More symptoms

[Twinkle26]

Hi all, I'm just wondering when you say brain fog, is it more like forgetting words in your sentence. I start out saying something and the main bits are wiped out of the sentence, it's frustrating as I teach short courses to adults and it's getting worse, I get a total blank of what I was going to say and I repeat myself hoping that it will come back if I say it over.

[Waiting2Run]

Twinkle26 , Yes thats how it started for me 2 years ago. Same thing in writting. When I would proof, many words were missing in the sentence and I love to write. I'm just a little more challenged now.

At times my eyes are glassy, like I'm drunk and I feel drunk, but I don't drink. Through Google I found out about Hepic Encephalopathy almost 2 years ago and I insisted my Dr. Test my ammonia level. It was 98%.

It's very serious untreated. Not to scare you, but it can lead to comma and death according to research. However, it can be treated with Lactulose which helps and also Xifaxan. The key for me is not to miss any doses and eat very little meat. Especially beef.

When I do eat beef, most of the time I get a surg of ammonia to the brain. It's just not worth it so I try to eat mostly vegan now. The fogs come and go, but the worst is the almost drunken state. I'm still learning what I can and cannot eat. Smaller amounts of food also makes it much easier for the liver to process, this helps with less ammonia to the brain/H.E. episodes. I hope I helped. ❤

[Twinkle26 in reply to Waiting2Run]

Thank you I will get the ammonia checked. And speak to GP.

[Jaxter]

Hi Twinkle 26,

Yes, that's part of how it effects me, very embarrassing and frustrating. Words disappear or I trail off because my mind goes completely blank. Names as well I find particularly difficult to remember, something I used to be really good at. Makes work very difficult at times.

Some days are worse than others.

I'm sorry it's effecting you this way

Jax xx

[Twinkle26 in reply to Jaxter]

Thanks jax

Names are pretty difficult and not good when you teach and have quite a lot to try and remember.

Carol

[jrobertson1]

For me, it's hard to tell if it's PBC or just menopausal. Many of my friends who do not have PBC say they also have this problem. My GP thinks it's menopausal.

[Twinkle26 in reply to jrobertson1]

I had menopause a long time ago due to hysterectomy in my 30,s. I can't blame it on that I'm now 51 lol

[Waiting2Run]

When people that do not have a liver disease (or in my case PBC, AIH and cirrhosis) say they have the same thing with the memory problems and confusion, sometimes I would really like to tell them "yeah, only difference is ammonia isn't going to your brain that could potentially cause comma or death."

I know it can be frustrating and embarrassing at times for us all, but there are some things we can do that can help manage it. Not fun, but we just have to do our dilligence in reguard to what our livers can and cannot handle anymore. This includes chemicals, air fresheners and purfumes. Our liver has to process everything and unfortunately for some of us, the sensitivity to chemicals can sometimes be overwhelming. So I must avoid them.

You are truly so blessed if you are still able to work. The hardships of an income lost can add to our challenges. Most of the time I can't drive because of H.E, but today I ventured out to my Dr. Apt by myself and then had lunch with my brother. That may sound like such a small thing, but I'm so grateful for days that are clear enough to drive and energy to complete a task. We just all have to make the most of what we have.

[Becca75]

yes - for me it is. It's word finding issues at time...and not being able to clearly communicate my thoughts (as I would have been able to before)