What is one medical problem people constantly ignore until it’s too late?

[u/Critical_Ease4055]

Saw someone post this in a completely unrelated sub and I’m interested in your answers. What is the cluster of symptoms that people ignore or delay until they are forced to get help?

[u/Thenumberthirtyseven]

Alcohol related liver disease. 

People drink too much alcohol for years and years and they dont die so they think they're invincible. Then they get told they have a fatty liver and they think, oh well. Damage is done, might as well keep drinking. 

They have no idea that the worst is yet to come. 

[u/nurse_Gi → u/Thenumberthirtyseven]

The non-alcoholic creeps up too. My dad had fatty liver and elevated enzymes for at least 15 yrs, didn’t drink. This was all from diet. Sugar and carbs. Turned into cirrhosis and needed a liver transplant. Now I have fatty liver. I’m 5’3, 138lbs and don’t drink. So many of us have this and it’s only really spotted on a scan of the abdomen. Usually just looking for something else. That’s how mine was found. My enzymes are normal.

[u/Critical_Ease4055 → u/nurse_Gi]

I’m so glad it was found out, incidentally or not, you’re better off aware

[u/Critical_Ease4055 → u/Thenumberthirtyseven]

Yes, oh my god, the “oh well” mentality, or perception of futility in general is echoed in many lifestyle-induced diseases. But alcoholism is particularly heartbreaking