3 month Mayo Clinic AZ appt. ...update...

Background.

Three months ago, at Themister's last Mayo appointment, he was RX'd Zoloft by a Mayo NP. He was swimming with HE for 2 months, but honestly...it was bad ever since TIPS. He started having hallucinations within 12 hours of Zoloft. Less than a week into to starting Zoloft, he had a seizure, turned blue and appeared to quit breathing while I was speaking to 911. I thought I he died. Admitted with ammonia 360.

Well, what a difference 3 months can make!

Latest visit.
Ammonia was 105, which is higher than any test other than hospitalization. And he looked and felt fine. But we increased Lactulose a couple of days. MELD continues at 14. Edema in lower legs, but they do not want to give him diuretics. Trying to keep his kidneys healthy. And he is fine with this right now. The HE has been nearly non-existent, easily remedied with extra Lactulose.

They did stop the beta-blocker (Propranolol). Themister had a TIPS, so they felt it's no longer necessary.

Medication at present:
Lactulose, 30 ml 4 times per day.
Xifaxan 550 mg 2 times per day
Omeprozole 20 mg per day

The TX Hepa was of the same thinking we are. The less medication, the better when dealing with Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE). Why mess with what's working?

So, YAY, a good report. Holding steady on bloods. He will be back at Mayo in June for his annual work-up.

Such great news!! Nice to hear!!

I am so happy for you guys - that is a wonderful report!

Themiz,
I am so glad to hear your good report, and happy for you and Themister.
Sadly, my husband Dave passed away on 4/27 from multiple organ failure after a successful bowel resection.
His liver just couldn't handle the anesthesia, and his lungs and kidneys soon followed.
Love each other every day you have together, and don't sweat the small stuff.

CrazyisasCrazydoes...

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. May I cut and paste your post into a new tread for you so our forum members can moreeaily hear and send their support? MamaLama

sounds familiar. the took me off propranolol after my tips. my highest ammonia was over 400. averaged 120-160 with the meds. edema in the ankles and feet. I was put on 100 spironolactone and 20 mg lasix.

What keeps his meld down? creatinine, bilirubin or INR?
in my case, it was creatinine which was always under .90

Susie

Wow Themiz, you and your husband have also been through a lot. I'm do glad I found this forum, to talk with people going through similar experiences. I'm glad your husband is doing better, your a great person to care so much for him.