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[Red65]

Hi, I was diagnosed with decompensated liver desease in August 2017, hepatitis B and alcohol related. I don't drink at all now.

I am also diabetic type 2, would like some advise on diet.loss of muscle mass and in need of an energy boost (if that's possible )

[AyrshireK]

Hello Red65, welcome to our merry band. Hope you find lots of support here.

Your case is out of the ordinary and you would be wise to ask your GP or consultant to refer you to a medical dietician who can look at your current state of health, muscle density and give you an appropriate plan to enable you to fuel properly in light of your liver ill health but also do it in an appropriate way to deal with the added issue of diabetes.

In advanced cirrhosis where malnutrition and muscle loss are a factor advice is usually to eat little and often with plenty carbohydrates and protein plus a supper to ensure you are not going long periods without food - this might need to be amended as regards your diabetes and as we can only share our own experiences they might not be appropriate to your very individual situation. I would urge you to ask for referral to a specialist dietician.

All the best, Katie

[Red65 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for replied,

I asked at the doctors about a referral 3 weeks ago.,heard nothing.

Just got out of hospital ,had compacted intestine, thought it was ascites so was a releaf. Never suffered water retention.

I asked about diatition then..no response, back to docs Monday to ask again.

[Smyally]

Hi Red65

I just wanted to welcome you to the group. Katie has given you some very good advice there as she normally does. I try and eat 6 small meals a day. Plenty of slow release carbs and protein. Also if you can get out, gentle exercise like walking is good to help build up a bit of muscle tone. Take care xx

[Red65 in reply to Smyally]

Hi, Thanks for replying.

I was advised to ignore my diabetes and eat what I liked to put weight on.

The weights coming on but I don't think it's good for my digestive system. All I seem to do is look at sugar and salt content in foods,if I eat anymore chicken

I'll go crazy.

[Smyally]

Ask again on Monday. There is booklet that my dietician gave me called Diet and Liver Disease, high protein and healthy eating that I follow. Maybe if the doctor or nurse could provide you with something similar you can use it and adapt it to suit your diabetic needs x

[Red65 in reply to Smyally]

Cheers x

[JDA69]

Hi Red65, my husband is in similar situation to you in that he has decompensated liver disease and loss of muscle mass and weight. He was encouraged to eat high protein and lots of carbs, along with Ensures to help him gain weight. In the past month however, he has been diagnosed with Diabetes (due to his chronic pancreatitis) and is now insulin dependant, we have seen a dietitian and the advice was pretty much the same diet but cut down on the carbs (he still needs carbs with every meal but small portions). Obviously the Ensures are a no-no but in order to gain weight he can still have full fat milk, cream, cheese to get those extra calories. The good news is that he is putting on weight at a healthy pace and is being monitored for both conditions. The Diet and Liver Disease booklet that Smyally mentions is actually really good and suits both conditions. Please do insist that you get an appointment with a dietitian, it will put your mind at rest.

Good luck!

J

[Red65 in reply to JDA69]

Thankyou

[Hidden]

Red65 I'm sorry to hear about your situation, I'm curious to know what symptoms arise from compensated to decompensated liver cirrhosis? Apparently I'm compensated atm, but I've also lost weight and muscle mass?

[Red65]

Hi,

I guess it's down to liver condition and test results, but symptoms must be very similar. I've managed to put 12 kilos on in 3 months but muscle mass is a prob.

I started to walk a lot but got horrendous cramps. Everyone say go to the gym, I too tired to get to the gym. As I said before,my specialist told me to ignore my diabetic diet,I think that's how the weight came on.how do you feel day to day? .

[Hidden in reply to Red65]

Hi Red and Welcome 😁

I had Cirrhosis and am also a type 2 diabetic. Prior to my transplant I was told part of the reason I was getting HE was because my body was using my muscle mass to regain something (I can’t remember what lol - brain fog) and that in so doing toxins were being released - particularly at night. The toxins (ammonia build up?) are what lead to the HE. I was prescribed Fortisip by QE hospital Birmingham for nighttime in particular. It seemed to help. Obviously you need to see your GP or consultants to determine your own course of action!

I have carried on with Fortisip post T/P but am now told I don’t need it any more (10 weeks post op).

Miles

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