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bamagirl75

New Member

Joined : Sep 2010

Posts : 1

Posted 9/28/2010 3:20 PM (GMT 0)

Hi. I am new to this forum, but I just had some questions. My mom was diagnosed with end stage cirrohsis of the liver about a year ago. She has been in and out of the hospital MORE times than i can count. She is also a diabetic. Her latest episode in the hospital was VERY bad. She was in a coma for three days due to her ammonia being extremely high. She came out of the coma, and is now at home taking lasix and Lactulose everyday. Her memory is not good, she has Ascites VERY bad. She goes in the hospital every 2 weeks to have the fluid drained. Two weeks ago they drained 20 Liters!!!!!! Anyway, I guess my question is, does anyone know how much time she has, and will this get a lot worse??? Of course the Dr's cannot say how much time she has left, but SHE says that she knows that she may not be here for Christmas

. Please, any answers will be appreciated. Thank You

**David**

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2009

Posts : 3708

Posted 9/28/2010 5:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi bamagirl,
As you've noted, no one can tell how long your mother may live, although, her estimate is as good as any. You need to talk to her doctors about getting her xifaxan to help combat the encephalopathy. Combined with lactalose, it makes a difference. It did with me and many people here. There's another antibiotic that works well, but does affect some people's kidney's, though it's a small percentage, so they'll check her blood work every few weeks or monthly. Be well.

hep93

Elite Member

Joined : Jul 2005

Posts : 12014

Posted 9/28/2010 6:09 PM (GMT 0)

Bamagirl, welcome to the forum. Is your mom also on Aldactone or potassium tablets? If not, she should be, as Lasix leeches the potassium from the body. Is she seeing a hepatologist?

If you will read the info in the folder Hepatitis Resources (it addresses liver disease, not just hepatitis), you will know more what to look for and what to expect. It also answers the "death question" towards the end. Every individual is different, so nobody can really specify how long she has left. We have seen patients go quickly and others linger on for many months, and even years.

You may also want to post on the caregiver's thread.

Hugs,

Connie

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