Ammonia Level Question

[Sevetts]

I just got my ammonia levels back.  They are 78.  I know that normal is between 11-35.  78 doesn't seem that much higher than 35.  I know in some labs just a few numbers off isn't that big of deal, but in other labs it's major.  So how bad is 78?  Is this a dangerous level?  I know my Dr. wants to "up" my Lactulose but when I told the nurse that called that it really shoots up my blood sugars, she has to go back and talk to the Dr. before changing it.  Also, this is just my PCP Dr.  I go to a GI dr that specializes in hepatology on Monday.  That is the closest I could get to a hepatologist in the time frame I need for the surgery clearance.

Shelley

[cat33]

About the ammonia, In my case just about anything stressful can send my ammonia up to the moon.  It was never a problem with my regular DR. But when I was diagnosed with ESLD /cirrhosis . I went to the transplant center, anyway


It is always (how can you live????with 310.) now they know I get it done by my DR. before going to transplant center because they now know the stress of a trip to the center sends mee. In may it was fine here at transplant center it was165. The variables are astonishing. I remember once it was less than 14. I've stopped taking the lactulose . I am not recommending anyone do that .but I did. I was taken of the transplant list a year ago because  my Meld score has dropped to 5. I still have to go once a year for bloodwork and CT scan. An expensive long trip to go on just in case . I did fail to say I can tell when My mind gets muddy. I do go back on lactulose

[Sevetts]

oh, now see...that is an excellent suggestion... Love all of those.  Love raisins but being diabetic those raise my sugars to the moon and back.  But I can do the cranberries and nuts.  Thanks bunches.  I too am a picky eater, at least that's what I've been told.  I don't think so, I just know how I like my food that's all.  ha ha ha

[rpooo]

I'm such a bad person to ask since I'm so picky my diet is far from what it should be. One thing I like to do for a snack is buy unsalted mixed nuts (excellent source of protein) then mix in raisins and dried cranberries (very high in antioxidants) making an all around good snack.

[Sevetts]

I'm trying to do a healthy diet...I am far from being there, but a lot closer than I was a month ago.  It's tough because I have my husband, a chocoholic and my daughter in law..ice cream addict, and my 2 year old grandson and my 7mo granddaughter living here.  They are not thrilled with meal plans...I try not to bring things in the house that I shouldn't have, but with two other adults who just don't seem to get the importance of it.. bringing things in, I'm finding it difficult.  Especially when I have a real hard stressful day and think..oh forget it, I deserve this.  My fault totally.  I need more will power and I need to change my thinking... to instead of "I deserve this"  to "My body does not deserve this".  But my mind goes into thinking that I am trying to be strong in this area and in that area...this is just to many areas to be strong in all at once.  So I am in a battle with my own mind...and unfortunately I have a strong mine.  ha ha ha.  Not funny really, but gotta get the  humor where I can.

Any suggestions for high fiber meals/snacks and/or healthy meals would not be turned down ;)

[rpooo]

That would be great if you could get in to U.W. It seems like your PCP could refer you expressing the urgency to get you in right away. I want to make sure you know that many of us here seek treatment at a transplant center but it doesn't mean we will need a transplant and hopefully you wont either.

I can understand the urgency but I think both are equally important. The transplant center should quickly be able to determine if it's safe for surgery or maybe present a quick treatment option. Are you managing a healthy diet in a effort to bring this ammonia level down?

I admire your strength Shelley, one day at a time is exactly right!

[Sevetts]

Thanks for all of the info Randy and for the coupon site, I know that will certainly come in handy as will the chart.  I'm going to call my insurance company today and see if I can refer myself to the U.W.  I hear they have a great transplant center.  Whether or not I can get a transplant I know that's the place I want to be.  And I believe they are the ones to make that determination, not the GI Doc or my PCP.  I do also have the inflammation of the stomach lining.. just an fyi thing.  :)  But I believe my top concern right now is getting clearance to get this ugly tumor out of my spinal cord.. which is proving a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.  One day at a time right :)