Getting used to a change in lifestyle

[195ad4c0]

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 decompensated Cirrhosis in January this year. I have had a bleed from vareces and subsequently ascites which was awful. My drain removed 13 litres of fluid and my weight loss over the coming weeks was in excess of 3.5 stones. Since then a combined high protein diet and prescribed meds (spironoctalone) has resulted in good weight gain and no further build up of ascites. My mood has been very low but finally I’m feeling much better. My concern is I’m aching in my ribs and upper back and I struggle to sleep because of muscle pain in my lower abdomen. Is this normal?

[jazzjam]

Hi, sorry I can’t help with the drain on the stomach but I had my lung drained and a biopsy from it the same time as I found out about my liver cirrhosis. I had aches, pains, bad sleep but I put it down to the fact that I normally slept on the side where the drain was so I had to try and sleep on the other side (sounds easy but was very painful) then a couple of weeks later they later had to put another drain in but went through my back, so I couldn’t turn over without sitting up first. I still now sleep on the opposite side and I still have a deep ache which apparently is scar tissue, where the drain was. I would have thought wherever a drain was put in your body that area is still going to be uncomfortable for a while and when it’s uncomfortable you tend to hold yourself differently so you could be getting aches and pain from the area in your body you are using for support.

I hope that makes sense, I’m not overly good at explaining myself. It is just my thoughts and it’s worth having a chat with your doctor about it. I’m sure there will be someone here who has had a drain as yours that maybe able to tell you there experience.

All the best 🌻

[195ad4c0 in reply to jazzjam]

Thank for this and you make a valid point regarding scar tissue

Bless you and good luck also 👍

[davianne]

Hello, I have stage 4 compensated (at the moment) cirrhosis, and I too have pain all around my upper body all the time. All I use is an electric heat pad whilst sitting, and Amitriptyline at night, which helps with the sleep and pain. Hope this helps.

David