Drinking And Smoking From Years. Had Liver Pain And Bruising. Suggestions
Posted on Fri, 6 Dec 2013
81597
Question: I have been drinking on and off for years. At times i can not drink for a couple of months ...................then I ..go from a couple of bottles a week............(occasionally rising to......3-5).
When really bad..............maybe 3 t0 4 times a year......I go for block out...... on spirits for a week or 2........
Went a bit out of control recently............could drink whole bottle (spirit) over 6hr period.....feel slightly merry and no hang over next day.Did this twice
Realized my tolerance had become too high........!!!! Am not drinking now but wonder how long it will be for my liver to ok.
I had pains in my liver and easy bruising when at my worst.
Both my parents had drink problems....I had it in utero...and both my siblings have no control.....
Ihope it's not too late for me I take milk thistle, last blood test said my red blood platelets were too...big/plentiful?
Know I must get tested again....but am frightened...as my sister has just been diagnosed with lung cancer....mind you she had emphasimia for years and kept drinking and smoking. How long is long enough for it to make a good difference on my next test results.
sorry to be so long winded.....both my parents died early much younger than me, mother drnk/drugs 38yrs, father heart drink/smoke 52yrs. i am 59. Can give me some advice ...PLEASE
Brief Answer:
It is good that you have stopped now
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Drinking has lot of health hazards and I am glad that you stopped now. The red cell enlargement will take months to disappear but it is not a serious issue. it is not related to cancer. It is important to know how much your liver has been damaged. that is a more serious issue. Some of the liver damage, if chronic, may be irreversible. Other cancer risks like esophagus, stomach, breast, will gradually come down with time. Lung cancer is related to smoking and not drinking, so that is out.
I would advice to stop worrying too much and get on with normal life as far as possible. It is never too late and I believe that you will soon get into a normal life.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.
Did you get this....."Thanks,3 more questions;
. How long is "will take months"...3mths......9mths?
.What effect does enlarged red blood cells have on the body?
.Should I give up drinking completely or is the occasional glass of wine ok?
Thanks for your consideration."
It hasn't told me it's submitted
Or am I just going round in circles?
Brief Answer:
Please refer below
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for followup.
My answers...
1. A reasonable estimate is around six months but the range is quite wide, 3-12 months.
2. Enlarged red cells have no effect unless the hemoglobin is also low as a result of it. then one may have fatigue, low appetite, etc.
2. It is better to stop completely
Hope this helps.
Regards
Thank you so much.
Do I have another question I can ask?
How will I know if my liver is damaged...........
Don't tell me (joke!).......
Go to my GP and get my liver function test!
Thats what I'm frightened of ....
But I know if I don't I'm hiding my head in the sand.
Thanks for being there
Brief Answer:
You need to get liver function test!
Detailed Answer:
I am afraid that to ascertain liver damage you need to get liver function tests and ultrasound of liver at the bare minimum. There is NO other way to do this!
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Drinking And Smoking From Years. Had Liver Pain And Bruising. Suggestions
Brief Answer:
It is good that you have stopped now
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Drinking has lot of health hazards and I am glad that you stopped now. The red cell enlargement will take months to disappear but it is not a serious issue. it is not related to cancer. It is important to know how much your liver has been damaged. that is a more serious issue. Some of the liver damage, if chronic, may be irreversible. Other cancer risks like esophagus, stomach, breast, will gradually come down with time. Lung cancer is related to smoking and not drinking, so that is out.
I would advice to stop worrying too much and get on with normal life as far as possible. It is never too late and I believe that you will soon get into a normal life.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.