About this profile
Cirrhosis is when the liver becomes scarred due to long-term damage. This can happen from heavy alcohol use, viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Over time, the liver’s healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which affects its ability to work properly.
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Common challenges
- Fatigue: Employees may feel very tired, making it hard to stay productive or maintain a regular work schedule.
- Mental confusion (encephalopathy): This can make it hard to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions.
- Frequent medical visits: People with cirrhosis often need to go to the doctor or hospital for treatment, which can affect work attendance.
- Absenteeism: Illness or complications like jaundice or infections may cause unexpected sick days.
- Physical limitations: Swelling in the abdomen or legs, or general weakness, can make it hard to move or do physical tasks.
- Mental health issues: People may feel anxious, depressed, or stressed because of their condition.
- Medication side effects: Some medications can affect energy, focus, or physical performance.
How to help
- Understand symptoms: Assess how cirrhosis affects the person’s energy, thinking, and physical abilities.
- Provide emotional support: Offer help to manage anxiety, stress, or depression related to the condition.
- Offer flexible work options: Discuss options like flexible hours, part-time work, or working from home to manage fatigue.
- Encourage communication with doctors: Help maintain open communication with healthcare providers about treatments and side effects.
- Help find suitable job roles: Find roles that fit their abilities, avoid physical tasks, and allow for breaks.
- Assist with workplace adjustments: Help request accommodations like ergonomic seating or working from home.