Balance issues and falling

[RAGNOR]

Hi All, is it common to have balance issues with decompensated cirrhosis- enough that if you step backwards you cant stop yourself from falling backwards ? My husband seems to be having this problem just now - he has recently been in hospital with a HE episode and his balance issues seem to have gotten worse over the last 6-7 months to the point my heart is in my mouth with fear that he is going to hurt himself . Annette

[cammeag]

Hi Annette. Is he on diuretics. That was what caused my balance problems. Also bad dizziness. I don’t think it’s the liver but the diuretics do have that common side effect. I discussed other options with my doctor(after some private testing🤫) and we decided that I would take ‘all’ my diuretics just before bed. Her objection at first was I would be woken up too often to pee but I assured her I couldn’t sleep less than I was then. Now...I still pee two/three times a night but my sleep is blessed and deep and I have no trouble going back off. Keeping a pee bottle next to the bed helps(put bleach in to combat odours). Sorry it has been such a graphic reply 😂

[RAGNOR in reply to cammeag]

Hi, Yes he is on diuretics. Morning and Afternoon pills. His diuretics have recently been increased to deal with swelling mainly in his legs and a little on the tummy. The balance issues were never a problem until about 6/7 months ago . The pee bottle has pride of place next to the bed just incase it is needed at short notice - better to be safe than sorry

👍. A x

[cammeag in reply to RAGNOR]

Does the diuretics fall in same time frame as dizziness starting?

[Hidden]

Hi Ragnor,

It is really important that his medical team know about this, especially if he is a falls risk.

Keep us posted

Best wishes.

[RAGNOR in reply to Hidden]

Thanks .

He spoke to the hospital today and they are aware of his falls . They have said yo maintain taking the water pills in the morning /afternoon. So we will keep hoping and monitor things .

Thanks Again

Annette

[Hidden in reply to RAGNOR]

Hi Annette. Have you thought about getting something like a walking frame for him to hold onto to steady himself while standing and walking until the problem has been sorted by docs? Just to give him confidence and you some peace of mind that he is more stable.

[Lam1e]

Had he seen an OT? They could help with walking/balance aids and a physio could probably give some useful exercises 🙏

[RAGNOR]

In hospital he saw OT / Physio and he was walking with a frame. He left hospital with a stick to help him walk and we had a shower chair delivered. An apt is being made with a physio so all good 👍 thanks everyone for the helpful posts. Annette