Can anyone offer advice on combatting cirrousis depression?

[kenn73]

I've only just been diagnosed but I've got loving wife and children in their 20's and I want to do my very best to stay positive, bright and focussed ... Even though I don't know what lies ahead. Your sdvice would be welcomed.

[Hidden]

What is the cause of your Cirrhosis? If you stop the cause you can slow it down and get some improvement in liver function.

Nobody can tell you exactly what will happen, its so complex and can change on a daily basis. What happens next will depend on how bad your Cirrhosis is, have you had tests to determine this?

[acjb007]

I take 40mg of citralopram and 40mg of propana. I have zero anxiety or nervousness and I don't feel high or out of it I feel positive and balanced. I have severe cirrhosis by the way.

[Bermuda1]

Hi sorry for your diagnosis. It is a shock at first. What helps is knowledge so you understand more about this diseases the causes , consequences, and what you can do to aid yourself in this disease. The best thing is to join an online group . There are many, some reason specific and some more general. You may not see it now but there are positives to come out of this , you gain empathy for others and learn to live in a more positive way. It is also not the death sentence for all that the media portray. If you wish to contact me me online please do so, I am willing to give you more advice. Good luck.

[kenn73 in reply to Bermuda1]

I would be delighted to hear from you again Bermuda. And keep in touch. I'm really at the crossroads particularly as I'm still waiting for the assessment. look forward to hearing from you.

[Bermuda1 in reply to kenn73]

Hi Ken, I belong to a group who are very caring but like to laugh to , it keeps us sane. The shock and fear at first are hard, but you are the same person , I am not sure if this reply will show on the page , so I will not give you my personal details, I think you can contàct me if you look for me under the membership and then it will be private. I have been there worn the Tshirt , and am loving life even with cirrhosis. Look forward to hearing from you. If you struggle to find out how via this site let me know and I will find a way.

[TimothyB]

I would also suggest you to understand the condition better. It will also be great if your family in particular your partner can understand it.

Without knowing the cause of your condition, I would say that my biggest mistake was to change my lifestyle completely and withdraw myself. Try to live as usual and liver is a wonderful organ that is capable of self-healing. Good luck.

[webpro5216]

think of your children, they wouldn't want you to worry & stress, spend as much time as you can with them & your Wife. i am not sure of your situation but i have found Paul McAnna's hypnosis books a great help, especially his latest `The 3 Things that will change your destiny today' and his older book `Controlling Stress'. His `I can make you Happy' book is good as well.

Be strong & think of the positive things in your life. Every day is new, think of it as a new start, be thankful for every day, make a gratitude list every day & you will soon feel better.

i have a mood ring that changes colour dependent on you mood - stressed etc..... as Dr has told me & no doubt you too, to watch my stress levels. they only seem to make these for children though but as long as it fits. This is a great item as whenever it shows stress I listen to Paul or visualise calm, reflective water or a nice, sunny beach. Take a look at NLP(google it), it is a great form of positive thinking & visualisation.

feel free to ask for more help.

keep fit as well, i cycle every day or make sure i go for a long walk.

keep positive, you are still here for your family & they need you.

tim

[kenn73 in reply to webpro5216]

Thanks Tim. I've been mentally ldoing backflips. I think carrying it in your head is the biggest problem. I'll start looking outward and, as the Irish say, "take a look at the day..." Keep in touch. Kind regards

[webpro5216 in reply to kenn73]

too true, it is your thoughts that make things worse, change these and your half way there. the paul mckenna book i mentioned comes with a free membership card to his website, i have the exercises in the book & DVD so i'll let you have it, just go to mckenna.com & use the code: KT94X462U . the `havening' exercise is a must & helped me no end(still use it). this is so powerful it has help with depression & stress - is used at the NHS where i work.

please feel free to share the code - don't think Paul will thank me though!

[webpro5216 in reply to webpro5216]

sorry should have said, need to click on `downloads' from his site. asks for email address as well so not sure if it will work from different email address, if not feel free to use mine [e-mail]

[ancientadolescent]

I had a liver transplant 2.5 years ago and my path to arriving at the operation was a particularly long and uncertain one compared to others I have spoken to. I waited 18 months just to be placed on the list and then another 18 months before my transplant took place.I was always an active sportsman but as you probably know that was not a possibility to continue. I filled the wait by taking on-line courses,there is an app called coursera which offers free on-line short 5-6 weeks courses in a wide variety of subjects. In addition I devoted my time (as best I could) to giving my wife and children/friends my full attention. It is of no use just sitting there feeling sorry for yourself and waiting for the phone to ring. In addition I was given a mood suppresent named dosulepin by my gp. Although my patience was tried at times I said to myself " if I don't do this then I never will" and took each setback as not that, but a step forward I needed to take. I hope my advice is of use and I wish you the very best of good fortune. Believe me,there is a light at the end of the tunnel !

[kenn73 in reply to ancientadolescent]

We seem to be in the same age group (I'm 74 next week) but I'm still working full time luckily. I'd like to keep in touch if you wish? You sound very supportive ... Kindest regards

[Hopeful-1961]

I know just how you feel, been there. I was diagnosed 18 months ago with alcohol induced cirrhosis. Stopped drinking straight away. I found myself in absolute despair but luckily my partner is very supportive and my GP has been great. I also have a clinical nurse specialist involved in my care planning who is very down to earth and speaks my language. With their help I started on an anti depressant and got a puppy. We bought a caravan as continental holidays were unaffordable due to my insurance. It is hard but I decided that I was going to take back control of my life. I built a lot of structure to my day. If I'm having a 'rough' day, I give in to it rather than battling it, thank God for Netflix ! Seek advice from professionals but remember that your loved ones know you best and keep them involved. Good luck, it's early days for you but you will adjust and cope.

[kenn73 in reply to Hopeful-1961]

Much appreciated. I'll take some comfort from that. Every good wish

[Nix105]

It's a very personal journey for everyone but I think first you can take comfort that you are not alone - I too have alcohol induced cirrhosis and it took me a while to accept my diagnosis. I don't want to chuck a theory book to you but any drastic change in life takes us through the same cycle - shock, denial, bargaining and acceptance - and we can easily go back a stage from time to time. I thought I was about to drop dead for a while! Then the Why Me? phase when I felt I was being punished and a dear friend once said to me " why not you? No one in this world deserves to get sick, but it happens". I needed to hear that and realise life just isn't fair sometimes.

I found that mindfulness helped. Not only did I learn techniques on how to relax, but also appreciate things for what they are, rather than what we might want them to be. sadly I don't have children but I have a very loving and supportive partner and we also got a puppy - her tail wagging and her sheer love of life makes me smile every single day - and walking her keeps me healthy and allows me to enjoy being outdoors in all weather and appreciate it all.

Be patient, it's took months for me to get to this stage and I still have days when I feel very low but I'm keeping healthy, fit and my condition is not deteriorating very fast. I have no desires to start jumping out of aeroplanes and running a marathon but I've learnt to enjoy who I am, as I am.

I hope this helps

[bgraham in reply to Nix105]

Nix I love the way you put that! MY hubby was diagnosed 3 months with cirrhosis alcohol related thanks for that I needed that! LOL even though the post was to someone else hope you have a blessed day.

Benita

[kenn73 in reply to Nix105]

Thank you for your very supportive note. Really appreciated.,I've just started waiking every day up to three miles and it certainly does help whatever the weather. Any tips if relaxing would be helpful. I'm still working flat out at 74 years of age!