Problems with possible Cirhosis side effects

[JimmyJackson]

I was diagnosed with non alcoholic cirrhosis in 2015 during treatment for bowel cancer, how i ended up with this condition is still a mystery to me I am now 83 & apart from that quite OK having always been above average in fitness.

However since diagnosis I have suffered from increasing lack of energy which is now becoming a serious problem. Is this something that is part of the ongoing cirrhosis?

I also have some problems with acid reflux & insomnia are these also part of the complaint?

I have had most medical checks which show all OK do not have any other physical manifestations apart from Psoriasis

Anyone got any ideas

[AyrshireK]

Lack of energy with cirrhosis is extremely common since your liver plays a key role in releasing the bodies energy stores. Make sure you are snacking with carbohydrates and protein regularly throughout the day, avoid long fasting spells.

When your liver is not working well or when you have liver disease, your body needs extra energy (calories) and protein. This is because sometimes your body cannot digest and absorb its food properly and therefore is unable to store and use energy.

Malnutrition (weight loss and muscle wasting) is common in people with liver disease.

Malnutrition has many causes, including decreased food intake due to liver disease symptoms such as:

-Loss of appetite

-Nausea and vomiting

-Feeling full easily which may be due to ascites (fluid collecting around your middle)

-Unnecessary or inappropriate dietary restrictions.

Good nutrition is vital to overcome symptoms of liver disease, by:

-Stopping muscle wasting and feeling weak

-Maintaining strength and mobility

-Reducing hospital admissions

-Helping wounds heal more quickly

-Speeding up recovery from operations and infections

-Helping to prevent ascites and encephalopathy (confusion caused by liver disease) getting worse.

Carbohydrate

When you eat starchy carbohydrate it is broken down into sugar (glucose). This is your body’s main energy source. Some of this energy is stored in your muscles and liver as a starch called glycogen.

This is a back-up energy store to be used later when it is needed, between meals, if you have missed a meal or during a long fast such as overnight.

The liver co-ordinates the release of this energy until you next have something to eat; these energy stores are then replaced at your next meal. If the liver is not working properly and you develop liver disease symptoms, the liver cannot replace this store.

The energy from the food you eat only lasts for 2 hours. If you have liver disease and have no energy stores, your body must find an alternative source of energy after this time. Fat tissue is hard to break down quickly, so instead your body will break down its own muscles for energy. If this continues, your muscles will get weaker and waste away.

It is important that you try and eat regular meals and snacks containing carbohydrate every 2-3 hours.

To prevent muscle being used for energy and to keep you strong, it is important to ‘re-fuel’ your body regularly. Eating meals and snacks containing starchy carbohydrate every 2-3 hours provides enough energy to stop your body breaking down its own muscles.

Insomnia and sleep disturbance is also common - in my hubbies case the fatigue and sleep disruption/insomnia are his main symptoms of his cirrhosis together with concentration issues caused by this both mental and physical fatigue and a diagnosis of minor HE.

As regards acid reflux - has this been checked out? When did you last have an endoscopy?

My hubby was having horrendous acid reflux prior to diagnosis and it was discovered he had portal hypertensive gastropathy of his stomach lining and also varices. He noticed it was worse with some food stuffs than others so he avoids his known trigger foods like anything citrus, fruit, coleslaw and things like that. He is also prescribed Omeprazole to reduce stomach acid and the bad effects it has on his stomach lining and reflux.

Katie

[JimmyJackson in reply to AyrshireK]

Very many thanks

[Hidden]

If you have increasing symptoms, may I suggest you speak with your GP or liver specialist.

I have also included a link to our cirrhosis information.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Trust9

[Liverandlife]

I have, in addition to cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis. The consultant told me that was a major factor as it puts the liver under stress. It is possible that a similar link exists in your case.