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Cirrhosis Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Cirrhosis results from long-term liver damage. The liver gets firm, scarred, wrinkled, and doesnt work like it should. Common causes are hepatitis C infection and long-term alcohol abuse. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Ask your doctor first before taking any drugs other than the ones you were given.
  • Work out often. Rest when you are tired.
  • Manage stress by using guided imagery, yoga, tai chi, etc.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Stop bleeding from your esophagus
  • Get rid of the extra fluid in your body
  • Prevent infection
  • Relieve confusion caused by liver problems

Will physical activity be limited?


Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Some activity may be limited. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Eat foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a small amount of protein.
  • Follow a low-salt diet.
  • Limit the liquids you take each day.
  • Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).

What problems could happen?


  • Bleeding
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver cancer
  • Mental problems or coma

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Avoid alcohol abuse.
  • Avoid sex with a person who has hepatitis B or C infection.
  • Practice safe sex by using condoms.
  • Use household bleach to clean up any blood.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Problems with bleeding like:
    • Blood in your stool
    • Throwing up blood
    • Bleeding or bruising
  • Signs of infection. These include fever over 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C), chills.
  • Belly pain
  • Legs or ankles are swollen
  • Problems breathing
  • Very sleepy (more than expected)
  • Skin and the whites of your eyes are yellow in color
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have problems with bleeding or my skin or eyes are yellow.

Where can I learn more?


National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚  
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cirrhosis/index.aspx ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/602/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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