Hey everyone. I'm new to the group. I have had a drinking problem for about 12 yrs. It became a little worse after my Dad died 2 yrs. ago. I went for blood work awhile ago and my liver enzymes were high. It scared me so much I just quite drinking. I feel awful. I feel so weak esoecially in the legs. My stomach hurts and I get cold chills for no reason. Could this possible be withjdrawal symptoms?? Any help would be appreciated. Hope all is going well for ya'll. Thanks, Marlene
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person. But, it might be worth checking it out with your GP. My GP was very helpful and supportive when I stopped drinking.
Here are some alcohol withdrawal symptoms:-
Mild-to-moderate psychological symptoms:
Jumpiness or nervousness Shakiness Anxiety Irritability or easy excitability Rapid emotional changes Depression Fatigue Difficulty thinking clearly Bad dreams
Mild-to-moderate physical symptoms:
Headache -- general, pulsating Sweating -- especially the palms of the hands or the face Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Insomnia (sleeping difficulty) Pallor Rapid heart rate Eye pupils enlarged(dilated pupils) Clammy skin Tremor of the hands Involuntary, abnormal movements of the eyelids
Severe symptoms:
Delirium tremens -- a state of confusion and visual hallucinations Agitation Fever Convulsions Black outs -- when the person forgets what happened during the drinking episode
Please keep posting and letting us know how things go for you, won't you?
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
The body will eventually normalize and get used to not having alcohol in it, with continued abstinence. I had high liver enzymes at one time, but have normal results in labs now.
As an alcoholic, I can honestly say that putting down the drink was only 1/10th of the battle. I needed much repair in my thinking, and still do. Especially right now. So try to find a meeting if you can, and get into the big Book and the 12 steps, which is the solution to all of this. Anytime I have kept close to the AA program, not only has my body been healthier, but my mind and my relationships as well.
So glad you are here, and welcome welcome welcome!! Looking forward to getting to know you!!
((((hugs)))) Joni
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
Thank you Joni and Carol for your replies. I am really doing fairly well. Just a little worried about the enzyme thing. But the good Lord is with me. Thanks again, Marlene
HI marlene and welcome. Like joni said drinking tends to elevate liver enzymes, which is an indication that your liver cells are dying faster than they are being replaced. That's why acute alcholism will eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver. (joni will be along momentarily to correct me). Higher enzyme levels may also be an indication of liver disease or hepatitis. Many alcoholics seem to get it. I found out that I had hep C in '90 a year after I got sober. The Dr. told me that If I stayed away from drinking, drugs, and smoking that I would probably outlive my disease. But If I didn't I could need a liver transplant and/or die in a short time.
My higher power gave me quite an incentive to stay clean and sober for which I'm extremely grateful.
Nope, no correction here, StPete. Cirrhosis happens like you said, when the liver cells die faster than they are replaced, and in large amounts. When the liver can no longer replace these cells, scar tissue forms in the liver, which is USELESS to the body, because scar tissue can't filter toxins out of our systems.
Good stuff, and another fine reason for me to stay sober and get to my homegroup tonight!
((((hugs)))) Joni
P.S..... not a doctor... just a lowly Surgical Technician who has not worked as one for a few years.....
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
Welcome to MIP, Marlene. Good to have you here. I hope you get some good advice & pointers to move forward with. I'm no good at that sort of thing but I like to read where others are upto in their journeys. I'm glad you have a faith with you & I hope you feel joining us here will help you too. It adds alot to my sobriety & helps to keep me sober. I hope it can do the same for you. Well done in your efforts. I hope your physical condition improves with your spiritual health! Again, welcome to MIP. I hope we hear more from you, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Thanks Micky, I'm actually doing quite well. I was very fortunate that the level of my disease is very low and I've been asymptomatic (without symptoms) the whole time. NIH checks me out every year and I just got my report that said I had very sustainable levels, lower than they've ever been.
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
