Cirrhosis Support Group
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...
I'm in a bit of limbo. I was DX'd w/cirrhosis about a year ago. Had bad bouts with ascites, many 10+ liter drainings, lost about 100 pounds etc. No varicies or any other major problems discovered during my transplant evaluation tests. I have not had a drink or a ciggarette for well over a year, and I've been doing much better. (I'm 47 YO, BTW). my ascites is now completely controlled by ever smaller doses of diuretics and my blood tests come back in the normal range. My last MELD score was 9.
My problem is the constant pain i have in all of my joints, muscles stomach area, etc. It just seems like (for now, thank God), I'm to well for a transplant, and because I've gained most of my weight back and try not to complain, people (including close friends and family) seem to forget that I'm sick and have some limitations.
I try to eat right and exercise as much as I can, and would like to try to work and make some $$$ while I still can. Is there any pain medication that can be taken by people in our situation which will not make our illness worse, but allow us to live a more normal and pain free life?
Sorry for the long post, I read everythinhg here but don't post much. I just get frustrated sometimes?
Dave
My problem is the constant pain i have in all of my joints, muscles stomach area, etc. It just seems like (for now, thank God), I'm to well for a transplant, and because I've gained most of my weight back and try not to complain, people (including close friends and family) seem to forget that I'm sick and have some limitations.
I try to eat right and exercise as much as I can, and would like to try to work and make some $$$ while I still can. Is there any pain medication that can be taken by people in our situation which will not make our illness worse, but allow us to live a more normal and pain free life?
Sorry for the long post, I read everythinhg here but don't post much. I just get frustrated sometimes?
Dave
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My 6mo twin DD's are EBF and just started rice cereal on the first. Everything has been going fine except this morning one of them had a diaper rash (lots of redness around her anus). I read this as one of the signs of an allergy. BUT I did just buy a different brand diaper yesterday (which they have used randomly before w/no issues). Do you think its the cereal or the diaper? Im ready to start...
I was taking massive amount of pain killers three years ago when I diagnosed and they will make your condition worse. Even morphine was damaging my liver.
This disease is painful but you, as most all of us here, will lean to live with it. I know it sounds crazy but you will get used to the pain somewhat.
I don't have any answers but will be interested in what others have to say and for any of you that ask your Drs, please let us know what they say about this, please.
I have a scheduled EGD for preventive banding of remaining varices; the first banding, due to bleeding, caused extreme heartburn pain. Unless the pain is extreme, my goal is to limit any additional drugs if possible. I have to be a realist and plan to adjust to what a normal life with an irreversible ailment brings.
Frustration is a natural feeling during adjustment. Keep your faith and commitment to better health and the transition should come much easier.
So glad you're doing well in the 'overall' but I hear you when it comes to ordinary things everyone expects you to do again. My husband's like, 'why can't you replace the subfloor yourself like the girl on TV?'... As if! No, trust me, he would've been bitch slapped if he really said that. ;-) But still...
My doc says only regular strength Tylenol and that's only after he was totally convinced I don't/won't touch alcohol. Getting anything stronger is like pulling teeth because of what everyone above said like liver health and transplant issues but also because they think you're going to turn all addict on them.
Here's something, though... assuming you're in the US, have you applied for disability? Because I sure got it and pretty quick from what I understand. Yep, turns out this cirrhosis thing is pretty serious! ;-) Luckily I worked just enough to get a decent benefit myself.
Nicole
Clonzapam 4 mg daily
Propanilol ( Inderal LA - Beta Blocker ) 60 mg daily
Neurontin 100mg daily
Trazadone ( anti-depressant ) 50-100 mg daily
Thanks.
Some people say it is not good to take long-term pain meds, but being a wimp I would rather live a pain free existence.
I would also add that my wife loves seeing me happy again!!!!