Mum mum is about to leave hospital after being diagnosed with a compensated liver a week ago! She doesn’t really know what time it is as she sleeps constantly and sounds very slurred on the phone to me! I’ve tried finding out if this is normal ? Or from the medication she’s on? It’s only potassium and magnesium? She’s also lost use of her legs in the last ten days. She can stand and take 1-2 steps with a frame! Any advice of what is normal and what to expect is appreciated
Thank you
Where is mum being discharged to? Has she got carers? Has she been referred to a hepatologist for follow up? Do you know what her follow up regime is and is mum involving you in that as she will need support.
If she has cirrhosis and this loss of cognitive function and stuff is new then I would be questioning whether she should be on some treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy which is a side effect of cirrhosis - when the liver isn't detoxifying blood properly the toxins can build up in the blood stream and make their way to the brain - it can exist in a mild form or a more serious one.
Treatment for this is usually lactulose to ensure the patient is moving their bowels a few times a day to help remove toxins and Rifaximin which is a medicine specifically to treat HE and toxin build up.
You can read more about HE including a patient passport at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...
Also it might be helpful for you to learn more about cirrhosis so you can help mum with her conditions. Two useful pages are the BLT one on cirrhosis and one on the patient charter with useful questions to ask doctors.
britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...
britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...
All the best, Katie
Hi Nicky,
Are you in the UK? if so, you may want to call our nurse led helpline for a chat on 0800 652 7330 10am to 3pm for a chat about this situation.
If you have concerns about your mums discharge from hospital, it would be a very good idea to call the nurse in charge on the ward and discharge coordinator ASAP and discuss her diagnosis, management and a safe discharge plan.
Best wishes
Trust1
Thank you
I was in hospital when I had these symptoms so can only give you an answer from my experience but I stayed in hospital while I was feeling this way, I was on lactulose and rifaximin and was for a long while after being discharged, hope your mum gets the treatment she needs and gets better x
Hi
How did you feel when you got home? Did you experience the extreme tiredness and confusion? Thank you
What your Mum is experiencing is just 2 if the many symptoms of cirrhosis. She will need to be on lactulose to remove the build up of toxins in her brain which is causing the confusion. The condition is HE ... hepatic encephalopathy and needs treating as a matter of urgency.
All the best
Laura
Thanks Laura. She’s now got kidney failure! They’ve told me to expect the worst!
Oh darling I'm so sorry. My husband went through the same and died 10 years ago, caused by alcohol. His liver failed then within days his kidneys then broncho pneumonia. If you need to talk, pm me any time. My thoughts are with you.
Look after yourself
L xx
Thank you. She seems less confused and a little stronger but the doctor said this isn’t an indication of her kidneys or liver recovering! X
How's your Mum doing? Xx
Thank you so much for asking that’s so kind. She’s now got pulmery odema! May be going to ICU! They’ve also said ages got end stage liver disease and they’ve seen no improvement in her liver since she’s been in hospital (3 weeks) so im really worried.
Oh honey l am so sorry. Do you have family around you for support? X
Yes my step dad. Thank you x
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