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Cirrhosis and bowel movements

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Posted 2/26/2008 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
I'm new to the forum and am rather embarrassed to be asking this question, but I can't find anything out anywhere else.  My Dad is in the end stages of liver failure.  We, his children, found out three years ago when he went into a coma.  We've learned more than we ever though about esophageal varicies, acsites, encephalopathy (sp?), etc.  We moved him and my mother into an assisted living facility last March and mother became his full-time caregiver.  Long story short, she was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in September and passed away in November.  Now my sister goes over everyday, organizes his meds, cleans up after him, etc.  One thing that has come to our attention, he takes three doses of lactulose a day (about 3 Tablespoons each) but only has one (possibly 2) very powerful bowel movements a week.  It leaves him disoriented and weak.  Is this another progression of cirrhosis?  Is there a solution?  More lactulose?  Any advise would be greatly appreciated...
Posted 2/26/2008 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
Concernedchild, hi and welcome to the forum. I am so sorry that you have been thru so much and for the loss of your mom. As for your dads bowels I am a bit concerned. With three doses of lactulose daily he should be having more bowel movements. It is possible that he has a blockage or bowel obstruction. My advice would be to report this to his Dr. There are medications they can give him to assist with his bowels if he is not obstructed.
Shelly
Posted 2/27/2008 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your prompt reply, Shelley.  He was on four MAX doses of Lactulose, but they whittled it down to three but the results have always been the same.  He was actually due for a colonoscopy, but the DR.'s vetoed that idea because of his condition(s).  Are there other more "non-invasive" procedures that might find obstructions?  IE: CAT-Scan or MRI?
Posted 2/27/2008 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Concernchild, Welcome to HealingWell, Sorry about your father. And please accept my sincere sympathy with your mom's passing. But you sound like a very strong person. And a very smart one also.
I do agree with Shelly about a possible blockage though. With your dad taking that much lactulose he should be going more often at least my husband did. I am going to leave that last question for Shelly. She has more knowledge about the tests and such than I.
Take Care and please come back anytime.
Thoughts and prayers will be with all your family.
Posted 2/27/2008 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Concernedchild and welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear about your mother, and I am also sorry that your father is suffering from this disease. You have come to the right place for answers. There are many people available whenever needed. Coming here has been very helpful to me.

Your family will be in my prayers.
Posted 2/27/2008 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
Concernedchild, A regular abdominal xray shows an obstruction. I would call the Dr and tell them what is going on and request that they check him out. If he is constipated (which is different than an obstruction) You may even ask if he can take any over the counter meds for it. There are several that I know of such as mag Citrate, Fleets Phosphate, (those two he would drink) suppositories such as Dulcolax (Bisacodyl suppositories), or Bisacodyl tabs. The Dr would have to determine first if he is just constipated or obstructed but either way he needs help with it and I would pursue that immediately.

 Shelly

Posted 2/27/2008 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the input.  I know he has an appointment the first week in March, but we'll see if he can get in sooner.  Will keep you posted.  Thank you all for your help and support...wish I could have found you all sooner...Concernedchild

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