of Heroin.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,554
Noro, I am so glad you got help and are on a path to recovery.
As to the liver stuff, only a liver biopsy can truly say what degree of liver damage exists. But, the liver can recover greatly even if there is scarring, as long as that scarring does not progress to severely.
Good luck on your journey.
rochele
As to the liver stuff, only a liver biopsy can truly say what degree of liver damage exists. But, the liver can recover greatly even if there is scarring, as long as that scarring does not progress to severely.
Good luck on your journey.
rochele
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 145
I figured I'd check in. I've got a follow up appointment with a doctor on the 23rd to see how things are shaping up. I don't really know what to think. Fortunately, the jaundice is almost entirely gone now. The ascites is still present, which is very unsettling. It's not severe like what you'd see in a Google image search. I'd say it's somewhat mild, based on what I've seen in my research.
I've been trying to get healthy lately. I've been eating a lot, exercising, trying to get in shape, drinking plenty of water, etc. I've kinda gotten caught up in research my liver problems, though, and I'm coming across all these things that are frightening me. I feel like they didn't really give me a lot of answers at the hospital, and I'm not sure where I'm at now. Aside from the jaundice subsiding, I don't even know anymore if I'm getting all that much better. I haven't had a sip of alcohol in almost a month now.
I'm not trying to ask for medical advice or anything. I guess I'm just venting. All I can really do is wait until I see a doctor and get some answers. I can't shake the feeling that someday, all of this is gonna to come back around and kill me. I suppose all I can do is be grateful that I caught this and finally stopped drinking before it got any worse.
I've been trying to get healthy lately. I've been eating a lot, exercising, trying to get in shape, drinking plenty of water, etc. I've kinda gotten caught up in research my liver problems, though, and I'm coming across all these things that are frightening me. I feel like they didn't really give me a lot of answers at the hospital, and I'm not sure where I'm at now. Aside from the jaundice subsiding, I don't even know anymore if I'm getting all that much better. I haven't had a sip of alcohol in almost a month now.
I'm not trying to ask for medical advice or anything. I guess I'm just venting. All I can really do is wait until I see a doctor and get some answers. I can't shake the feeling that someday, all of this is gonna to come back around and kill me. I suppose all I can do is be grateful that I caught this and finally stopped drinking before it got any worse.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Bridgeton
Posts: 718
There are some 'over the counter' items that may help--I take 'milk thistle' daily. There is also something called Liver Aid....which also contains Milk Thistle...watch use of ibuprofens, advil etc...over use can cause liver damage also...I'm not a Doctor, but I've been told this....
Choosing Life
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 1,435
Noro, my doctor also recommended Milk Thistle and I take it every day. You also need to watch out for acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) and these can also be harmful to your liver.
Glad you came back with an update; been wondering how you were doing. I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry too much before your doctor appointment. It's a good sign that the jaundice is going away. These things take time, just keep doing what you're doing.
Glad you came back with an update; been wondering how you were doing. I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry too much before your doctor appointment. It's a good sign that the jaundice is going away. These things take time, just keep doing what you're doing.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,554
You really should not take anything over the counter without running it by your liver doctor. There are some herbs and natural things that are toxic to the liver, like Valerian, among others.
It sounds like you are making progress, however, good that the jaundice is gone. Let us know how your check up goes.
It sounds like you are making progress, however, good that the jaundice is gone. Let us know how your check up goes.
Sally1009
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 467
Noro, you are young, aren't you? The liver can bounce back remarkably well, so try not to worry. And be careful of Dr. Internet - you can worry yourself sick browsing online, I've done it myself, and dont anymore. Just not worth it
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 705
Originally Posted by Sally1009 
Noro, you are young, aren't you? The liver can bounce back remarkably well, so try not to worry. And be careful of Dr. Internet - you can worry yourself sick browsing online, I've done it myself, and dont anymore. Just not worth it
Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,071
Hi Noro Your user ID is also my favorite brand of yarn, btw. It's the most beautiful stuff. Anyway, I bet as time goes by you'll get more answers about your condition and outlook. At the beginning it sounded like it was really bad - I think sometimes they like to wait a bit to see what might be permanent damage and what was a direct result of heavy drinking. The fact that you're feeling better and your jaundice has cleared up is really good news though. My Mom is a nurse and she always tells me that the worst thing to do when you're sick is get on google. It's almost never as bad as google says, lol. So don't freak out until your Dr. gives you a real reason to. Let us know how it goes, okay?
Your user ID is also my favorite brand of yarn, btw. It's the most beautiful stuff. Anyway, I bet as time goes by you'll get more answers about your condition and outlook. At the beginning it sounded like it was really bad - I think sometimes they like to wait a bit to see what might be permanent damage and what was a direct result of heavy drinking. The fact that you're feeling better and your jaundice has cleared up is really good news though. My Mom is a nurse and she always tells me that the worst thing to do when you're sick is get on google. It's almost never as bad as google says, lol. So don't freak out until your Dr. gives you a real reason to. Let us know how it goes, okay?
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,964
Congratulations on one month. Give your self about a year, things can change a lot in that time! Please run by any herbal supplements you are taking with your doctor as there are things that it can interfere with or that interfere with it (it''s abilities).
Keep staying stopped!!
Hugs,
Keep staying stopped!!
Hugs,
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Poconos PA
Posts: 1,544
Originally Posted by sugarbear1
Congratulations on one month. Give your self about a year, things can change a lot in that time! Please run by any herbal supplements you are taking with your doctor as there are things that it can interfere with or that interfere with it (it''s abilities).
Keep staying stopped!!
Hugs,
Keep staying stopped!!
Hugs,
I agree, hang in there Noro. Healing takes time and the jaundice subsiding is a good indication that you are getting better. Good luck with the Doctor visit andlet us know how it goes.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sussex, England
Posts: 945
Hi Noro... thanks for the story. Mine is similar (I posted 'my story' as my first post when joining up on SR) Im nearly 7 month sober now, and know that ONE MORE DRINK will ultimately kill me. I am 40.
I have an appointment with my liver specialist on 17th April.. I have written a list as long as your arm of questions to ask him (as with your case, the docters are always so vague... I have no idea how badly my liver is damaged, and so on) I will hand the list to the specialist with my detailed questions. I have written on my list at the bottom Highlighted in flouresent yellow pen ***Do not accept factsheet/websites***Do not be fobbed off with vague answers*** I will let him read this... ha ha! We are in the same boat here! I wish you luck :-)
I have an appointment with my liver specialist on 17th April.. I have written a list as long as your arm of questions to ask him (as with your case, the docters are always so vague... I have no idea how badly my liver is damaged, and so on) I will hand the list to the specialist with my detailed questions. I have written on my list at the bottom Highlighted in flouresent yellow pen ***Do not accept factsheet/websites***Do not be fobbed off with vague answers*** I will let him read this... ha ha! We are in the same boat here! I wish you luck :-)
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Shady Side, MD
Posts: 11
Noro, SO very happy to hear from you and your fantastic progress. I wrote a long reply but it didn't post...probably just as well as it was babbling LOL. But like the other's here I've thought about you everyday and wondered how you were doing. Please please, be grateful that you have caught this in time. Your liver can heal if you treat it right. This is coming from someone who has been there. I had a short hospital stay myself since I've been back on this great support site. My stay was a result of alcohol abuse (from the past)...I had gall bladder stones removed (an emergency thing sort of) that were lodged in my common bile duct 30 years after I had the gall bladder removed. Go figure? However the stones were primarily from long time alcohol usage (also combined with tylenol from pain medication I took due to spine injury). Just want to say I am feeling SO much better after having these stones removed as they were causing all kinds of havoc to my entire digestive system. Also part of the reasons for my high liver enzymes. Now all my labs are normal, I am happy to report. Our bodies have a tremendous capacity to heal (especially our livers) as long as we treat it right. Hope you will find AA meetings to go to and new friends who don't drink. Being young is the hardest part as everyone is out partying and using things. But there are a lot of young people who don't drink or use if you look for them and although it may seem these people who don't drink are nerds, there is nothing nerdy about almost killing yourself from alcohol and learning how to live without it. AA meetings are great and you can learn about how to stay clean and sober. Thanks again for sharing and as they say in AA...about sobriety and sharing: :"You can't keep it unless you give it away" (back to others. Each of us helps each other. Please keep us informed. Good luck and blessings to you!
Cookie~
Cookie~
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 145
Thanks for all your encouragement everyone. It's very helpful and I appreciate your concern.
I just got back from the doctor about an hour ago and things seem to be going well. The doctor cleared up a few things for me and she said that I definitely seem to be recovering and doing well. She said that I don't seem to have ascites as much as just belly fat, with perhaps some fluid that will eventually subside. The jaundice is gone now. She didn't take blood to see how my levels are doing, though. I do want to eventually get a report on that. But things are definitely looking up.
Other than that, I'm remaining sober. Still haven't had a drink and I don't intend to. A friend of mine who I regularly hang out with apparently has quit drinking too, so it's easier to hang out with him. For the most part, when someone I know asks to hang out and "catch up" or whatever, they generally mean they're inviting me to have drinks with them. That's just the routine for everyone my age (and until recently, it was my routine all day every day). So it's a little weird to have to explain to people that I quit drinking and why I did. It's hard to suggest that it's just a matter of nutrition or whatever, because to them, it's like "What's one beer gonna do?" I don't want to have to explain what I went through to everyone. Not that it's something to be ashamed of, but I'm just a very private person. Unfortunately a few more people know than I'd like. I guess there's nothing I can do about that now.
Anyway, point is, the doctor visit went well, and I'm getting better every day. Missed my AA meeting last week, but I'll be sure to show up tomorrow night. I'm enjoying my new found health and sobriety. I hope everyone else is staying sober and doing well.
I just got back from the doctor about an hour ago and things seem to be going well. The doctor cleared up a few things for me and she said that I definitely seem to be recovering and doing well. She said that I don't seem to have ascites as much as just belly fat, with perhaps some fluid that will eventually subside. The jaundice is gone now. She didn't take blood to see how my levels are doing, though. I do want to eventually get a report on that. But things are definitely looking up.
Other than that, I'm remaining sober. Still haven't had a drink and I don't intend to. A friend of mine who I regularly hang out with apparently has quit drinking too, so it's easier to hang out with him. For the most part, when someone I know asks to hang out and "catch up" or whatever, they generally mean they're inviting me to have drinks with them. That's just the routine for everyone my age (and until recently, it was my routine all day every day). So it's a little weird to have to explain to people that I quit drinking and why I did. It's hard to suggest that it's just a matter of nutrition or whatever, because to them, it's like "What's one beer gonna do?" I don't want to have to explain what I went through to everyone. Not that it's something to be ashamed of, but I'm just a very private person. Unfortunately a few more people know than I'd like. I guess there's nothing I can do about that now.
Anyway, point is, the doctor visit went well, and I'm getting better every day. Missed my AA meeting last week, but I'll be sure to show up tomorrow night. I'm enjoying my new found health and sobriety. I hope everyone else is staying sober and doing well.
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