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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

My alcoholism has cured itself. AIBU to worry about HOW I have suddenly become intolerant?

123 replies

Tliev · 27/10/2016 07:50

I have always had a bit of a drink problem. As far back as I can remember I could never touch a drop without getting the urge to carry on until I physically couldn't drink anymore.

At 15 I remember being on the floor of a pub toilet completely intoxicated and the pub landlord trying to get me up and out after hours.

There have been numerous occasions where I have shown myself up in front of family and friends by getting absolutely wrecked and needing help getting up/home.

Last year DH and I went to Leeds to see a band and I drank so much I fell over in the street and couldn't get up. DH and some young medical student was trying to get me up and then I was sick all over myself. I remember hearing the young lad say "has she ever been like this before??" And DH replying " errr yes, unfortunately".

Too many examples to mention.

The worst one being my wedding where I was passed out in bed by 10pm.

Anyway about 6 months ago I sat down to my usual weekly Friday binge, had my first drink and felt sick and dizzy so didn't drink anymore. I remember saying to DH "wow, Friday night and I've had one drink!"

Since then I seem to have developed an intolerance to alcohol completely. Whenever I start, I begin to feel sick and dizzy so stop. Recently we had a BBQ party and everyone was drunk - I tried and physically couldn't do it. Good job really as I ended up having to help two very intoxicated guests.

DH and I went away to York for his birthday last weekend. Normally I'd have a drink before we set off, a drink on arrival at the hotel and at least 2 during our evening meal. This time I didn't start until our evening meal and then could only manage half a pint.

So aibu to worry that something is wrong with my liver? Why would someone suddenly become intolerant to alcohol? On another point - I have been trying to stop drinking for years so surely if it was psychological, it would have happened before now? Why now all of a sudden has my body decided enough is enough?

In one way, I'm delighted that my alcoholism has been stopped without any effort from myself but on the other hand, I'm worrying it's something medical?

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 27/10/2016 07:52

Yes I woukd be seeing a GP and avoiding all alcohol if you can in the meantime. Hope all is well Flowers

luckylucky24 · 27/10/2016 07:54

I would see your GP.

yesterdaysunshine · 27/10/2016 07:55

See your GP, but maybe it's a sign from God :)

FourToTheFloor · 27/10/2016 07:57

Yes OP. You definitely need to see your GP.

sarahnova69 · 27/10/2016 07:57

Is there a chance you could be pregnant? Because this is a not uncommon side effect.

In any case you need to see your GP.

Original poster
Tliev · 27/10/2016 07:58

When I've looked into it I have read about alcoholism causing damage to the liver which destroys the enzyme responsible for dealing with alcohol. This can cause a sudden intolerance. If that's all it is, I don't want to be cured.

I worry that the doc will laugh and say "you're worried that you're no longer an alcoholic??"

OP posts:
IfartInYourGeneralDirection · 27/10/2016 07:59

Stop drinking completely and see the gp

Original poster
Tliev · 27/10/2016 08:01

I'm worried now, anyone thinking it could be sinister?

OP posts:
danTDM · 27/10/2016 08:07

Yes, it is a sign of liver failure. See you GP, they certainly won't laugh

Maccapacca88 · 27/10/2016 08:10

I am like this when I am pregnant. Used to be a pretty frequent "social/binge drinker". Can't even stand the smell when pregnant. Could that be it?

user1477282676 · 27/10/2016 08:19

Allergies can sometimes develop in adults suddenly. Or sometimes irritable stomachs can be affected.

BikeRunSki · 27/10/2016 08:29

Sounds like liver failure. See your GP, could be much deeper seated than just presenting as an aversion to alcohol.

lalalalyra · 27/10/2016 08:33

You need to see your GP. It could be a serious issue with your liver, even if it is the sudden intolerance that you've read about that is still liver damage that needs to be looked at (and perhaps monitored).

Xenophile · 27/10/2016 08:35

Get yourself to a GP, this sounds like your liver is failing.

No one is going to laugh about that, and hopefully they will be able to do something to help you. Cirrhosis is deadly.

Selfimproved · 27/10/2016 08:35

Happened to me with my first pregnancy. It was the best thing as I have never gone back to drinking so much.
See your GP.

Coconutty · 27/10/2016 08:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

perditalost · 27/10/2016 08:41

How much did you drink in the past? I had a friend who collapsed after her 2nd drink and twice ended up in hospital- each time on less than 2 pints. Maybe you just have an extreme reaction- I know that she did.

Dragongirl10 · 27/10/2016 08:43

see your GP urgently.

BeautyGoesToBenidorm · 27/10/2016 08:49

I think it's a bit premature to be stating it sounds like liver failure. However, it seems that your liver is having a grumble at least, OP.

Ask your GP for a full liver panel to be carried out, and specifically request that this includes your GGT levels, as many surgeries don't test your GGT as part of a routine liver panel.

Are you experiencing any other symptoms? Black, tarry stools, unusual bloating, excessive fatigue?

Graceflorrick · 27/10/2016 08:50

Perhaps it's psychological OP? Won't hurt to get it checked though.

NoahVale · 27/10/2016 08:51

are you sure you are not pregnant op?
i could not drink when pregnant

Vagndidit · 27/10/2016 08:57

Considering OP noticed her intolerance kicking in about 6 months ago, I'll venture a guess it's probably not pregnancy related. Hmm

In any case, yes OP, I'd definitely see your GP as soon as you can.

shovetheholly · 27/10/2016 09:03

Go see your GP. But I wouldn't worry too much - you sound quite young? And to be honest, your behaviour really isn't that extreme (except on Mumsnet where someone who has more than one glass of wine is a raging alcoholic).

Binge drinking isn't alcoholism - it's alcohol abuse, yes, and it's dangerous for all kinds of reasons (you're very vulnerable when dead drunk, to accident and to people who don't have your best interests at heart, plus it doesn't do your body any good at all). But it's not the same thing as a physical dependency that means you are knocking back 3 litres of cider before 9am every single morning.

I think sometimes your body just tells you that you need a rest from the partying! And that's a good opportunity to reduce your tolerance so you can still feel nice on rather less alcohol. It might be worth thinking about looking into the psychological reasons why you want to drink yourself into oblivion, so that you have some longer term support. I think sometimes this is about patience - binge drinkers tend to snatch at drink and down a lot quite rapidly, and then it hits them very suddenly. Whereas if you take it easier and just wait for it to kick in, you will reach a pleasant buzz without either consuming crazy numbers of units or putting yourself at risk.

user1474627704 · 27/10/2016 09:03

Please don't listen to the idiots telling you it is a sign of liver failure. They should know better than to diagnose people over the internet, especially with something so fucking serious. Hmm

It's incredibly unlikely that the only sign of liver failure would be a sudden change in your ability to drink. There are a whole host of symptoms of liver failure, and that isn't one of them. No harm having a chat with your GP, but don't let the keyboard doctors frighten you. They are talking twaddle.

NoahVale · 27/10/2016 09:06

just go with it then op, embrace your intolerance, dont question it.