Hi enlarged abdomen

[Vespa27]

Hi everyone I have AIH PBC overlap and I am wondering if any one has a swolen stomach...I am not sure if its to do with medication or illness but my stomach is bigger than it used to be by a lot. I am 55 years old and have a physical demanding job, but I still can't get rid of this fat, uncomfortable stomach. I can't exercise because of fatigue and severe pain in joints.

I dont have a good diet because my work means I have to travel, the place I stay is both expensive and has no kitchen facilities so have to eat what is available...basically I am in a bad place. Had my bloods done on Monday, my ALT is 250...so something going on.

I have been declared permanently unfit for work either full or part time, so I am making a decision however it depends on how much money I will get on my first ESA payment early next month.

I have nausea, headache, pain in joints and ache in liver, plus I cant eat much so I should be losing weight. This horrible belly that hangs a bit is embarrassing and uncomfortable ...I was on stetoids starting last November after a huge flare put me back in hospital ....its awful, I feel awful and need to really retire but I am stuck because of the money issue...any advice please.

Thanks guys.

[thewayforward]

My partner has alcoholic liver cirrhosis,and from my experience it sounds very much like ascites.Maybe you should go to your GP and ask him to examine your tummy,he can detect if there is water there.If he suspects ascites he may prescribe diuretics and also I think you would have to do an ultrasound.But your symptoms,fatique,pain sound very much like ascites

[GrandmaDylan]

I was thinking possibly ascites. I think you should see your gp. If you do have to leave work due to ill health maybe you could apply for PIP as well as ESA. You could look up benefits payments online and it will say how much ESA you will receive if they are giving it to you. I had to give up work several years ago due to fibromyalgia and I miss working so much. I tried to go back to work twice but I couldn't manage it.

[Vespa27 in reply to GrandmaDylan]

I am going to get an appointment next week after Easter weekend thanks. Not sure its acites because its solid but I will ask. Could be fat storage due to long pred usage. X

[Hidden in reply to Vespa27]

Hi

Where do you work if you don't mind me asking? I had to take ill health retirement last year and was worried about money. Anyway I got the top retirement package which I know I was lucky to get. So I now get pip and pension. If my hubby worked less than 16 hours I think I would ab able to claim eds as well. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Radnor]

Its surprising how you can manage on a lot less money. I too had to finish work due to fybromyalgia and ME. Have you enquired about getting any private pension early on health grounds? You wont realise just how much you spend when working lunches suitable attire all add up to a substantial sum. Re your tum with or without liver problems unless your very fortunate weight heads straight to the tum.! This is why waist measurement is given so much attention Its the worst place to hold fat. I too thought it may be ascites but when I lay on my side I could feel just how much fat I had accumulated on my tum.I was always an hour glass shape so my weight was evenly distributed. You will find its easier to stick to a diet not working too you can be in control . I was advised to eat low carbs but everyone is at differing stages with their liver so you need to take medical advise . Yes steroids can boost weight too. I like you have more than one arthritic condition. Even swimming is out due to having severe psoriasis. sea water is good but I dont live on a beach sadly. I have lost 17kg since Christmas. Had to stop it for a couple of months due to a blockage in my intestines.Major emergency op and a nasty surprise. I will be resuming again in a week or two. I was told to do this diet by my liver consultant so I know its right for me. I loved my work but even after they kept my job open for 18 months had to face reality. ESA that is contribution based ie paid in sufficient NI is what I am on. I also get the support factor after evidencing my health. One plus is you will have time to find bargains lol. Grocery shop online too it helps stop me impulse buying and avoid the bad stuff lol. Ask your consultant and be guided by him/her. Hazelx