Real story: Carol


Carol hits the gymAs a company director, Carol was used to alcohol being a part of her life and a daily habit that went hand-in-hand with her job. Since retiring to France, Carol has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.

“I didn’t think anything of the amount I used to drink; my husband and I were by no means raving alcoholics. We obviously had the regular corporate entertainment events, while also drinking at home and regularly drank wine, Gin and Tonics and the occasional cognac after a meal,” said Carol. 

Carol had no idea that she was ill but after a terrible bout of bronchitis in December 2008 she found it very difficult to recover. Experiencing difficulty in waking up and feeling tired constantly, Carol found herself taking naps in the afternoon and going to bed earlier than normal. She also felt breathless after climbing her stairs.

At the moment when Carol was told the news that she had cirrhosis of the liver, her heart sank:“I managed to work out what the French doctor was saying to me and just couldn't believe it. I have been in hospital three times since my diagnosis. Initially I had a lung infection, then an endoscopy and a coloscopy. The endoscopy was truly awful, as I wasn't given an anesthetic.

Over the last seven months, Carol has lost four stone, going from 12 stone 7 to 8 stone 7. 
Carol feels very ashamed about her condition and firmly believes that more shock tactics are needed to prevent people like her, and also young people, from damaging their health from alcohol.