pain relief

[Cfmol]

hi ya

My husband was diagnosed with cirrhosis early this year, he would have pain in his arms and losing power with some muscle wasting, he has always had back pain had an operation 4 years ago and got discs removed, but he has a constant burning and numbness in his feet and legs, he would regularly get infections in his legs every 4 weeks!

GP isn’t very helpful they have him on condine 30, only suppose to take 2 a day but is in pain all the time

Any suggestions for pain relief????

[redpoint72]

Morning love.Its difficult to say what we think as to pain relief...

Really you need to contact your husbands consultant, or liver nurse.

They know your husbands medical history,and whether he is decompensated or compensated.

Only talking about myself here love,I suffer with sciatica...

My hep consultant once I became compensated was happy for me to take low dose nefopam, and half normal dose of paracetamol . But thats me....and we are each different, what maybe right for one may not be appropriate for someone else.

First port of call really is your husbands consultant.

My best.

Chris

[Cfmol in reply to redpoint72]

Thanks for ur reply, contact them 2 weeks ago and no one has phoned me back 🤦‍♀️

[redpoint72 in reply to Cfmol]

Sometimes we have to pester😆Usually my hep consultants secretary's really helpful..

I would probably be on the phone tomorrow, to them!

Hope your husband gets some relief....constant pain can be a real downer.

Take care.

Chris

[Cfmol in reply to redpoint72]

Yeah think that’s half the battle getting this under control thanks

[Roy1955]

Any chance he is also diabetic?

[Cfmol in reply to Roy1955]

He was steroid diabetic when he was first diagnosed for 8 weeks and was given insulin but that left when he came off steroids but we have a test at home and check every week but he itches constantly at his legs which then leads to infection

[WayCas]

Doctors tried everything for my pain. Nothing worked. Then, gave me Tramodol low dose. Really worked. I am aware of side effects and take only when needed. Apparently, it has an anti inflamatory effect that also helps.Check with your doctor and see what he thinks. Wayne

[Cfmol in reply to WayCas]

Thanks for ur help will ask

[theoldboiler]

Non -steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates, Codeine etc are a no no for people with cirrhosis but we can have small amounts of paracetamol. I have the same problem with very painful feet caused by nerve damage from alcoholism. (Peripheral neuropathy) I find it worse at night and pain killers don't really help. Compression socks (v cheap on Amazon) help quite a lot and I take the occasional Phenergan at night to help me sleep, it has been OKed by my doctors as it os OTC and non addictive. Hope this helps. Wendy

[AnxiousPete in reply to theoldboiler]

This isn't true for everyone. My hepatologist has said if my arthritis pain returns I can take codeine short term. He also said as I am well compensated I can take normal dose of paracetomol. He is of the opinion that nobody should take Ibuprofen not just those of us with cirrhosis. It is important to get direct advice from a consultant.

[Qwertrew in reply to AnxiousPete]

Does he say why ibuprofen is a bigger danger in cirrhosis than paracetamol? As I understand it, paracetamol is more hepatotoxic.

[AnxiousPete in reply to Qwertrew]

Ibuprofen and aspirin are NSAIDs which are contraindicated for cirrhosis. Paracetomol is listed as being of lower risk although for many, a reduced dosage is recommended.

[Roy1955 in reply to Qwertrew]

NSAIDs can cause internal bleeding even in healthy people.Irritate the stomach and generaly reduce blood clotting ability.

It's mentioned as a possible side effect on the packs!

People with cirrhosis are at high risk of internal bleeds and NSAIDs greatly increase that risk.

[Qwertrew in reply to Roy1955]

I see, so ibuprofen is easier on the liver itself, but more prone to cause bleeding which adds to the risk already brought on by cirrhosis. Paracetamol is a bit harsher on the liver itself, but not as likely to cause bleeds. So then this advice is probably more suited for those with cirrhosis, and no to those with NAFLD (not that anyone claimed otherwise).

[theoldboiler]

Sorry 2nd reply, just realised you meant codeine, it really isn't advised for people with liver disease

[Cfmol in reply to theoldboiler]

Thanks for replies so ur consultant was advised no to codeine, my husband takes 6 x30mg a day to try and help with pain, it’s so confusing 🤯

[Williamsbluefamily]

Ask your doctor for Oramorph it might help

[Cfmol in reply to Williamsbluefamily]

Thanks waiting on consultant secretary to phone me back

[tracyliz]

Hi there, I was in agony with leg pain. have cirrohsis, and my doctor said it was alcoholic neuralgia. I was prescribed Amitryptaline for it, it takes 12 weeks to work and then it's fine.

[Cfmol in reply to tracyliz]

Thanks for the reply he takes 3x10mg of amitryptaline at nite as long time

[x007jcp]

Hi -I’m cirrhotic and was given codeine in hospital and by my GP.

[Cfmol in reply to x007jcp]

Thanks for ur reply seems there’s different opinion on codeine

[x007jcp in reply to Cfmol]

Possibly on a case by case basis.

[Readlots]

Hi, you mentioned itchy legs. There may be something he can take to prevent the itch which might stop the cycle of itch, scratch, infection, pain. Ask the secretary when she calls. Good luck!

[Cfmol in reply to Readlots]

Yeah I believe the infection comes from him itching and breaking skin

[Roy1955 in reply to Cfmol]

Wear gloves while sleeping

[Readlots in reply to Roy1955]

Good idea, you can buy cotton ones