Do I have cirhossis?

Brief history:  I'm 55 white male. For the better part of my life I led a very fit, active lifestyle which included weight training and cardo training 5 days a week.  I have always eaten a low fat diet.  Drank in moderation although starting in my 40's would overindulge occasionaly.

When I was about 48 or 49 I had some personal issues and began drinking more heavily and for the next 5-6 years, would drink large amounts on a daily basis, almost always to intoxication.  This consisted of vodka.

I began having swelling and mild discomfort in my stomach and right upper quadrant about 3 or 4 years ago that would come and go.  When these symptoms first occured in I had a CT scan of my abdomen that came back negative.  I specifically questioned my dr about my liver and he said it looked normal.  Additionally, routine blood work showed all liver tests as normal and in fact, well below any danger areas.

I have had no liquor for a few months but recently this discomfort has returned.  My last blood work for a physical was in Feb of this year and again, my enzymes were well within range.

I realize nobody can say anything with certainty but I'm going to have to see a dr about this again  I guess and I'm wondering if anyone has had similar issues.

Thank you

[baldie453]

I am not a Dr., so I cannot make a diagnosis, but can share some information. It would appear that you should not be concerned about cirhossis, as your CT scan and blood work all have come back normal. I did not have cirhossis, but was told by my Dr. that I had stage 1 liver disease and would progress to the cirhossis stage(2), if I continued to consume alcohol. She told me if I reached this point, there would be "no going back", as the damage to my liver would be irreversible. I have a very similar history and am 58 years old. My liver enzymes and triglycerides were through the roof, however I had several ultrasounds that came back negative, in regards to cihrossis. I was a casual drinker, but began to drink rather heavily, much to the same point as you mention, due to personal issues(divorce after 38 years). Ironically my choice of alcohol was vodka, also. My Dr. looked me straight in the eye and made me promise to stop drinking. I looked her in the eye and we shook on it. She offered to prescribe medicine, but I told her I didn't want any. In four days I will be clean for 365 days and I am glad. No more waking up with that "fuzzy" head wondering what I had said or done the previous evening. I certainly hope you don't have any serious medical issue going on and wish you well with your future life. I know this doesn't answer your question, but I hope this helps in some way. Good Luck.