Sydney1988

I've made it to the end of day four. Thanking the higher power (a new term I've picked up!) that days 2, 3 & 4 were not nearly as bad as day one. I've mainly just been tired, taking it easy and trying to distract myself with the Olympics and some cooking. Overall, feeling good.

I had a return visit to the doc today to get my blood test results, do a psych evaluation and discuss next steps. He's referred me to a psychologist, which I'll happily go to. If nothing else, my anxiety needs some attention, but obviously the psychologist will be able to shed some light on how I can get through this.

My main concern coming away from the dr was my blood test results. My liver function test was not very good. I wish I'd asked for a copy so I had a little more detail to look into, but basically he told me I had hepatitis. Which nearly threw me off my chair. He assured me that it only means my liver is inflamed and not that I have A, B or C. He calmed me down and said it was nothing to worry about as long as we acted on it and I continued to abstain. We've scheduled a follow up test for a months time to see if that has an effect on the liver function test result.

After coming home and doing some research it looks like if I've had this for a while I could have done some irreversible damage to my liver. Which has totally freaked me out again. The positive here is it's going to help me to say no the wine, but the negative will have me stressing for the next month!

Anyone had any similar experiences?

ScottFromWI

I would say that if the doctor feels it's a treatable situation, you should take his advice. Drinking does a lot of damage to our bodies, but we also have a remarkable ability to recover.

Ruby2

It is great you are on four days. I am waiting on blood tests for blood sugar levels and have been classified "pre diabetic." I guess I am a little worried about it but I can't change anything in the past but i can make sure that I change my future actions and take better care of myself. That starts by not drinking.

I do hope your second tests are good.

serious

personally i can tell you that liver does recover and your condition is not that bad, as long as you don't drink anymore and eat healthy.
so many people forget that removing alcohol is awesome, but replacing it with healthy, nutritious (real) food is ten-fold better.

PurpleKnight

I'd say stay off google, online diagnosis only ever increases worry and anxiety, instead listen to your doctor, if he says it's treatable then draw reassurance from that!!

Fandy

exactly, "on-line research" is not going to help you, it will just increase your anxiety. Dr. Google can and will tell you that you have every disease you search.

the best thing you can do is eat natural foods, vegetables (not processed junk and sugar) and relax, stay away from diet soda and sugar, drink water, seltzer, etc.

Your GGT and GGTP will come down after a few weeks, mine were in the 400s. ask your doctor's office to scan the results and email to you, it should not be a problem for them.

Anna

I'm sure it's really scary to get test results like that, but try to relax. Your dr sounded positive, and of course, the very best thing you can do is to stay sober. Have faith that your body will begin to heal and believe that you are right where you should be, at this moment.

LonelyShadow

I'd take a lot of positives from that sydney, and also well done for getting to the docs and getting the tests and everything, I find it can be tough with all the anxiety that comes with it, you're in good hands with your doctor, and a massive positive from this is that you caught this in time!

thatcat

Glad you got your bloodwork done - knowing what's what keeps us out of denial and focussed on health. Good stuff! I not only had hepatitis, but was hospitalized with jaundice. I was yellow head to toe. My eyes looked like orangy-yellow demon eyes. I will never forget hearing the words "liver failure" .. yikes. Sounds bleak, huh. But I am a great example at how the liver (and body) will heal when treated right. I had an ultra sound, CT scan, umpteen blood tests, and follow-up doctor and specialist visits - and my liver and other organs are just fine today.

Don't be afraid of your bloodwork next month. As your body heals over the next 30 or so days, by abstaining and eating healthy, try to look forward to the upcoming tests. Every second of every minute that goes by, your cells are actively healing.

Your next blood tests will be better.

Goldcoastgirl

Hi Sydney, anxiety is a killer I know, but also know that drinking when you are on anti anxiety meds makes them not work. It's only taken me years to figure that one out even suffering a nervous breakdown last year. I love seeing my psychologist and look forward to it, I can tell her anything and she doesn't judge, it is so freeing! Wrap yourself in cotton wool and be kind to yourself, your body will heal x

Spinach

The beauty of being the Dr is he can interpret the tests and go from there.
He has and it sounds that you need to stay on here and keep going till your not anxious and even happy to be sober!
Dr Google can be so unhelpful unless read with a qualified translator.
Try and sleep or at least rest.
Just remember if he was more concerned you would be having more tests and scans right now!!!
First few weeks I found keeping this place close essential.
John.

Dee74

Hi Sydney - I agree with Scott and Anna - if the Dr says it's treatable, then it is .
Try to worry too much - our bodies can be quite remarkable with regeneration

D.

feeling-good

Sydney - it's good to hear from you!! Take care and keep posting

Sydney1988

Thanks all and good advice. Part of my job is research and one of my best tools is google. So when I normally need to find out about something that's where I turn. But you're right. I'm not a doctor and I don't know how to interpret the information properly. So from now on I've just got to trust the doctors words as he's the one who knows what he's talking about.

Abstinence is key apparently. Thanks again!