Agitation awaiting liver transplant

[dimplykidlet]

My husband and I are constantly arguing over the smallest things. He becomes very agitated and verbally abusive. He has compensated cirrhosis and HCC. He is currently awaiting a liver transplant. Our marriage is in tatters.

[AyrshireK]

Sorry to hear of your current troubles, no doubt stress is playing a major factor in hubbies (and probably your own mood). Have you had a word with the transplant team about the stresses and the mood issues? There may be something they can do to help. You both need to be a team going forward to transplant as he's going to rely on you loads post op.

Also is hubby being treated for Hepatic Encephalopathy at all?? HE can seriously change someones personality and perhaps lead to them becoming more fractious. Perhaps his bloods need checking to see if his ammonia levels are out of whack and other tests for HE done. If he's not already on treatment (Lactulose & Rifaximin) that needs to be looked at. Is hubby moving his bowels frequently to get rid of toxins? 3-4 times daily is optimal in someone with cirrhosis.

Hope his transplant comes soon then you can both start to rebuild your lives.

Katie

[dimplykidlet in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks KatieTried to reach out to the transplant team for help but unless it is a request from him they cannot help and he is not interested in contacting them.

He had HE in 2015 while in hospital and it was very scary so I’m familiar with the signs. He currently takes lactulose when I nag but with all the other stresses that we have I not sure if he has HE or not? Are there any tests his specialist could perform although his next appointment is not until late July?

Thanks

[AyrshireK in reply to dimplykidlet]

If he's only taking his meds when you nag that isn't a great sign for someone on the t/p list. Taking meds and being compliant with the whole medical regime is a must - if he isn't compliant now what's going to happen when he has to take a bucket full of meds daily post transplant?

If he isn't on Rifaximin as well as lactulose he may indeed be having issues with toxins - it's usual to combine these treatments now. HE manifests in many ways and doctors no doubt test his toxin levels when he goes for meds - there is also the hand flap test for HE too and other cognitive function type tests plus scans if necessary.

If it isn't HE and he is just being beligerent and aggressive - what would happen if you 'walked'? Not suggesting you do but with his direct support network gone how would he cope now or in the aftermath of transplant. No doubt the t/p team looked into his whole support situation at his assessment.

I would flag to the medical team that you are concerned he is showing signs of HE and they should assess that for you/him and see where you go from there.

Katie

[utep99]

He may need lactulose to bring down ammonia in the brain.