Pain in side

[IAmVeryWorried]

Hello.

I posted this in another forum before seeing there was this one:

I drink enough to get tipsy almost every night and of course have more on some nights than on others (yes, I know I need to cut back).  

Lately the next day I have been feeling light on and off pain in my right side.  I was wondering if it could possibly be my liver and due to the drinking.  The pain is in my side and just a few inches above my hipbone..sort of where "love handles" would be.  Sometimes I will feel it just a slight bit in my left side too and I MAY have felt a little twinge slightly higher and a little more towards my front but it may have been just my mind.  The pain is usually a quick twinge or two then it goes away, then back, etc.

Most of what I have read online is that they have felt pain in their lower right quadrant...and more directly under the ribcage.

Also, I had an ultrasound about 3 months ago for other reasons that included my liver which I was told "looked great."

Thoughts?  Thanks!!!!

P.S.  My username on here is from something years ago, I'm not freaking out about this or anything...just a bit worried, thanks!!!!

[IAmVeryWorried]

Fides,

Thanks.  Due to my career, going to the doc isn't the greatest option.  I guess I could flat out quit for awhile and see if it goes away.  I took to taking care of some stuff around the house today.  After taking it pretty easy last night, it was nice waking up today feeling well, rested, and having that extra energy.  Sure got a lot more taken care of haha.

Although if the pain continues for awhile, I could go to the doc and mention the pain in a general sense.  

I'm sorry that you had to go through all of that, but am glad to hear that you have turned things around...!

Thanks!!!!

[Fides_et_Spes]

Hello,

This is my advice, see a doctor. If the pain is related to drinking even if you were to cut back you are still causing damage. I think it's better to be safe about it and not risk having to take a trip to the hospital which is no fun at all. If anything the doc may have some good advice and relieve you of the fears you may have about the pain.

Regardless I would keep an open mind about quitting if that's a road you may need to travel. I only say that because I don't want you to take the same path I did. Even after I went to the hospital once I still continued to drink. For me, it took losing a fiance, a job, a place we got together, and another trip to the hospital before i said "OK maybe booze isn't such a good idea". I know the scenario sounds extreme but it happened and I seemingly had everything together. I've met a few people in AA who drank to cure boredom. Whatever you do I wish you the best and hopefully the pain is nothing.

[IAmVeryWorried]

Haha no, not a girl.

I'm not addicted to booze, just found it a cure to boredom haha.  I'm definitely slowing down.  I had two beers with a friend today who just got back in town, and two drinks at dinner for a best friend's birthday.  

So besides not drinking every day, and limiting my intake on days that I do drink, I was just looking for any other advice.  Its that odd nagging pain that just worries me a tad.  Was wondering if it's something that I should really worry about.  Or just be happy that it happened to make me step back and realize that I'd been drinking way too much lol..

Thanks!!!!

[dominosarah]

I am glad you are here and asking questions.  I am 50 yrs old, a mother and grandmother.  I just dont want to see you go thru the crap that comes with drinking like you are.  Once we cross that line all he!! breaks loose.......

I did think you were a girl too!!  lol

[IAmVeryWorried]

And btw, I'm 27 and started drinking probably around 19 or 20 in college.  However, I didn't start drinking this much until a few years ago

[IAmVeryWorried]

Thanks everyone.

Domino,

I'm not really running from anything to be honest.  I am VERY happy with my life.  It just became an evening routine, really.  And it's not like I am always craving a drink or anything.  The only time I'm craving one is after having a few.  Not that I couldn't 'go' for a beer at anytime really (I'm a guy afterall, lol).  I work quite hard and it just sort of became my way to spend the end of a busy day.

Fides,

You mentioned that you had similar pain.  Was the pain not located right on your pancreas?  I thought that the pancreas was higher in the chest cavity.  I'm glad you're doing much better now.

I'll probably start cutting back.  Do some work around the house tomorrow, etc.  Maybe have a beer or two but I'll leave it at that.  Like I said, I can always seem to just not drink when I decide to, I just don't usually feel like not drinking when I get bored.

Thanks everyone!!

[dominosarah]

Your body can only handle so much abuse and when there is pain there is usually something going on.

Pancreatitis is caused by either drinking or a chemical imbalance.  I have had it and was off work for over a month.  It is a very serious thing.

What are you running from?  Using or drinking is just a symptom of what is going on.  There is no happy ending to drinking like you do.  Please take a good hard look at what you are doing and listen to what your body is telling you.  

[Fides_et_Spes]

And yes the pancreatitis was caused by my drinking...

[Fides_et_Spes]

I'd say if the pain continues you should go see the doc again they may get some blood work done. I was a pretty heavy drinker and drank off and on for 16 years(I'm 32). You probably are ok for now but if the pain is alcohol related it's the body giving you a heads up to stop the drinking.

I'm not sure where you're at with drinking but it may be time to consider quitting. Your health is much more important and drinking everyday will put you in the hospital.

[IAmVeryWorried]

P.S.

Was your pancreatitis caused by your drinking?  How much were you drinking?

Thanks!!!!

[IAmVeryWorried]

Thanks,

I've been drinking since I was about 20 (now 27).  However, I didn't drink this much until just the last few years.....

Thoughts??

[Fides_et_Spes]

Hi,

I'm not sure how long you've been drinking but It seems like you're at a point where you've been drinking quite a bit. I think you may have some good reason for concern. This pain might be a precursor of things to come. I have been to the hospital(twice) for pancreatitis. The most recent visit put me close to death. Leading up to that I experienced pain very similar to you.

I'm not saying this to scare you or say that's what it is but anytime you feel pain associated with your drinking, if that's the case, you need to stop now. One of these days you wake up you may experience a pain much much worse. I hope this message was helpful and please take care of yourself.