I have cirrhosis. AMA!

[Ohdearnamechange]

Hi! I have cirrhosis. It's basically end stage so I have a couple of years - unfortunately they caught it a bit late for anything to be done for it.

Just closing off some possible questions - no I haven't drunk more than most people I know. People's bodies react differently apparently. There has been a strong element of self medication/self destructiveness which is quite hard to explain to people (I also have BPD and PTSD). I feel massive guilt that I'm putting my family through this, and would really like to give any support or advice to anyone who has worries - so many people don't seek help until it's too late.

I'm so sorry op that you were in an environment where that was seen as the norm.

It is not very helpful to pass judgment on OP like that. You don't know what her environment is. Do you really think that addiction to alcohol or any substance is confined to people in a "certain environment?" because it most certainly is not.

The OP has made it clear that this was the case for her

All my friends and I drank a bottle of wine a night, easy.

So sorry OP, my husband has had chirrosis for 30 years (hep C) he is fine still!

Late DH made the same claim about his GP, also said that no one had told him he shouldn't drive 🙄

Sorry OP this sounds very difficult.

Hope this isn’t an insensitive question but are you yellow?

*when we were at uni and then woring in London.

Many still do.

I'm amazed you missed all the information about safe levels of drinking and were unaware of what drinking a lot of alcohol can do to a body, given your family background and all the people you knew who have died.

I imagine you are very frightened and I hope that doesn't make you relapse. Perhaps there is hope if you abstain from now on - there is an uncle in my DH's family who was saved from the brink and has been alcohol free for about 5 years now. But he honestly was on death's door, possibly in a worse situation than you.

What sort of world do you live in where 8 cans of cider per day is normal? Do you have a job? How does it work?

Thanks for your honesty, OP. I was diagnosed with NAFLD 18 months ago and I have just had weight loss surgery to try and reverse my diagnosis after all usual efforts failed. Your post reminded me why I’ve put myself through this massive upheaval, as NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis if not addressed.

@MargaritaRita - OFGS - I'm reflecting what the op herself has said about heavy drinking being normalised in her social circle. I'm not being judgemental. I'm sympathising with the op as it's so easy to accept what the people around us do as the norm.

Believe it or not I earn over 100k in a professional job. I didn't miss anything i just didn't really realise it applied to me. Like I said I'm from a traveller background and everyone I know consumeels the same

I'm not now! But I was. My eyes and skin were terrible

So do you think that people who drink excessively are not aware of the risks?
If I was OP I would find your post really offensive!
Of course people who have any kind of addiction are generally fully aware of the risk . There are many people who live in a different world to yours ,with a combination of life struggles where eating too much ,not eating enough ,taking drugs and yes drinking too much is their crutch .

OP seemed surprised she has cirrhosis because she "doesn't drink any more than people I know" and yet countless family members and friends have died of alcoholism. Valid question therefore. Safe alcohol guidelines are everywhere.

I feel for her rather than judge her - no idea where you got that from.

I have another question for you OP if you don't mind?

Have you posted about your situation on Mumsnet before and if so, did you get any helpful advice? I am definitely not judging on whether or not you took that advice, just wondering if you are someone I have crossed paths with before.

You said ‘what kind of world do you live in ‘ ..that comment is very judgemental!

Only in your head @Cannottryasp00.

No, she's right. Your posts come across incredibly patronising. Perhaps unintentionally.

@LindorDoubleChoc , reading your posts I think you are coming across as smug and offensive too.
The op has replied with great dignity to your posts I think.
I agree with @Cannottryasp00 that your particular comment “ what kind of world do you live in “ is really patronizing.

Alcholism has no social class specifics, you could be an alcoholic millionaire with a beautiful home , loving family , normal daily routine , but manage to sink 8 cans of cider easily at night , or 2 bottles of wine a night etc.

I found your comment quite shocking too tbh , OP is opening up and inviting honest AMA questions and you seem judgmental

Thanjs. I don't need to be patronised, I'm very aware of what I've done to myself and the impact it's had on my family

Unfortunately for women we tend to be affected by alcohol a lot earlier than men. I once went to a lecture from a liver specialist who explained that the damage that occurs to men after a decade of heavy drinking can happen to women in around two years of drinking at the same level.

I nursed a professional lady in her thirties who started drinking a bottle of wine every night after her husband left her. She never touched spirits but developed cirrhosis.

OP this is an interesting AMA. It's easy to think it's a disease that affects other people. I really appreciate your honesty and I wish you well.

Wow. I have lost several friends from end-stage liver disease, but did not know that.

How bad was your fibroscan score?

I've had some conflicting advice on life expectancy etc so I think there's still some hope there

I really do hope if you can stay off alcohol and look after yourself that there is some hope for a better prognosis for you (and your DH). Are you getting any support in staying sober?

I have some cirrhosis too. In my case it was down to prescribed medication triggering auto immune hepatitis. I also have to have lots of blood tests, fibro scans etc. I hope you have a good consultant and are taking care of yourself

Thank you ! I didn’t want to reply to digress from the thread .X

My dad died from this in 2021. He was drinking a similar level but with added rum. I'm really sorry OP. No judgement here. Alcoholism is a disease.