Matt is supporting the Sound the Alarm campaign for earlier diagnosis of liver disease. He explains why in his story of alcohol-related liver disease here. Thank you Matt.
It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol you drink, you can still damage your liver.
"I wouldn’t describe myself as having been a heavy drinker – I used to drink alcohol every day but no spirits. A lot of people think that if you stay away from the ‘top shelf’ you’ll be fine, but that’s not the case. It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol you drink, you can still damage your liver.
"I was rushed into hospital in 2017. I had swollen legs with blisters all over and my stomach was bloated up I looked pregnant. I was all yellow with jaundice and felt really ill. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease. Three months previously I had had blood tests and was fine so it all happened so quickly.
"If I'd been diagnosed earlier things wouldn't have gotten as bad as they have"
"I have been abstinent for three years now but I have cirrhosis of the liver. I get tired really easily and can only sleep on my left side as it’s so uncomfortable to lie on my right side, and I can't lie on my back because of emphysema. Plus now I have varices (bleeds on my oesophagus) and nerve damage to both my hands and feet.
"I’m waiting for an appointment with my gastroenterologist but it’s been postponed as the doctor was self-isolating due to Covid-19.
"If I'd been diagnosed earlier things wouldn't have gotten as bad as they have. So earlier diagnosis is absolutely necessary, that's why I support the Sound The Alarm campaign."