Cirrhosis and Chronic Pain
2.2 million Americans have cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). There are many causes of cirrhosis, including long-term alcohol use, fatty liver disease, liver infections, and autoimmune conditions. Despite the man causes and the different stories about how cirrhosis happened, the way it feels to have cirrhosis is often very similar.
Pain is a common side effect for people with cirrhosis. At least half of people with cirrhosis experience chronic pain. More than half of people with chronic pain do not have a known cause. Just because the cause is not understood does not mean that the pain isn’t real. And just because there are many causes of pain, does not mean there aren’t common ways to reduce pain. A big problem is that medications to treat pain can cause unwanted side effects, especially for people with cirrhosis.
ALLEVIATE-C uses tailored interventions to reduce pain and improve quality of life for people with cirrhosis
ALLEVIATE-C is a new study. We want to learn the best ways to reduce pain for people with cirrhosis without using drugs. Our goal is to improve quality of life. Participants in ALLEVIATE-C can find tools adjusted to meet their individual symptoms. Your participation is important to help us find ways to effectively reduce pain without using drugs.
We are recruiting 625 adults who have cirrhosis and chronic pain for this study, along with their care partners, when care partners are available. ALLEVIATE-C provides tailored interventions to reduce pain for people with cirrhosis. Participants who join the study will be enrolled for a year and all study visits can be done remotely, so there is no need to come into the clinic.
Eligibility Criteria
You might be eligible if:
- You have cirrhosis
- You are at least 18 years of age
- You speak English or Spanish
- You have chronic pain
FAQ's
Do I need to go to the clinic if I join the study?
No. All study visits and activities can be done from home over the phone or with Zoom. You do not need to come into the clinic for this study.
Why is ALLEVIATE-C important?
Our team understands that cirrhosis symptoms have a big impact on quality of life and that pain is a common symptom that is difficult to treat. Unfortunately, pain medications can be problematic are unsafe to use with cirrhosis. We want to find ways to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Does it cost anything to join?
There is no cost to you for participating in ALLEVIATE-C.
Will I be paid for my time?
Yes. Participants will receive up to $250 for participating in ALLEVIATE-C. Payments are distributed throughout the study and get the final payment at the last study visit. Care partners will receive up to $25 after completing the study.
Can I join if I do not see a doctor at one of your sites?
Yes. Potential participants can sign a medical record release to confirm eligibility and can enroll at any site.
Do you have any resources?
Our website has resources on managing chronic pain and cirrhosis. Please click on the link to learn more: ALLEVIATE-C.com (https://alleviate-c.com)
How do I sign up for ALLEVIATE-C?
You can email us at one of the site emails listed below. Please include a phone number that we can use to reach you.
Interested?
Email us at GI-AlleviateC-Study@med.umich.edu