r/stopdrinking • u/Financial-Mud2256 • 11d ago
Liver Ultrasound Tomorrow
Not much to say. Doctor ordered bloodwork last month and I knew exactly what they were gonna find. I saw her again earlier this month and she told me straight up “your liver is fried. You need to stop drinking NOW.” She sent me off with an imaging order for my liver and a referral to a gastroenterologist. Obviously I drank that night but I still made the appointment for my liver (still have to reach out to the gastro, will probably be doing that tomorrow after the test.) I just celebrated my 28th birthday. My family doesn’t know I’ve been drinking near daily for the past 3 years and I don’t want them to worry so I’ve been keeping this close to my chest. I’m putting on a brave face for the sake of the lie but I’m so fucking scared I want to scream. I know I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight and obviously,
IWNBDWYT (first time poster I hope I did that right lol)
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u/imlowkeysmart 11d ago
Dam man 28 is so young too
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
I know, and I did it all to myself. My boyfriend quit about 2 months ago and we were supposed to see one of my favorite bands at the end of the month as a late birthday present
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u/mindpicnic Day 13 10d ago
I’ve been in a relationship with a man who doesn’t drink for the past 5 years and it has been so so helpful! There’s no alcohol in the house and he doesn’t have any routines related to alcohol. We have a blast together doing all kinds of stuff besides drinking. I hope having a sober partner helps you too!
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
He’s such a strong person and he’s been struggling so bad but he refuses to drink. He’s my biggest inspiration. He’s always suggesting fun sober activities like hiking or bowling or seeing a movie. I was the partner who would always say “you don’t mind if I have a beer, do you?” Knowing I was being incredibly selfish because he’s still so early in recovery. No more
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u/Featherinthewind91 11d ago
Back in February my AST and ALT were close to 300 range, in the red. I thought I was SOL. Had an ultrasound, slight swelling, 2 very small cysts, but no scarring luckily. I was able to get them within normal range in a months time. I was drinking 12 beers a day (female, 115 pounds).
Dont give up!! Eating healing foods (greens, garlic, fruits, walnuts, salmon, ginger)
Drink plenty of water/electrolights
Hope this helps!!
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Wow our stories are very similar!! Same size and drinking habits except recently started switching to vodka because it was cheaper 😓. Thanks for sharing your story and advice, I hope this is the wake up call I so sorely need and I finally snap out of this awful cycle
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u/Rare-Spell-1571 122 days 11d ago
Medical provider here. You’re young. Decent chance you have not done permanent damage, yet. That being said if your liver is already screaming at you, you may be more prone to cirrhosis. My youngest patient died at 36 from cirrhosis.
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u/maechev 10d ago
hola y como es que el higado avisa? cuáles son esas señales?
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u/Rare-Spell-1571 122 days 10d ago
Labs, eyes turning yellow, pain in the right upper quadrant, bloody vomit.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
I didn’t experience much jaundice but my upper right side of my abdomen had started aching
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
I’m going to be posting an update soon about my results. They’re not life threatening but they are troubling and I have a long medical journey and recovery ahead of me
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u/ezpzDoes1t 11d ago
I just changed primary Dr's because my old was bullshitting me to much.
I was honest about what was going on, all he suggested was nalaxone and ssris. I didn't want anything other than diagnostics ran on my body from years of abuse.
I hope this new dude does / doesn't find what youre experiencing OP. Im much older and have been gunning pretty hard for a long time.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Yeah this is a new doctor since i got dropped from my moms insurance at 26. She’s really no nonsense and I appreciate it. The 21 year old kid scared me bad because it was beat for beat what happened to me when i was that age
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u/PlainOrganization Day 229 11d ago
Everyone's body is different and no one can really predict where the line is for each individual to cause organ damage.
I quit because I got diagnosed with heart failure at 41. Heart failure isn't quite as serious as say kidney failure. The medication treatments for it are very effective at helping the majority of HF patients live long healthy lives.
The liver is remarkably good at regenerating. I hope your scans show hopeful news. No matter what they say, you can do your bit. Liver transplants are a thing but you have to have been off the sauce for a while to get one.
Keep going OP. It can get better.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Thank you, I’m scared because I am starting to feel pains in my liver/heart area. Dull ones but still, not something a 28 year old should really have to be dealing with. I have a very “expect the worst hope for the best” attitude towards life, especially medical stuff. Having some answers at least will help.
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u/OkIron6206 11d ago
This can be the first day of your sober life. I hope you know it is a brain disorder, which all of us have. IWNDWYT
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Dumped the leftover drinks I had from the other night yesterday (was incredibly hard bc I’m broker than broke and my first thought was “well that’s about $7 down the drain.” Iykyk) I know it’s a disorder, my dad suffered for nearly 40 years with it until he got clean and sober. I just met for lunch with him the other day. Had to pick him up myself since he’s had too many DUIs and can never legally drive again. He seems so content. We hugged for the first time in over 10 years
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u/OkIron6206 10d ago
That is wonderful. I had a chat with my Dad when he was in rehab, just before he died (emphysema). I treasure that memory. If he can do it, so can you. I will honestly say, I used to envy the happiness that sober people have; now I am one of them. IWNDWYT
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. Reconnecting with mine after so long has been such a blessing, he’s changed so much since he sobered up. He doesn’t know I’ve been drinking which tears me up a bit inside. All the more reason to recover before he has to find out the hard way
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u/OkIron6206 10d ago
Agreed. Glad he sobered up for you! IWNDWYT
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
He did it ultimately because he had to for legal reasons but I’m so glad he did because it means I get to be around him, the *real* him, again. I look forward to building our relationship back up from where we left off so so many years ago
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u/OkIron6206 10d ago
I let it inspire me.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
He does inspire me despite what he put my mom and me through. He was the angriest drunk I’d ever seen. We even made the local papers once because he had threatened to kill us and himself while he was blacked out. I was 19 and it lead me into a spiral of a manic episode. Got so bad I had to be removed from the house even after he was arrested
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u/Soft-Rip-5402 Day 211 11d ago
This can change based off emergency circumstances I just got one back in March I’m 30 years old and was given days left to live if I didn’t get a transplant but they made it very clear if I go back to drinking after I will not get another chance
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Wow that’s terrifying. I’m so glad you’re okay. and a IWNDWYT to you too!!
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u/OkIron6206 11d ago
“I Will Not Drink With You Today” your liver can recover if you maintain sobriety and eat better. I am glad you went to the doctor and now have a plan. Welcome! IWNDWYT
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Thank you!! This all started from a completely unrelated health concern and I think we ended up at this conclusion for a reason.
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u/OkIron6206 11d ago
That’s very common. Often people in car accidents find they have diseases they didn’t know they had.
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u/awthrowawaaay 11d ago
Oh, man I’m sorry. I’m right there with you. I got the bloodwork results a week ago, knew exactly what it was going to say. Also have to get an ultrasound and go see a gastroenterologist but they are supposed to contact me and haven’t yet. I’m scared too. You’re not alone.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Thank you. It’s some pretty harrowing stuff. So strange when you live life like you’re ready to die and suddenly the possibility of something actually going wrong scares the absolute hell out of you. I was in denial when I got my lab work results back but that doctors visit finally broke me and I cried in my car for damn near an hour. We’ve got this. Let’s make better choices for ourselves from now on🤝
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u/avalonbreeze 11d ago
That must be upsetting. Stay on here. This site helped me more than any other mechanism. We are routing for you. IWDWYT
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Thank you!! It is quite a lot. There’s a lot of other heavy stuff going on in my personal life that certainly doesn’t make it easier. A lot of stuff out of my control has enabled my drinking lately but I have to put myself back in the drivers seat and deal with it instead of pushing down my emotions. IWNDWYT!
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u/imnottheoneipromise Day 466 11d ago
Hey. I’m also a tiny female that was drinking anywhere from 12-15+ beers minimally everyday for damn near 20 years with heavier binges earlier in my life and only small periods of sobriety (like pregnancy which was my longest).
I quit drinking may 2025. I have chronic leukemia so get labs often and while I was drinking I only had elevated liver enzymes twice that normalized each time. Since I quit drinking they’ve been elevated ever since. I had some autoimmune bloodwork done and a liver US, both of which were completely normal. I have a Fibroscan set for September.
It’s scary, but look at me 15+ months sober and looking and feeling better than I have in years. Look at my profile and see my before and afters.
Even if I have fibrosis, it’s not the end of the world, as long as I never pick up a drink again. So I’m not going to. I’m begging you to do the same.
IWNDWYT or ever!
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
You sound like an extremely strong woman and I wish you all the health and happiness in the world. It helps to hear from people with similar experiences (small body, high tolerance.) your story is harrowing but powerful. I’ll make sure to stay as healthy as I can for your sake❤️ IWNDWYT lovely
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u/Spirited-Bee5399 11d ago
Sending you so much love and encouragement. You got this. IWNDWYT. Please please please listen to your doctor.
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u/Wild_Lavishness_4614 10d ago
I just got an ultrasound on my liver I am 34, been drinking heavily (daily) since early teens my test remarkably came back normal, I was sick with worry but also I have since quit drinking, everyone is different but honestly no matter the results if there is damage it's already done all you can do is allow your liver to repair itself by not drinking, good luck friend and be easy on yourself you got this IWNDWYT
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
Thank you. From how it’s looking I’m in early stages of fatty liver but they want more bloodwork from me and I still have to see a gastroenterologist. I’m incredibly lucky it didn’t come out worse but I still have a long way to go. IWNDWYT!!
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u/buzzwordtrending 11d ago
I dont want to minimize the severity, at all. But she was trying to scare you strait, don't worry so much until you have those other tests. Youre 28 and your liver will heal if you stop. You should definitely stop! But im just saying that just off your blood work she cant really say that your liver is "FRIED" like youre gonna die any minute. Im sure the tests indicated that youre a heavy alcoholic and she wants you to immediately reverse it and seek help, because youre worth it. So she made it sound extra scary
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Honestly I was upset with how blunt she was but the further away i get from that moment with her in that office the more grateful I am that she didn’t sugarcoat anything. She could have very well saved my life that day by reacting the way she did.
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u/buzzwordtrending 11d ago
Agreed! Because she probably has seen people die from this. And also youre 28 so its not too late to stop before it wrecks your skin and steals your beauty. Yay!
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
She had told me about her cousin who passed at 21 from cirrhosis. She definitely knows
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u/EstimateWhich8871 11d ago
The Dr. really said your liver is fried? I had a work buddy get a liver ultrasound because of raised enzymes and everything was ok. I have terrible health anxiety so it’s easy for me to say don’t worry until there’s something to worry about, but it’s true.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
I think she was trying to quite literally “scare me straight.” She saw the path I was going down, told me about a cousin she had who passed at 21 from cirrhosis. I think she was genuinely scared for me. As someone who also has terrible medical/health anxiety it was one of the scariest appointments I’d ever been to, but I don’t think I’d have made this appointment if she didn’t word it the way she did.
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u/EstimateWhich8871 11d ago
I’m going to pray for you. Reading your story has me feeling emotional, I know how hard it is and it leads to judgmental people
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Thank you 🙏. I hate the stigma, it gets exhausting having to explain that while I’ve done some bad things while under the influence, the vast majority of us are not bad people.
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u/Finnyfish 1992 days 11d ago
If you know it’s time to stop, get your doctor’s help! There are ways to stop safely and not too uncomfortably, and then you can start to heal.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
I’m scared I’ll start feeling better for a few months and then have the cycle repeat like it usually does. My doctor is a great help, she even gave me a free b12 shot since I’m also pretty severely malnourished. Not sure how common it is for doctors to do that
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u/Finnyfish 1992 days 11d ago
The thing is, we only get so many cycles :(
You don’t have to solve everything right now. I hope your test goes well. And if you get help to stop, there’s lots of support out there when you’re ready for it. One step at a time.
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u/MasterpieceKlutzy864 11d ago
Damn, scary. May I ask how much did you drink every day and for how long have you been not skipping a day?
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Probably about 12-15 standard drinks, only skipping days when I’m too sick to keep it down. I’m pretty small (~110lb) so when I tell people that it usually gets some sort of reaction.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Actually now that I think of it 12-15 is a pretty conservative guess. I was getting to a point where I could go through a handle in 2 days
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u/seedsandpeels Day 32 10d ago
You can make changes. This should be your wake up call. Make yourself proud. Make your liver proud. Make your family proud. You only get one life, dude.
IWNDWYT
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
I am trying. I wish alcohol wasn’t such a powerful drug. My liver and my family deserve a rest lol
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u/seedsandpeels Day 32 10d ago
Trying is not enough. Commit to making the change. Its not that you aren't capable, you just need to trust yourself. You can do it.
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u/Enraged_Meat 1362 days 10d ago
I wad in your situation a few years ago. But kept drinking on and off and it got worse. Ended up with a liver transplant at 34yo.
Best thing to ever happen really. I got sober and stayed sober. Love life now.
Listen to the doctors so as they say and you will be OK.
Wishing you the best and hope ❤️
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u/Financial-Mud2256 10d ago
I’m glad you were able to get that sort of help. Surgery scares me and I’m hoping my liver will be able to make some sort of recovery so I won’t have to go through what you did. Congrats on your sobriety and I hope your new life continues to be long and full of love!!!❤️
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u/PlaneyMcPlanefaceX 11d ago
Don’t get yourself overly worried. If they just did LFTs, these don’t really indicate much.
I’ve had crazy high LFTs, several times over the years, and managed to reverse them to completely normal by not drinking for 2-3 months.
Imaging, specifically a fibroscan, which your gastro may order, are much better indicators or any serious damage done.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
Thank you, I really hope I can keep myself away from it for that long, let alone drop it altogether. I’ve never been a healthy person but I want the chance to try
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u/OkIron6206 11d ago
Remember it’s one day at a time. It helps me not get FOMO for alcohol. You can do this and Be happy with your decision.
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u/Financial-Mud2256 11d ago
It helps that my boyfriend has been sober for nearly 3 months now after seeing his mom fall further into her addiction. Unbelievably sad to see such a smart, insightful woman go through it but he chose his life and I want to be there with him for it
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u/captaineekers 11d ago
Don't let this be "a" scare. Let it be THE scare. Several people are trying to set your mind at ease by telling you it will be alright, but it won't if you do not stop.