Liver test / Peripheral Neuropathy?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2
Liver test / Peripheral Neuropathy?
Hi everyone, I am glad I found this site as it looks like it is a nice community of non judgemental and kind hearted people.
over the past few years I have become increasingly worried about my alcohol intake and the way in which my life was turning out, but never had motivation to decrease the amount in which I drunk until recently. I have also in the past took some drugs such as ectasy and cocaine on some weekends, but that was never really an addiction for me, its more so the alcohol that I have worried about.
Im a 28 year old male in generally good health. Last year I noticed that my legs and feet (and sometimes hands) became tingly and sore. I didnt think much of it until I realised that it was not going away and was becoming worse.
At first when I mentioned it to the doctor he said it was anxiety related and not to worry about it. I didnt think that it was anxiety related so I asked "what about some kind of neuropathy?" and he responded saying that's unlikely but we will give you some bloodtests for the liver, as I have been a heavy drinker for maybe 6 years now, binge drinking maybe 3 times per week, anywhere between 12 & 20 units per average session. Im guessing probably 50 units per week minimum, and as high as 100 units in a very drunken week.
The bloodtest came back with a count of 60 liver enzymes in my blood. The doctor said the normal range is between 0 and 40 and that it was probably sitting at 60 due to my heavy drinking. He then said its possible that it is the alcohol that is causing these sensations in your legs, but didnt give me any definite answer. I asked if that means I couldnt drink any more alcohol and he said "well, in moderation".
so since that doctors appointment I have severely cut down on alcohol, and infact made my new years resolution to give up drink. It is now the 27th and I have only had one beer session (6 beers) around the 14th. The sensations have severely decreased since I have not been drinking regularly, but are still there to a certain extent. No pain really exists anymore, just more of a dull cold sensation in my feet that I can pretty much forget about.
so basically my questions are,
1) Should I be worried about this slightly elevated liver enzyme count?
2) Is it likely that this really is alcohol neuropathy?
3) do you consider it to be okay to drink in moderation from now on, maybe 6 beers once a month or so?
I know I really should not be asking question 3, but sometimes I feel that I need a drink in order to socialise, and I hate constantly sitting in doing nothing so like to go out once in a while.
over the past few years I have become increasingly worried about my alcohol intake and the way in which my life was turning out, but never had motivation to decrease the amount in which I drunk until recently. I have also in the past took some drugs such as ectasy and cocaine on some weekends, but that was never really an addiction for me, its more so the alcohol that I have worried about.
Im a 28 year old male in generally good health. Last year I noticed that my legs and feet (and sometimes hands) became tingly and sore. I didnt think much of it until I realised that it was not going away and was becoming worse.
At first when I mentioned it to the doctor he said it was anxiety related and not to worry about it. I didnt think that it was anxiety related so I asked "what about some kind of neuropathy?" and he responded saying that's unlikely but we will give you some bloodtests for the liver, as I have been a heavy drinker for maybe 6 years now, binge drinking maybe 3 times per week, anywhere between 12 & 20 units per average session. Im guessing probably 50 units per week minimum, and as high as 100 units in a very drunken week.
The bloodtest came back with a count of 60 liver enzymes in my blood. The doctor said the normal range is between 0 and 40 and that it was probably sitting at 60 due to my heavy drinking. He then said its possible that it is the alcohol that is causing these sensations in your legs, but didnt give me any definite answer. I asked if that means I couldnt drink any more alcohol and he said "well, in moderation".
so since that doctors appointment I have severely cut down on alcohol, and infact made my new years resolution to give up drink. It is now the 27th and I have only had one beer session (6 beers) around the 14th. The sensations have severely decreased since I have not been drinking regularly, but are still there to a certain extent. No pain really exists anymore, just more of a dull cold sensation in my feet that I can pretty much forget about.
so basically my questions are,
1) Should I be worried about this slightly elevated liver enzyme count?
2) Is it likely that this really is alcohol neuropathy?
3) do you consider it to be okay to drink in moderation from now on, maybe 6 beers once a month or so?
I know I really should not be asking question 3, but sometimes I feel that I need a drink in order to socialise, and I hate constantly sitting in doing nothing so like to go out once in a while.
Canine Welfare Advocate
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 10,962
Originally Posted by ScottishMan28 
so basically my questions are,
1) Should I be worried about this slightly elevated liver enzyme count?
2) Is it likely that this really is alcohol neuropathy?
3) do you consider it to be okay to drink in moderation from now on, maybe 6 beers once a month or so?
I know I really should not be asking question 3, but sometimes I feel that's I need a drink in order to socialise, and I hate constantly sitting in doing nothing so like to go out once in a while.
1) Should I be worried about this slightly elevated liver enzyme count?
2) Is it likely that this really is alcohol neuropathy?
3) do you consider it to be okay to drink in moderation from now on, maybe 6 beers once a month or so?
I know I really should not be asking question 3, but sometimes I feel that's I need a drink in order to socialise, and I hate constantly sitting in doing nothing so like to go out once in a while.
Second, we aren't allowed to give medical advice. You met with your doctor, that a question you should have asked him. I'm wondering if your real question isn't, "Can I ignore my liver enzyme count and still drink."
For question 2, it's not my place to comment. See another doctor if your current one isn't providing the answers you need.
For question 3, I can answer that one. I don't know if it will be possible for you to moderate. Myself, I couldn't moderate. That's why I came to SR and why I decided I needed to quit drinking. I didn't drink normally. Drinking one beer was only going to make me want to drink more. Maybe I could resist one time, two times. But eventually I was going to throw moderation out the window and land myself into situations that prompted me to come here in the first place.
I can tell you that being sober isn't boring. Of course you will have to modify your social life. But when I look back on over 30 years drinking, I see that as "doing nothing."
For your health, why don't you quit for a couple months and see how you feel. If you have merely a drinking problem, perhaps you can drink socially. Frankly, seeing your drinking tally. I doubt it. When you quit, once you see how your mind reacts to not having alcohol, maybe then you'll answer number 3 yourself.
And if you can't quit for a couple months...that's an answer too!
Good luck
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,447
Carl is right. We can't give any kind of medical advice.
If you're not happy with your dr, try another one who will answer your questions.
As long as you are not an alcoholic, you can drink in moderation. Moderation never works for alcoholics and alcoholism is a progressive disease.
If you're not happy with your dr, try another one who will answer your questions.
As long as you are not an alcoholic, you can drink in moderation. Moderation never works for alcoholics and alcoholism is a progressive disease.
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,447
Belgian Sheepdog Adictee
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: In Today
Posts: 6,101
You really need to see a Neurologist.
Alcoholic Neuropathy is caused by the alcohol over time burning off (killing) the coatings on the nerve endings and then the nerves start to send erroneous messages.
Stop drinking. What you feel now may abate a little more or may not, but if you stop drinking it will not get worse.
If you choose to keep drinking it will get worse.
Years ago, a sign of it was what was called "Jake Leg", why I don't know but it referred usually to those down in the Bowery or homeless that walked like drunken sailors on dry land. It was because the proper messages were no longer being sent to the legs and they would walk funny.
Go see a Neurologist, to either confirm your fears or find out what actually is going on.
J M H O
Love and hugs,
Alcoholic Neuropathy is caused by the alcohol over time burning off (killing) the coatings on the nerve endings and then the nerves start to send erroneous messages.
Stop drinking. What you feel now may abate a little more or may not, but if you stop drinking it will not get worse.
If you choose to keep drinking it will get worse.
Years ago, a sign of it was what was called "Jake Leg", why I don't know but it referred usually to those down in the Bowery or homeless that walked like drunken sailors on dry land. It was because the proper messages were no longer being sent to the legs and they would walk funny.
Go see a Neurologist, to either confirm your fears or find out what actually is going on.
J M H O
Love and hugs,
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,320
Welcome SM
Excellent advice here.
I have to say tho (and I did this too with a range of ailments) I guess if I thought alcohol might be causing my neuropathy, I'd have to wonder why I didn't want to quit completely?
There's hundreds of us here living proof that you don't need a drink to socialise (and I know about drinking culture...I'm Australian )
D
Excellent advice here.
I have to say tho (and I did this too with a range of ailments) I guess if I thought alcohol might be causing my neuropathy, I'd have to wonder why I didn't want to quit completely?
There's hundreds of us here living proof that you don't need a drink to socialise (and I know about drinking culture...I'm Australian
)D
A work in progress
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 16,633
I'm convinced I have alcoholic neuropathy in my hands and feet. It was never officially diagnosed, but I had a full range of MRIs and other tests several years ago that never found any other explanation.
That was one thing that helped motivate me to quit drinking. Since I quit, it hasn't really improved after two and a half years--OTOH, it hasn't gotten worse since then. It's at a level I can live with, though it's unpleasant at times.
I think if you have any alcohol-related health symptoms (particularly if you're young or haven't already been drinking for decades), it probably means you're more easily harmed by alcohol than many people, and it's a signal to quit.
That was one thing that helped motivate me to quit drinking. Since I quit, it hasn't really improved after two and a half years--OTOH, it hasn't gotten worse since then. It's at a level I can live with, though it's unpleasant at times.
I think if you have any alcohol-related health symptoms (particularly if you're young or haven't already been drinking for decades), it probably means you're more easily harmed by alcohol than many people, and it's a signal to quit.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,410
You need to see a Neurologist to give you the answer that you need to know. But if the doctor said to moderation your drinking which means 2 drinks in one session. 6 beers is not moderation in one session even if it was once. At 28 years old and having medical problems already means you should cut down on your drinking anyway. Why don't you stop drinking for the time be to get your health back in order and then look over how you been drinking and why you been drinking so heavy in the first place.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Wishing you all the best as you deal with the serious damage
alcohol has already caused you.....
By continueing to drink...they will continue to harm you.
Sober people socialize just fine......and we do it often...not monthly.
Welcome
alcohol has already caused you.....
By continueing to drink...they will continue to harm you.
Sober people socialize just fine....
..and we do it often...not monthly.Welcome
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Germany
Posts: 2,058
Welcome Scot, glad you are here and you have our support.
Lots of great info in this thread.
I can only share my experience with you but I can tell you that I had leg/foot/hand pain and numbness on and off when I drank. I had carpal tunnel, Saturday Night Palsy, anxiety and panic attacks, and loads of all over body itching that came in horrible waves.
I could go to the Dr. and get numbers rattled off to me and try and find something wrong with me but in the end..... it was quitting drinking and getting help that improved my life physically, mentally and basically in everything.
Perhaps quitting drinking and working with your Dr. is the best solution here don't ya think?
All the best.
Lots of great info in this thread.
I can only share my experience with you but I can tell you that I had leg/foot/hand pain and numbness on and off when I drank. I had carpal tunnel, Saturday Night Palsy, anxiety and panic attacks, and loads of all over body itching that came in horrible waves.
I could go to the Dr. and get numbers rattled off to me and try and find something wrong with me but in the end..... it was quitting drinking and getting help that improved my life physically, mentally and basically in everything.
Perhaps quitting drinking and working with your Dr. is the best solution here don't ya think?
All the best.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,288
Originally Posted by LexieCat
I'm convinced I have alcoholic neuropathy in my hands and feet. It was never officially diagnosed, but I had a full range of MRIs and other tests several years ago that never found any other explanation.
That was one thing that helped motivate me to quit drinking. Since I quit, it hasn't really improved after two and a half years--OTOH, it hasn't gotten worse since then. It's at a level I can live with, though it's unpleasant at times.
I think if you have any alcohol-related health symptoms (particularly if you're young or haven't already been drinking for decades), it probably means you're more easily harmed by alcohol than many people, and it's a signal to quit.
That was one thing that helped motivate me to quit drinking. Since I quit, it hasn't really improved after two and a half years--OTOH, it hasn't gotten worse since then. It's at a level I can live with, though it's unpleasant at times.
I think if you have any alcohol-related health symptoms (particularly if you're young or haven't already been drinking for decades), it probably means you're more easily harmed by alcohol than many people, and it's a signal to quit.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
