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Ammonia level was 130

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Posted 12/8/2017 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hello ya'll!

I have been a 17 year alcoholic.....one of those daily drinkers....at any rate, I went to rehab and while in their detox unit, my blood tests revealed an ammonia level of 130. My ALT was 122 and the other one (I forget what that one was) was within the normal range. I HAD noticed (as had my husband and friends) that I was confused more often and my memory was essentially shot. Nonetheless, I was a bit shocked at the results as I have never been diagnosed with anything beyond a fatty liver (for at LEAST the last 10 years). I DID have a bout (or maybe a few. I rarely go to the doctor.) or two of alcohol hepatitis over the years.

Other symptoms had been (I know it's gross) but yellowish, sometimes almost white poop. Constant diarrhea for at least 7 or so months...maybe more. I was beginning to itch, but I also just moved to Arizona a year ago after living in Chicago 17 years. NO yellow skin, eyes....no edema of any body part.....some back pain and side pain, but this came and went. Since stopping drinking a month ago, I have had normal bowel movements, normal color.....the itching is still there...but it is "winter" in Arizona.

SO, because I am very anxious....I read all over the internet about raised ammonia levels and EVERYWHERE it states that this elevation is only found in people with cirrhosis of the liver...I got myself so worked up that I had to walk away from the computer and lie down.....

My "training" in rehab tells me that worry and anxiety doesn't change my health......and I should go see a doctor before I freak......but is this true? Am I going to find out that I REALLY screwed up my health because I was trying to drown my extreme anxiety and other "symptoms" of PTSD.....

Sorry this was a book....I definitely have diarrhea of the "fingers" (I guess I cannot say mouth in this situation)

d(-_-)b
Posted 12/8/2017 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Princess and welcome,
So glad to hear you have started rehab. congrats on your sobriety. after 1 month you have improved your jaundice and stool color. Edema is gone, and side pain is much improved. A130 ammonia count is quite high, but hopefully will improve, with sobriety and healthy lifestyle. Has your memory improved since quitting alcohol?

Give the process time. Stay sober and get regular bloodwork, and ultrasounds.. You do have alcoholic hepatitis. Listen to your training, and find a dr, preferably a GI. This is the only way to get a reliable diagnoses, and a treatment plan to keep you as safe as possible. Knowing what you are dealing with, and what can be done, can lighten the anxiety load..

Let us know how your doing. We have some knowledgeable people here. We have all been thru liver disease, or are caretakers for family members with hep.

you should have your Ammonia checked soon. That can be a problem
Posted 12/8/2017 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again,
I see your rehab does blood work. I would ask them if you need treatment NOW for high ammonia level.
Posted 12/8/2017 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
ppm guy:

I got out of the rehab facility a week ago today. (My insurance would no longer cover inpatient...). I have been going to AA meetings every other day, competing the work I started inpatient and bought a few books on PTSD and one on recovery from alcohol.

Luckily I never got edema.......the stools have gone back to normal (even consistency) color and smell, (I don't smell like I am dying from the inside) and I am urinating more....when I was still drinking, I noticed I stopped peeing as much......

My PCP ordered the ammonia retest (since my rehab facility "forgot" to retest me after I was Lactulose for a WEEK!!) I still have half a bottle, so I can restart any time. I have an appointment with the PCP on Thursday and from there we'll see if I should start going to my GI Guy or wait 6 months of sobriety to see how my liver stands then....I remember reading somewhere to give your liver at least 6 months before testing....but the ammonia levels scared me.....but it explains why I was acting funny.....(and my balance was off...I thought it was my acoustic neuroma.......) sigh

Thanks for the advice...and in 2 days I get my MONTH COIN!!!! YAY!!
Posted 12/9/2017 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
That sounds good!!! And a big YAY on your 1 month chip
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