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liver cirrhosis pain
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Digestive Health
Question #15259
45 days ago
88

liver cirrhosis pain - #15259

Rian

I am trying to understand this liver cirrhosis pain I've been feeling. A couple months ago, I was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis after quite a few tests because I had been experiencing fatigue and discomfort in my abdomen. The doctor said it was likely due to long-term alcohol use, which was a hard pill to swallow! Ever since I started noticing things like swelling in my legs and this crazy pain around my upper abdomen. It's like a gnawing ache that gets worse when I eat or even when I'm just sitting around. I can't tell if the liver cirrhosis pain is related to other symptoms like the itching I've read about or if it's something else entirely. I've been given medication for managing the pain but it doesn't seem to be effective enough. Is liver cirrhosis pain something that can be managed better? Or should I be worried that it’s getting worse? I feel lost and confused, honestly. I’ve tried changing my diet and cut out alcohol completely but the pain is still very much there. Is there anything else I could do to ease this liver cirrhosis pain, or any advice on what other treatments I should look into?

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Doctors’ responses

The pain you are experiencing with liver cirrhosis is not uncommon and can indeed be quite distressing. The gnawing pain in the upper abdomen could be due to several factors, including inflammation of the liver capsule or pressure from swelling. You mentioned swelling in your legs, which suggests fluid retention—a common issue in cirrhosis due to portal hypertension. While abdominal pain and discomfort can be a feature of liver cirrhosis, it’s crucial to monitor for other symptoms that could indicate a worsening of the condition, such as significant weight loss, jaundice, or confusion, which could suggest hepatic encephalopathy.

You’ve done well by stopping alcohol and altering your diet. Focus on maintaining a well-balanced diet that’s low in sodium to help with fluid retention. Manage your protein intake carefully; while it’s necessary, too much protein can exacerbate encephalopathy in some cases. Your doctor might also recommend diuretics to manage fluid buildup. The itching often arises from bile salt accumulation in the bloodstream, so medications like cholestyramine might help. Pain management in liver cirrhosis should be approached cautiously due to the liver’s compromised function: avoid NSAIDs which can worsen liver issues and focus on medications recommended by your healthcare provider.

If current medications aren’t sufficient for pain management, discussing with your healthcare provider could lead to an adjustment or addition of other therapies, such as low-dose opioids in cases of severe pain with careful supervision. Also, address any constipation which might be contributing to your discomfort. If you notice new or worsening symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Consider frequent follow-ups with your healthcare provider to manage this condition effectively and reassess your treatment plan. Keep careful track of any symptoms and report changes immediately to ensure timely medical intervention when necessary.

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