I went to the Doctor's last Wednesday for an un-related problem (lower back pain from a broken back last year,) and the Doctor almost immediately focused on my liver. I told her that I had gotten out of (alcohol) rehab in March, and I have been abstinent now for about 5 months. She immediately did a blood test (liver panel,) sent me for x-rays, sent me for a liver ultrasound yesterday, put me on LASIX for severe edema, has ordered an eye exam for high blood pressure in my eyes, has hinted at more tests (biopsy?) and scheduled me for the follow-up exam on Thursday. She showed me how to locate the liver, and it IS enlarged - it protrudes about three finger widths below my bottom rib, and I saw it on the ultrasound. Does anyone have any medical opinions? I appear otherwise to be totally healthy, but these things all point to a grim outcome. Does anyone have any philosophical opinions? As soon as I started doing the "right" things, the world has come crasshing down upon me, and I'm SCARED!
2006-07-25 17:28:51 · 5 answers · asked by DashRockwood 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
You have nothing to fear now that you have stopped drinking. Alcohol is toxic to the liver and causes inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis and eventually death. Once you stop drinking, the progression completely stops. However, there is a chance that you may have to live with the existing damage that has occured. Be glad that all you are dealing with is water retention because this can be dealt with easily by medication such as Lasix. Now go on and live your life and enjoy your new found sobriety!
2006-07-25 23:49:24 · answer #1 · answered by iforbidu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your liver is reacting to a long time of abuse from alcohol. It's very common. The liver cleans your blood among other things, and any drugs, medications, or toxic substances end up there.
If you have any Chinese or Oriental medicine in your area, I would strongly suggest that. It is good for chronic conditions like this. Drink a lot of grape juice (not the femented kind, i.e.,wine, but the unfermented, and as natural as possible) as that really help to heal the liver.
I had an enlarged liver as a reaction to parasites and the poison to kill them from travel in the tropics. It is normal now, if that is reassuring at all. Stay off the booze, though, you can't afford to start drinking again and stress it out further.
2006-07-25 17:37:17 · answer #2 · answered by kimba 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get scared. The world has not come to an end. Though you have abstained yourself from intake of alcohol from the past five months, the damages it has effected on your body system are costlier. My philosophical opinion to you is to have faith in God and pray daily. Let me have a little time to give my medical opinion. Be bold. Nothing would happen. God is great!
2006-07-25 17:46:56 · answer #3 · answered by SRIRANGAM G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Milk Thistle is a natural supplement that helps to detoxify the liver and helps to regenerate it. It is fairly inexpensive in health food stores. Good luck!
2006-07-25 18:02:18 · answer #4 · answered by Kool-Ade 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how old are you?
How long did you drink
How much lasix did they put you on
If you can answer that, I can tell you what I think
2006-07-25 17:32:45 · answer #5 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋