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Alcoholism and health
Greetings.
I will try to provide the best information that I can regarding my issues. In 2008-2009 I would binge drink fairly often. 2010 I spent sober the entire year. From 2011 to now I have been a daily drinker. Some nights just a few beers, other nights a pint of hard liquor. There also have been many nights where I would drink too much to remember. I became depressed 4 weeks ago, and barely ate a few meals throughout the course of three weeks. Last Sunday I quit drinking and started eating again. Since then I have experienced a few nights of moderate back pain that would keep me up all night, insomnia, tan colored solid stool and loose brown stools. Oddly enough I do not seem to be experiencing alcohol withdrawal. In the past, even one day without a drink would cause terrible symptoms. I'm sure why I have no withdrawal, but I won't question it since it's a blessing. I have a doctor's appointment in 2 days and I'm worried that he's going to say my kidneys or liver have failed. How likely is this with my history of drinking. I read that 10-20% of heavy alcoholics will develop liver failure after 10-20 years. I know everyone is different though, so I'm still very worried. Anyone have experience like mine, or any reassurance ? Thanks.
I will try to provide the best information that I can regarding my issues. In 2008-2009 I would binge drink fairly often. 2010 I spent sober the entire year. From 2011 to now I have been a daily drinker. Some nights just a few beers, other nights a pint of hard liquor. There also have been many nights where I would drink too much to remember. I became depressed 4 weeks ago, and barely ate a few meals throughout the course of three weeks. Last Sunday I quit drinking and started eating again. Since then I have experienced a few nights of moderate back pain that would keep me up all night, insomnia, tan colored solid stool and loose brown stools. Oddly enough I do not seem to be experiencing alcohol withdrawal. In the past, even one day without a drink would cause terrible symptoms. I'm sure why I have no withdrawal, but I won't question it since it's a blessing. I have a doctor's appointment in 2 days and I'm worried that he's going to say my kidneys or liver have failed. How likely is this with my history of drinking. I read that 10-20% of heavy alcoholics will develop liver failure after 10-20 years. I know everyone is different though, so I'm still very worried. Anyone have experience like mine, or any reassurance ? Thanks.
Best Answer
COMMUNITY LEADER
Be honest with your doctor...COMPLETELY!only a CBC with emphasis on your liver profile results will tell the true story of liver damage!from what you describe your liver is taking quite a beating!you need to consider making a comittment to abstinence from alcohol for it will only get worse!So having said that...what GOOD things is this drinking doing for you?
COMMUNITY LEADER
So whats the game plan from here on out?maybe some counseling to develop some stress management coping tools?
I had my doctor's appointment yesterday, and the results came back healthy ! He said that my liver showed signs of minor damage, but with abstinence/moderation that everything will be fine and it will heal. I'm so relieved. I'm going to take this as a wake up call and stick to abstinence or moderation. I started drinking heavily after my fiancee left me for someone else. I know that's no excuse, but that's how I was coping. I'm over it and happy again though. Drinking heavily was not doing anything good at all. It's good to have closure and a fresh start. I would have been devastated if I had developed a fatal condition. If I kept up with the drinking though, I eventually would hit that level according to my doctor.
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