Hepatic Encephalopathy full symptoms

[MrsD0ubtfire]

My partner recently passed away from decompensated liver disease after developing jaundice and ascites, resulting in having to have kidney dialysis. He was an alcoholic for a number of years and we did not realise his illness was so far advanced. He developed a lot of complications after being admitted to hospital and died 3 weeks later. I have a lot of unanswered questions about hepatic encephalopathy as I think he developed this early on when we just assumed he was intoxicated. He had problems with his mobility, slurring and hallucinations, generally acting weird. There is not much detailed information online outlining the full symptoms for personality changes and unusual behaviour. Does anyone have more information on this please?

[Ewife]

Deepest sympathy for you. Im sure lots on this forum will be able to help you make sense of it all. My friends husband died from alcoholism - he had a collapse/seizure/brain bleed which resulted in his passing. It wasnt until my husband developed end stage liver disease with covert HE that i realised this must have been what my friend suffered. Its very difficult when someone is still drinking to distinguish. I feel guilty that we just thought he was drunk when he was suffering, but i also realise that he must have known, been told by medical staff he was ill but he chose to hide and deny it - his wife did too, although I don't think she did know the extent of his liver issues.My husband fortunately didnt have adiction to battle with. Im thankful every day for this, adiction is such an awful illness. Rifaximin and Lactoluse worked to keep him stable. He had a transplant this year.

Atb, and be kind to yourself.

🤗 Ewife

[MrsD0ubtfire in reply to Ewife]

Thank you for your reply Ewife, this is very helpful. I also have a lot of guilt and wondered if his liver disease could have been picked up sooner, however he was also in denial about his drinking despite us constantly asking him to seek help from the GP and alcohol groups. We were told he would need to admit he needed help himself however I don’t know if someone in that condition can make decisions for themself. He also had a seizure a year ago which was put down to him trying to stop drinking, however this may have been related to HE but we will never know.

[Ewife in reply to MrsD0ubtfire]

It sounds like your poor brain is trying to process it all. I guess seeing the adiction as an illness helps me. I think my friend knew really far more than we thought, but he just felt like it was a struggle he couldnt win. He was very depressed and emotional towards the end. Im sorry I can't really offer much information or support, but having been through grief I recognise that you are going through that process and your mind is trying to find a level of acceptance. My heart really goes out to you. I can see your husband was very loved by you and he will have known that, and appreciated your loyalty and patience with him over time. I hope soon you can remember all the nice times and things you loved about him with a smile on your face. You will eventually! You need to give your brain time to collect itself and deal with what has just happened - you are probably still in shock.

Take care

Ewife

[MrsD0ubtfire in reply to Ewife]

Thank you I appreciate your kind words. Yes it’s been a lot to take in and I am trying to make sense of it all. We assumed he would finally get the help he needed and come out of hospital possibly with life changing problems but be able to enjoy life again. It all happened so fast and we didn’t really have chance to say goodbye. All information is a great help to me 🙏

[MrsD0ubtfire in reply to Ewife]

Ewife I am glad to hear that your husband is doing well following his transplant 😊

[Millie09]

I'm so sorry for your loss MrsDoubtfire, This disease can be awful , im 16yrs since diagnosis ,I don't have any information regards to HE myself but wanted to send my condolences to you and yours

Take care of yourself

Linda x

[MrsD0ubtfire in reply to Millie09]

Thank you so much Linda I really appreciate that. Take care of your yourself too x

[Richard-Allen]

I have sent you a private message. I hope this is of some help.

[MrsD0ubtfire in reply to Richard-Allen]

Thank you I will take a look 🙏

[Aztec632]

So sorry to o hear of your loss. Take care of yourself x

[MilliganHorse]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, take care of yourself and above all know that your support and love was everything, sadly this disease and the HE and complications takes over the physical and mental person and my heart bleeds for you. I wish you strength and positive energy for the future.