Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Will Abstinence From Alcohol Treat Liver Disease?

I have been seeing a GI doctor lately regarding high LFT test. 87/41. Ferretin 458, All other levels within normal range, A liver biopsy showed iron stores in the liver (stage 2 fibrosis) and less fat than they anticipated (diagnosis from US was fatty liver). I am 29 years old and have been drinking since high school, I was a social drinker for the most part but realized this damage must have been from drinking. I have not touched alcohol since 3/5/2011. If i abstain from alcohol will my liver ever heal and will i have to abstain from alcohol for the rest of my life? I am not an alcoholic, no police trouble, no driving, no black outs, not daily or even weekly drinking.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 13 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Well....for good or for ill, alcohol is not anymore the entire story. The iron stores are elevated and one should consider iron overload. This can occur from red wine and can, by itself cause liver irritation/cirrhosis. And, can also be from a congenital tendancy to absorb too much iron OR other sources of iron (taking too many vitamins). Might want to have sophisticated studies of iron absorption to determine it. There's 3 stages of cirrhosis... some, significant, and dying ("Child's classification"). You have some. Significant liver cirrhosis does not necessarily affect longevity (if someone stops entirely). Since other causes of liver scarring can be present (iron, and... not sure if hepatitis was checked for, although it is UNLIKELY) it would be recommended to not add to the risks and not to drink at all. Damage heals up. Scarring does NOT. And... if the liver is totally replaced by scar, that's when it becomes fatal.
I find this answer helpful
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Liver


Loading Online Doctors....
Will Abstinence From Alcohol Treat Liver Disease?

Well....for good or for ill, alcohol is not anymore the entire story. The iron stores are elevated and one should consider iron overload. This can occur from red wine and can, by itself cause liver irritation/cirrhosis. And, can also be from a congenital tendancy to absorb too much iron OR other sources of iron (taking too many vitamins). Might want to have sophisticated studies of iron absorption to determine it. There s 3 stages of cirrhosis... some, significant, and dying ( Child s classification ). You have some. Significant liver cirrhosis does not necessarily affect longevity (if someone stops entirely). Since other causes of liver scarring can be present (iron, and... not sure if hepatitis was checked for, although it is UNLIKELY) it would be recommended to not add to the risks and not to drink at all. Damage heals up. Scarring does NOT. And... if the liver is totally replaced by scar, that s when it becomes fatal.