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"You know, when I was a kid, I was very fond of sugar, and sugar was a rarity back then, and getting a piece was like picking up a treasure. ”
Sitting in a chair in the consultation room, holding the doctor's prescription in her hand, Mrs. Li told the young doctor Dr. Zhang who was sitting across from her about her experience. Dr. Zhang listened with a smile, knowing that the elderly man loved to chat and could always dig out some clues to her diagnosis.
Mrs. Li came to see the doctor today because she has been feeling tired lately, losing her appetite, and sometimes feeling abdominal distension and pain. These symptoms may not sound serious, but for an octogenarian, every small symptom can be a precursor to something big.
"Aunt Li, do you have any other discomforts, such as any abnormalities in your skin, and your eyes, have they turned yellow?" Dr. Zhang asked carefully, and he knew that these symptoms might be related to abnormal liver function.
"Oh, you say the skin, I think it's weird for the past two days, it's a little itchy, and it's a little yellow. Aunt Li replied.
Dr. Zhang's heart was tense, and he became more and more convinced of the possibility of abnormal liver function of Mrs. Li. He decided to conduct a more detailed examination for her, and the results of the examination came out quickly, unfortunately, Mrs. Li's liver function indicators ALT and AST were significantly higher than normal, and the abdominal ultrasound also showed signs of liver cirrhosis.
"Based on your test results, I suspect you have some problems with your liver. Can you tell me about your eating habits and your daily routine, for example, do you drink alcohol?"
"Drink, I didn't drink much when I was young, but after I retired, I often drank a little wine with my wife, and I couldn't leave it every day. Aunt Li said casually.
Dr. Zhang nodded, the liver problem is likely to be related to Mrs. Li's years of drinking. He began to explain to Mrs. Li the effects of alcohol on the liver. Alcohol is a major enemy of the liver, it first needs to be metabolized by the liver, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver cell damage, and in the long run, it may develop into fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and even liver cirrhosis.
"The prevalence of liver disease caused by alcohol consumption has increased significantly over the past decade. You think, life is stressful now, and many people release stress by drinking, and this habit has slowly become a healthy 'invisible killer'. ”
When Dr. Zhang explained, he used a lot of vivid words to describe the importance of the liver and the harm of alcohol, hoping to make Mrs. Li feel the seriousness of the problem more intuitively. "The liver also has a strong ability to repair itself, but if it is 'messed up' every day, it can't bear it. ”
Next, Dr. Zhang explained in detail the liver's detoxification process and how alcohol can lead to fat accumulation, inflammation and cell death by affecting the normal function of the liver. He also stressed that once liver function is impaired, recovery is very difficult, and the process is long and complex.
"Aunt Li, your liver has begun to show signs of cirrhosis, which is a very serious warning sign. From now on, you need to stop drinking alcohol completely and follow a healthy lifestyle. I will help you develop a detailed diet and exercise plan that we need to allow your liver to rest and recover. ”
As the conversation deepened, Aunt Li's expression changed from the initial relaxation to seriousness, and she began to realize the seriousness of the problem. Finally, she asked with some concern: "Doctor Zhang, is there any chance of recovery at my age?"
Dr. Zhang replied seriously, "Aunt Li, although you are older, as long as we take timely measures, there is a chance to improve your liver function." ”
"We had a similar case before, a gentleman in his seventies, who had a significant improvement in liver function after a complete abstinence from alcohol and lifestyle adjustments. Of course, everyone's situation is different, and we can't guarantee a full return to health, but improvement is certain. Most importantly, start changing now and give yourself a chance. ”
Dr. Zhang elaborated an alcohol-free diet plan for Lady Li and recommended some gentle exercises suitable for her age and physical condition, such as jogging, swimming and yoga. He also arranged regular follow-up check-ups to monitor the changes in Lady Li's liver function and adjust the treatment plan.
In the months that followed, Aunt Li's life changed dramatically. She began to strictly control her diet and stick to light exercise every day. With the passage of time, Aunt Li's physical strength and mental state have improved significantly.
What do you think about what happens to your body that requires you to quit drinking?