You guys know that you can mix your Lactulose with juice or water, right? My mom wouldn't be able to guzzle that stuff down without some grape juice. Even in the hospital, we always ask for it to be mixed with grape juice -- then it just tastes like she's having some juice.

Keribearie, if I ever have to take lactulose again I'll try your suggestion.

Actually the worst medication I had to take was when I had to drink potassium. Absolutely horrible, even though the nurses tried to disguise it with orange juice.

Came in a little milk-type carton, bright red so thought it might taste like Kool-Aid or at the worst cherry cough syrup. Not even close, it was the most disgusting liquid I'd ever had in my life. Had to drink it again about two years later and this time they couldn't fool me, knew it would be awful and chugged it down as fast as possible.

Lactulose is awful, but your advice to thin it out or flavor it with something else probably does help with the awful sweetness and thickness of taking it straight.

Thanks Wilbur and Keri..........I usually just take it and chase it with cold water........(the colder the better!). Sort of kills the taste of the Lactulose for me. I haven't tried to mix it with anything else.....yet...but if my doseage is ever increased I surely will.

I can't imagine having to take so many as that Wilbur. That must have been horrible. One thing is sure, if the disease don't kill ya, the medicine prescribed to control it just might!.........

Also, have never had liquid potassium but, as you know, depleted potassium is one of the problems I have had that seems to cause the horrible, horrible leg spasms and cramps. Those are the worst!
I have gotten so very sick of eating bananas and trying to disguise bananas that I would almost try anything else sometimes. Thank God for the V8 low sodium juice. I am beginning to get a little "fed up" with that as well........

With me, since I was a kid, when I have so much of any one "food" I get to where I can't even gag it down and then, I am in trouble.
So, I am always looking for other things that are rich in potassium. The way you describe the liquid potassium just may help me start to "love, love, love" bananas again!!!!!!!!!

Hugs and prayers to all and have a great weekend! .....CarolLentz

Carol, can your doctor prescribe potassium pills for you?

They put me on pills for about a month when I had potassium issues until things settled down. They were 20MEQ (have no idea what that means) and they were gigantic, the type of pills you might give to a horse.

But one a day was a lot easier than eating bananas and other foods to keep things in balance.

I think the liquid potassium is a hospital/ER thing only. Potassium along with sodium are vital for your life, they are what make your muscles function, particularly your heart. To much or to little and you can have some major problems, including death.

Wilbur I seen you mention earlier that you use Xanax as anxiety medication. I don't know your situation if it is needed daily or just occasionally but you should know that Xanax is prescribed for temporary use only and is highly addictive as it falls in a category we call benzodiazepines.

People with cirrhosis requiring anxiety/depression medication should only use an SSRI type which is more gentle on the liver. I found one medication that only metabolizes in the kidneys called Buspirone. As always you should consult your doctor before discontinuing any medications, this is just something I came across and that I would pass it on.

Here's a list of SSRI 's and their brand names:

citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram)
escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro, Cipralex, Esertia)
fluoxetine (Prozac, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem, Fluctin (EUR))
fluvoxamine maleate (Luvox, Faverin)
paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Aropax, Deroxat, Paroxat)
sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain)
dapoxetine (no known trade name)

Randy

Rummi,

I wanted you to know that personally I think you are a very good woman to do the things you do for your husband. I hope he realizes someday that you have saved his life and how lucky he is to have someone that cares so much.

I found myself in the same situation although the only motivation I needed was to see my wife cry and I thought "Oh my goodness, what have I done!" I knew then to fix it the best I could and I will die trying. These days, months and years are the hapiest times of our lives! I hope the same for you and your husband, never give up and do your best to stay strong :)

I'm not sure how much you have learned about cirrhosis so I found this link for you that explains a lot for you. I hope it helps, take care.

http://www.doctortipster.com/3531-cirrhosis-treatment-and-recommendations.html

Randy

Hi Rummi:

I remember finding bottles of brandy as a kid hidden in our yard. My mom would send us out to find them and she would dump them. My dad drank...a lot. He is recovering now, it's been 15 years or so with one relapse 8 years ago.

What people say about alcoholism being a disease is true. And the point about hitting rock bottom is true, too. Your husband is blessed to have you in his life. Although being on him can help, it is up to him to decide it is time to stop.

You are NOT stupid. You are a trusting wife who loves her husband. Do not beat yourself up for not knowing or for giving him the benefit of the doubt. You are a wonderful wife. All you can do is support him. and it sounds like you are doing a fabulous job of doing that. The rest is on him.

Tess

Thank you both Tess and Randy! It is really nice to know that there are people who understand the strength and love it takes to deal with an alcoholic husband. Yes my husband is sick and I knew from the beginning that this battle was going to be tough. Although I must admit I never really knew how tough it would be! I love my husband dearly and I realize that the only way I can help him is by being informed and doing whatever I can to help him fight both cirrhosis and alcoholism. I attend weekly AA meetings with him and focus on being a positive influence over him. When he slips , like he did last week, I try not to chastise him rather be supportive and assure him that he just needs to keep on working on his sobriety. Nothing comes easy in life. I learned that very young with my dad being an alcoholic as well. However I did see my father beat this awful disease so I know it can be done. It just takes patience, understanding, and willingness to accept the good with the bad. However I also know that at the same time most of the battle is on him and in the end he will be the one to decide whether he wants to fight for his life or dig his own grave.

Randy, Thank you for sharing that helpful link!

On the discussion of lactulose, one of Zain's RNs believes drinking lactulose with 80% cranberry juice helps you digest it better. So that is what I have Zain doing.