Use of adjustable bed with cirrhosis and COPD

[eileenet49]

Hi,

I've recently been diagnosed with alcohol related cirrhosis. Had a long conversation with my consultant last week and apparently I'm at stage A which is quite good to hear. I have a gastroscopy booked for 26th to check for varices and will be having a bone scan, vitamin check and tests to check if there is any liver cancer, plus 6 monthly blood screening. There was also a smallish amount of paraprotein found in my blood (accidentally it seems) so need 6 monthly tests for that too, nothing to do with liver though. (I need a diary just to keep all my medical appointments in now).

I also have COPD and related fluid retention, I've been taking 40mg furosemide for about 10 years now.

Recently I'm having trouble sleeping, keep waking up feeling totally congested and coughing. I go to sleep on my side but wake up on my back which also gives me backache.

I tried sleeping sitting up last night which was okay for a while but had to keep moving because it was hurting my bot. But when I got up this morning my swollen legs and feet were still swollen, they usually go down over night but come up again very quickly.

I'm due for a new bed and have been thinking about buying an adjustable one but they are quite expensive so wondered if anybody has any experience with one.

Also wondering if it would have any affect on my liver cirrhosis.

Any advice, experience, comments would be most welcome.

Thank you

Eileen

[eileenet49]

Sorry I forgot, I also have support socks (like extra strong pop socks). Is it okay to wear them at night as well as during the day?

[Readlots]

Sorry Eileen, I don’t have any experience with adjustable beds. However, regarding the support socks, it might be worth getting a referral to an oedema clinic - I’m sure they could advise you on the swelling.

[MisterX]

Lots of adjustable beds for sale on eBay and other sites so I suggest you start there. You can always replace a mattress if you wish to but check the size as sometimes they are longer to allow for all the adjusting.

No reason to think an adjustable mattress would have any impact on your liver. Getting a good night's sleep definitely will.

Good luck.

[Dogbot]

Hi I would say the reason you legs were swollen in the morning is the rack that your leg’s should be raised higher than your heart I used pillows under the mattress to raise my leg’s cheaper than buying a bed. Good luck Stay Safe All

Dogbot 🐶🌈Dave

[Doggielove1]

When im in hospital which is quite a lot I allways adjust my bed to how it suits my body, so it's all different angles, they have never mentioned anything to me before and I find I sleep better than I do at home .

[Dragonboater]

I found that putting a pillow underneath my mattress helped. It elevated it just enough as to not be uncomfortable.