Cirrhosis Support Group

That is what I like best about my psychiatrist.

Every two weeks, one whole hour (and sometimes up to hour and a half) me talking about ME and what I need to, her listening, probing, guiding, supporting...without me having an obligation to worry about HER feelings.

Although I felt real bad when I told her about the PBC and she got a bit weepy....

The drugs I need for the anxiety. The counselling I need for the guilt of knowing I did this to myself and my family will have to go through hell because I threw my life away. I realise now how alcohol doesn't just harm the person drinking. The guilt and self loathing will kill me quicker than my liver.

I know what you mean Guitar. Yet only 10-20% of drinkers develop Cirrhosis. I have met someone and it's getting serious (he's coming from Houston, TX to Delaware for the weekend in August-met him when I was 13 and he was 16 and he found me on facebook). Like that part was important, I know guys. Anyway, I would love to have a few glasses of wine when we go out to dinner and yet no, no, no. And so much guilt posting as so many of our incredible friends in our Group did not acquire cirrhosis from drinking. It doesn't seem fair at all to them and I pray for everyone every day and am so greatful for the acceptance they allow from those of us who had an option. Ru

Well said Ruth,

I too am amazed at the compassion from those who had no choice in this disease. I have no temptation to drink ever again. I don't feel envious of others who do drink as I know what it has done to me and my family. Shame it took till it was too late. Let's just hope we can slow it down to a snails pace!

I do not think any of us who are doing what we can to improve our health and situation should continue to feel shame for what we've done in the past. We can't change that. Of course, those who continue to abuse themselves after dx, well, THAT's a shame. And for those who continue to blame us for past actions that got us into medical trouble, despite our BEST efforts to deal with the problem, a GIANT WET RASPBERRY to them--ssspplgghhhrrrb! (So there, Mom, who likes to remind me I shouldn't have taken those vitamins with iron!!!)

Post edited by: IronCelt, at: 06/29/2012 10:05 AM

Thanks IronCelt ,

I think as years go by the memory's of the old me will fade. Right now I need to work on preserving this run down liver as long as possible. I think once I stop being haunted by my old self I can move on and fight!

Ironcelt: so, what's wrong with taking vitamins with Iron? i'm taking vitamin and iron supplements right now.

Guitar - don't be so hard on yourself. we all have made mistakes in our lives, and for me that includes 20 years of smoking as well. i did quit smoking as well. i just didn't realize that i was drinking at harmful level.

we can only do our best and leave the rest to God. i don't know why i said that, i'm not even religious.

Forehand,

I'm not religious exactly but I have asked gods help and forgiveness a lot over the last 6 months!

Forehand, people who have the genetic disease hemochromatosis should not take vitamins with iron. For people with anemia issues, it's okay. I had never heard of hemochromatosis before my diagnosis, and the "women's vitamins" I was told to take to improve pregnancy outcomes sent my already high iron levels into the stratosphere, causing cirrhosis.

wow - i'm sorry to hear about how you got your cirrhosis. you were just trying to look after yourself and your baby.

i hope the best for you.