Hi, I'm hoping someone might recognise what I'm talking about... I go to do some physical activity...lifting something heavy... cleaning the windows and all my energy just vanishes. I start shaking and feel very weak. Gp says panic attacks, but I know the difference. Any ideas if this is something to do with cirrhosis? Thanks.
Suddenly weak and shaking. Cirrhosis r... - British Liver Trust
Suddenly weak and shaking. Cirrhosis related?
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Tony20
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56 Replies
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My hubby gets like that, especially for some reason when he does any upper body stuff like lifting, hoovering etc. We've never got an answer for it other than running out of energy - are you fuelling i.e. eating carbs and protein regularly (every 2 hours or so).
Katie
Thanks Katie. Yes I eat small amounts every few hours.
The closest I've got to an answer, reading all over, is a drop in glucose/glucogen from the liver. Seemingly doesn't work as efficiently. I bought a glucose monitor and do notice I drop to 2.5 to 3 during these episodes. As it's not diabetes I'm unsure how to manage it. Thanks for your reply it helps knowing it's not my imagination!
My hubby has just been diagnosed with cirrhosis induced pre-diabetes.
Hi Tony,
I get the weak and wobblies as I call them at least once a week. I also feel faint, and I have a slice of toast with marmalade (or jam) to boost my sugar level, Hope this helps.
David
Thanks, I need to take something sweet with me to work, it's horrible when it just starts without much warning and there's people around. Toast n marmalade sounds a healthier option than my bar of chocolate.
Again it points to the other post referring to pre-diabetes.
Omg Tony if you are down to those levels you are having a diabetes hypo! (“The full name for a hypo is hypoglycaemia. It's when your blood glucose level (also called blood sugar) is too low, usually below 4mmol/l. ”)
You must, I hope, be seeing the diabetes nurse/doctor at your GPS? I hope you are, if not well, then you must!
Be very careful not to attempt to drive when you are having a hypo or feel one coming on - you usually get a little bit of a “not feeling quite right” feeling in advance - and ALWAYS carry some Glucose tablets in your car in case it happens unexpectedly- it can and it does! I know as I have had diabetes with cirrhosis and it is very unpleasant isn’t it 😕. I presume you have told your car insurance company about both diseases and also told the DVLA. ( I am of course presuming that you drive?)
Good luck and hope you see someone about it soon!
Miles
• in reply toThreeSmiles
Hi
I'm not allowed to drive cos of meds, diabetes, cirrhosis etcand tiredness!!
ThreeSmiles• in reply to
I was without licence for 9 months and it was a heck of a battle to get DVLA to give it back 👎😑.
When the liver struggles. There will be unpredictable drops in blood sugar that are on occasion spontaneous and happen more frequently when energy is used. This is caused because the Liver can't store glycogen when cirrhotic. So there is no stored energy to be released unless there has been a recent intake of carb. What you are describing used to happen to my husband all the time pre transplant. He used to eat carb snacks as he walked, and always took a bottle of Lucozade to sip. If fact every coat we had had pockets full of snacks to be safe. 😁
If he didn't do this he would shake and feel dizzy. I did on the first few occassions checked his blood sugars and they were low when he had these episodes.
Thankfully since his recent transplant this has all stopped. I now don't have a excuse for the pockets full of snacks 😂
Doctor always point to panic attacks its so frustrating. They know u have a liver problem so why don't they think about it been related to that. I always go away after a doctors visit thinking what a waste of time
Laura009• in reply to
Because when you present with anxiety you are prone to panic attacks. It would appear your anxiety is worse than the state of your liver so therefore the doctor is connecting your weakness with panic attacks. Why you have the weakness isn't really the issue, it's how you deal with it yourself that counts.
• in reply toLaura009
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round
Help me, get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, oh. 😇
• in reply to
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 now that's brill Ofeck 👍
Hi
I too get the shakes etc, I out it down to my diabetes type 2 , didn't even think about the liver. I do hope you see some improvement soon. Take care Lynne
• in reply to
Shake Rattle & Roll
• in reply to
I knew you'd come up with something 😂
How's your mother in law at the moment?!? Hope you don't mind me asking but I do know it's as hard for the carer as it is for the patient. I know we felt helpless with our parents cos there was nothing we could do to change the situation, it was heartbreaking. I won't go on now otherwise I will make myself upset.
Dave said he feels helpless cos he can't fix what is wrong with me. You both take care Lynne
• in reply to
Clot sorted. Away with the bird's on Tue so nothing was done. Got cortisone inj in knee y/day afternoon, 48hrs wait now before physio over weekend to get back on her feet & into the departure lounge. My guess kick out time Mon?
• in reply to
I'm pleased the clot was sorted, must be a relief for you both. They will be kicking her out as soon as they can. Does your wife have carers to help with her Mum? It's horrible to watch someone you love deteriorate in front of you. You both take care Lynne
• in reply to
Carers? Cup of Tea & Tablets in & out, that's it.🙄
• in reply to
They might as well not bother!!
• in reply to
Can you send me what your on ? 🤭
Bootandall• in reply to
😇😇
• in reply to
"Tunes help you breathe more easily". 🎶
Laughing gas💨
• in reply to
Witty as ever Ofeck .... but I like these too 🎶🎻📻 as it gets me 💃💃💃
Come on .... all join in ....💃🕺 it's good for the soul and your well being ....
🙂
I can't seem to do a lot & I lose all my energy & start sweating. My right side starts to hurt. It is always uncomfortable. Plus my muscles in my shoulders & neck keep going into spazam! I am having to have physio. The nerve in my back keeps trapping to sending pain down my leg! Mind you I have always had back problems. I never though it could be low sugar! I am diabetic, but normally I have high sugar's. Hope you feel better soon 😘
Hi Abby,
I have had a trapped sciatic nerve in my lower back for nearly 50 years ( bad rugby tackle), and like you, I get pain down my left leg right down to my ankle, and sometimes get seriously painful muscle spasms in my back and hip.
I use a TENS machine and an electric heat pad to ease the pain.
Hope this helps,
David
Thanks😘 I tried a tens machine & it sent my legs mad! They whent all tingley😢
Hi Abby, TENS machines are supposed to tingle....it's a small electric shock it delivers in pulses, which you can adjust in frequency.😊😊😊
David
I’m sure my back issue was caused by a rugby tackle as well - when I was at University 👎. Long time ago of course 😀 and despite now being called the University of Greenwich it was Thames Poly when I went 😀.
Hi Miles, it's to be expected in a contact sport, but I wouldn't have changed it 😊😊😊. My 2 Son's still play, and both are in their late 30's, and yes they both go home with cuts and bruises 🏉🏉🏉.
David
I played for a bit when at work but stopped when li’l uns arrived 😀
Think mine happened going through the university of life! 
You mean falling over in the shower/bath - ah well I suppose that is also in that great big university of life definition 😀
I had primary sclerosis cholangitis. Cholangitis would occur and quickly my temp woul rise to 100-104 F. Worst sign was quaking chills. I always carried Capri on my person. Coprocessor would reduce fever and a hot shower would stop the terrible chills. Do you have PSC? take care
I have PSC experiencing episides roughly 2 - 3 weeks apart, often triggered by working on something (last time it wa tating the Dyson apart to clean the filters). I have a permanent prescription for the ab ciproflaxin and I take this together with paracetomol which generally prevents things goin statopheric.
All the best.
Hi Tony, if you are doing anything physical you are using up your sugar store which your body is not naturally replacing. I totally agree with Miles you must see GP/Diabetes nurse for some advice. Always remember 4 is the floor anything lower and you are putting yourself in danger possibly slipping into a coma or worse. I always carry some jelly babies and a small can of full fat coke if I feel a hypo coming on. Chocolate is not as fast acting to raise your blood sugars due to it breaking down slowly in the stomach.
Take care and I hope your Gp takes more notice of you.
Good morning Tony20,
I can see that you are getting lots of helpful hints from our forum members.
Can I just reiterate the need to seek medical advice if symptoms are persistant or worsening.
Perhaps keeping a diary of these events, and taking blood sugar recording when you hae these episodes may be useful evidence for your GP?
If you are not feeling supported by the GP, could you possibly see a different one ?
Best wishes and take care,
Trust9
Have you been check for Diabetes?
Hi Toni20
That’s good it’s not nice having these weak and shakes, I hope things improve for you I’ve had PBC 20 years and been Diabetic 10 years, wishing you well.
Hi, yes all part and parcel of our symptomatic little reminders.
Blood sugar levels should read at
5 - 7 mmol . I’m definitely not diabetic either, my GP suggested a coffee and small banana 🍌 also a short break feet up. It seems to occur when your liver isn’t breaking down your diet correctly for glucose levels on certain occasions. Another little blip to add to your calendar 🗓 ha.
Best wishes chrissie 👌
Good Morning Tony
I cannot add to what my lovely friends have advised but I can wish you all the best and hope you get your weak and shakes under control soon!
Like Miles advises keep glucose tablets with you or something else sweet for emergencies.
Love Trish xxx
Tony, I’m prone to these symptoms and I have PBC. In addition to what’s already been said above, I take Alfredthegreat’s advice and have porridge at bed time! As well as taking care to eat thro the day we need to take care of our longest gap without food, when we sleep! If I don’t do this it’s like starting a car journey on an empty tank when I wake up. Best wishes
iron deficiency?
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