48 years old..Severe Alcohol Hepatitis....drank for 20 plus years

I believe back in Nov after a cruise I did some back to back drinking (binge), and contacted Alcoholic Hepatitis and was very very sick where I couldnt even work for two months. For the past six months I've been getting better but with the history of my drinking I think it has turn into cirrhosis. Before the cruise in Sept I notice fatigue and headaches and wrote it off as being over work. But in the course of the six months after the cruise I start developing red palms, green spider veins on my chest and stomach, pale skin, lots of constipation, and low urine output. about a month or less ago I start having this pain on my right upper side near my rib cage. I also notice it's aggravated by greasy foods and sometimes just sharp pain there. Along with that my spleen feels swollen too, so I believe things have gotten better with the alcoholic hepatitis but now cirrhosis is settling in.

I did a second ultrasound and they said my liver was extended but that is it. Back in Feb I did a liver and spleen scan and that was normal. But all the while my alt/ast is elevated like 162/70 several times. And yes stool a pale color but not all the time. My appointment for a biopsy is tomorrow so I will definitely find out what is going on. I am a little scared never had anything done like this but I have to do it for a peace of mind. Thanks ppm guy, Ziff, and Mama for all the support.

Thanks so much RoseAnne for the stern advice! and yes I will join a group. I was hoping I would be able to get this biopsy done today but it's been postponed for Tuesday of next week. I need a driver to drive me home after the procedure. I really was nervous but was willing to go through this today but they said I had to get a driver.

And yes I am alone but when I join this AA group meeting it will be alright, I feel deep down inside!!! Thanks again!!!!

So let me ask you guys this.....

What does a biospy really reveal? I know cirrhosis but can a MRI and CT scan do the same??? Having mixed emotions!!!!

So what you are saying ppm guy is that the fibroscan is very accurate? dependable? So CT and/or a MRI what about an elastography, which is a glorified ultra-sound, to see the level of fibrosis you have. As for the HE, have you heard of a venogram (done via a transjugular biopsy) to determine if you have portal hypertension, which is generally the proximate cause of the toxins?

Let me know if you heard of these terms?

So let me ask you this ppm???????? which one would you go for????? if you were me????



They did a fibroscan, but I think my liver was cirrohic yet....they did one back in feb or march

ppm guy....I get my boispy done tomorrow morning at 8am....I will post soon as i know...thanks for being concern man

opps!!! Prothromb time international ration 0.92 L (2.00-3.00)

nope why you ask? albuim level was in a good range too

mhump,

your alt/ast ratio can be a consideration in the cause and severity of liver disease.

check this out for a basic explaination: /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST/ALT_ratio

Mama Lama

mhump,
your pt/inr numbers show how long it takes, for your blood to clot.. your numbers suggest that you clot fast. thats good

mhump,
the steatosis will improve with your sobriety and diet..

the iron increase(if im reading your sentence correct) will be dealt with by your dr.

hi mhump,
im doing well at the time.. I had 2 surgeries earlier this year.. ive recovered nicely.. mamalama has taken some time, to take care of herself.

your continued sobriety is absolutely fantastic. I know how difficult quiting is..your eating right an d exercising, is also key to your recovery..

I had red palms for years with liver disease. it disappeared within a year, after curing my liver disease..
liver disease can lead to lack of proper fluid circulation..this can cause dry , itchy skin.. what does your dr say??

if your dr wont approve a fibroscan, ask your doc about a ultrasound. both would be great!! an ultrasound will show the condition of your liver surface. any fibrosis on the sur face will probably be observed. it is also used to check for cancers.