New Question, again!!??

Oh yeah, she has refused to lay down in bed since she got home last, she sleeps in her chair every night. Wanting nothing ot do with the bed

Mer,

She has had her lactulose, she gets 45mg 3x a day. I agree that the symptoms do change. I am just so unsure on whether to get Mark home or not.

Well, I called him home when I found her sitting on my sons bed trying to go poo. She is definately going into one.

Yep, I'd say that's in indication.  So sorry, Natty.  My thoughts are with you all.

Hugs,

Connie

Natty,

Hang in there. Remember that the ammonia that builds up in the body does affect the brain, and especially memory (I have noticed with my husband mostly short term). So, the HE, and memory loss issues associated makes perfect sense that she does not remember that she ate, etc. This is such an emotional rollercoaster, so please don't forget to take care of you! If the symptoms get to where it's more than you can handle, by all means, take her in and tell the docs it's more than you can handle. They will take over.

Prayers are with you. Hang in there!

Mer

I know, Natty...it is so hard to watch them go through this! My husband has short term memory issues, and I think I can honestly say his short term memory has been "permanently" affected. HOwever, we are not sure if it's the HE that caused it or his multitude of seizures he was having for over a year before we got them under control. His neurologist said it could be a combination of both. Liver specialist will not put that he has permanent "brain" damage in his record because apparently it causes issues with the transplant side of stuff (evaluating whether he can care for himself, etc). It's always something. You just learn to roll with the punches when it comes to all this.

Hang in there!
Mer

Thanks Sandi, can tell she prefers the chair also.

Mer, she was fine with her short term memory until the last coma she was in. SInce then, some days she has it and some days she doesnt, it is weird how this works. Today, she still is acting just like yesterday, but looks horrible. SHe started complaining of stomach pain sometime in the night and trying to vomit. Anymore with her that is a precursor to a big one coming on, that leads to a coma. We hope not, but we are watching and waiting.

Nat

Hey, Natalie.  It's good you got that out.  You are allowed to feel, you know.  It's not possible to be "strong" and keep a "stiff upper lip" all the time.  It gets harder as the disease progresses.  This is why we've been telling you all along to take time for yourself, don't get sleep deprived, etc.  I think if you can get some decent sleep, it will help a lot.  Another thing that may help is to turn all of it over to your Higher Power.  It's too much to carry alone.  You do the best you can, but the progression of her disease and the outcome is totally out of your control.  So" Let Go and Let God."

Big hugs,

Connie

Tie a knot in dat dar rope...
hang on..
ketch ur breath (no smokin allowed)
young lady...
round up ur giddy up gal...
corral dem fears...
the big Cowboy in da
Sky...
Him's got it covered
Girl...
at least dats da Word
around these parts...
grab da ole horse
saddle up...
let da old Cowboy
in Da Sky
Guide ya...
He'll take care of u...
He always does...
eeeha and take care der girl...
Sandi

Natty, I'm glad you were able to get some good sleep and are feeling better.  Try to do that more regularly.     I know it's hard when you are watching her, but you deserve rest, too.

Hugs,

Connie

Natalie, first of all, her Lactulose should be increased if she is not having several bowel movements a day. If that doesn't work, try MiraLax mixed with water or juice, or cascara sagrada capsules (an herbal laxative.) Both of these are sold over-the-counter, though you may need to go to a health food store for the cascara.

If she starts vomiting or having nose bleeds, or (especially) vomiting blood, these are signs that her condition is worsening. The jaundice is another clue. Her tummy may be very distended due to ascites and the diuretics no longer working. Her kidneys may shut down and this is another sign that the end is near. A lot of the symptoms she has exhibited thus far will increase in frequency and intensity. And yes, in the end she may go into a coma before she passes on.

Hugs,
Connie

Well, she went to the doctor today. Scheduled appointment from last time she was in the hospital. He told Mark that this was to be expected and that it wont get any better from here. Theres no way to tell how much her liver is actually doing at this point, because it is about gone. He increased her lactulose and decreased her lasix. I am not sure why because it looks like she is carrying triplets, but he knows what he is doing, I guess.

She seemed ok when they left, I couldnt go, had the 2 little ones. He said by the time they left the doctor and got to the bank, she couldnt sign her name. Had a lot of trouble. They got home, she ate in a daze and since has slept or been completely out of it She has had lots of liver pain, tylenol isnt working and for her that does what a lortab does for us. She moans and draws her legs up when she gets in pain and complains quite often of her belly hurting. Thinks she is going to vomit. has had maybe a half of a regular bm, he also said that may be the norm for her now. Also her kidneys are affected now by the liver and that is the odor. So in essence, I guess her kidneys are starting to shut down slowly also.

It got bad enough we took all the kids back to my moms and we are expecting to have to take her to the hospital. I have a sick feeling in my gut. Boy do I hope it is wrong. Then again, I dont, because I dont want to watch her suffer. It is a very sad thing to watch.

I will update as I can.

Natalie