Cirrhosis Support Group
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...
We found out my husband has cirrhosis 7 years ago when he suddenly was throwing up blood. He had bleeding varices. Pretty much have that under control now. He still has fluid in his feet, ankles and belly. Working on that. And his ammonia level is 55 so he is forgetful and confused.
His cirrhosis is non alcoholic and he is a diabetic.
All he does now is sleep. His night time sleep is interrupted a lot.... up when he should be down etc.
I'm wondering if this is typical and if there is any way to turn it around. He is 70 years old and refused a transplant from the start of this.
Suggestions anyone?
His cirrhosis is non alcoholic and he is a diabetic.
All he does now is sleep. His night time sleep is interrupted a lot.... up when he should be down etc.
I'm wondering if this is typical and if there is any way to turn it around. He is 70 years old and refused a transplant from the start of this.
Suggestions anyone?
I'll throw out another contributing possibility, depression. For myself, the chronic fatigue has been depressing!
The amonia is a toxin in the blood not being properly excreted. A symptom of elevated amonia is fatigue.
Lowering the amonia could improve the symptoms.
Best wishes, let us know if it improves.
Is your husband taking Lactulose.....increased sleepiness could be a symptom of hepatic encephalopathy HE for short....HE is caused by a build up of toxins in the blood that the liver is unable to filter out, especially ammonia....Ammonia is toxic to the brain causing increased sleepiness, shaking hands(liver flap) , confusion, unsteady , shuffling as he walks....HE is serious......if you have not told his doctor about his increased sleepiness please do....HE can cause a hepatic coma of which there is no cure, the only thing that can be done for it is iv fluids and lactulose enemas which work a lot of the time but sometimes will not.....prevention of a hepatic coma is the key here..
I hope that he is doing better by now..
Take care.
Vivian