Any advice or thoughts appreciated! Trying to keep cirrhosis in check despite hospitalization for very serious pneumonia

[GAgirl111]

Hello all. I was diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis a year and a half ago. Had stopped drinking a few months before, but the damage was done. I was in terrible shape but with a great doctor and 100% commitment to my nutrition and lifestyle was compensated and on minimum maintenance follow up. I was doing great, felt great and enjoyed an excellent quality of life. Until July 11.

I went to bed July 10 after a normal day, felt fine. Woke up the next morning feeling like a train had hit me and 103.2 F fever. After no improvement I went to the ER on July 20 and was admitted. The did a ton of tests, including a bronchial biopsy. After one week they still didn’t know what I had exactly, but that it was pneumonia and they started IV antibiotics. After another week and a half they discovered it is a very rare fungal infection. I have an abscess in my right lung bigger than a man’s fist. I have been on bed rest with restricted movement up until two days ago.

The food options are horrible but I have worked hard to keep within my 1500mg/day limit, but I basically eat the same three things and don’t have any variety of nutritious food. I’ve supplemented with 2 Ensure Plus a day for protein and more nutrients.

I’ve been watching my palms and ankles/feet closely. Yesterday and today my ankles and the tops of my feet are swelling up some during the day. Obviously this is troubling, but I feel like I don’t have any control over my situation to make the changes that would fix this.

Sorry this got so long, but I’m really concerned. I want my lungs to heal, but not at the expense of my liver. Any insights or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Lisa

[MisterX]

Unfortunately sometimes you have to deal with one thing at a time. If you went into Hospital in a compensated state then the priority must be to deal with the abscess and infection.

The disruption to your diet and routine isn't ideal but if they insist on bed rest I'd presume there's a good reason - especially if you're cirrhotic. I wouldn't worry too much about a little bit of swelling when your immobile, you can get that anyway without it signalling decompensation of your liver.

The key is to deal with the immediate problem and keep a watchful eye on your liver and liver function. Make sure your liver consultant is kept informed but otherwise I'd trust the professionals to get on with the job.

Stay strong and best wishes.

[GAgirl111 in reply to MisterX]

Thanks. They don’t have me on any diuretics so I’m trying to get that added also.