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Liver damage
I have had normal liver enzyme test and a normal ultrasound and ct scan, but I still have extreme bloating. This has been going on for months now. I worry because I binge drank on a nightly basis for about an 8 year span, 3-5(sometimes more) glasses of wine and such. Should I be worried that I have liver damage that is just not showing up? I have changed my diet significantly ( no dairy or gluten) but I am still very bloated. I am sick with worry that I have caused permanent damage. I am still very young, 28. What are ur thoughts?
Liver organ failing is a life-threatening condition that requirements immediate health care. Most often, liver failing happens progressively and over many years.
by Brianne84, less than a minute
Thank you so much for your response. It was very reassuring. I know you probably hate this question, and I have significantly changed my habits(I'm on a 3 month break now), but do u think 8 years is a likely timeframe to cause damage?
Thank you so much for your response. It was very reassuring. I know you probably hate this question, and I have significantly changed my habits(I'm on a 3 month break now), but do u think 8 years is a likely timeframe to cause damage?
Thank you so much for your response. It was very reassuring. I know you probably hate this question, and I have significantly changed my habits(I'm on a 3 month break now), but do u think 8 years is a likely timeframe to cause damage?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Brianne,
You are right that drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time can cause permanent liver damage, but I am really glad to hear that you have significantly changed your drinking habits and your diet.
Chronic alcohol use causes the liver can become inflamed and infiltrated with fat, and if continued, ultimately lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). The good news is that the liver is a very resilient organ – it can generally recover and regenerate if you stop the behaviors or toxins causing it harm.
While I can’t give you definite answers without knowing more about you and your medical history, the most important thing you told me is that you are now very aware of the food you put into your body (and I assume no longer binge-drinking?). You are allowing your body to heal. If your liver function tests are normal, you’ve had a normal liver ultrasound, and you continue with your healthy lifestyle, then I think you can be reassured that your liver will be fine. If not already done, you may want to make sure you have been adequately vaccinated with Hepatitis A and B to further protect your liver.
I do not know why you are feeling bloated, but from what you have told me it is likely not due to your liver. Feeling bloated can have many causes and most often due to something in your diet. Has avoiding lactose and gluten led to any improvement in your symptoms? I recommend avoiding sugar, and you may want to try eliminating the FODMAPs foods: fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols. In addition, constipation can cause bloating, so make sure you are drinking a lot of water and eating high fiber foods.
You are right that drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time can cause permanent liver damage, but I am really glad to hear that you have significantly changed your drinking habits and your diet.
Chronic alcohol use causes the liver can become inflamed and infiltrated with fat, and if continued, ultimately lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). The good news is that the liver is a very resilient organ – it can generally recover and regenerate if you stop the behaviors or toxins causing it harm.
While I can’t give you definite answers without knowing more about you and your medical history, the most important thing you told me is that you are now very aware of the food you put into your body (and I assume no longer binge-drinking?). You are allowing your body to heal. If your liver function tests are normal, you’ve had a normal liver ultrasound, and you continue with your healthy lifestyle, then I think you can be reassured that your liver will be fine. If not already done, you may want to make sure you have been adequately vaccinated with Hepatitis A and B to further protect your liver.
I do not know why you are feeling bloated, but from what you have told me it is likely not due to your liver. Feeling bloated can have many causes and most often due to something in your diet. Has avoiding lactose and gluten led to any improvement in your symptoms? I recommend avoiding sugar, and you may want to try eliminating the FODMAPs foods: fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols. In addition, constipation can cause bloating, so make sure you are drinking a lot of water and eating high fiber foods.
I also thought I should include some other symptoms.
- raised facial flushing
- weight loss ( about 8 pounds)
- tenderness of the stomach when I press certain spots
- and again, the bloating, which is constant and extreme, especially after I eat. Im a small person, so not only does it show, but it is very uncomfortable. It's Like there is à ballon in my stomach, ALWAYS:(
- raised facial flushing
- weight loss ( about 8 pounds)
- tenderness of the stomach when I press certain spots
- and again, the bloating, which is constant and extreme, especially after I eat. Im a small person, so not only does it show, but it is very uncomfortable. It's Like there is à ballon in my stomach, ALWAYS:(
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