Assessing Potential Unnoticed Liver or Kidney Issues
Let me share a bit about my background. I’m a 23-year-old transgender man who has struggled with alcohol for about four years now. My relationship with alcohol escalated in 2021, shifting from occasional socially-inspired drinking to more problematic usage. Initially, I would consume two cans of alcopop two evenings each week. Although that might seem minor, being underweight made me particularly sensitive to alcohol, so I would feel quite the buzz from it. Over time, my drinking habits started to deteriorate further. I can’t pinpoint exact dates or events due to my hazy memory, but my consumption took a turn between late 2022 and early 2023. A troubling relationship, combined with years of unresolved trauma, led me down a path of binge drinking. Thankfully, I never experienced blackouts or day drinking, yet my nightly binges were frequent. This dark period lasted around three to four months, but I’m not entirely sure on the timeline. With the combination of heavy drinking and using tobacco, I resorted to stealing money to fuel my addiction. The only thing that started to push me toward quitting was the onset of symptoms that resembled gastritis—though I can’t say for certain what they were. I was too frightened to seek help, but I dealt with a significant decrease in appetite, feeling ravenous yet oddly full after only eating a little. During that time, I relied heavily on Gaviscon until the discomfort subsided, which took about two weeks. Since July of the previous year, I've established a routine around my paydays every two weeks. I buy a liter of vodka or rum and consume it over the span of 5 to 6 nights, following which I spend the remaining time sober. This cycle continued for nearly a year. Recently, however, I have begun to experience concerning symptoms over the past couple of months. I’ve had itchy skin, unexplained bruising limited to my legs, severe fatigue, and dark, cloudy urine. Initially, I attributed these changes to adjustments from my hormone replacement therapy or dehydration after bingeing. However, after a recent period of excessive drinking from the 13th to the 19th, my condition worsened, prompting realization on the 22nd that it was time to make a change. I am finding it challenging to eat, feeling persistent vertigo and brain fog, suffering from coordination issues, experiencing intermittent flank pain, and enduring sleep disturbances, including night sweats and waking up with anxiety. My hunger pangs are intense, yet my mouth feels too parched to eat, and the mere smell of food turns my stomach. The resulting panic has been overwhelming; I frequently break down in tears or resort to frantic internet searches for answers. I have been to the emergency room four times, completed several urine tests—where the only notable finding was nitrites—and undergone assessments for my liver and kidneys resulting in a bilirubin level of 33 umol/L. However, as I have Gilbert’s syndrome, this can be misleading, along with my elevated leukocytes. Ultimately, I was told it was just a urinary tract infection with potential gastritis, and I was sent home with little to show for it. The prescribed antibiotics didn’t work, and now my urine has turned green. After submitting another urine sample, I was informed I may have to wait a week for results, which causes me great distress. If my liver is in trouble, waiting an additional week feels unbearable, especially knowing the answer might not even be clear. Living in the UK, I appreciate having access to free healthcare, but the lengthy wait times and the ongoing dismissals have been exhausting. Medical professionals say I’m too young for serious conditions, suggesting it's merely a UTI and assuring me that tests wouldn't reveal significant issues if there were any. Deep down, I can’t accept their reassurances. The fear is overwhelming. Today, I even visited a recovery hub and applied for support sessions because I truly want to stop drinking for good.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 9:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing such a detailed account of your experiences. It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging time, and your concerns regarding your liver and kidney health are understandable given your history and symptoms. Here's a structured approach to your situation:
Main Points
- Symptoms of Concern: Itchy skin, dark urine, fatigue, unexplained bruising, and coordination issues can be indicative of liver or kidney issues.
- Past Alcohol Use: The pattern of heavy drinking may have impacted your health, leading to your current symptoms.
- Current Goal: You're seeking to understand the seriousness of your situation while also pursuing support to stop drinking.
Explanation
Your combination of symptoms—especially dark urine, itchy skin, and fatigue—can indeed point to potential liver or kidney distress. While your healthcare providers have identified a urinary tract infection, the additional symptoms and your history make it reasonable to stay vigilant. Gilbert’s syndrome can complicate liver tests, but monitoring symptoms is essential.
Next Steps
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, including any changes in urine color, skin condition, appetite, and energy levels. Documenting this can provide valuable information for future medical consultations.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying hydrated with water. If solid food feels overwhelming, try clear broths or smoothies, which might be easier to tolerate. Eating small, frequent meals may help with appetite issues.
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Limit Alcohol: Since you’ve recognized a need for change, continue engaging with support systems (like the recovery hub). Reducing or eliminating alcohol is crucial for improving your health condition.
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Seek Follow-Up Care: If you still have ongoing symptoms after your next urine test, consider speaking to your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding potential liver issues. Advocate for further tests, such as liver function tests (ALT, AST) and a possible ultrasound if necessary.
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Mental Health Support: It’s commendable that you are seeking support. Consider reaching out for counseling or support groups to help manage the anxiety and distress caused by your symptoms and lifestyle changes.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to listen to your body and prioritize your well-being. While the healthcare system's response can be frustrating, maintaining communication about your ongoing symptoms is key. You're taking proactive steps towards recovery, and that’s commendable. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and many resources are available to help you on your path to health and recovery.
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