Hepatologist Questions Hepatologist

Do I have a swollen liver?

So I’m a 35/m who has been a pretty heavy drinker for most of the past 10-15 years. I was having some soreness around my liver and since I was looking for a reason to quit anyway, I gave it up cold turkey about three weeks ago. The sobriety hasn’t been a problem, but my liver is somewhat visibly swollen and sometimes it hurts. It’s usually in the evening and I feel a painful pop when I bend over. I don’t have insurance and I really can’t afford to see a doctor, so I was wondering if there’s anything I can do to get the swelling to go down. I’m 6’3” and overweight, and I’m currently working on getting the weight off. Thank you for your time and any advice.

Male | 35 years old
Complaint duration: 1 month
Medications: None
Conditions: Pain, swelling

1 Answer

HepatologistHepatologist
If I asked one of my professors he would recommend “tincture of time”. You probably have acute alcoholic hepatitis and have started on the best treatment. While I would like some blood tests today and again in two weeks (and an ultrasound as well), your odds are pretty good as long as you stay away from alcohol. PLEASE do not poke your liver since it’s vulnerable to injury right now. Feel free to check in here in about two weeks to report on how you’re doing.