OpenHealth Q&A

Concerned About Potential Damage from Alcohol Consumption

To share a bit about myself, I'm a 23-year-old transgender man currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Over the past few years, I’ve had a problematic relationship with alcohol, particularly marked by periods of binge drinking. The peak of this behavior occurred last year, when I consumed alcohol nightly for a solid three-month stretch. I eventually ceased this pattern due to severe gastritis symptoms, including extreme hunger pangs and a drastic reduction in appetite. Although I haven’t experienced severe illness from drinking, I often feel nauseous after overindulging, yet I typically stop before reaching a critical point, usually when I start feeling fatigued or just uncomfortable enough to realize I’ve had enough. Lately, I have developed a cycle of drinking: every two weeks, following my payday, I tend to buy either a liter or a 70cl bottle of rum or vodka. Over the course of 3 to 5 nights, I consume it mixed with Coke Zero, and once the bottle is empty, I struggle to maintain hydration for the remainder of that pay period. Instead, I find myself relying on coffee, soda, or just a bit of squash when I begin to feel a bit faint, which seems to be a frequent issue lately, as I’ve been dealing with persistent vertigo and mental fog. In the past month, I've noticed some concerning symptoms: itchy skin, unexplained bruises on my legs, and cloudy urine that has a distinct and unpleasant odor. A few days ago, I became increasingly anxious that I might be overlooking significant health issues and decided to visit the emergency room. The first urine analysis indicated normal results with some trace nitrites, a second test later in the day yielded similar outcomes. The medical staff suggested a urinary tract infection (UTI), yet the array of symptoms I was experiencing suggested otherwise: I dealt with mid-back pain, constipation alongside pale stools, chills, fever, nausea, and a resurgence of hunger pains. My last consumption of alcohol was on the 19th, when I had a single rum and coke at a pub; prior to that, I had been binge drinking from the 16th onward. Out of fear, I requested another urine test, which showed no nitrite presence; however, I wonder if my excessive water intake skewed the results since I had been hydrating heavily. Last night, due to crippling anxiety, I returned to A&E for another urine test that came back normal again. I finally underwent tests for liver and kidney function. The results revealed elevated bilirubin levels at 33 umol/L, which isn't entirely abnormal for my case given my Gilbert's Syndrome diagnosis, alongside a slight increase in leukocyte count; the rest of the results appeared satisfactory. The physician I consulted concluded that it was likely a UTI along with gastritis. I was prescribed antibiotics (Trimethoprim), but I'm hesitant to take them due to the potential risks for someone with liver or kidney issues. What if there’s a serious underlying problem that the tests haven’t detected? My anxiety is overwhelming; the vertigo and brain fog leave me feeling completely disoriented, giving me the sensation that my surroundings are constantly shifting. I am terrified that my health is deteriorating while no one seems to understand or acknowledge my fears. Living in the UK complicates matters, as acquiring specific diagnostic tests, such as biopsies or imaging studies, requires a referral, and there’s always the concern that if one appears too anxious, medical professionals may dismiss their worries as unwarranted, which fails to provide me with reassurance. I have resolved to stop drinking entirely; all I desire is to regain my health, but I can’t help but feel that it may already be too late for recovery.

Answers (1)

3/24/2025, 1:41:02 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's commendable that you've recognized your concerning drinking patterns and are seeking guidance on your health. Your symptoms and health history suggest a need for careful attention, especially with your recent experiences of vertigo, anxiety, and changes in urine color and odor.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Concerns About Alcohol and Current Symptoms: Your history with binge drinking and current symptoms, including vertigo, nausea, and unusual urine changes, require monitoring.
2. Doctor’s Assessment: You've been seen by medical professionals, and while they have suggested a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) and gastritis, you've retained doubts about your overall health.
3. Desire for Recovery: You've decided to stop drinking and seek ways to regain your health, which is a proactive and positive step.

Explanation:

Alcohol can significantly impact your body, especially with your underlying conditions like Gilbert's Syndrome. Symptoms like itchy skin, unexplained bruises, and changes in urine could indicate various things—ranging from dehydration to potential liver involvement. Elevated bilirubin levels, while typically benign in Gilbert's Syndrome, can signal other liver concerns when paired with your symptoms and heavy drinking history. Your anxiety is understandable as you try to navigate these health challenges, but addressing this with measures to improve your overall health is fundamental.

Next Steps:

1. Hydration: Focus actively on staying hydrated, aiming for water rather than sugary drinks or coffee. Begin slowly by establishing a routine, such as drinking a glass of water every hour or setting reminders.
2. Nutrition: Prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This can help combat feelings of fatigue and support liver health.
3. Monitoring Symptoms:
   • Keep a health journal documenting your symptoms, including how frequently you feel vertigo or brain fog and any changes in appetite.
   • Note any new symptoms or changes in your existing symptoms while you are avoiding alcohol.
4. Mental Health Support: Given your anxiety and feelings of disorientation, reaching out for mental health support can be helpful. This could be through counseling or support groups, particularly those focused on recovery from substance use.
5. Follow-up Care: Since you have concerns about underlying health issues, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider. Share your documented symptoms and express your worries directly to facilitate appropriate follow-up testing or referrals.

You've taken an important step by deciding to stop drinking; continuing to be proactive with your health can lead to improvement. It’s perfectly okay to express your fears and concerns to your healthcare provider—they should work with you to find relief from both your physical and mental distress.