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Are these Lumps Caused by Alcohol?

By: Sam Harrington-Lowe - Updated: 3 May 2019 | comments*Discuss
 
Are These Lumps Caused By Alcohol?

Q.I have just discovered my 30 year old daughter is an alcoholic I have the obvious worries, but one of my concerns is that she has a number of under arm lumps which she told me are very painful. She refuses to seek medical help. Could they be related to her drinking?

(Mrs Wendy Price, 17 September 2008)

A.

Dealing with a relative who has alcohol problems, particularly a close one such as your daughter, is always going to be hard. And coping with an additional worry such as lumps under the arms won’t help either. Refusing to seek medical help is sadly a common factor for those with alcohol abuse problems and your daughter is probably worried that should she visit the doctor she will expose herself to scrutiny over her drinking. This is possibly why you are being met with refusal.

Alcoholism or alcohol abuse-related conditions do not necessarily cause lumps under the arms, although alcoholics often have a poor record when it comes to taking care of themselves and simple personal hygiene issues could be a factor here. Poor liver function can also have many symptoms so it’s possible that her alcoholism may indirectly have caused these lumps. But lumps under the arms can be caused by many things, from simple factors such as small sebaceous cysts to much more serious causes such as lymphatic cancer.

Whatever the condition it’s very important that your daughter is seen by a medic, as without proper diagnosis it is impossible to identify the cause correctly. If your daughter is nervous about seeing a doctor, perhaps make it clear to her that you are happy to go with her, and also that she need not address any of the other problems until she is ready. It’s far better to tackle this problem in isolation than not at all, and if she feels reassured that her alcoholism may not necessarily be explored at the same time, she may feel more able to book that appointment.

Sadly, without her cooperation there is little you can do to make her go to the doctors and gentle persuasion and support rather than all-out tactics or confrontation will help. She could well be very frightened and unable to face the possibility of it being something serious, plus also terrified that seeing a medical expert will expose her alcohol abuse or even further complications. It’s her body though and her life, and although it’s very difficult for you to have to stand by and watch, you can only be there to try and guide and support her. Good luck

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Tina - 11-Jun-18 @ 9:56 PM
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Granny - 12-Apr-17 @ 11:08 AM
Glynis Buller - Your Question:
My husband is a binge drinker who becomes completely non functioning. It is 8 years since he last drank and I only stopped him then by throwing him out of the house. He is completely useless when drunk, does not eat, go to the toilet or wash and most of the time is crawling around on his knees. In 23 hours he had 3 trips to hospital because people found him lying in the street. He has paid for rehab but I have taken him 4 times and he has walked out in less than a day. I threw him out this time but with below zero temperatures the police/ambulance keep bringing him back to me. He is now sleeping in the shed. We have the police or ambulance most days. I am really annoyed that the local taxi firm keep taking him to get booze and drop him off he when he is completely unable to stand and he has to crawl down the path. I really do not know what to do next. When I throw him out he bangs on all the neighbors doors at any time of day. I cannot have him in the house because of his toilet issues and the fact he threatened me with a kitchen knife when I wouldn't hand over a bottle of wine. I know he isn't going to stop while he has this sanctuary in the shed but he also makes me feel guilty because I know he is so incapable when drunk and the police keep telling me he isnt their responsibility. Where do I go from here?

Our Response:
Until he admits he needs to take responsibility/admit he has a problem then there's not a great deal you can do unless you force him to leave and he obtains a different address to give to the police. It's definitely worth seeking help from an organisation or charity that deals specifically with alcoholics and their families. Your GP may be able to help with a referral to a specialist or therapist or you could try:
Al Anon Families Groups
or
Adaddiction
AlcoholIssues - 21-Dec-16 @ 10:33 AM
My husband is a binge drinker who becomes completely non functioning. It is 8 years since he last drank and I only stopped him then by throwing him out of the house. He is completely useless when drunk, does not eat, go to the toilet or wash and most of the time is crawling around on his knees. In 23 hours he had 3 trips to hospital because people found him lying in the street. He has paid for rehab but I have taken him 4 times and he has walked out in less than a day. I threw him out this time but with below zero temperatures the police/ambulance keep bringing him back to me. He is now sleeping in the shed. We have the police or ambulance most days. I am really annoyed that the local taxi firm keep taking him to get booze and drop him off he when he is completely unable to stand and he has to crawl down the path. I really do not know what to do next. When I throw him out he bangs on all the neighbors doors at any time of day. I cannot have him in the house because of his toilet issues and the fact he threatened me with a kitchen knife when I wouldn't hand over a bottle of wine. I know he isn't going to stop while he has this sanctuary in the shed but he also makes me feel guilty because I know he is so incapable when drunk andthe police keep telling me he isnt their responsibility. Where do I go from here?
Glynis Buller - 20-Dec-16 @ 12:25 AM
My son is an alcoholic.He has drunk since he was 14,he is now 38. My husband and myself have tried to help him but he refuses to cooperate.We are in our middle sixties and find it hard to cope.How can we make get professional help.He won't see a doctor.He is back living with us as he loses his jobs and sleeps rough.Please advise us what to do.We are at the end of our tether
Betty boop - 30-Sep-15 @ 9:26 AM
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