Pain in left side just under ribs - worried

[hollyivy123]

I've been experiencing a mild pain, it's mainly an ache type pain but occasional sharp twinges. It comes and goes, sometimes I don't get it for days, but other times it's back with a vengeance. I must admit i've been drinking more since covid, but have cut it back a lot the last few months but with the occasional binge unfortunately. This pain has been going on for about 4-5 years. (I know I should have seen a GP already, but I think i'm scared of what the answer might be)

I wondered if it was pancreatitis, but I don't have any nausea or vomiting, and the pain isnt that severe. I also wondered if it was related to IBS, which I have been diagnosed with, but it doesn't seem to totally fit either. What does worry me that maybe I have an enlarged spleen and the pain is coming from that. Other symptoms I have had are headaches and constant fatigue (but i'm also perimenopausal too). The last couple of months I have had increased bruising on my arms and the backs of my hands, so i'm wondering if my bloods might be abnormal and that i'm also possibly aneamic.

I have bitten the bullet and made a doctors appointment as I can't keep ignoring this for much longer. I will have to open up about drinking more than the recommended levels and I really don't want to have 'Alcohol use disorder' written on my doctors records, but feel I have no other choice at this point, as I can't ignore the bruising as I know that also points to sinister things like leukemia. For the record, i'm currently drinking approx 2 bottles of wine and about 4 or 5 pints of lager per week, on average. I don't drink every night. I was previously drinking approximately a bottle of wine per night, so at least i've managed to cut it down a bit, but I know it's still too much.

I really am worried about what the answer might be, or if I will even get any form of diagnosis at all. I was just wondering if anyone else on here had been suffering pain in this area, or any spleen problems, or if anyone had any thoughts on what it could be. I'll update when I go to the doctors on saturday (eek!)

Thanks for reading it all if you've got this far..

It could well be liver disease. But that doesn't mean you're dying. If you catch it in time and abstain your liver can often repair itself.
The bruising can be a sign of liver problems.

You're doing the right thing by seeing a doctor. Could you start trying to cut down on drink today? Could you manage a day without a drink?

Wishing you well and best of luck x

It could be lots of things but you’re doing the right thing by seeing your GP. At this stage I think you just have to be very honest, after all, what’s worse? going through this worry and fear or having it on your medical record? Let’s be honest, the GP sees this everyday, you’re far from the only one and if it helps with the treatment and your health it can only be a positive.

You’ve done so well by cutting down but it needs to be reduced even further if you want to get your health back.

Thanks for the reply. I really hope it's not liver disease, I dont get any other symptoms of that, but I guess blood tests will tell. I can manage today without a drink yes, i do have many days alcohol free. Ironically the pain in the left side seems to get worse when I've not drank for a week or so, not sure what that's all about!

If the pain was coming from your liver, it would be on the right hand side. It’s a very good idea to see your doctor, they will have seen many patients with a lot higher alcohol intake than you, so please don’t worry.

Update,just seen GP who didnt seem that concerned but will order blood tests for the bruising and an ultrasound scan on the abdomen. Not sure how long it will take me to get those. She didnt even ask about alcohol. At least I might get some anwers at some point. Thanks for the replies