Worried - Ascities

[JohnDoe1122]

I’ve been reading these threads for a while but finally found the courage to post. I’m 41 years old and have been a heavy drinker most of my life. The last 10 years in particular, drinking heavily most evenings. At the beginning of lockdown I spoke to the doctor who took bloods for a liver function test and results were fine. I wasn’t convinced but unfortunately having been told all is fine, I’ve carried on drinking. The past month I’ve really noticed constant swelling in my pubic area (between waste line and genitals) and I’m worried it’s ascities. Looking online they talk about ascities causing swelling in the belly/ abdominen but it’s not clear if it includes the pubic area. Does anybody know? Thanks in advance.

Hi there - don't be fooled by normal liver function blood test results - that may not be the whole story. Get on the phone to gp first thing - talking from unfortunate experience

Thanks @Overtherainbow2u. That’s what I plan to do. I have read how many people with severe liver problems can still have ‘normal’ results from liver function tests. Sorry to hear about your unfortunate experiences, would you be happy to share? I’m so worried.

Indeed..moderate drinker for years until last few years when life turned out to be a bit overwhelming so I drank my stress away daily. (evenings) Mainly worries with youngest son, then father with Alzheimer's, and mum going round the twist with him, add onto of that full time job. So...4 weeks ago my liver simply kicked right off and I ended up in A&E in f*ing agony. Long story short I now have (obviously) ridiculously abnormal liver function, always in pain right hand side through to back and am waiting to see a liver specialist. The junior doctor in the HOT clinic the next day checked my for ascities, swollen legs, jaundice - nothing - then the ultrasound scan said it all. Alcohol induced hepatitis - self induced I know but am so shocked. Unfortunately for me - even though that was the big 'wake up and sort your shit out call' and I haven't touched alcohol since, I fear that I am in big trouble as my liver enzymes are through the roof and rising - even higher now than in A&E! I am not sure about the area of suspected ascities you mention - but you are making the right decision and getting it checked. Talk to gp about the alcohol issues - loads of support there - you will find it very helpful - and you will no longer feel it's a lonely battle (for it is a battle). Fell free to message me- just for a chat - good luck JohnDoe

Omg good luck @OvertheRainbow2U

I’m so sorry to hear that @OvertheRainbow2U. One thing I do know is that the liver is very resilient so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that things may not be as bad as you think.

Yawny - thank you!

JohnDoe - fingers crossed for you also!

My brother died in 2018 of liver failure I went to see him in hospital and his belly was massive he was yellow and they said his brain was functioning like a baby.
He lived with my mum and had never been admitted to hospital before this time.
He was put on the icu unit on a bubble breathing machine like you see with covid patients now. They decided to take it off and he only lasted a few minutes.
He was 38 years old addiction is a awful thing and any help you can get you should take.

Sal

I’m sorry to hear that @sadless, what a horrific experience for him, you and your family. I’m not long back from the doctors and they don’t think it’s alcohol related and said possibly a hernia which I’ll have an ultrasound on. Either way it’s given me a massive kick up the bum and I will continue abstaining from alcohol.

Sadless, I am so sorry to hear this. Thank you for your sound advice, again so sorry - take care x