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worried about liver - Terry's nails but bloods normal

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john82821
john82821

Hi,

I've been a heavy drinker for several years and last year noticed Terry's Nails (see a pic of my nails below), which are apparently present in 80% of cirrhosis sufferers, and was worried I could also feel my liver enlarged (although this was quite possibly in my head).

image

I went to the doctor and, even though, she couldn't feel anything unusual around the rib cage and didn't know what Terry's Nails were, she referred me for a liver scan. Obviously, this could take some time on the NHS.

I have also occasionally been getting slight dull pains in the right rib area but then it's nothing sustained or regular.

My liver function tests at the time came back normal, although I realise this only tells me the liver is still functioning normally - not that there is no damage. However, my main question is, if the liver is still functioning normally, is it possible for the Terry's Nails to result from a liver problem?

It would also be good to know how common it is for blood tests to be normal with advanced liver disease.

I'm drinking 2-4 times a week (28-50 units/week). My goal is to get to once a week and then try to limit that to about 10-12 units but I know also that going sober for at least time would be wise. I spend most of the week convinced that, from this week, I will cut it back to once a week but, when it gets to the habitual drinking nights, that goes out of the window. It's so frustrating

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1 Reply

  • joshuapryce1987
    joshuapryce1987 john82821

    Posted

    I think you need to fight against drinking too much, this is the most important thing, your nails look fine to me. I do not see a strong yellow colour in the nails. This is a good sign that its not too late.

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