Working Out Safely with Cirrhosis

Many have written and asked, so I’m here to tell you that working out safely with cirrhosis is possible. There are things to consider, especially if you have advanced liver disease. I’ll give you some tips to talk over with your doctor, and you can be getting into shape in no time at all. Remember, I was working out when my liver failed, and all of these modifications helped to save my life. We have a lot of hurdles like malnutrition, muscle wasting, and for me, training for a liver transplant. Let’s get started. 

A lot depends on what stage of cirrhosis your liver is in. For stage 3 or 4 you may have decompensation. If you are taking any type of medication, please read below and look for ways to modify. You know you need the muscle, and you’ve got to be smart to make it happen without ending up in ER. 

Varices – I had a few bleeds, and made big changes in my weights after that. I was taken off of lifting for a time. Once I had a 3 month edospcopy with no new varices, my doc gave the nod to begin with 3 lb dumbells. If you’re taking a beta blocker for portal vein hypertension, you understand. If so, make a quick note to ask your doctor about how high your can have your heart rate during exercise. Also ask about weight restrictions. 

Ascites – Because the liver doesn’t filter too well with a lot of fibrous bands, I ended up with extreme bloating and had to get paracenteses drains. Once the diuretics kicked in, and I started eating that Liver Loving Diet, swelling began to slow down. My doctor approved me to start working out with cirrhosis and walk in my neighborhood. I went to a nearby park quite a bit. 

Hepatic Encephalopathy – This one is hard, because we don’t know when we’re in a spell. My family put a watch on me that tracked me with a GPS during treatment for liver cancer. That way, if I didn’t come home, they knew where to find me. I’m laughing, but they didn’t think it was very funny at the time. HE is scary, so check in with loved ones.

Chair Exercise – It’s my fave and one that can be done on the couch, in the recliner, or at the kitchen table. Keep some weights near your favorite chair as a reminder to work your arms. Any time you lift your hands above your heart, the pressure increases, so watch yourself. I’m a fan of chair yoga and you can find me doing it everywhere from facebook live to youtube. It saved my life, and kept my heart and muscles strong while I waited on the transplant list. Lord help me, I had a lot of motivation.

Working out safely with cirrhosis

When you have to protect your heart, kidneys, and liver AND try to get strong, it’s easy to get discouraged. I know. I know. But when you think about how much your doctor is going to need a strong body to work with as they save your life, you help him or her. Find a deep desire within yourself. Make a schedule. Keep with it No Matter What. 

It’s been almost 10 years since my diagnosis with Hepatitis C. I was cycling on the Arkansas River when my liver failed. Even though this over achiever didn’t know she was even sick, I kept pushing to get out of the hospital and get home to my family.

Put a little note on your bathroom mirror. You’re worthy of living a long and healthy life. You deserve to have the physical freedom to enjoy your friends and family. Stay strong by working out safely with cirrhosis. You’re going to need those muscles, and strong heart to live out your wildest dreams. 

If you’ve got any questions, let me know. I LOVE hearing how you’re overcoming liver disease. Drop me a line.