Episode #13 | What My Life Was Like Before My Diagnosis - Part 3 - Liver Disease & Cirrhosis

[@raymondlin8728]

I was told by my doc i had early/mild cirrohsis, dont remember the exact term. So i stopped all drinking immediately. One year no alcohol. 365 nights x2 , 3 drinks, = 730 drinks hasnt passed thru my liver. My number im sure is improving. Hair is healthier, chrome dome is gone, skin not yellow, pot belly gone, swollen calves, ankles gone, looking less tired, more glow Now. Moving forward. Getting back to work....

[@VanBasten9445]

How old are you? How long / often did you drink?

[@nordicpower3443]

Thank you for sharing your story! You’ve helped me a lot making me rethink some of my habits. Your story is a real wake up call for anyone that drinks alcohol.

[@MonaYY_Rig]

Nick! Hey from Texas. What a Testimony 🙏🏼 you’re very strong and brave. Many of us have gone through the same or similar, in my case, my brother. I’m a RN and have seen cirrhosis a lot and I’ve also seen people that changed their lifestyle, diet etc and get pretty healthy again. I’m glad you’re doing better. I’m sorry you struggled so very much. Alcoholism does not make you a bad person. Sometimes a wake-up call is what turns things around and leads you in the right path. I’m praying for you friend, you got this I know. Godspeed. P. S. Tysm ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕🙏🏼💕🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@fortressfarms82]

As always, Thank you Monay! And an even bigger THANK YOU for your work as an RN! Hospital process improvement was the professional field I worked in before it all hit the fan. Most people don't realize that NP's and all mid-levels do 90% of the work in healthcare. True angles on Earth!

[@MonaYY_Rig]

@@fortressfarms82 super cool. I thought you had Hospital background by your words. Praying for ya!!! 🤘🏻🙏🏼👍🏻

[@Mlgraham22]

Nick, I stumbled across your story and I’m afraid I’m following a similar path. My adventure started with the pandemic WFH and the drinking picked up from there. I used to be weekend drinker but with WFH it progressed to everyday. I’m at about 400ml/day and have seen early signs of liver damage. Swelling feet, a swelling gut, some increase in breasts, etc. My question is before your condition became life-threatening did you see the warning signs too?

[@fortressfarms82]

@@Mlgraham22 I had a few signs but a lot happened so quickly that once they did I couldn't have stopped them. I did notice a slight bulge in my upper right side just below my ribcage/sternum. I was passing blood and eyes were light yellow (eventually bright yellow). I would imagine a WFH job would be tough if fighting alcohol abuse. Regardless, where there is drive there is possibility and where there is possibility, there is hope. 💚🙂

[@Mlgraham22]

@@fortressfarms82 thanks for sharing your story. We all battle our demons individually but you give us hope that there is a positive outcome if we keep fighting for it.

[@laurafeatherstone6833]

Thank you so much for this information. We have a family member who is battling alcoholism and your insight has been invaluable. Take care and stay strong.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thanks Laura! It's a battle that hurts everyone involved. There is no such thing as a happy alcoholic. I'm sending positive vides to you and your family.

[@7crabwalk11]

Good job my brother! I’ll never forget you. Your truth will march on. Keep shining a light on the darkness.

[@fortressfarms82]

That warms my heart Stephen! You have no idea how much! 💚

[@kevinconmy3625]

I’ve known people or know people who drink with no end in sight.I hope they get it under control some day soon.I probably won’t have any place in that.But like I said I am heavy on the beer.Your story greatly encourages me to slow it down.I’m not at the point I need I NEED to have it.I don’t ever want it to get to that point.Thankyou for sharing your journey.We’re with you Nick!

[@bretthomas9425]

Thanks for this, Nick. I know it had to be hard as hell to open up about a lot of that. I'm glad you're alive to tell your story. It serves as a warning to some, and as hope for those who are already going through what you went through.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you Bret. I hope it is helping at least one person. :)

[@andrealeighpotter3367]

Wow! Bless you! I’m praying for your complete recovery. Thank you for sharing!

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you Andrea!

[@catherinetschasar5737]

How very brave of you to share your story. You are an inspiration! Keep going, man.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you Catherine! ❤

[@TheHardCorePunkHead]

Thank you for sharing your story. It takes guts to do so. Wishing health and healing.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you my friend! :-)

[@thesundreamers8423]

God bless you dude. I don't presume to know your faith, but sounds like you grew up in home with much faith. I pray that God or your Higher Power will hold you tight as you move forward on your journey. Thank your sharing these videos. It means a lot to me as someone who drinks but is always checking myself against red flags.

[@thesundreamers8423]

@House Of Gord Prove He does not😉

[@fortressfarms82]

I appreciate that

[@sputnikua]

Nick, you have no idea the impact these videos have. It absolutely is helpful and thank you for sharing your story. I'm at a point where I know I have to change, because I know what the end game is if I continue to abuse alcohol. You lived to tell the story but I know others have not. You are an inspiration!

[@fortressfarms82]

You're too kind Patrick. I'm glad you're finding them helpful on your journey!

[@samusvikerness661]

I was riveted the entire video, man. Amazing story to share.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you Samus!

[@JohnSmith-lt3jl]

Vey informative videos -delivered humanely -hope you live a long,happy and loving life.

[@hemidancer64]

Hey Nick, I have so much respect for you, just putting it all out there. My 34 yo son has cirrhosis, and listening to you sharing your story really helps me. I carry so much guilt as a mom, and you are helping me understand my son’s drinking. He’s been sober for 9 months, ever since his diagnosis, and he’s doing so well, but I worry about him so much - about his health, his stress level, his financial situation, and his prognosis. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I hope you are doing well.

[@fortressfarms82]

Im sending positive vibes to you and your son. It's so hard on the family of those who have been diagnosed. My mother passed in 2017 a my father in 2021 (it's actually 2 years exactly today). Having you there in sure is an amazing comfort to your son. Havibg lo ed ones when going through this is so important. Best of luck! 💚♥️

[@amandaonair7255]

Get 'em, Nick! 😉 loving your videos.

[@fortressfarms82]

THANKS AMANDA!!! Great hearing from you! I hope I'm helping at least one other person. 🙂

[@ccr7712]

Hi Nick, I am sorry that you had to go through something like this, life can be really fucked up sometimes. I think someone could make a movie about what you went thru. it’s a really fascinating story, good luck 🍀.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you CCR! I think we all have a movie through our experiences. They may just be categorized differently.

[@kujaneck]

I'm from a huge drinking community in regina sk Canada and this video really hits home. Thanks for the inspiration to quit.

[@fortressfarms82]

Positive vibes to you friend!

[@laurieunser6281]

You are brave and courageous for speaking the truth you never know who it may help. God bless you

[@tomhancock2753]

Really enjoy you sharing. Thank you. Glad you still here to tell your story.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thanks Tom!

[@bobchantry3497]

Thank you so much for sharing! God 🙏 bless

[@fortressfarms82]

You're welcome friend. Thank you so much for watching and giving support!

[@chp6489]

Powerful! Thank You for sharing your story!

[@fortressfarms82]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@samgetta]

Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@randyfish3763]

Thank you - you are amazing and so relatable I will try to join yourface book group....

[@fortressfarms82]

I'm far from amazing but thank you Randy!

[@mrcatman6854]

God Bless you keep fighting

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you friend!😃

[@kathycochrn566]

My husband has end stage cirrhosis and now in hospice care at home, because he refused treatment.2 yrs without meds . Good an bad days .

[@btoal2001]

Nick, I’m obviously just catching up to your story, but I have to say, from the videos I’ve seen so far, I think you need to be sure to give yourself the credit you deserve. You’re strong and you’re a fighter. And while alcohol is a terrible disease that some people will never understand, you did and every time you put yourself out there and said “I need help” you went and sought out the professionals who would try and help you. It’s a never ending battle, and every day is a fight, but you don’t stop trying and that’s commendable. Do not give up. No matter what it takes. You may have mentioned this in a video I haven’t watched yet, or perhaps you don’t think it’s anyone’s business. But if you don’t mind, can I ask what your meld score is, or was at your most sick?

[@fortressfarms82]

It's difficult to say because my billirubin level was >30 so it's impossible to get an exact score. BUT... if we're conservitive and just say it was 30 and consider my actual INR, Creatinin, and Sodium... My MELD score was 35 or 36 on a scale of 6-40. I'm betting it was higher since my CMP couldn't give my exact total billirubin. 🤔

[@sherrimitchell7290]

Thanks for telling your story.

[@fortressfarms82]

Thank you for listening Sheri. I just hope it helps someone.

[@sherrimitchell7290]

You are helping me with my daughter so much. Her story is so much like yours.

[@fortressfarms82]

@@sherrimitchell7290 it makes me so happy that I'm helping to make a difference! I'm happy to discuss anything I have experience with if it helps someone. If you have a question and want to keep it anonymousyou can join my FB group (if you haven't) and send me a PM. I'll talk about my experience in depth in a video 🙂💚.

[@Blades1889-b6]

Thank you.

[@prizzyhoney]

Thanks for sharing❤

[@fortressfarms82]

Thanks for watching!

[@mark70s29]

You are so brave putting your story out there. Your videos are inspiring and I send you my thoughts. Would it be ok to ask you some questions? Peace brother! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@fortressfarms82]

Sure no problem! I'll probably put the answers in a video and give you a shout out in the video so you'll know if that's ok. I've answered questions in comments before but I've found it's much easier to do it that way so I don't miss anything and avoid receptiveness :).

[@mark70s29]

For example: did you get skin rash/itching? Night sweats, muscle weakness, cramps, suicidal thoughts, weird dreams, extremely tired - sleeping too much, feeling like you've 'had enough' like giving up? Respectfully..NM

[@fortressfarms82]

@@mark70s29 Yes to all except "sleeping too much". Sounds wierd because I was so tired all the time but my body wouldn't let me sleep. I'll start putting together notes and will make a video on it. Easier to explain stuff that way 🙂. I'm open to doing topics if you (people) would like a detailed run through on them (through my personal experiences).

[@Nephalim77]

There’s always hope 😊

[@minuette1752]

I had the breathalyzer experience as ell, I will not get into it. Lets just say I broke it, well sabotaged it so it would not work correctly. Those I lived with still basically knew I was drinking but that horrid thing could not read anything properly when I was done with it.

[@ladonnasimpson2954]

Thank you ♥️🙏🏽

[@fortmist07]

i join your Facebook support group very cool there is something for people with cirrhosis

[@fortressfarms82]

Welcome aboard! 😉

[@sahanaswathi1446]

Hi, Nick, i lost my brother through liver chrosis this 17/7/ 2023,it's a huge loss fr us,and family,a lovable brother to me and family sorry I saw your vidoes today, if i.could have seen your videos before hope I could have saved him, advised him.not to take alcohol

[@fortressfarms82]

Hello and welcome to the channel. I'm very sorry to hear about your brother. Please do your best to honor his memory. A life of alcohol is not a fun path. 💚

[@ccr7712]

Hi Nick, did you had your liver checked in the previous years before the final collapse ? When previously in rehab, were you diagnosed with some liver problems ? Fibrosis, lower stages of cirrhosis? Thanks.

[@fortressfarms82]

I had some light scarring in June of 2020 but I was having my gallbladder checked not my liver. In rehab, they don't do ultrasounds of advanced medical tests. Thet're just trying to get you detoxed and through their program. It's mostly mid-level providers and counselors. There is a Dr. on-call "technically" but they aren't around.

[@fortmist07]

i had about the same experience

[@bryontharp5790]

Did you ever catch any cases with the cops

[@thomastarpley5116]

Did you Keep up with your sponsors and meetings?

[@fortressfarms82]

Yep to both! 🙂

[@randblackwell8675]

Hope you're doing well, Nick. Peace and Love to you!

[@davidr.4916]

Wow, you drank the gallon vodkas? That's A LOT!

[@little5bee]

Nick, did you have any DUIs? When my significant other got his 2nd, that's when he ultimately quit.

[@fortressfarms82]

Yes, I got a DUI (plead down eventually to wrekless driving with IC) in 2014 and a public intox charge (plead down then expunged) in 2003.

[@minuette1752]

I drank in the shower more times than I can count. It was like a place of peace and I could throw up if needed and get at least 10 shots worth in me (it was wine at my worst because hard stuff got to be to much a lot of the time) to start the day. One job I worked at I would sneak booze in and hide it various places at work. It was a restaurant where we smoked meats, so there was a lot of wood in an area where I could hide 20pz bottles with whatever I wanted. I even brought in a six pack one time and hid it in the walk in cooler.

[@catherinealexandrian9927]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@raulcolmenero]

.46 you could light your blood in fire almost

[@jackthestuddd]

Hope you are doing well . If you don't mind can you share your LFT numbers when you were diagnosed with cirrhosis ? I heard the liver enzymes elevate in the early stage of liver diseases and it go back to normal range when the liver is cirrhotic because the liver is filled with scar tissues and there is no much healthy cells to damage that could leak out enzymes to your blood stream. Many people with normal liver enzymes ( ast higher than alt )have cirrhosis but their albumin and platelet count goes down. Did you get alcoholic hepatitis before cirrhosis or it bypassed hepatitis stage ?

[@fortressfarms82]

In my case I had a fatty liver for a couple of years before I was oficially diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis. I'd need to go back on my records so see exact numbers. Considering the ammount of alcohol I was drinking at the time my body had enough (Liver, Kidney, digestion, brain, the works).

[@jackthestuddd]

@@fortressfarms82 : Fatty liver is the wake up call. I am just wondering why people even Doctors just ignoring fatty liver. Its really a silent killer.

[@leftwingwacko]

Everyone has there struggles, mine is gambling on the Stockmarket i need to end this destructive secret. Fortunately I am single with no kids so i am only hurting myself

[@fortressfarms82]

Addiction takes on many different forms my friend. The only thing most of them have in common is a destructive behavior.