A cirrhosis diagnosis can feel overwhelming
The diagnosis of liver disease can be a huge psychological burden. You may feel more emotional than normal. You may be fatigued, as liver problems can cause issues with sleep, which then make you seem more impatient or demanding. Your feelings may also make you withdraw from your normal social life and relationships.1 But you can help to steer the course of your condition. Stay confident, take the advice of your healthcare team, and look after your body!2
Find out more:
- Is liver cirrhosis a death sentence?
- Life expectancy in cirrhosis
- Identify complications early
- How to talk to your doctor
- What do I do in an emergency?
- The importance of support groups
- Where to find support groups
- Taking time out from your illness – tips from a life coach
Maintain your relationships
Staying close with your friends and loved ones is just as important as caring for your body. Keep in touch with other people – emotional support is very important in difficult times.2
A happy, contented life includes love, friendship and social interaction. Keep in touch with people who are good for you, preferably on a regular basis.4 Accept the help and attention of your friends and relatives when they offer it.1
Find out about local support groups that you can join.1 Also don’t be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you might have, or further explain anything you find unclear1
Wellbeing tips
When you are diagnosed with cirrhosis, you may need to make some changes in your day-to-day life. We have compiled a list of tips for you here. Hopefully, these will help make your life a little bit easier:3
- Always take your medication exactly as your doctor has advised
- Take your nutrition seriously and eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Avoid alcohol
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Ask your doctor if you need any vaccinations
- Have regular checkups with your doctor
Look after yourself
Relaxation time is just as important as having a good time with other people. Time alone is necessary to calm yourself down, replenish strength and simply let your mind wander. You can decide how you want to spend your “alone time”. Why not start painting? Or relax with some meditation? Find hobbies and activities that you enjoy and that allow you to be yourself again.4 What did you enjoy as a child? Is there something you’d like to rediscover?
Don’t be discouraged by setbacks in life and stay positive.4 Tomorrow is another day!
Additional Information
References:
- Plymouth Hospital Staff. Plymouth Hospital. Living with Liver Disease. Available at: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n5707.pdf&ver=7816. Last accessed: November 2020
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institute of Health. Treatment for Cirrhosis. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis/treatment. Last accessed: October 2020
- Ordin YS, Karayurt Ö. Effects of a Support Group Intervention on Physical, Psychological, and Social Adaptation of Liver Transplant Recipients. Exp Clin Transplant. 2016 Jun;14(3):329-37.
- Medline Staff. Medline. How to Improve Mental Health. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html. Last accessed: November 2020
May 2021. GL-HEP-XIF-2000185
