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Cirrhosis stage 4 (non alcoholic related)

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Posted 7/31/2012 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
cry  Here is my story, maybe someone out there shares my concerns and possible solution... My mother has a history of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fatty liver disease, morbid obesity, insuline dependent diabetes, COPD, degernative arthritis, and now...stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver (still compasating) She has very high ammonia levels, upto 203 at one time...she is on a total of 25 different medications (some are over the counter (OTC)) most are prescription, She is already on Lactalose and Xifaxin for the elelvated ammonia levels. She has impaired kidney function also...  my mother and I are both retired RNs, we know the true grim picture of her future, but with that being said, can anyone advise on what type of a reasonable diet that would help? Any caregivers out there that feel they are stuck between a knot and a hard spot? My mother is also suffering from mild depression, and food is her comfort.

OK my true question... Should I let her eat and live as she wishes or be strick and make her stay on a diet until the end. I have mixed feelings, I want her to feel better but I don't want her to feel like I'm treating her like a little 4 yr old....so confused and distressed!

Posted 7/31/2012 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Glenda's Daughter, and welcome to the forum. Your mom certainly has a lot of health issues. You probably know that her fatty liver is a result of her obesity. In the Caregivers thread you mentioned that she has no history of alcohol abuse. So that's a positive. She should not drink at all..not even a glass of wine on festive occasions. It seems food is her addiction. Her diabetes is likely the result of her diet and and obesity. Of course, there is no reversing of cirrhosis, but it can be stopped or its progression slowed by eating a healthful diet. As I'm sure you know, COPD cannot be reversed. Was she a smoker and, if so, is she still smoking?

If she wants to have a better quality of life in her remaining time on earth, then there are some things she can do: Eat a high protein diet with only complex carbohydrate (whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread, no white flour.) No sweets unless made with a sugar substitute. Even then, she would need to check for calorie, fat, and carb content, as well as implementing portion control. If she has difficulty in doing this, she would probably benefit from a program such as Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous. She should walk for exercise. If she does all this, she may add years to her life. If she continues on without making changes, death could happen much sooner. My choice would be to make changes and have a better quality of life and perhaps buy some time. But it is her decision Nagging will make no difference. It will probably just make her defiant. However, you need to sit down with her and have a frank discussion about what she is facing and the changes she can make.

I suggest you check out the Caregivers thread on this forum, for lots of info and support. I will bump it up to the top for you.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 7/31/2012 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie

No she has never drank a day in her life. Yes she is a former smoker, but has not smoked the last 8 years. She is unable to exercise due to the RA, she has severe RA, along with osteoperosis, and osteo arthritis, degenerative arthritis (has had 3 back surgeries) I have taken her car away (has many confusion epidose)so on top of her illness, she is now losing her independence. Thanks for the replie, I have visited the caregiver forum, plan on visiting this site daily to help me through these troubled times. Once again thank you for your support.
Posted 7/31/2012 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
You're very welcome. Do you think she would be interested in following a diet like I prescribed? If not, there's not a lot you can do. It has to come from her.

Hugs,
Connie
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