Worried mum

[Annnick1961]

I have none alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver I have just been started on rifaximin tablets which is only for hepatic encephalopathy which is bad and I am worried should I be

[Benwillfred]

It's a preventative medication...you may also get prescribed lactulose...again a preventative . I have just been prescribed these after having liver problems for 20 years...again non alcoholic Cirrhosis.. try to eat small frequent portions of food and try not to worry too much !! Difficult I know

[Annnick1961 in reply to Benwillfred]

Is it true if u don't take medication it's a life expectation of 1 to 2 years

[Ericabear]

My husband was diagnosed with cirrhosis in September 22. He had hepatic encephalopathy in the October and was so bad he couldn't string a sentence together, didn't know what he was doing or who I was ..... Very very scary. He was prescribed Rifixamin and lactose and within a few hours the difference was amazing. He still takes both religiously and (touch wood) we have not had any issues since. Hope that helps to reassure you x

[Fides in reply to Ericabear]

yeah I found lactulose surprisingly effective.

I remember when they prescribed it in our liver ward and no one wanted to take it because it is a laxative, then they discovered that it helps clear toxins out which is really beneficial when you have toxic overload.

[Waddy12]

Good morning, I've also been put on Rifaximin with the addition of Lactalose. It has been brilliant for me and really helped with the "brain fog". So I take it as a positive thing as it can only help. I had a bit of concern as to why I'd been placed on them too, but they really have helped 😊

[AyrshireK]

Are you symptomatic of Hepatic Encephalopathy? Are you also on lactulose?

You need to move your bowels 2-3 times daily to remove toxins from the body as it is toxin build up and toxins crossing the blood brain barrier that cause HE.

My hubby had what they classed as covert/mild HE for years - treated with Lactulose and Rifaximin. He had various symptoms from confusion, sleep pattern disruption, difficulty concentrating and a whole range of cognitive problems.

Towards the end of last year his HE became SIGNIFICANTLY worse and he ended up having an emergency admission to hospital with an acute episode. He ended up having a liver transplant in June largely owing to HE and it's knock on effects. Transplant has cured him of it completely i'd say.

The BLT has a good page on HE which is more reliable than a lot of what you may find on Dr Google. britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

If you are a driver, has it been explained to you that you shouldn't/must not drive with a disgnosis of HE. Whilst you don't find it listed on the DVLA notifiable conditions it is wrongly lumped in under the alcohol related disorders section.

Katie

[Fides]

Sorry, but I am curious why you are posting with the tag, alcoholic liver cirrhosis when you just stated you have non alcoholic liver disease?

[Annnick1961 in reply to Fides]

No I have none alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver