Health anxiety and liver worries

[Lollipop56]

I'm sorry if this is not the right place to post but I'm hoping to get some advice.

I have health anxiety that I am getting counselling for, my latest worry is my liver.

I drink 3-4 bottles of wine a week over several nights, and have done for several years now drinking more during vacations and Christmas etc.
I'm 35, and otherwise healthy and active.

I have routine blood tests yearly as a general health MOT and my liver function results have always been normal.

My latest results last week were in normal range too, but the last day or so I've been experiencing a dull intermittent ache on the right side of my middle back area.

Obviously the Health anxiety made me go straight to 'it's my liver' and I've been working myself into a worry since.
I'm now worried about Cirrhosis.

Is it very likely to have repeated normal Liver function tests, no symptoms and still have Cirrhosis?!

Please if anyone can help put my mind at ease I would be so grateful. 🙏🏼
Thanks ☺️

This is anxiety.
Reassurance from people on the internet won't help you.
I'm sorry you're struggling. What would your counsellor advice you do when feeling like this?

Thank you.
They would say to think rationally and not worse case scenario....

Yes, it is possible to have normal lft's but have some liver damage. The liver is a remarkable organ that can keep doing its job even when it's fairly damaged.

Nobody can tell you what's happening with yours but what your drinking is above the recommended units a week and clearly by the fact you're posting here, it's causing you a lot of worry and anxiety - maybe it's time to think about reducing? for both your physical and mental health.

If it is consistently 4 bottles that is over 35 units per week. That is associated with progression to cirrhosis but over years.

You can assess the scarring via a fibroscan or ELF or FIB4 test. Often however what is picked up is early stages of fibrosis which are reversible if you cut down or stop drinking.

A very important point is that the alcohol will be making your anxiety worse. Having even a mild hangover exacerbates it.
That should be fuel for you to cut down.

These comments show that people don't understand health anxiety.

It's irresponsible to tell anyone that drinking 30 to 40 units a week is fine and highly unlikely to cause any problems . Alcohol is well nown to fuel anxiety and mental health problems and without doubt will be contributing to the health anxiety. Burying your head in the sand won't make it go away but just keep the cycle going.. This needs facing with some help and support.

I understand what your saying NormalInnit

I'm aware that it's over the normal drinking guidelines and I have cut down to 2-3 bottles recently, but my question and worry was is it likely I've done per many damage already with normal liver function tests repeatedly?

I have a friend who has just recently had elevated liver function blood test results and they drink way more than I do so I was hoping that my drinking habits are not as likely to have caused any damage especially with the liver function results.

No I meant the comments which talk about how to get it tested differently and giving medical advice.
I've also advised her to reduce drinking.

Apologies @Krumblina - I somehow missed your post above.

@Lollipop56 that's great that you've reduced your consumption and it can only help to make you feel better both mentally and physically.

Unfortunately, nobody can tell you for definite whether your drinking has caused any damage to your liver. It is highly unlikely at this stage but that amount can certainly cause stomach and other health issues over time. As a previous poster has already mentioned, the only way to know is to have a fibroscan, but It seems like that wouldn't necessarily allay your fears at present, but hopefully something that your counselling will help with.

I have cirrhosis and pancreatitis but am healthy because l gave up drinking 16 years ago after 25 years of drinking ( l’m 59 ) Your anxiety is understandable as you clearly get that what you’re currently drinking is a lot. It’s unlikely that your liver is damaged and not showing up on tests but problems can develop very rapidly and the pains you describe sound more like kidneys anyway . ( yes l know lm not a doctor etc ..before people jump on me, but l am speaking from my experience ) Long term drinking starts to affect mindset ( it’s a stimulant and depressive ) and you might want to look at having a complete break for a while ? If that seems impossible then you may have a problem . I was terrified for my health and of dying for years before l gave up ! It’s a horrible way to live . Good luck.

Drinking at this level will likely not have caused any permanent damage to your liver, especially given your blood results are normal. I was drinking that amount daily and my liver is fine, as in no permanent damage (now that I’m sober, I did have abnormal liver function tests when I was drinking).

What alcohol often does inflame before it impacts the liver is the stomach, pancreas and bowel, and realistically that could be what you are feeling. All of that though will go back to normal if you have a break from drinking and then cut down (or stop altogether). Your anxiety will also improve massively if you aren’t drinking.

Honestly just give up the wine, you’ll feel better, the anxiety will reduce and you’ll have more money. It has no benefits.