WATERTOWN, Wis. — The month of October is dedicated to raising awareness on the liver. More than 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease, that’s according to the American Liver Foundation.
Dr. Veronica Loy is the Medical Director of the Liver Transplant program at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. She said liver disease is anything that affects the liver over a long period of time, causing inflammation.
“In the state of Wisconsin at least 40% of the population, if we were to ultrasound livers we would see a huge amount of cirrhosis or fat in the liver and that’s what’s putting people at risk for long-term health problems,” said Loy.
Loy said it’s not only alcohol that can cause liver disease, but your metabolism, different viruses, autoimmune conditions and exposure to different toxins.
“When people are young, they may not understand the long-term health impact they’re having an increased risk for trauma, an increased risk for different types of cancers, increased risk for depression and anxiety,” said Loy. “Those things just continue to add up and continue to worsen as your tolerance and toxin exposure is increasing and increasing. What started out as fun isn’t as fun anymore. Now you’re having serious both mental and physical health risks.”
Loy was able to help turn around Joe Barriere’s life around. In 2021, he learned that his liver was severely damaged from years of excessive drinking.
“Do the usual Wisconsin thing of a long day at work have one or two beers,” said Barriere. “Then go to bed. Then you do it the next day.”
He learned from his doctors that he only had a few months to live because of the damage.
“Thankfully, my wife was there because we both just broke down in tears,” said Barriere. “We didn’t know what to do, where to go.”
When Barriere connected with Loy, she was able to give him guidance on what he needed to do to change.
“She said, looking at who you are, what your numbers are, your age, you’re in shape. If you stop drinking, your liver has a chance to heal itself and actually reverse this condition,” said Barriere.
While Barriere numbers have improved over the years, he’s still not drinking. He said instead his main priority is being a father to Josie, something his wife Carissa Barriere is proud of seeing how far he’s come.
“Not everyone can say they were given three months to live and then three years later here you are having a baby and whatever,” said Carissa Barriere. “I’m extremely proud of him.”
While Barriere is proud of himself, he said this is just the beginning.
I’m excited to see where Josie goes in life and I want to be a part of it,” said Barriere. “So, I’m happy I’m able to do it clear headed.”