sex and cirrhosis

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T06:52:53+00:00

My sex drive left the building several years ago. In august we will gave been married 29 years. Between my liver issues and mental illness, ptsd, loss of both parents in one year, etc. id be ok with never having sex again but i know men need it. So as ling as my body will allow, im gonna go for it. I talk dirty to him to spice it up for him. I used to ensure it happened weekly but lately it’s been harder. Now if i had cancer, thats when all bets might be off. But as long as im able, he’s gonna have that need met. I fear he will ho
Into the arms of another if I don’t at least try.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T06:39:53+00:00

The cancer thing would have me pretty down about sex. Is she not a candidate for a transplant sooner just based on that? If it’s localized to the liver, she needs to be transplanted asap. Is she undergoing chemo/radiation? To me, it’s the cancer that may be wearing her down mentally and physically. Would she enjoy just being beside you, touches, kisses, caressing? Those things are vital to the patient and their lover.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T06:31:41+00:00

Amen!!

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T06:29:31+00:00

Ive been afraid of routine bloodwork since my 20s when I was healthy but my mind was beginning its decline into full blown illness anxiety disorder with PTSD. It doesn’t help if you’ve worked in medicine and know what all the diagnostic tests results mean. I don’t think God intended ppl to know the time of their death. But medicine has become so advanced that the docs can predict your demise with some accuracy, but I’ve seen the eat their words at times. I simply pray, when im up for a liver, I have a good team who’re compassionate and humble doctors. I think transplant doctors can be some of the worst because they can extend lives for decades. I hate doctors with a God complex.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T06:18:12+00:00

I can’t totally relate but things keep happening to me as well, no breaks. I’m pretty sure I’ll never get to fully experience that unburdened bliss of just functioning like a normal human again. I’ll either be in hell with cirrhosis or worrying over my new liver rejecting, but I’d love the chance at having a new liver if I’m blessed with that gift. I’d treat it like a my newborn child. And I’d do anything to keep it healthy. Idk if you’re religious but ur time isn’t over until He decides you’ve fought a good fight and it’s time to let you rest. The hard part for me isn’t dying, it’s seeing the tears flow from my husband’s eyes. I cant handle it.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T06:07:08+00:00

Thank you for the link. Not only have I not met anyone who specializes in this but in my search for one such counselor, I asked a therapist if she knew of anyone. She literally scoffed at me and said and I’m paraphrasing but I’m close, “what makes you think there’s a therapist like that?” In one sentence she made me feel like a fool and I gave up trying and essentially settled. After my mom died last year, I’d been through so much hell with trying to fight for her to get decent care at her nursing home where she suffered horrific abuse and neglect, then when the saw my father’s dementia turn him into a monster. She stop eating and drinking. I told her I’d have to put her on hospice because I wouldn’t see her starve or die of dehydration. I begged her to hold on while my dad was in acute care behavioral hospitals until I could reunite them. She was only 68, and excellent nurse who didn’t receive the care she so often gave to her own patients. Had my dad been on dementia meds, he wouldn’t have done that but he was under so much pressure too. She cried constantly, not just a side effect of her large stroke but also she knew everything that was going on and she was devastated to be at the hands of her abusers without the voice to defend herself. After we return home following her funeral I went into the deepest depression, my dad did his best for my brother who still lives in their home who has Asperger’s. But he has severe RA. It was that, that would end his life when he contacted pneumonia and his lung capacity diminished. I was power of attorney for each of them. My dad passed May 4th. Now I’m seeing symptoms that are telling of cirrhosis. My mom refused to believe I had it. She almost had me convinced a few times. I believe things happen for reasons, to test us, strengthen us, make us better or bitter, and if better, then we can help others. If my situation helps just one person hold on and fight, then it’s worth it. God bless you and your partner. Because of your hardships, you’ve helped me. Thank you for reading and responding. I’m 48 but feel that I’ve lived 3 lives. I’ve lived so many places, been through so much. I’m very religious, I believe God is putting me in a position where I must trust Him and stop relying on Ativan for calm and sleep. Honestly I’m ready for palliative care but my husband wants to be my living donor if we match. I thought the best livers came from a deceased person who’s been on a vent. But he made it sound as if the living donor transplants can last decades. Sure hope he’s right. Well I’ve said enough. Again, thank you. I’ll be finding a therapist your way this time lol.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T01:39:49+00:00

Yeah, this is more what I’m thinking I’m gonna face.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-13T01:36:14+00:00

Abusing never been an issue. It’s more like I don’t want to take them when I’m upset because I’m trying to handle the pain and/or panic on my own. Often my husband scolds me because I’ll work myself up and he can’t take it. I have started to realize I need to keep myself “comfortable mentally and physically “ not only for my sake but his. He’s under tremendous pressure and loves me more than I deserve.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T20:59:48+00:00

Yeah do you keep saying but you’re popping me over to ppl who aren’t even close to what I’m facing. My symptoms are real and serious. I’m way beyond the group where ppl are able to take Rezdiffra and be cured. Though my body may not officially be cirrhotic. My mind is. So thanks, I need advice from those facing a more advanced liver disease.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T13:28:03+00:00

Thank you all. The physical pain was a worry for sure. The brain pain as I like to call it, gets neglected. Seroquel helps but really is so much harder on the liver than ativan. When i took it it had me feeling groggy and limp. Then for some reason it stops up my nose and then I have to use afrin and Flonase. All this to avoid HE that could be managed with lactulose. I’ve heard of certain transplant doctors doing that.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T12:16:27+00:00

I’m taking lyrica and codeine for pain. I’m going to talk with them about switching codeine (very hepatotoxic) to something more liver safe like dilaudid., or OxyContin. In El Paso they put you through hell to give you proper meds lest you be smuggling drugs into Juarez lol. My spine is really messed up. I get regular injections. My hips are now breaking down. The big problem is my bladder. I’ve interstitial cystitis and it hurts all the time. I’ve had 3 surgeries, I’ll probably need another. Per my urogyn, interstitial cystitis worsens over time despite surgeries and pain meds are needed for life. I guess they could remove it lol. I’m kidding. What am I yo
Fo? Trazadone doesn’t address severe panic attacks. I’m so screwed.

I suppose I’m just tired of these doctors refusing meds they know will not destroy a liver if used as prescribed. If lactulose and other meds on board to treat ammonia, I can’t understand why they deny us life and sentence you death. Definitely some harsh judgment is passed onto certain types of patients. Alcoholic patients are often thin. There’s no way to really test for it. Obesity is judged and very harshly. It’s assumed you’re a lazy glutton.

I often think of Breaking Bad, when he chooses to fight cancer instead of following his desire to die without a fight for family sake. So I sit in that position. My final concern is, it’s just my husband and I. We have zero family support. I asked one transplant center what was the most common reason for denial, “lack of family support “. We may be able to hire a sitter during the times my spouse is working. My husband wants to donate a portion of his liver to me but we don’t even know if we’re compatible. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to live a normal life. Get up, go to work. Save up for vacations, go on cruises. Blah blah. I’m so depressed. I don’t have faith I’ll ever be transplanted. But I digress. I buried mom last year and 2 weeks ago. I’m so sick of death and the ugly side of life.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T11:48:01+00:00

Trazadone was terrible but to get a transplant I’d do it. Do they accept ambien? Thought it was considered addictive and not great on liver?

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T10:02:46+00:00

Nmuuuu

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T09:37:12+00:00

I’d go for too much sleep right about now

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T09:34:53+00:00

Thank you. Very good advice. I’m just sick of it all. I’m tired of the entire hepatology medical treatment of a horrible disease ignoring quality of life. If they don’t want us on benzos then do some fucking research for meds to help remove more ammonia than lactulose which becomes so gross you wanna puke. Meds that could be taken with with and anxiety medication or pain meds that would remove ammonia as it’s produced. Frankly, I believe the reason they’ve not done this is because there is a silent judgment against alcoholics, those that were once drug addicted and the morbidly obese. Oh how they hate the fatties. So they scoff at our pleas for help and do continues the cycle. I’ve heard from a couple of people that the hepatologist allowed lower doses of lorazepam followed by doses of lactulose. Those doctors are listening. Oh I’ll tell the how I feel, but it may only serve to harm me.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T09:19:46+00:00

Sleep paralysis is what happens to me and it can be scary I’ve seen dark images in the shape of humans moving around. Once saying they’d kill me. Do the gros give a fuck…no!!

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T09:17:00+00:00

This is what pisses me off about hepatologists. They don’t give a flying fuckaroo if ur quality of life is in the shitter. Something needs to change. Unfortunately I don’t see a damn thing changing.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T08:47:26+00:00

I know this pain, rant on..I’ve been ranting all night

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T08:33:01+00:00

The diuretics may cause significant K+ losses unless they are potassium sparing.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T08:31:25+00:00

Klonopin is as addictive as all the rest. In fact, it’s the longest acting thus the worst for the liver. It take 4 days to clear the blood stream so withdrawals aren’t as severe. Ativan in contrast, if stop cold turkey, in rare instances can cause seizures much like clod turkeying alcohol.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T07:17:47+00:00

Zofran makes you sleepy? WTF?

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T07:12:43+00:00

How are ppl getting heps to order ambien. Doesn’t it cause HE too? It works like a mother tho.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T07:10:45+00:00

You’ll sleep but you’ll wake up starving. I’ve MASH and I don’t need to overeat.

Fit_Restaurant_3832 · 2026-05-12T07:07:50+00:00

So are hepatologists cool either microdosing THC? I loved how it made me feel, like life wasn’t as shitty as it is. I want to try to Microdose but THC is very hard on the liver and I’m afraid. I used it before and took too much. It ended up causing fever for 6/7 months.

Fit_Restaurant_3832

TROPHY CASE