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

[Sevetts]

@Dee  Not to be complaining, but to answer your question...I have been feeling like poop and even more exhausted than normal which is saying something lol.  As for the blood sugars.. it might not be the lactulose causing that... it might be the pain I'm in right now due to something else that is going on.  I spoke with the doctor and am monitoring it today and tomorrow afternoon and calling her tomorrow close to her closing time to report in.  She definitely up'd the lactulose dosage though.

@Advocate1955  Yeah, after researching more, I see cirrhotics go into the triple digits frequently.  So I don't think 78 is too bad.  But I'm thinking that my number might have gone up since the test because I noticed today I was having trouble saying words.  Normally I just forget words, today I couldn't say them right, was putting the wrong letters in front etc.  This has definitely opened up my eyes that I need to get some things in writing right away while I am able.  Not saying I'm not going to get this under control, I'm sure that I will with the lactulose...but I need to get a wiggle on getting things in order.  I know I also need to adjust my protein intake... but that is going to be tricky getting my diet to fit with my diabetes, kidneys and now liver.  I need to get to a dietician sooner rather than later.  Kinda spooky how fast things are going.

Shelley

[Advocate1955]

I don't know a lot about ammonia levels, so hopefully Randy or Hector will chime in. From what I've read ammonia levels can affect people differently. Based on my small amount of knowledge, I would say that 78 is medium high, and you may be experiencing some cognitive symptoms, perhaps some confusion, forgetfulness, or irritability. But then again some people nay have lower levels w a lot of symptoms or higher levels w fewer symptoms. Either way, it is essential to manage your ammonia levels because you may not cognitvely be aware of when your ammonia levels might cause enough HE to create dangerous situations, i.e. mixing up meds, causing an accident, leaving a burner on, forgetting where you're going, etc.
Advocate1955

[Dee1956]

Hi from what I have read your level is high, if you are already on lactulose and it is that high then there might be a problem.  Are you sleeping more than usual or are you having trouble concentrating or thinking?  Sometimes the doctor will take in to account how you are feeling/acting then add in the ammonia number.  I have also read that there are times when a person is having no trouble at all but then they are told that there ammonia level is high
I was told that the lactulose would not bother my sugar...but of course I have been told many things :)
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