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Question about lactulose

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Posted 10/18/2010 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hello. My husband is recently diagnosed with liver disease...not sure how bad yet. None of the heps, but his illness is alcohol related. Other than fatigue and jaundice, he hasn't experienced any complications. He was a bit constipated last week and I started freaking out based on all that I have read about liver disease. Normal for him is 2-3 soft BMs a day. He was "off" for one day and then returned to normal. He has no confusion or other symptoms of HE. Is one day of constipation a reason to start on lactulose?

Thanks.

Emma
Posted 10/18/2010 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Lactulose is very important, although I take it three times a day....I have one normal bowel movements each day. You have to take it like 9am, 1:00pm and 6pm to give you consistant bowel movements.

Another thing it will do, is control your ammonia. If your ammonia gets to high you will have brain problems that will land you in the hospital. It happened to me last Jan, Feb, March and April. I have not had any of these problems since taking lactulose.

I hope your husband doesn't have cirrhosis but it sounds a lot like he does.

Do not stop until you find a good GI doctor., I did and now I'm doing pretty good except for Ascites.

My cirrhosis is advanced and every 4 weeks I have fluid drawn.. I would love to find some way to stop the ascites problem.

Bob

Posted 10/18/2010 6:13 PM (GMT 0)

Emma, one day of constipation is not reason for concern.  We all have that happen once in awhile.  It's unlikely that Lactulose would be prescribed until/unless he starts showing signs of encephalopathy.  That is the purpose of the med--to rid the excess ammonia from the body, and it is excreted through bowel movements.  As you know from my posts, I have cirrhosis, hep C, and had liver cancer and was never prescribed Lactulose, even at my worst, as I never had signs of encephalopathy.

I'll go Bob one better, though, and say to make sure your hubby has a good hepatologist.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 10/19/2010 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Right on Connie. Lactulose is indicated for the prevention and treatment of encephalopathy.
Posted 10/19/2010 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info.  I have sent an email message to hubbie's doctor asking the same questions.  It turned out to be only a morning of constipation and he was back on his regular pooping schedule by mid day.  smilewinkgrin
Posted 10/19/2010 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
yes I agree with Connie. After many discussion the last a very heated discussion I managed to get a full run down on my mums condition.
Quick run down she has compensated liver disease with cirrhosis, but when she is drinking her liver becomes seriously decompensated with all the usual serious effects. I was told that she must always take her Lactulose no matter what, but if her liver is coping then the Lactulose could do more harm than good.
Hope this helps
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