Headache

[Skye48]

Hi there I am waiting to see someone as apparently my liver looked cirrhotic after Christmas. My problem is I currently have a really severe headache and scared to take anything but the pain I really severe, feels more like a migraine. Can anyone help what I am able to take? I have been given no guidance by anyone as same with food but I'm following a cirrhosis diet but headaches are a different thing. Thanks so much I'm in so much pain.

[purplecatlady1]

Hi Skye

I dont have liver disease experience, but I have had liver surgery. The only over the counter painkiller that my doctors advised me to take after surgery was paracetamol. So I am guessing that is not too bad for the liver.

Hope that you feel better soon.

[Skye48 in reply to purplecatlady1]

Thanks for replying I've taken 2 paracetamol. It's helped a lot with a coffee and hopefully will help me get to sleep. Appreciate your help.

[AyrshireK]

Paracetemol is generally considered the most liver safe when taken as per instructions (or potentially at a slightly reduced dose if you are under 60kg).

Hubby was allowed paracetemol for post banding pain, pain after cycling injuries, post dental treatment pain etc. all when he had cirrhosis.

Katie

[Skye48 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie I've taken paracetamol and feel a bit better now. Wish I was below 60kg, Have taken 2 Paracetamol as normally take Sumatriptan for migraines but it clearly says on the leaflet don't take with liver problems. Makes me wonder why it was ever given to begin with. I've drunk 4litres of water today so not dehydration, probably stress from work and the kids as both have adhd and can't get meds anywhere. Thanks for your help jo

[QuietButBold]

Speaking as someone who, circa 20 years ago, had the worst headache pain I have ever experienced - the very worst pain I could imagine, plus other worrying symptoms (and it was outside of UK GP Practice opening hours) - I phoned NHS 111:

111.nhs.uk/

My experience of the 111 Service was excellent.

In my particular case, the 111 Triage Nurse was concerned and got the on-call duty GP for my County to phone me.

That on-call GP was concerned and told me to get someone to drive me to the local A & E (who had been informed about my symptoms, my 111 conversations, and that I was coming in - they already knew all about me when I arrived - I didn't need to worry about trying to string sensible sentences together through the pain).

It turned out that I needed immediate treatment (and that is indeed what happened).

The only odd / surprising / disconcerting part of the experience; was that my own GP-visible NHS record subsequently did not have any update about my A & E attendance event and treatment. So I showed my GP the packet of medication I had been prescribed by the A & E Dr - as that had worked for me, I wanted my GP NHS record to reference the event, the issue and the resolution medication - in case I were to ever experience something similar in future. (I can tend to experience adverse reactions to medications more than other members of my Family ...so when that doesn't occur ...I want a note of a successful drug on my NHS record - just in case I cannot speak for myself another time!).

Hoping you get some personalised medical guidance from your own GP (or Hepatology Dr) soon.

[Thebigeasy]

Hi as mentioned in previous posts I am allowed paracetamol. Diet wise, my liver nurse provided me with information about diet and told me to cut right down on salt intake.

[DogLover1888]

Hi there. I have lover cirrhosis and diagnosed June 2024. I was in hospital for 7 weeks as I have severe acites and was very ill. They couldn’t give me any pain relief however since I’ve been out, I’ve had severe pain in my joints and can hardly move around at all. I take dihydeocodeine 30mgs one or twice a day. The doctor advised me that I was only allowed to take codeine for pain relief as my liver is very scarred after all my tests. It’s horrible and very hard to live with however with the right diet, exercise & help from your doctor it helps.

Hope this helps you. X

[BritishLiverTrust12 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Hi Skye48,

We are sorry to hear of your situation. However, no one on this forum can diagnose you or advise you on medication. This is a question that your own health care professional is best placed to answer, as only they have access to your medical records.

We suggest talking this through with your own doctor or health care professional.

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Milser]

Oh poor you, I’m lucky I don’t suffer regular headaches but when I do they are monsters and I’m sick. Before I reach for paracetamol I drink plenty of water, cold damp flannel on head and sleep, if that doesn’t work then paracetamol for me. I hope you feel better soon