upper ab pains

[Jake7238]

I have been experiencing upper right ab pains below the sternum for a while now. My worry is that it is the liver and possibly cirrosis. I was hospitalized about 10 years ago with extremely high liver enzymes and infected gall bladder due to very heavy alcohol intake(there was no scarring or damage to the liver) After that I stopped drinking for about 5 years, but have been drinking again for about 5 years..not nearly as heavy as before. I began having these pains in early spring of 2010. I usually have the feeling of pressure more than pain, but sometimes a sharp pain that comes and goes quickly. The pressure/pains are not constant, but can last for several days at a time. I saw a doctor in June of 2010... ultrasound and x-rays were normal, but liver enzymes were slightly raised, and, of course, was told to stop or at least ease up on drinking alcohol. I would normally drink a few beers after work and weekends much more. I cut back on drinking for several months(still having pains coming and going), but recently a best friend passed away and I drank heavily for few weeks after. Then I stopped for a few days then one night had several beers again. The next day i noticed that my stool was very dark..almost black(no odor), but since, each bowel movement has slowly returned to normal color within 3 days. Could this be caused by cirrosis or liver damage eventhough the dark stool returned to normal color so quickly? Would cirrosis cause stool to be dark with every bowel movement? Also, urine is sometimes dark, but normally a lighter yellow or even clear.

Sorry my question is so long, but wanted to give as much detail as possible.

Thanks,
-Jake

[SassyLassie]

I think I would see a specialist, especially since you said you drank rather heavily recently. If your liver is sort of compromised, the extra drinking could have caused a flair up.

[xxmandyxx]

hi ya if u had tests and all were normal i think you have nothing to worry about, but u could try change your diet completly to see if there is any chage within a few weeks, let me know how you get on