Are you too weak to walk with Sarcopenia Liver Disease? You might be looking down at soft legs and wonder where all the muscle went. How did my muscles all turn into jelly, and what happened to my strong arms? I had always pushed hard to ride my bicycle until my liver failed. Within a couple of weeks time, I got my first ascites drain called a paracentesis. I could barely wobble into the wheelchair. So many questions popped into my head. Had I grown old before my time? Why am I so weak with liver disease? Hang onto your armchair, we’re going to discover the reasons behind the weakness, and how to combat it.
Sarcopenia and Frailty
Pronounced sar-co-peen-E-Ya, this is a condition where someone slowly loses muscle tone and strength. It can get so bad that walking to the bathroom, or doing simple self care can be too much of a chore. I’ve been there and remember walking to the bathroom and not even having the strength to stand back up. It scared me. At the time, I was single and spent a good amount of time alone. I lived with a friend, but she worked.
It became clear that there needed to be a plan to recover. Some of my older blogs actually talk about this here.
There are a lot of things that can cause weakness. If you’re reading on here, it’s because of liver disease. We’ve learned that the liver is a hard working organ and helps to process everything including protein. When our liver is sick, it’s hard to keep muscles strong. Add in any aging factors, and it’s twice as hard. Decreased hormones can become a factor for both male and females.
Nutrition, Exercise, and Reduce Inflammation
Not getting enough good protein is one major cause. Read more about healthy protein shakes, and other ways to get protein here. It’s really a vicious cycle. You’re tired and weak and food makes you feel like it’s naptime all the time. So you relax and rest more, which is normal.
But the lack of movement leads to even weaker muscles. In addition, if you have ongoing chronic inflammation from liver disease, that keeps your whole body even more tired.
You’ve got to tackle all 3. Start out by working with your medical provider to get rid of the inflammation. Take your medication to get rid of Hepatitis Virus if you have it. Listen to advice about medications and take them on time.
Too weak to walk with Sarcopenia Liver Disease
Follow the doctor’s orders about what to eat to keep your liver healthy. If you have later stage cirrhosis, you may need to reduce sodium. I’ve got lots of tips for less than the cost of a cup of coffee in the Liver Loving Diet book.
Keep moving. If you need hand rails, go for it. Your doctor might offer a walker if it is needed. But above ALL, just keep moving.
Use small hand held weights or just cans of veggies as suggested here. Do chair or floor yoga by visiting my youtube channel. Once I got my strength up, it became easier to walk further. Keep moving because you have to move it or lose it when it comes to muscle strength.
Check out the one where I had liver cancer and was jumping on a mini trampoline. Oh my Lord.
Skinny Fat
When our muscles are weak, they get flabby. We may be thin, and have weak little muscles. It can be reversed with time. No matter how sick you are, it is possible. I’m cheering for you. I see you working hard in facebook posts. That makes me SO happy to see you making it – AND encouraging each other. If you come to my facebook and send a friend request, leave a message here so I’ll know it’s you. I get the weirdest requests sometimes.
I’m always here for you. Keep me posted on your progress or ask away if you have questions.
