Alcoholic Liver Disease Online Support Group

Thanks, Roy, for getting the quirks out!

I am new to this group but a regular in the cirrhosis group. My name is Jackie and my husband, Jim was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis. Truly like the idea of this separate forum as those of you with liver damage caused by alcohol are truly much fortunate than those with the disease from other causes. In the 90 days that Jim has remained sober, his liver function has recovered greatly. This is in an older man, 64, that has many other health problems, and has been a steady drinker for more than 40 years. If his liver can recover even some function, those of you that are much younger and healthier should be greatly encouraged! Not only has his liver function improved, his anemia is better, as his bone marrow. He went from four blood pressure medications down to one. Jim has not had a recent cholesterol test but I would believe that too, has improved. His triglycerides were sky high! Alcohol is one of the factors for an increase.

As a full time caretaker at present, have lots of time on my hands. Anyone need someone to talk or vent, my ears are always open!

Well said Jackie and welcome to this group!

Hi Mommamac

it has been about 90 days since i stopped drinking. last blood test, i was told of being anemic.

i have been taking supplemnt to improve the situation - did Jim's doctor prescribe something for anemia. iron pill?

it is great to hear that he is doing much better with abstinence.

Jim was anemic for five years, prior to his liver diagnosis. He took iron supplements, under the direction of a hematologist for four years prior to them no longer working. A bone marrow biopsy only showed it no longer stored iron and he went for iron infusions. Alcohol also effects bone marrow and it is not as effective under the influence. His doctors state no alcohol has the liver function improving as well as the bone marrow. He only takes folic acid now. Congrats on the sobriety!

MommaMac,

Interesting you should meantion the Folic Acid. I had a phone call from my Doc a couple of weeks back telling me I had a slight Folic Acid deficiency. I have been Sober 6 months now? I have been prescribed Folic Acid tabs. My doctors says this is not down to the liver but actually alcohol excess or bad diet? the normal Folic acid range in the UK is 3.2 but mine was 3.0.