I have been really tired lately has anyone else had this. I got a 2 year old son and it stops me from playing and I just want to sleep one

[Karlimc93]

Day I can be fine then I can be tired for a week can't keep my eyes open at all fall sleep on buses

[AyrshireK]

Unfortunately you are not alone on this one, tiredness and lethargy and need for rest are quite common with a liver problem. My hubby has cirrhosis and he is tired all the time, sometimes more so than others, he has just gone through one of the worst weeks since diagnosis and was washed out all week, needing to sleep in the afternoon and stuff. Even if exhausted his night time sleep is disrupted too, he either can't get off to sleep at all or if he does then he'll wake up (wide awake) at between 3am and 4am and that's it, no more sleep.

Strangely he seems to function better (seems to have more energy) on a day when he's had little sleep than when he's had 8 hours at night, he then has headaches and needs naps during the day.

Are you eating appropriately to fuel your day? Don't run on empty so to speak, lots of carbohydrate snacks, don't go too long between eating. Snack between meals and eat a good carbohydrate supper.

Must be terrible when you've an energetic 2 year old, I know my hubby has no time for family kids when he feels grotty. Really feel for you.

Katie xxx

[Karlimc93 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi thanks. Sometimes I can't eat or I will just bring it back up again. I suppose It all part of the illness. Thanks for advice

[Hidden]

Is there any medication you are on that might account for it? I was recently diagnosed with Tramadol and I woke up tired and had to nap during the day. It went away as soon as I stopped.

Mike

[Ph1ldad]

I'm afraid that the tiredness goes with the territory and having a two-year-old won't help. The only way of coping for me is to tackle everything at a slower pace and be prepared to rest regularly. Yesterday I could hardy cook an evening meal for me and my younger son but was awake at 1:45. Didn't get off again until sometime after 6:00 then awake and up at 7:15. That's quite normal. Getting mad at it just seems to make it worse lol, so I just plod on. Good luck and best wishes

[janey_babs]

I'm afraid it is one of the worst symptoms of liver conditions. Speak to your specialist/gp for advice on how best to manage it. Sometimes you just need to listen to your body. Personally I would suggest a low carb diet and no snacks but you can see what works best for you . Hope it is just a short spell.

[AyrshireK in reply to janey_babs]

Hi Janey_babs, my advice regarding carbohydrates and snacks is based on the advice of the liver specialist dietician at the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit and a diet leaflet she provided which explains the following:- When your liver is not working well or when you have liver disease, your body needs extra energy (calories) and protein. This is because sometimes your body cannot digest and absorb its food properly and therefore is unable to store and use energy.

When you eat starchy carbohydrate it is broken down into sugar (glucose). This is your body’s main energy source. Some of this energy is stored in your muscles and liver as a starch called glycogen. This is a back-up energy store to be used later when it is needed, between meals, if you have missed a meal or during a long fast such as overnight.

The liver co-ordinates the release of this energy until you next have something to eat; these energy stores are then replaced at your next meal. If the liver is not working properly and you develop liver disease symptoms, the liver cannot replace this store.

The energy from the food you eat only lasts for 2 hours. If you have liver disease and have no energy stores, your body must find an alternative source of energy after this time. Fat tissue is hard to break down quickly, so instead your body will break down its own muscles for energy. If this continues, your muscles will get weaker and waste away.

It is important that you try and eat regular meals and snacks containing carbohydrate every 2-3 hours.

To prevent muscle being used for energy and to keep you strong, it is important to ‘re-fuel’ your body regularly. Eating meals and snacks containing starchy carbohydrate every 2-3 hours provides enough energy to stop your body breaking down its own muscles.

You will need a large bedtime snack containing carbohydrate for your body to use overnight as it is a long time until breakfast!

You should aim to have 50g of carbohydrate in your bedtime snack.

Protein is essential to build and repair body tissue.

When your liver is not working properly your body needs more protein than usual. Extra protein in your diet can help to prevent further muscle breakdown and re-build lost muscle.

Try to include a good source of protein with at least 3-4 meals every day.

I know that following it my hubby has managed to gain some weight and hopefully replenish some of his muscle.as he has suffered some muscle wastage. Obviously such a diet plan may not be suitable for all where perhaps excess weight is a problem factor, tonnes of biscuits,cakes, bread, scones and potatoes not great for everyone.

Like you say whatever works for individuals, I was just sharing the knowledge i'd gained from the SLTU dietician. The leaflet is brilliant and details a diet plan and suggested food sources, i've sent email copies to loads of folk on here as dietary advice seems hard to come by.

Katie

[janey_babs in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi Ayrshire, my info was also based on advice and an awful lot of personal research. I personally disagree with most ofwhat you said but that is why is suggested she try her own thing. There is other info out there that suggests we do not need as much carb as mgs says or in fact dieticians are taught. I won't bore you with details but I stop listening as soon as someone measures calories. My body does not burn food and emit an energy in the same manner the calorie is calculated. If you are interested I recommend a book called the poor misunderstpod calorie for a starting point.

[ancientadolescent]

I suffered the same symptom before a transplant. I could sleep from 10pm till 2pm the following day. You are not alone. My thoughts go with you.

[Karlimc93 in reply to ancientadolescent]

Thanks for replay

[Alison76]

You should ask your gp to check your thyroid........its a simple blood test. You may have an underactive thyroid and until treated you won't feel any energy.

Try to avoid eating too many carbohydrates, as this only give you a quick sugar release.

[shezzy]

Hi there, I am afraid that most of the replies here have merit in that you have to find what suits you, the tiredness is part of the illness and finding or managing some extra time to rest can't be easy. I would say you should try extra carbs but remember to much will cause a little weight gain; also if you can have a rest when the little one has a nap I would recommend trying to do that as well. It is crap but as some else said we just have to make the best of it and try to work out what's best for you.

All the best Sherries.

[Bolly]

Before dismissing the diet researched by the Transplant Unit, take a moment to consider that it's most likely aimed at patients on or waiting to be listed for transplant and I would think accurate advice for them. Those of us with earlier stage cirrhosis may find a different balance of carbs, fat, protein etc works well for them. But I think most of us with cirrhosis would agree that frequent small energy boosting meals are the way to go.

[pigsty]

Hi Flynnlogan, i am 5 weeks into a lupus flare and though most of my symptoms have improved following a steroid injection i am still very fatigued. you have to listen to your body and rest. it is typical to have good days - and because that feels so good you do too much - and then you pay for it over the next few days. sometimes i haven't the energy to go up the stairs in one go and have to sit half way up until i have the energy to carry on....dont just sleep rest too....