Halzuzu

Yesterday I woke up with shooting pain and spasms on my right side just under my ribcage. I went to a Gastroenterologist and he said that my liver is enlarged and I may have liver disease, gallbladder disease and/or gallstones and all are likely related to my alcohol abuse. I have an ultrasound tomorrow to get a better look and possibly an Endoscopy. I was in so much pain last night even with the pain meds. I cannot believe what I have done to my body. I apologized to my higher power for what I've done and promised to take better care of myself if I can get through this without any major problems. If I could go back in time and tell my younger self anything, I'd grab me by the shoulders, shake me silly and say "DO NOT DRINK!!! EVER!!!" At 30 days sober today I thought I'd made it through the worst after the withdrawels. A wake up call as to the damage alcohol can do to your body. Don't drink!!!!!

Cleopatra1

hey hal,, it may not be too bad hun,, i used to work in gastro, (ex nurse) and specialised in endoscopy,, so if you need any advice or answers , do contact me,,, seeing as you are 30 days sober, i doubt if its anything too serious,, dont worry, stress can bring on stuff like that too, but do keep me posted.
liver disease is a very long term illness, ive only seen it in people (mainly men ) over the age of 50!!!
and if you stop drinking,, your liver can replenish itself quicker than you may know, try taking milkthistle, a vitamin that aids that process, also good for kidneys,, good luck,, lv cleo xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thepatman

Hope things go ok for you tomorow. I heard you when to wanted to tell you younger self.

Prayers for you for tomorow

Halzuzu

Thanks for the advice, Cleo. I've been taking Milkthistle for awhile. I think I'm stressing myself out because they couldnt get me in sooner for the ultrasound and I am just wanting to know whats going on. I'm also sick with a head cold on top of it so overall feeling pretty cruddy.

MIRecovery

So what are you going to do to stay sober? I have heard too many times that some one has a health scare and as soon as things return to normal it is back to the bottle

sothisisit

Just a thought; if you are on pain meds, ask the doctor if they are processed by the liver and are tax it at all. I know a lot do.

I echo the recommendation of Milk Thistle. It has been a great help for me and not just for my liver, I found my mood was better on it.

Anna

Halzuzu, I agree that waiting and worrying is the worst and it's impossible to wait and not worry, especially when you're in pain. Prayers for you that everything turns out well. I have used Milk Thistle for years too.

IndaMiricale

Time to get busy changing your life

I to had things due to drinking for so long. Pancrease problems, enlarged liver, wet brain, and nerve damage..

No matter what it can get better. Keep the drink down and keep working that sobriety..

Halzuzu

MIRecovery, I was through with the bottle before this health scare. I had hit my bottom. I have a supportive group of close friends and family that are in recovery themselves and I've been attending AA. One day at a time.

duane1

Having pain in my liver ended up being a big blessing for me. It made me stop drinking nearly 6 months ago and I haven't looked back. Make no mistake, your body is sending you a big warning. I also use Super Milk thistle.

IndaMiricale

Awesome

MIRecovery

Good answer. I know of what I speak. I went into acute withdrawl by accident and was hospitalized as soon as I was released I went out and bought a fifth of vodka. You might say I was a slow learner. Acute withdrawl is a particularly nasty thing to go through and I am very lucky I did not die.

Cleopatra1

oh and some other obs they may take,, pulse,, ideally 60-80 pm,, temp ideally 37.5,,,and bp ,, ideally 120/80,,, but also if you are nervous , these may be affected,, so tell them,,, xxx

escapist

I am at 30 days too. My throat hurts , I have had sinus headaches and I am really scared about my liver too. I know what you are going through. I have heard a lot about liver damage from drinking and most heal after abstinence. Try not to worry about about "the worst" . I go to see my Doc this week. I diliberately waited 30 days before seeing her because I wanted to make sure I could stay sober. Try to remain postive. I will do the same.

Halzuzu

Found out yesterday that i do have liver disease and a myriad of stomach and esophogal problems all alcohol related. Good news is they are early stages and reversible. Still in shock of what ive done to my body. I always had the mindset of it could/would never happen to me..well, it can and it did. Today i am thankful that i am almost 6 weeks sober and found the problems before it was too late. We just lost a 23 yo to liver disease in one of my Aa groups. Be healthy everyone!

Dee74

I'm really glad it's all reversible
congratulations on yr progress

D

Anna

What good news to know that you can heal.