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High Ammonia Post Transplant

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Posted 5/23/2012 11:48 AM (GMT 0)
my mom. She had a liver transplant in 2006 due to hep c. She has been doing very well since. Well the other night she went to bed perfectly fine and woke up the following morning and was very very confused. She insisted she was going somewhere she really wasnt she just didnt know who anyone was. This has never happened to her before. We called the ambulance and she went to the emergency room. After things came back normal they put her in the mental ward. They told me lastnight that her ammonia levels were high. So shouldnt they remove her from the mental ward to a diff part of the hospital? I dont understand any of this. I guess my question is when and if the ammonia levels get backto normal will the confusion be gone also? This is very scary as my mother is only 56..Well any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
<font color="#800080"> Thanks, Cathy

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 5/23/2012 9:40:49 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/23/2012 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cathy and welcome to the forum.

Since your Mom has Hep C the transplant gave her a fresh start but the hep C is still there.

Hepatic encephalopathy likely is the cause of her confusion. Maybe ask that her attending doc get a hepatology consult on the case.

One is not cured of hep c at transplant. That requires a year long treatment with a 2 or 3 drug regime.

Come back to this forum and let us know how today is going

Hugs
Carol

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 5/23/2012 9:23:46 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/23/2012 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cathy,

I have seen the confusion first hand from ammonia levels can cause. She should be fine once they get them down. I hope they take her out of the mental ward soon. I imagine they are keeping her there since the regular nursing staff may not be trained for patients with things that go along with high ammonia levels.

I notice you are from PA, so am I. If you don't mind me asking what hospital did she have a transplant at? I am afraid in the future my mom will need one.
Posted 5/23/2012 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Badsummer,
Pittsburgh PA is transplant central!! They are amazing there. My husband had his transplant @ VA Medical Ctr, University Dr., In Oakland/Pittsburgh. The hotel I stayed at had transplant patients and caregivers from all over the country. There are 3 -4 different hospitals in one area there, right around the University/Medical College/ PU. The surgeons all know each other an help out as needed, the resident surgeons complete their residency at each hospital . . they are amazing!!
Posted 5/23/2012 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Debbie,

I have to agree, the surgeons are great, from what we have seen. When ever we end up admitted to the hospital we are always in the Transplant ICU at UPMC-Montefiore. That is where all the abd transplants go. Just had to add my 2 cents!!!

Amy
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