Cirrhosis Support Group

I love your positive attitude! I find myself being very determined most of the time but we all have our days. The more you can learn about cirrhosis the more you will be able to discuss judgment calls with your doctor to go over exactly what is the best treatment for you. Your recovery progress will depend on how well you can stick to what your doctor tells you and what you have learned. I wish you the best with everything!

Randy

There's a medication for Hepatic Encephalopathy. It's called lactulose and there's another called Rifaximin. These might help with the slowed mental status. It can grow to be something serious so please call your doctor soon about how you have been doing with the slurred speech and slow thinking.

I have hepatic enephalothopy. Started with having trouble finding words and forgetting things, My ammonia level was 400 when I was diagnosed in 2008. I am currently on laculose and rifaxamin to control it. My ammonia levels now are about 100, ok. for me but still elevated as normal range is 50. Check with your insurance if they will cover the rifaxamin. It is a very expensive drug!!!!!!!!

You're singing my song......exhaustion, itch, pain....yup. Not whining, just knowing where you are at. Good for you on the weight loss and already seeing a hepatologist. Keep track of everything and talk to us anytime. The important things are knowledge of the disease, a positive attitude and a realistic view of how serious the disease is for you at this time. (Well and try not to get lost in the hospital )!!

Sounds like you have things pretty well under control there.

Welcome to this amazing family. TRY not to worry, it doesn't help. Sometimes our mental changes are not HE but just stress. Right now you are probably thinking and stressing that you were just given a death sentence. That isn't true. Many people can live long lives with this disease. Follow your doctors orders and be careful on supplements/vitamins and especially OTC meds. They can do more harm that those extra pounds. Many of us keep diaries, so read them. I know many times when I read them I go, wow, that is how I felt. Mpmom (Gail) also has a website describing her trial and tribulations with this disease, she has gone through so much. I am so thankful for her.

Above all stay positive and rely on your faith to help you through this.