Muscle Loss

[NYer]

Hi.......I've been reading about muscle loss as a result of cirrhosis. My doctor did say he wanted me to join a gym and do some lightweight training. He said that I lost muscle due to drinking. He didn't mention that it is ongoing with cirrhosis. Does this happen quickly? Do I need to do more than long walks?

[AyrshireK]

Sent you a PM.

Katie

[ThreeSmiles]

Hi NYer

If you can walk then that is similar to doing some gym work and you've been advised to do some lightweight training so that has to be 👍 .

Muscle loss is unfortunately pretty common with cirrhosis from my own experience and from what others have said on here as well. Aren’t you seeing a dietician at the Hospital? I did, and they advise you how to avoid muscle wastage by what you eat and when. They should also test your strength regularly. Over here in “my” Hospital they did that by getting you to squeeze a hand held device to see how good your grip remains. It’s a challenge - well for me it was - to try and keep the value obtained as good as it was the last time. I did hold the record at one time 😀 but they never gave me a gold medal - boo hoo 😀- but I did get a verbal pat on the back - hehe!

Yes do as much walking as you can within sensible bounds of course - and as advised by professionals!

Good luck!

Miles

🇧🇧

[NYer in reply to ThreeSmiles]

I just received a list of foods and when to eat from a member here. I have not seen a dietician yet. I think that is a great idea. You mentioned my eating habits can stop muscle loss. Can it rebuild muscle?

My primary doctor told me that you lose muscle from drinking. I'm having problems with my legs. I was also just diagnosed with RLS but was waiting to mention that. Neurologist said I had RLS for a long time and didn't realize it because I was on pain medication and drinking. Also said I was addicted to pain meds and alcohol because I have RLS. I'm really not sure about that.

I'm starting to read the RLS posts. Slowly.................

You what I love? I love the fact that you are still smiling! You are a true survivor!

I'm smiling a little more.

Best!

NYer

[Hidden in reply to NYer]

I like the idea of a liver dietician that some posters have mentioned. My husband's dietician was a little too general with the diet recommendations and not overly specific for his liver disease. I do believe that the protein drinks, however, are a very good inclusion to aid in helping to rebuild that muscle loss. I am seeing a positive difference with his legs and upper arms now. Eating and quite well after not for so long certainly must be of help. Likewise I have learned tons here about diet related for liver disease. Invaluable. GL.

[Kristian]

Yes muscle loss is common with cirrhosis. Dont know about the alcohol side of things but if your doc says so then it's probably associated with that too.

If you can do get a referral to a dietician for some good advice. In general though try and up your protein intake and also increase your carbs. The protein helps rebuild your muscles and the carbs means your body doesn't have to use as much of what it has stored in your muscles. By how much of each you should do needs a bit more qualified advice than we could give here. Hence the dietician referral.

In terms of eating, little and often is a pretty good idea as is a carb rich snack before bed.

Exercise is important. Getting fitter is a good idea. Walking is great as a starting point as is cycling and swimming. These will all naturally get you fitter and help retain and increase muscle mass without going over the top. Hill walking is also great if you can do it. Doesn't have to be a mountain, although if you can then great, but even taking the stairs instead of the lift helps.

Good luck and enjoy.

[jacobsmum24]

Really good advice Kristian and more or less exactly what I was told by the dietician at my liver clinic. Five or six small meals a day with a bedtime snack being important to give your liver something to work on during the night. I was told to have protein at every meal to help muscle wasting and carbs to provide energy. Only thing I find difficult is losing weight as I can't cutback on meals like I did pre cirrhosis. Once the winter has gone I really need to do more exercise !

[NYer in reply to jacobsmum24]

The one part I'm not understanding is the meal before bed so your liver has something to work on? Why does it need to work overnight? Or is the answer obvious?

[ThreeSmiles in reply to NYer]

“In patients with liver cirrhosis, the liver's ability to store and release glycogen (a source of energy) is impaired, leading to chronic energy deficiency. ... With late evening snack therapy (LES), the patient eats a light supper before going to bed to prevent the liver from becoming energy deficient during the night.”

Tbh I never heard it called LES but the principle was the same for the advice we all seem to have been given 👍.

Oh, and no, I wouldn’t say that was “obvious” would you 😀.

[NYer]

Thank you. It actually cleared up the reason why I get tired during the day. Doctor had said if I do to much one day I will feel tired the next. I now see that it has more to do with keeping regular meals in me. I wish I had the appetite I used to. I can't seem to lose my belly. Is it possible to ever have a stomach that is normal size again?