Have you tried mixing it in with beverages? Also there is another medicine an oral antibiotic, rifaximin which many have found helps but it depends on your insurance as it I guess is more expensive than lactulose
“ If you are taking this medication by mouth for liver disease, take it usually 3-4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. To improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert. The goal is to have 2-3 soft stools each day.”
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3367-7202/lactulose-oral/lactulose-liver-oral-rectal/details
Don't take it on an empty stomach! That stuff is awful....I have had to take it for 7 years and the only thing I can say is to eat something before that awful swig. Seventeen days super is GREAT! I also have Stage IV Liver Failure. I'm 62 and used off and on since I was 14. They did the banding "stuff" early on but nothing helped with the hepatic hypertension so I had the TIPS done and it has worked GREAT! I had it about 5 years ago and it has stayed in place the whole time. Just had my bi-yearly check-up yesterday but I am sure you will have follow-up often at this point. Congrats again o the 17 days and hang in! I look forward to reading how you are coming along and will be happy to offer anything in my story or things I've learned!