Cirrhosis and ascites and wasted muscle mass

Ascites was my first problem and then the dreaded ammonia level. I was in the hospital in Jan, Feb, March and April with very high ammonia levels. Each time I went in my stay was 3 to 4 days. I finally have the ammonia and ascites somewhat under control. My protein daily intake is about 40 grams a day and that has controlled my ammonia level greatly. However I still have the ascites drained every 3 to 4 weeks. They take off 5 to 6 liters each time.

I'm sharing my problems with this forum hoping I can contribute and I will get ideas from others about how they have controlled their problems as well.

My muscle mass has wasted away pretty much although I walk good and also drive for short trips i,e., Food Lion etc.

Although I've had a rough year I seem to be feeling much better and also feel stronger. Anyone who will share their cirrhosis condition with me would be greatly appreciated.

Although I am 80 years old, my health is great except for cirrhosis.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Bob in Virginia.

Hi, Bob, and welcome to the forum!  There is a lot of information about liver disease in the folder at the top of the page entitled Hepatitis Resources.  You might want to check it out.  I have hep C, cirrhosis, and am a liver cancer survivor.   Regarding protein, it's best to stay away from animal protein as much as possible, as that is the most difficult for the liver to process.  Try soy products, such as edamame (soy beans) in the shell or shelled, to use in stir fries.  You will find them in frozen foods.  Cheese and eggs in moderation are also good.  Fish, of course.

I think everyone with liver disease has a battle with ascites and edema at some point.  I did when I had liver cancer.  My feet and calves had 3+ pitting edema and my stomach was horribly swollen.  They finally got it under control with diuretics.  I also had drainage bags for weeks following abdominal surgeries.

I'm sure you will be an inspiration to others here and will also learn a lot.

Hugs,

Connie

Penny, it is my understanding that Aldactone taken with Lasix prevents the lowering of potassium that is caused by Lasix alone.  Of course, it is also a mild diuretic.  Perhaps the liver cancer caused my ascites and edema flare.  After being on diuretics for about 2 years, I noticed my BUN and creatinine creeping up, I reduced my diuretics to twice a week, which my hep doc approved.  When I stop taking them altogether, I do have some slight swelling in my fingers and abdomen and slight edema in my feet.

I also want to add beans to the list as a source of protein.

Hugs,

Connie

David,

The size of the liver depends on the affliction and progression of the disease.  For example, with NASH (fatty liver disease), the liver will be enlarged with fat.  With cirrhosis, the liver will initially swell.  As the disease progresses and the amount of scar tissue in the liver increases, the liver will actually shrink.

Harvey was nearly a dead man when he received his transplant.  The surgeons were amazed he was alive considering what was left of his liver.

Penny

David, you're correct.  Due to the size of the tumor (12 cm x 11.5 cm), it took up the entire right lobe and metastasized into the inferior vena cava.  The treatment shrunk the tumor and the metastasized part, but there was no viable tissue remaining, either.

Hugs,

Connie