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Hello, I Have Recently Had A Blood Test Which Showed
Question: Hello,
I have recently had a blood test which showed a slight abnormality in my liver about 3 weeks ago and I have also been asked to attend a follow up appointment next week. Unfortunately, I do drink alcohol to cope with stress and consumed approximately a litre of rum last night. I am a fairly bigindividual so it takes quite a lot of alcohol before I start feeling even remotely intoxicated. Today I have been shaking on and off and have felt confused at times. My ankles are quite swollen and so is my abdomen.
I've had palpitations, PVC's and a persistent feeling of shock.
I do take anti anxiety medication and prescribed beta blockers. I know that I have to come off the alcohol and will start today. My recent ECG came back normal as well. I have been worried that this could be liver poisoning or failure and it could be life threatening. Is this anything to worry about?
I have recently had a blood test which showed a slight abnormality in my liver about 3 weeks ago and I have also been asked to attend a follow up appointment next week. Unfortunately, I do drink alcohol to cope with stress and consumed approximately a litre of rum last night. I am a fairly bigindividual so it takes quite a lot of alcohol before I start feeling even remotely intoxicated. Today I have been shaking on and off and have felt confused at times. My ankles are quite swollen and so is my abdomen.
I've had palpitations, PVC's and a persistent feeling of shock.
I do take anti anxiety medication and prescribed beta blockers. I know that I have to come off the alcohol and will start today. My recent ECG came back normal as well. I have been worried that this could be liver poisoning or failure and it could be life threatening. Is this anything to worry about?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that alcohol intake can lead to increased liver enzymes.
It can also trigger palpitations and cause overweight ( weight gain).
Considering your young age, I don't think that you should panic.
I would just recommend taking plenty of water in order to push away alcohol and its toxins from your body, considering your last drink.
I would also strongly encourage you to stop drinking in order to avoid its long term consequences on the liver, heart and brain.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that alcohol intake can lead to increased liver enzymes.
It can also trigger palpitations and cause overweight ( weight gain).
Considering your young age, I don't think that you should panic.
I would just recommend taking plenty of water in order to push away alcohol and its toxins from your body, considering your last drink.
I would also strongly encourage you to stop drinking in order to avoid its long term consequences on the liver, heart and brain.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
That's a very good answer doctor. I will stop alcohol immediately that won't be a problem. I have had doctors tell me to come off alcohol gradually though to avoid withdrawal symptoms. What would you recommend?
I've had no chest pains and haven't found it difficult to breathe. Just general confusion, swollen ankles, palpitations and extremely high levels of anxiety. I was just wondering if this could be liver poisoning or failure?
Many thanks.
I've had no chest pains and haven't found it difficult to breathe. Just general confusion, swollen ankles, palpitations and extremely high levels of anxiety. I was just wondering if this could be liver poisoning or failure?
Many thanks.
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I agree with your doctor's recommendation on stopping gradually alcohol, in order to avoid withdrawal syndrome.
Regarding liver failure, I would like to review your performed tests in order to give a more professional opinion. Although at your age, liver failure would be really exceptional.
Anyway, an abdominal ultrasound is necessary to examine your live dimensions and structure.
In the meantime, I would recommend to gradually stop alcohol and perform regular physical activity and take plenty of water in order to push away the toxins from your body.
Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety, coupled also with betablockers.
I would also recommend taking silymarine capsules in order to protect your liver from further damage.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I agree with your doctor's recommendation on stopping gradually alcohol, in order to avoid withdrawal syndrome.
Regarding liver failure, I would like to review your performed tests in order to give a more professional opinion. Although at your age, liver failure would be really exceptional.
Anyway, an abdominal ultrasound is necessary to examine your live dimensions and structure.
In the meantime, I would recommend to gradually stop alcohol and perform regular physical activity and take plenty of water in order to push away the toxins from your body.
Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety, coupled also with betablockers.
I would also recommend taking silymarine capsules in order to protect your liver from further damage.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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