Hello all. I've been reading awhile and it seems I should fit in someplace. Lots of interesting characters here.
Well, to the point. My PCP diagnosed me with Alcoholic Hepatitis. I was pretty sure I had it weeks before my liver blood test came back. I have "slightly" elevated enzymes. He softened the news by adding that it is a "mild" case. Folks, if this is mild, I'm not sure one could survive moderate without a ventilator and IV.
I've diligently researched this disease on the net. Almost seems there is a different criteria of symptoms on each site. I've even went on forums that talk about it. Seems to me the best info short of a biopsy or CT Scan is from people who have/had it. So, if anyone has been down this scary path OR work around people with AH, I would love your feedback.
Firstly, it's sad to admit but I deserve getting this. I drank anyway but responsibly for the past 6 or so years. Even in my teens and twenties I never cared to comprehend what moderation meant. But, around my early thirties I started getting hammered, frequently. I surely went through fatty liver a year ago without missing a beat. I gained weight, started developing darkness under my eyes. I was just oblivious to it. Beer can't hurt you, or so I liked to think.
I'll try to keep this short so I don't loose potential advice due to making a long story of it.
Ok, my Dr. is nice, but I'm concerned I should be seeing a specialist. After all, I've read TOO many accounts that indicate liver enzymes do not even have to be high for one to have AH. Then, wouldn't it stand to reason that one could have more severe Hepatitis with just slightly elevated enzymes? I've also read where many sufferers say the Blood Test is really not such a great indicator, especially concerning how progressed the disease is. Most accounts I read say a biopsy is the surest one, followed by CT scan and ultrasound.
I guess my point is I'm worried that it's worse than what he thinks.
Let me go ahead and describe my current condition:
AF 5 weeks today.
I have felt pressure in my back just below the rib cage for months. I actually used to quit a few days till it went away before drinking again...until I nearly died. I'll share more about that if anyone wants to know or thinks it might help someone else.
I started having blotchy spots on my face that only went away if I stopped drinking for awhile. 5 weeks AF, my complexion is better, but the splotches are still visible. What skin tone I have helps subdue them some, but some stand out. I think a lot of people think it's acne. Funny as I only had an occaisional pimple in High School, not a rash. Maybe it's eczema. Also, I get random red spots now generally anywhere. Sometimes they are like zits or similar...other times it's apparently under my outer skin. I'm fair, so they show up easy.
Angiomas...did I spell that right? They are a curse. I'm not covered with them, but it's clear I have SEVERAL now. As in 10-20, jeesh, I don't even want to count them.
AND, some larger spots, not as many but quite visible. These are not red, but more of an earthy color. Great to know most of these will be staying with me ( except the acne-like ones that just change locations).
Fatigue. Some days I can only last 8 hours before I'm worn out. Even worse is I might of only been physically active 3 of those 8.
Other days I can't shut down, but still near lethargic.
I'm trying to be kind to myself and not expecting to feel great. Just allowing myself to be sick, with the thought in the back of my mind that it will pass ( weeks to months is what I've heard ).
Occasional joint pain is also present. Shut, my left knee feels like it's blown out for reasons unknown. I know the liver can cause joint/bone pain, but this is really something I should have checked out.
Not to sound tongue in cheek about this, just staying optimistic. I think a lot of the struggle is mental.
Now I'd love to hear from others!
Should I go ahead and be examined more thoroughly by a specialist?
How bad does this sound? Cirrhosis scares the s**t out of me, but it is not a certainty. See, it's hell just going off blood tests and waiting 30 days for results.
Oh, did I forget to mention alcohol seems to have inflicted some nerve damage on me? It just gets better and better. I think it is largely reversible, but I still need to see a Neurologist and find out what I can. Do you know Alcohol can cause MS?
My apologies if I actually sound cheery about this. Still having mood swings and an intense desire to feel good about life even if I am walking on a rickety bridge...But, I can see the other side of the ravine!
I really want to hear from some people. Just don't scare the s**t out of me!
All are welcome, but most desired are the battle-scarred vets, the Nurses, Doctors and Caregivers, and those who have experience around this affliction.
And I thought quitting was going to be the hardest part...
Well, to the point. My PCP diagnosed me with Alcoholic Hepatitis. I was pretty sure I had it weeks before my liver blood test came back. I have "slightly" elevated enzymes. He softened the news by adding that it is a "mild" case. Folks, if this is mild, I'm not sure one could survive moderate without a ventilator and IV.
I've diligently researched this disease on the net. Almost seems there is a different criteria of symptoms on each site. I've even went on forums that talk about it. Seems to me the best info short of a biopsy or CT Scan is from people who have/had it. So, if anyone has been down this scary path OR work around people with AH, I would love your feedback.
Firstly, it's sad to admit but I deserve getting this. I drank anyway but responsibly for the past 6 or so years. Even in my teens and twenties I never cared to comprehend what moderation meant. But, around my early thirties I started getting hammered, frequently. I surely went through fatty liver a year ago without missing a beat. I gained weight, started developing darkness under my eyes. I was just oblivious to it. Beer can't hurt you, or so I liked to think.
I'll try to keep this short so I don't loose potential advice due to making a long story of it.
Ok, my Dr. is nice, but I'm concerned I should be seeing a specialist. After all, I've read TOO many accounts that indicate liver enzymes do not even have to be high for one to have AH. Then, wouldn't it stand to reason that one could have more severe Hepatitis with just slightly elevated enzymes? I've also read where many sufferers say the Blood Test is really not such a great indicator, especially concerning how progressed the disease is. Most accounts I read say a biopsy is the surest one, followed by CT scan and ultrasound.
I guess my point is I'm worried that it's worse than what he thinks.
Let me go ahead and describe my current condition:
AF 5 weeks today.
I have felt pressure in my back just below the rib cage for months. I actually used to quit a few days till it went away before drinking again...until I nearly died. I'll share more about that if anyone wants to know or thinks it might help someone else.
I started having blotchy spots on my face that only went away if I stopped drinking for awhile. 5 weeks AF, my complexion is better, but the splotches are still visible. What skin tone I have helps subdue them some, but some stand out. I think a lot of people think it's acne. Funny as I only had an occaisional pimple in High School, not a rash. Maybe it's eczema. Also, I get random red spots now generally anywhere. Sometimes they are like zits or similar...other times it's apparently under my outer skin. I'm fair, so they show up easy.
Angiomas...did I spell that right? They are a curse. I'm not covered with them, but it's clear I have SEVERAL now. As in 10-20, jeesh, I don't even want to count them.
AND, some larger spots, not as many but quite visible. These are not red, but more of an earthy color. Great to know most of these will be staying with me ( except the acne-like ones that just change locations).
Fatigue. Some days I can only last 8 hours before I'm worn out. Even worse is I might of only been physically active 3 of those 8.
Other days I can't shut down, but still near lethargic.
I'm trying to be kind to myself and not expecting to feel great. Just allowing myself to be sick, with the thought in the back of my mind that it will pass ( weeks to months is what I've heard ).
Occasional joint pain is also present. Shut, my left knee feels like it's blown out for reasons unknown. I know the liver can cause joint/bone pain, but this is really something I should have checked out.
Not to sound tongue in cheek about this, just staying optimistic. I think a lot of the struggle is mental.
Now I'd love to hear from others!
Should I go ahead and be examined more thoroughly by a specialist?
How bad does this sound? Cirrhosis scares the s**t out of me, but it is not a certainty. See, it's hell just going off blood tests and waiting 30 days for results.
Oh, did I forget to mention alcohol seems to have inflicted some nerve damage on me? It just gets better and better. I think it is largely reversible, but I still need to see a Neurologist and find out what I can. Do you know Alcohol can cause MS?
My apologies if I actually sound cheery about this. Still having mood swings and an intense desire to feel good about life even if I am walking on a rickety bridge...But, I can see the other side of the ravine!
I really want to hear from some people. Just don't scare the s**t out of me!
All are welcome, but most desired are the battle-scarred vets, the Nurses, Doctors and Caregivers, and those who have experience around this affliction.
And I thought quitting was going to be the hardest part...
ray:
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