hi, I’m looking for some advice about my Dad. He has chronic liver disease - cirrhosis - and has lived with it for 20 years. Lately he has had hepatic encephalopathy that is getting steadily worse, and is on Lactulose.
over the last week he has suddenly got much, much worse with confusion, unsteadiness, speech problems. He is in hospital - they have ruled out a UTI but say they have identified a problem from blood tests - I don’t know what, my Mum is there but they haven’t told her much.
Does anyone know why his symptoms would suddenly worsen despite no UTI? Would this be treatable? Thank you.
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OminousCloud
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If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)
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hi, I’ve seen my freind who has HE go into a few overt episodes and has bounced back after getting daily enemas. Sometimes the lactulose isn’t enough to control the build up of toxins. Is your dad also on Rifaximine? If not it would be worth asking it to be added to his daily meds. Food can also play a part in going into an episode as too much processed food can be difficult for the liver to process. Hopefully the hospital will be able to put him right and get him back on track.
Sometimes Lactulose isn't enough to clear the toxins. I agree with the enemas because it would clear the system and the underlying cause of the HE. But your Dad needs Rifaximin (Xifaxin). My Dad was on it for about two years and it works like no other for HE. If he hasn't been already, I would suggest looking into a "Tap" where they drain the excess fluid and then Xifaxin every day until the symptoms become under control. Also Google the "Liver Loving Diet" for other helpful tips that will help.
thank you so much for all the responses, he is coming out of hospital today, they have given him a prescription- I’m not sure what, hopefully rifaximin. He and my Mum are in France which makes everything so much harder.
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Hepatic Encephalopathy 
Hepatic encephalopathy 
Hepatic encephalopathy 
Hepatic encephalopathy 
