Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms

[DogLover1888]

I was diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis in June 2023 as I was a heavy drinker. Was in hospital 7 weeks and since I’ve been out I’ve had a few issues. I feel the diet is easy however I’m in severe agony with my joints, especially arms and shoulders.

Has anyone ever experienced these pains & if so what helped you? I have been to the doctor several times and had bloods done but can’t find out what’s wrong. I don’t want to have to be taking painkillers the rest of my life.

Any help would be appreciated xx

[Fibro2021]

Hello.

Have you had your vitamin D levels checked?

Joint pain often accompanies chronic diffuse liver diseases. Sometimes this can be due to low vitamin D levels. I have experienced shoulder pain for many years. Sometimes they disappeared, then appeared again, I did not even think that this could be related to the liver.

[DogLover1888 in reply to Fibro2021]

Hi. Yeah and it was low and I was put on 7 tablets to take taken once a week. Almost finished them however not made any difference. I am waiting on blood results however the dr said that if these all come back okay then they can only put it down to my cirrhosis and I’ll be on painkillers for life. I can’t lift my arms up past my shoulder and it’s impossible to reach round my back. I’m stuck with what to do as it’s affecting my whole life.

[kensimmons in reply to DogLover1888]

Relax just a bit. Liver issues are weird and they come and go and are different for all people. You may (while drinking) simply not have moved around so much and now they are "stiff". If so (and this might be it) that will get better in 3 months or so. In any event just keep away from the "likker" move around as best you can and don't get too depressed. I have never heard of someone saying "dang, my health got worse when I STOPPED drinking".

By the way, go to a pool (if possible) and see how you feel then. If the pain is - poof - gone, you might have something completely unrelated to the liver going on like arthritis.

Good luck, don't give up or be too depressed. Like I said above, things can and will get better with abstinence.

[Fibro2021 in reply to DogLover1888]

Hi. I found my old reply regarding joint pain. You should definitely look at that healthunlocked.com/britishl...

[S0briety]

I have suffered from painful knees, hips and hands for the last 6 months and have been sober for almost 1 year. Recent started taking antihistamines for itchy skin, as recommended by my Dr and since then joint pain has improved. Might be worth trying but please check with the professionals first 😉

[DogLover1888 in reply to S0briety]

Hi. Thanks for this. I will mention this to my doctor. I’ve not drank since June 2024 when I was admitted. My left arm/shoulder is the worst, can’t even put my hand on my hip or lift it past my shoulder. Just don’t want to be on painkillers for life and hope they give me answers. X

[Readlots]

Hi, I had shoulder pain and stiffness 2 years ago. Self referred to an NHS physio who diagnosed a frozen shoulder, which is very common in middle aged women (I’m 56) a can last up to 18 months. Did the excercises, no difference. Went for Accupuncture which eased it but was expensive. It got so bad I went back to my GP who checked my thyroid and I’d been on way too high a dose of thyroxine for a year. Reduced my thyroxine and felt much better. After 18 months the pain was gone and I have full movement. Not sure if it was the thyroxine or just the frozen shoulder unfreezing but worth talking to your GP. It’s the worst pain I’ve ever had and really affects your life so you have my sympathy. An ice pack helped with the pain as did sleeping with a pillow under that arm.

[DogLover1888 in reply to Readlots]

Hi. Thanks for getting back to me.

It happened to me around July after 7 weeks in hospital with liver cirrhosis. I am on strong painkillers but that’s it. I’ve got the doctor again soon and I’ll need to ask for more investigation into it as it’s sore all the time and I can hardly move it. Fingers crossed x

[Readlots in reply to DogLover1888]

You can get liver pain linked to your liver, in fact it’s one of the things they tell you about if you have a liver biopsy. But it might just be a coincidence so it’s worth talking to your doctor about. In the meantime, gentle stretches while in the shower, cold packs and use pillows to support your arm in a comfy position. I hope it resolves itself for you

[DogLover1888 in reply to Readlots]

Hi. Yeah the doctor wasn’t sure so did loads of bloods tests to rule out what they thought it could have been. I try stretch and exercise as much as I can but the pain is too much sometimes. I’ve got a certain pillow etc. I’m seeing the dr soon so we will see what has came back from the bloods. If it’s down to my condition then I’ll need to live as best I can on medication. Thanks

[Readlots in reply to DogLover1888]

I’d be surprised if it is your liver. It sounds just like my frozen shoulder and that does resolve itself. It’s nasty while it lasts but it does get better. Hang in there