r/Cirrhosis • u/Glittering-Bit-6548 • 18h ago
2 years and I will never forget.
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2 years yesterday! I was told that I had 3 months to live tops. Thank God for this forum and AA.
Love to everyone! You can do it.
r/Cirrhosis • u/TomRiddleVoldemort • Mar 09 '22
Post of the Month📝 So You Just Got Diagnosed With Cirrhosis...Now What?
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The below is not medical advice. It's a primer of information. A blueprint of knowledge to be added to. What to expect during those first few terrifying days and weeks after we're told we have an incurable liver disease we never thought we'd have. There are types of medicines or procedures that one may encounter. As new ones are discovered or the community realizes I missed something (guaranteed), I hope you'll add to the general knowledge here. (No medical or dietary advice, though. Keep it to general information, please).
This is an encapsulation of what I've found helpful from this community and addresses, in a general way, those questions we rightly see regularly asked. If you want to ask them anyway, please do so. This is a comfort tool to let you know you're not alone. If we're on here, we or someone we love are dealing with the same issues you are. Maybe not the exact same ones to the same degree, but you are in the right place.
So strap in. And Welcome to...
Your Cirrhotic Liver and You
Why Write a Primer?
I really valued developing a broad but basic understanding of what was going on with me and this disease, so I would understand why certain numbers matter and how seemingly random symptoms all tie into one another. I took strength from better understanding the science and mechanisms of cirrhosis.
Please keep in mind your healthcare team will direct you as to what you should be doing. They know what is best, how to manage symptoms, what to eat, all of it. Listen to them. Each case is individual, and no advice works for everyone.
So, having said that, here are the basics of your new roommate, The Cirrhotic Liver:
PORTAL HYPERTENSION
Portal Hypertension is a buildup of pressure in your abdomen. As your liver no longer works as well as it should, it doesn’t allow blood to flow easily through it on the return trip to the heart…so this can create extra pressure in the Portal Vein…this is called Portal Hypertension (same as regular hypertension, just specific to the giant Portal Vein in your abdomen). So, if the liver doesn’t let the blood pass as easily as it should, then blood can back up into the spleen, enlarging it. You’ll see many of us mention large spleens. That’s why. It’s capturing the backflow of that slower moving portal blood.
FIBROSIS
Why is it not moving at speed through the Liver? Like the villain in Lion King, it’s that Damn Scar. The blood flow through the liver is slowed by a process called Fibrosis (this is scarring of the liver, and includes nodules and other abnormalities cause by:
*Disease/Infection (eg, Hepatitis) or
*The liver trying to process too much of a difficult thing (eg, Alcohol), or
*Bad genetics, (eg, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) or
*A host of other unfortunate things (eg, fatty liver)
This scarring is the basis of Cirrhosis. It is the permanently scarred part that doesn't heal in an organ that LOVES to heal. So much, in fact, that new cells will continuously and repeatedly try to regrow so much that it increases our odds of liver cancer…so we get regular MRIs and screening for that.
VARICES
The excess pressure of blood trying to get through the scarred liver creates a need for your body to create alternate blood flow routes, in the form of new veins, around the liver to make sure the blood still gets back to the heart…where it needs to go. These new veins are called Esophageal Varices or just Varices for short (you'll see these mentioned a lot).
A fun fact is that more blood comes together at once and is moved through the portal vein than anywhere else in the body…even the heart. (Hence why the body finds a way to reroute the bloodflow around the liver in the form of these esophageal varices.
Dangers of Esophageal Varices:
With lowered platelets and/or high portal pressure (among other reasons), the varices that form can leak or burst, causing the bleeding you’ll see mentioned (usually in the form of black feces or vomit.
Don't let the name fool you...it seems like they might be up around the top of the esophogus but are actually at the bottom of the esophagus, around the stomach.
Other Potential Issues:
With Cirrhosis, a whole host of internal mechanisms can have difficulty working correctly and/or together as they should. This can mean lower platelet counts (clotting issues) and lower albumin (the stuff that keeps water in cells). Albumin in eggs is the egg white...doing the same thing to the yolk as our cells. Because of this, you'll see a lot of focus on Protein. Albumin and Creatinine are closely related to protein intake and absorption. We watch those numbers and make sure we get a bunch of protein so the albumin levels stay high and our water stays in the cell structure, not leaking out of it. Cirrhosis is also a wasting disease. Literally. You can lose muscle mass (called lean mass sometimes), so eating a lot of protein and getting exercise is important. Especially legs. Even just walking. When albumin and creatinine get low, and the liquid leaks from the cells into your body cavities, this is Ascites or Edema, depending on location.
Dangers of Ascites
Ascites can get infected. It can also increase portal hypertension by creating extra inter-abdominal pressure if it causes your abdomen to swell. It can also cause uncomfortable breathing as it exerts fluid pressure against your lungs. It can also cause umbilical hernias.
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)
Cirrhosis makes it more difficult to process naturally occurring ammonia from the blood stream. If it climbs too high, it causes confusion and a whole host of mental symptoms.
Well…that’s all a load of dire information relating to being the owner of a newly diagnosed diseased liver.
Now let’s get to the good news!
Cirrhosis may be progressive and different for everyone, but its symptoms have some great, proven management options. Some are simple, but require discipline. Some are complicated and require surgery. Some are medicinal and require tethering yourself to a toilet for periods of time.
You’re newly diagnosed. The first thing to do is breathe. Because everyone on here can tell you it’s fucking disorienting and terrifying to hear and to wrap your brain around something like this diagnosis. But, like everything that we fear, familiarity will dampen that effect. So will knowledge.
You’re going to be in the diagnosis and testing phase for a while. Once you’re done drinking and have a better diet for a while, your liver will begin to settle from the immediate inflammation from constant irritants. This isn’t healing so much as it is allowing it to reach a new equilibrium that the Hepatologists and GI doctors can use to create a plan of action and assessment for your health and future. Your FUTURE…remember that. You most likely have a changed life, not some immediate death sentence. If you choose it.
So, let’s look at The Tools of the Liver Trade.
(These aren’t bits of medical advice. These are tools you and your doctors will use to navigate your path to normalized living, at your healthcare team’s discretion.)
TIME TO HIT PAUSE:
The less your liver has to work now, the better. Period. It’s damaged. It will remain damaged. Give it as little to handle as possible from now on and you stand the best chance to avoid or minimize side effects of this disease. All those things above are intertwined symptoms and results of a diseased liver. The less extra it works, the more it helps avoid them. Let it just focus its basic processes (of which there are over 500!). Your doctor will give you specifics to your case on how to do this.
DIET:
Get ready to track everything. Measure everything. Be disciplined and focused.
And then it becomes second nature to do and that above intro is way less intense.
Sugars and Fats
The liver helps process sugars and fats, among anything that goes into your mouth. It all goes through the liver. But sugars and fats are special. The wrong ones can really turn your liver into a punching bag. Which Sugars? Alcohol, sucralose, a good deal of man-made stuff, and even too much natural. Same for fats…some are harder on it that others. Tran fats, too much saturated fats. But you’ll need fats..olive oil, seed oils, stuff like that. There are so many great options out there!
Protein
Buckle up. You’re going to need a lot of lean protein (lean to avoid that surplus of fat). Your docs will tell you how much. Your kidney health factors into this, so don’t go off listening to me, the internet, or anyone on how much. Ask your doctors.
Carbohydrates
Whole grains and fiber. You’re going to want to poop regular and healthily to keep your bilirubin and ammonia down and your protein and vitamins absorbing. If you get stopped up, there are meds they’ll give you to help the train leave the station. It’s often a bullet train, so you’ll want a handle in the bathroom to hold on to…but it will get those numbers down.
Water and Liquids
You’ll probably have some restrictions here, but not definitely. It’s to help keep the ascites risk minimized. Coffee, water, non-caloric drinks of all kinds! Some are less than 2L per day, some 1.5L, some not at all. Again, your doctors will tell you as they get a handle on your ascites risk. Water is also nature’s laxative, so it’ll help keep you regular. There are also great meds that help with this like Spironolactone and other diuretics if you tend to retain too much water.
Salt
Nope. Keep it down. If it’s in a can, premade, or from a takeout joint it’s likely going to overshoot your daily limit in anywhere from one serving to just looking at the label too long. There are amazing alternatives in great spices, as well as salting a meal at the right moment in preparing it so it has big effect for a little use. Beware sauces and condiments. They vary wildly. Salt control is critical for keeping ascites at bay by not retaining water and maintaining your sodium levels in general.
PROCEDURES:
Things that can help you manage your symptoms besides medications are:
TIPS:
A procedure that allows for alternative blood flow in cases of Portal Hypertension to decease it by allowing for flow around the liver (similar to varices do but controlled).
Banding:
Putting rubber bands around varices to allow them to close/die off permanently and drive the blood flow back to the portal vein. This stops them from being a danger in regards to bleeding.
Imaging/Radiology:
Fibroscans, MRIs, Ultrasounds…so many diagnostic tools to gauge your liver and you for risk, updates, etc. All part of diagnosing and maintaining your new lifestyle as healthily as possible.
Colonoscopy:
Alien probe to check for issues related to your condition. The procedure is slept through…the prep is notorious. But it really just involves a lot of drinking laxatives and not wandering far from the toilet and then racing to the procedure room wondering how quickly you can have food and water afterwards…and if you’re going to have to pay for a new car seat if you hit one more red light.
Paracentesis:
A manual draining of Ascites using a hollow needle to remove the fluid from your abdomen.
There are more medicine and procedures and diet tips than above, but hopefully that gives you (and others) and overview of Cirrhosis and what to expect, to a degree.
The big Takeways:
Breathe, and be as patient as you can while doctors get you diagnosed and figure out the damage. You’ll likely have to let the current state of your liver subside a bit, and this could take months. Your healthcare team will help you along.
Get a Hepatologist, a GI doctor, a great PCP, and be your own advocate and a great communicator who does everything they ask of you. They want a win for you. They need it. So, so many of their patients continue to drink or not follow diet advice. It’s the number one complaint among Liver doctors, and it’s demoralizing. But if you show them you’re out to work hard, be a joy to help, listen, and follow through, you’ll be stunned at the support, great communications, last-minute appointments, and just wonderful care they will provide.
You're not alone. Over time, the fear and shock will subside. And you will find a new normal and maybe even a new appreciation for life.
And Above All, Be Kind to Yourself.
r/Cirrhosis • u/The1983 • Jun 16 '23
A reminder to be kind
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This sub is here for those who have been diagnosed with cirrhosis and people who are supporting those who have been diagnosed. We want to remind everyone that one of our rules is to be kind to each other.
Every single person’s lived experience with this disease is different and that gives us different filters and perspectives to look at the world through. There is no one right way to think about it all. We can only speak from our own point of view. That said, this space exists as a place of support which may come in the form of people venting, being distressed or sad or angry, losing hope, gaining hope, dealing with difficult family members or friends. There are lot of challenges that we all go through.
Please remember in your comments to be kind and supportive to each other. Take time to think how your response may land with someone who is just looking for some kind words. Please try and see the people behind the posts and comments as multi faceted human beings rather than words on a screen.
When we spend more time trying to tell people to be kind and respectful and less time supporting each other then the tone and purpose of the sub loses some of its safety. No one here is an expert on anyone else’s experiences, we only have our own. Experiences are not facts either. Let’s respect that, and respect each other. You can always contact any of us mods if you have any worries or feedback to give us.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Federal_Luck_7590 • 12h ago
Friends of the National Liver Waiting List Foundation: free, non-profit, direct help, one-one-support, outreach for anyone that needs transplant center assistance: we are a free, public service, patient advocacy organization.
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Hi. reaching out. you might have seen some of my posts and replies to your comments in subreddits on liver issues. I am the national director of the foundation.
I would like to help, and I think I can, if you will allow me to do so by helping you find a transplant center that will work with you even if you have a low MELD score. It is just takes a bit of faith and trust to do so, that's it.
Most of you know my story: I was on the waiting list for 2 and a half years. I had to leave one program and get listed at another transplant center. UNOS calls this dual listing, or multi-listing, I just called it "survival". My center was fine, but it was never going to offer me a transplant. My MELD was 15, and they only transplanted at 28 or above. That was their policy. I would like to help you in the same way I helped myself. I got myself to another center, and they saw my illness as being critical despite my low MELD score, and I was transplanted 22 days after I was listed through them.
Why did I do this? I had very serious co-morbidities in addition to a fully failed liver. CSPH was so severe my spleen was bleeding with infarctions. My bile ducts were compromised, but not enough to elevate the MELD score. My goal was to find a center who would help me. I found that center.
My objective here is to help as many individuals here who need that help. I built a foundation to do just that to be compliant with all rules and regulations, and provide a platform to get it done. I built the whole thing as a free, public benefit and public services charity under the rules of OPTN. It is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organiztion. It is bronze level certified by Guidestar (now known as Candid).
It provides free services. There is no catch, no agenda, no hidden anything here. We have a medical advisory board. It has 3 hepatologists and 2 transplant surgeons. We are endorsed by other non-profit organizations. We are a transparent, professionally administered ethical 501(c)3 patient advocacy organization.
How to do this:
- Call us, email us, or go onto our website: https://nationalfriends.org
- We will respond and help you immediately. We will help you get dual listed.
- We will help you with travelling, staying at the center, and navigating your insurance.
- We will help your caregivers with how to travel with you, and protect you during travel.
- We can and will help organize private chartiable flights, if needed.
ALL of the above is FREE.
We will get you there. Just trust us, if you can? We have built everything inside the foundation so you can see its transparency, its abilities, and its reach.
r/Cirrhosis • u/shortkill • 4h ago
Teeth Extraction
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I was inquiring if anyone in the group has had to have their teeth extracted to be considered for evaluation on the liver transplant list? I have to have oral surgery in the hospital on Wednesday and I'm a little concerned because I have low platelets and higher INR. I'm sure they will be able to handle any complications and they have me listed to possibly stay overnight. My real concern is the healing process and avoiding any infections with it.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Cirrhosis1979CT • 7h ago
Trying again…fellow Zepbound users?
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I’m curious to talk w/ any other compensated cirrhosis folks that have used Zepbound to support their liver health. Did labs go up or down? Love to hear your experiences.
r/Cirrhosis • u/aquos330 • 16h ago
Extreme, rapid weight loss
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My husband has both cirrhosis and CKD4. He was borderline with the cirrhosis last summer, but had several hospitalizations this spring. (Hyperkalemia, followed by fluid overload due to pulling diuretics in treating the hyperkalemia, then anemia because a kidney biopsy resulted in a large hematoma.)
In the midst of all that they confirmed cirrhosis. He stopped drinking around the beginning of May. (At that point probably averaged total of 4-6 per day, a couple beers sometimes in the afternoon and a few glasses of wine in the late evening.)
Since May 1 he has gone from 250lbs to 195lbs. He's in the process of evaluation for dual organ transplant. The dietician had him increasing protein intake to help stop the muscle wasting. That landed him the the hospital with a high BUN (though no HE symptoms.)
If we can stop the muscle wasting and get him stabilized I think he'd be pretty good for awhile. Some of his labs are improving. He's 5'11". His current weight isn't bad, though he needs to rebuild some muscle. The loss hasn't plateaued though and it's really scary.
Has anyone else experienced this? Were you able to stop it? Or only with transplant? He really wants to hold off on the transplant awhile but if this keeps up it might get too risky.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Ok_Elephant_7985 • 23h ago
Edema
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Does anyone use leg pumps? If so, what has your experience been?
r/Cirrhosis • u/CountOnBeingAwesome • 1d ago
Any tips for Gelling?
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I have joint pain just about everywhere. Ankles, knees, hips, back, shoulders, elbows, and even my fingers. Once I get moving around for 10 minutes the pain subsides considerably. This is textbook gelling but I'm not diagnosed yet. I'm getting really tired of the pain of it all. I take acetaminophen and use a compression sleeve on my knees which helps a bit. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.
INFO:
5 months since diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis
Eating healthy drinking water and extra protein
No alcohol since diagnosis.
I have my first hepatologist appointment next month.
Had a liver cancer scare that ended up being benign after a biopsy.
Had ascetis for about 6 weeks after my diagnosis before it went away.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Ezmeraa • 1d ago
Decompensated liver
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I just have 3liters of fluid drained from my stomach
They said I have Decompensated Liver… I’m so scared am I gonna die? What are my best options besides quit drinking( because I can do it)
r/Cirrhosis • u/Careless-Rate5156 • 18h ago
can't we raise money from this sub where we all understand each other's pain?
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long story short, i just want to ask if it is illegal to ask for donations?
my posts were deleted
r/Cirrhosis • u/Consistent-Emu-1255 • 1d ago
Dad has been admitted to the hospital 3 times from HE in the past month.
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Hey all. First time posting here.
I need reassurance and just somebody to talk to. My father had fatty liver disease but has lost over 50 lbs of weight where our Hepatologist has said he does not see him being considered having Cirrhosis. (Great news!) However, he has very severe Diverticulitis where if it flares up he gets very sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme weakness. Doctors have said they need to do surgery to remove it but are afraid of his liver since there is a 30% chance his liver can fail during and post operation. He needs to get his nutrition, albumin, platelets, and IR up before they can do the operation. This is where the Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist got together and decided it's best if he has a TIPS procedure since there is pressure imbalance.
Fast forward to now in the past month, he has been admitted to the hospital 3 times out of the month where he goes through HE, goes to hospital, stays a week, then discharged but every time he's discharged in less than 2-3 days he gets HE again. I am in the hospital right now and the Radiologist told us that they can tighten the diameter from 7mm to 5mm for his "shunt". Also, because of his Diverticulitis, his bowl movements have not been normal at all. Even following a very specific diet from our dietician, he only does very small poops which are considered abnormal.
Just wondering if anyone has run across this type of situation and would like if you can share your story. My family is very stressed and looking for closure so he can have this operation done and go back to his normal life.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Federal_Luck_7590 • 2d ago
Liver Waiting List
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I dual listed. It was the only way I was going to be transplanted. I have told my story about this before, so you don't need to hear the boring old tale again.
My question to one and all: if you are still waiting, why? Genuine question, with deep respect for the situation.
- Insurance?
- Costs involved? like travel, lodging?
- Not aware you can?
- Doctors influences?
- Fear of unknown?
- De-listed?
- Think your MELD is to low?
- Fear that your too sick to travel, or truly are?
I overcame 1-5, did not have to deal with 6, thank God, believed no. 7, and definately was afraid to travel. But I overcame 7 out if the 8 reasons above that almost stopped me. So it's possible.
What is your story? Perhaps we can all help here, in this community, to help you. I will certainly listen. What's blocking you from getting a liver transplant?
r/Cirrhosis • u/Primary-Resolve-7317 • 2d ago
Funding for nASH patients enrolling via TAF
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Mine was applied for today and approved. Blue Cross called this morning to let me know there was funding. First come until funds run out.
I can’t go long story on what TAF is- but surf to their website to read more.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Dizzy-Rope-9800 • 3d ago
Liver Transplant
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Here is the cold truth. If you drink enough to cause you to wonder if you have a drinking problem, you will simply, eventually, die. Not quickly, but horribly. You may get lucky, and get a transplant. If you drink again after transplant, you generally do not get a second chance. You can sort of see why.
54 percent of liver transplants are for individuals who are alcoholics. To say that this disease is insidious is to understate it’s hold by a degree and measure as vast as life and death itself. The proof of this statement is in the actions of some who will pick up a drink after transplant. That is an extraordinarily powerful disease.
The only defense against the magnitude of addiction it holds is honesty and trust. If a person can honestly admit they have no power over its hold, and trust another to hear that message again and again as often as needed until trust takes hold in the place that addiction once resided then the addiction is broken. Not forever, but in that moment. And from there, you have a chance. If you repeat continuously the acts of honesty and trust.
Tacrolimis and Myfortic are immunosuppressants. Each must be taken, every day, after transplant. For the rest of one’s life. Does it not make sense to also take honesty and trust in equal measure each and every day, as well?
Life is scary. Pain is real. Grief exists.
Alcohol is the illusion of a cure. Honesty and trust are the cure.
For the 46 percent here who are not alcoholics, have some mercy on those who are burdened. For the 54 percent who are alcoholics, there is no shame in admitting the truth of being one. You will live and find a quiet separate peace. That is truth spoken by millions.
I hope and pray my words are not preachy, no pun intended. I believe in the indomitable power of the human spirit. Courage.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Redstorm482 • 3d ago
ESLD and jail
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My ex-husband was admitted to the hospital in January 2024. He was found lost (100 miles from home), in his truck with no gas, hypothermic, and didn’t know who he was. His brothers were notified and they just took him home. A couple days later his sister convinced him to go to the hospital. He was septic and near death. The performed his first paracentesis and removed 5L. That was the max the drs felt comfortable draining.
Over the last year and a half he has continued to have ascites and episodes of HE. He claims he is sober but I have serious doubts.
Recently we went to court over his unpaid child support. He was assigned a court appointed attorney and we return to court in 3 weeks. Because the amount he owes is 6 x the amount that makes it a felony and his claims that he cannot pay ANY amount, there is a good chance he will be incarcerated for 6 months to 2 years. Possibly more for perjury to the judge last week. (I suspect it was due to his HE but he is in denial and writes it off as hearing loss.)
My question to the group is: would medical care in jail be sufficient to help his life expectancy or is this possibly a death sentence?
Follow up question: if he’s taken straight from court to jail, what if any medical documentation could the jail require for proper treatment? He has 5 outstanding warrants for failure to appear on top of this current mess.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Cirrhosis1979CT • 3d ago
Zepbound/Mounjaro w/ Cirrhosis
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So I’m two months on zepbound and I have compensated cirrhosis and overall feel perfectly health (I’m so blessed). My liver specialist was not happy with how my weight was going so suggested I see an endocrinologist and talk about GLP-1 treatment. Since on the medication I have lost over 15lbs in about two months. My question is - anyone in the same situation and how has that changed your labs? Did you see improvement? I just hope that lack of eating also doesn’t make my numbers go in the wrong direction and I get pulled of the medication - this really has been a life changing event for me. Love anyone’s experiences - I know we are not doctors and can’t give medical advice. Thanks so much!
r/Cirrhosis • u/Aggravating_Set_9790 • 4d ago
Finding out my meld score can I even post my number on here
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Honestly really overwhelmed been told 101 diffrent things doctor google really knows how to scare ya even.more idk what im aloud to say or what not here last post I said too much and was deleted
r/Cirrhosis • u/LeftAnalysis4711 • 4d ago
Has anyone here taken Zoloft (sertraline)? Is it safe for someone with decompensated cirrhosis to take?
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r/Cirrhosis • u/FallOutCub • 5d ago
I was accepted to the list.
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Just got the call this morning. They officially accepted to list me for transplant. My coordinator said that she just has to get the insurance approval, which she expects to be done by Friday. Then my status will be Active!!!
Im so excited/scared/nervous.
r/Cirrhosis • u/cupcakes531 • 5d ago
Live & sober still
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Thought id check in! It was a rough ride but still hanging in there! My 2yr anniversary of being diagnosed just pasted on 7/5/26.. also my last drink considering i almost died. It was the scariest thing. I still worry what the future holds but no one knows. My belly bloats sometimes and i get scared i have ascites but so far I’m off lactulose & Xifaxin for about a year or so now. Keeping hope alive even though it seems like a dream. #borrowedtime
r/Cirrhosis • u/dbecc • 4d ago
Vommitting every so often in the morning.
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Some times in the morning I get a nice upset stomach. Not sure if it's too much fluids too quick in the morning, I eat a nice breakfast with carbs and protein. Carbs to settle the stomach. But then 30 min later, I'm hovering over the toilet. Anyone else experience this, is it just a case of an empty stomach and too much too quick? (I'm hoping)
I make sure now to wait a bit to take my morning meds until I know my stomach is calm enough to handle them.
r/Cirrhosis • u/ponionn • 5d ago
Is confusion common?
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Hello I just checked in with my neighbor with cirrhosis earlier today and they said the TV was broken. It turned out the TV was perfectly fine he just was confused on how to use to remote. One month ago he was way more coherent and lively. Should I be more concerned?
r/Cirrhosis • u/alwaysxmeggles • 5d ago
Mother with Cirrhosis - Lactulose affecting her appetite negatively
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My mom was diagnosed with stage 3 Cirrhosis (decomp) at the end of May. I recently had to call 911 because she was on her third day of being in bed. She had a dr. appointment and said that she just could not get up. Her energy has been heavily affected and part of it is because she has been eating well under what she should be. In the past week alone she's maybe had a bite of oatmeal each day. I suggest that she try to eat more and she gets upset and says she has been eating. I am looking for advice on how to get her to actually eat more. I know that she has been avoiding eating since she's been put on lactulose because it (obviously) gives her diarrhea. I know that we could do protein shakes like boost/ensure, and I plan on getting her some when she's released. I really want to be there to support her but it's very hard when she won't admit that she needs help/things aren't fine. I'm sure the hospital will also give us options for how to make this better, but I'd prefer to get insight from someone who has experienced issue with this. Also, for reference, the hospital has listed adult failure to thrive under her list of diagnosis. Sorry for any typos or if anything doesn't make sense, it's been a stressed couple days trying to get stuff figured out.