Hello

Sue

You are right on with the amonia thing.  Vanderbilt does not even check it.  They just go by how you act.  One time Jerry was getting ready to go home from the hospital.  I'm not even sure what the reason was that trip.  Probably dehydration.   Anyway his amonia was 149 and he was as clear as a bell.  So I do dread if they do a TIPs on his.  I just know he can't handle many more episodes of dehydration. He has gained 12 lbs since Thurs evening.  They have cut back on his diuretics this week and it doesn't look like its working.  His stomach is getting huge again.  He's had it around his lungs a few times and we don't want that to happen again.  As far as the sodium the only way to avoid it is everything fresh.  Thats really hard for him being a southern boy.  He loves his corn bread etc etc.  You know that self rising stuff!  Plus he needs protein.  I put it in smoothies but then when his amonia starts rising you have to back off the protein.  I just use Soy protein all the time now.  If you have any meals tips I welcome them.  I'm so sick of going to the store every day.

JoAnn