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You Don't Need To Do Anything But Be Born And Die...

  • anonymous Asks ...
    anonymous

    I am an alcoholic in recovery. I am 8 months sober and I am feeling OK. I drank for 20 years. Do I need to get my liver checked out if I do not have any worrisome symptoms?

  • Dr. Mark Abrahams Says ...
    Dr.  Mark Abrahams

    ...Anything else is entirely your choice. If you haven't been getting blood drawn regularly every year or two as part of a regular medical check-up, then that has been largely your choice as well, although I don't know anything about your life including employment, finances, medical insurance, etc.. Health is at the top of my priorities in life, but I won't assume that is true for most people I meet. So, personally, I would certainly have a blood work-up, with an emphasis on liver enzymes, along with a complete physical, and I'd inquire about whether [s]he recommends an endoscopy to check the condition of my esophagus (checking the blood vessels as well as early signs of esophageal cancer). But again, that's just me, and I am not giving medical advice since I'm not a licensed medical doctor.

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