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...
Hello, I'm so glad I found this group!
I'm hoping you guys can give me some insight. I've done a great deal of research on this but I'm still learning.
In 2014 I was hospitalized with bleeding esophogeal varacies. I was told at that time that I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. To be honest, I didn't take it as seriously as I should have.
In October of his year, I was back in the hospital with huge swelling of the abdomen and the bleeding varacies again. This time; however, they were calling it Cirrhosis. I've never had a biopsy, but the doctor said it was end stage.
They did not have to drain my stomach (my system did that itself in about 2 days) but I still had some swelling and amonia in my blood so they put me on Lactulose (30ml 3xday) and Spironolactone (100mg). I radically changed my diet after I recovered. I dropped a lot of weight/swelling in the process and have been eating a low salt, low protein, 0 processed sugar diet. I have not had the asites (swelling in the abdoman) at all and although I am feeling back pain (not sure if that's liver), everyone now says I have a healthy glow. I never had jaundice.
My question is, do you usually continue taking the lactulose when you no longer have abdominal swelling? I'm going to be going back to the doctor in a couple weeks and I'm just wondering. Also, for those of you who are dieting, how successful has that been for you and what are you limiting? Right now I try to do 30g of meat protein (no more than that) a day, about 1000mg sodium, and I only get sugar from natural sources (i.e. fresh fruits).
Thanks!
Please contact your doctor and ask what to do: do you take your lactulose as directed or use as needed?
My Mom takes 20ml to 30ml 1x a day. It gives a tummy ache and she said it tastes awful. Hospice recommended we mix it with Apple juice and it makes it tolerable.
Taking lactulose is so important cos it removes ammonia from the body. High levels of ammonia can cause confusion, and even coma.
Please take care of yourself.
I've lost a LOT of weight. When I went into the hospital, I weighed 180 pounds and in 6 weeks I lost 40 pounds (part of that no longer having swelling, part of it the massive diet change). My doctor removed me from my protein restriction (I still can't have red meat but I can have skinless chicken, turkey, etc. more often).
I'd probably say limiting salt was the BIGGEST contributor to controlling ascites. I'm also still limiting fat to a standard, healthy diet as well as sugar. I do not eat high sugar treats (candy bars, cakes, etc.).
My biggest problem is foot cramps at night although I find slightly elevating my legs (not too high, just a few inches) and taking Vitamin E seems to help.
Hopefully this helps; however, everyone is different of course so what works for me may not work for someone else (and visa versa).