I have been thinking about this doing more research and see where I went wrong, it was a case of apples and oranges. I thought that when I got to UND and felt so much better that it was over.
With cirrhosis it is not over. I have to be vigilant make sure I am cognizant of what I am taking and how it will affect my liver and also take the lactulose. I hope that my liver will get better over time. I am sorry I used a post for my own stupidity and/or denial regarding the cirrhosis.
Thank you again, until your post I did not realize I had advanced cirrhosis either. I have been on a low dose of lactulose, just thought I needed additional help.
@All
Thank you for taking the time to write. I thought I was done with the fight, evidently I am not so am in a little bit of shock here
Thank you all so much for your responses, this forum continues to amaze me with all of the nice people on here. I really appreciate it.
I was able to call the doctor to get additional lactulose and seeing him on the 1st, will ask more questions and try to find a good Hep, thought I had one.
Sorry to hear your having a difficulty! Praying it gets worked out ASAP!
dee, i just want to tell you what a strong woman you are! you amaze me. i wish you all the best with getting a better doctor. best wishes. belle
Dee, you deserve the best, so please see a hepatologist who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating cirrhotic patients. They may have have some insight into liver improvement post successful HCV treatment and what you can except.
You have done the work. Now it is up to your liver to do what it can to heal itself after so many years/decades of damage caused by HCV.
Ask about Xifaxan. It has really worked wonders for a lot of us with HE. Though I still have my flare ups. Things are much better than on Latulose alone.
I've been having some moderate HE in the last week or two. Insomnia is driving me nuts. Only got 2 1/2 hours of sleep last night and I am a little wacky lately (some would say more than a little!) and my thinking is all foggy and memory is poor these days. But like you said, over all I am feeling good. As good as it gets with ESLD and liver cancer.
Best to you!
Ciao.
Hector
I didn't releaze you had advanced cirrhosis? Glad you are UND and looking good for SVR.
The only two drugs that treat Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE), Lactulose (or Kristalose) and Xifaxan (Rifaxamin) 550-mg 2x a day. Talk to your doctor about Xifaxan. It is very expensive. About $1,500 per month so hopefully you have good insurance.
Since you have cirrhosis it could take a long time before your still living liver cells (not the scar tissue) can regenerate again. Your doctor should have explained this to you. If you are seeing a gastroenterologist you should be seeing a hepatologist at a transplant center as they are much more knowledgeable and experienced in matters having to do with cirrhosis.
Here is the link to Xifaxan. Check out their $100 co-pay discount card too.
http://www.xifaxan550.com/
Without Xifaxan I don't know what I would do. Amazing stuff!
Good luck!
Cheers!
Hector