ammonia levels

[Guest guest]

One of the best ways to keep the ammonia levels down is to limit the meat intake.that breaks down into ammonia.better to get more protein from other sources.such as soy products (South Beach Diet bars) etc.and yogurt and some low fat cheese.......... also drink soy "milk" I buy one called SILK.and love the chocolate one. Also, there is the Lactulose to take.ask the doctor for a prescript for it.is very sweet and yucky but helps clean you out so as not to build it up in your system. Blessings, Joanne

Jj Cathcart

jjcathcart@...

EarthLink Revolves Around You.

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick LONG TIME, no see,, Im sorry you are fighting this ammonia problem,, the ONLY thing I know about it is to reduce your protein, especially red meats because they are higher in content of iron,,, Im sure that Liz will come along to help more because it is something she fights too.. Dont wait too long to scream at your doc because you could slip into a coma and not be able to have your say with him,, I hope you get it figured out soon.. jax ps, I just heard today that grapes are high in iron too and because its summer time, most of us are eating more fresh fruits which can contain grapes,, I know I am eating now myself,, so try to gather more info about what foods contain iron and what foods you can safely eat to reduce your ammonia,, Rick Kipp <rickkipp@...> wrote: Hi, all! Haven't posted in awhile, but I have kept up pretty well with all the new posts and especially the new people. Welcome to all! Bet you're glad that you are here instead of gallavanting around, right?I just had my ammonia level tested along with my normal monthly CBC. I was shocked to see the level at 128, when 47 is max high, per Quest Labs. I've done some research on the topic, and there's talk of the possibility of going into a coma and all other kinds of horror stories. Some have even had their liver transplants moved to a much higher category of need.I have not contaced my HCV

doctor, yet. I always prefer to gather as much knowledge as possible before bringing it up, cause he sure hasn't even mentioned it. These Drs. can be so damned blasse about our health. But I'd rather screem after I get more knowledge.Anyone know of folks going through earlier transplants due to this ammonia level? I take Enulose (laculose) four times daily now. What else can I do? Thanks for all your times, God Bless each and every one of you.Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick LONG TIME, no see,, Im sorry you are fighting this ammonia problem,, the ONLY thing I know about it is to reduce your protein, especially red meats because they are higher in content of iron,,, Im sure that Liz will come along to help more because it is something she fights too.. Dont wait too long to scream at your doc because you could slip into a coma and not be able to have your say with him,, I hope you get it figured out soon.. jax ps, I just heard today that grapes are high in iron too and because its summer time, most of us are eating more fresh fruits which can contain grapes,, I know I am eating now myself,, so try to gather more info about what foods contain iron and what foods you can safely eat to reduce your ammonia,, Rick Kipp <rickkipp@...> wrote: Hi, all! Haven't posted in awhile, but I have kept up pretty well with all the new posts and especially the new people. Welcome to all! Bet you're glad that you are here instead of gallavanting around, right?I just had my ammonia level tested along with my normal monthly CBC. I was shocked to see the level at 128, when 47 is max high, per Quest Labs. I've done some research on the topic, and there's talk of the possibility of going into a coma and all other kinds of horror stories. Some have even had their liver transplants moved to a much higher category of need.I have not contaced my HCV

doctor, yet. I always prefer to gather as much knowledge as possible before bringing it up, cause he sure hasn't even mentioned it. These Drs. can be so damned blasse about our health. But I'd rather screem after I get more knowledge.Anyone know of folks going through earlier transplants due to this ammonia level? I take Enulose (laculose) four times daily now. What else can I do? Thanks for all your times, God Bless each and every one of you.Jackie

[Guest guest]

I have never heard of the ammonia being the cause of the transplant . It is usually because of some sort of liver disease . But I do believe transplant from amonia levels would be because of a metabolic disease which doesn't allow the liver to process proteins in the diet . I myself have an amonia level or 210 , I also take the lactulose. You should watch your diet , your doctor will tell you how much protein you can have a day . With liver disease once the disease is dealt with the amonia goes down .

Ammonia levels

Hi, all! Haven't posted in awhile, but I have kept up pretty well with all the new posts and especially the new people. Welcome to all! Bet you're glad that you are here instead of gallavanting around, right?I just had my ammonia level tested along with my normal monthly CBC. I was shocked to see the level at 128, when 47 is max high, per Quest Labs. I've done some research on the topic, and there's talk of the possibility of going into a coma and all other kinds of horror stories. Some have even had their liver transplants moved to a much higher category of need.I have not contaced my HCV doctor, yet. I always prefer to gather as much knowledge as possible before bringing it up, cause he sure hasn't even mentioned it. These Drs. can be so damned blasse about our health. But I'd rather screem after I get more knowledge.Anyone know of folks going through earlier transplants due to this ammonia level? I take Enulose (laculose) four times daily now. What else can I do? Thanks for all your times, God Bless each and every one of you.

[Guest guest]

The doctor and a dietician need to work on a protein restricted diet for Rick

Re: Ammonia levels

Hi Rick

LONG TIME, no see,, Im sorry you are fighting this ammonia problem,, the ONLY thing I know about it is to reduce your protein, especially red meats because they are higher in content of iron,,, Im sure that Liz will come along to help more because it is something she fights too..

Dont wait too long to scream at your doc because you could slip into a coma and not be able to have your say with him,,

I hope you get it figured out soon..

jax

ps, I just heard today that grapes are high in iron too and because its summer time, most of us are eating more fresh fruits which can contain grapes,, I know I am eating now myself,, so try to gather more info about what foods contain iron and what foods you can safely eat to reduce your ammonia,, Rick Kipp <rickkippearthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi, all! Haven't posted in awhile, but I have kept up pretty well with all the new posts and especially the new people. Welcome to all! Bet you're glad that you are here instead of gallavanting around, right?I just had my ammonia level tested along with my normal monthly CBC. I was shocked to see the level at 128, when 47 is max high, per Quest Labs. I've done some research on the topic, and there's talk of the possibility of going into a coma and all other kinds of horror stories. Some have even had their liver transplants moved to a much higher category of need.I have not contaced my HCV doctor, yet. I always prefer to gather as much knowledge as possible before bringing it up, cause he sure hasn't even mentioned it. These Drs. can be so damned blasse about our health. But I'd rather screem after I get more knowledge.Anyone know of folks going through earlier transplants due to this ammonia level? I take Enulose (laculose) four times daily now. What else can I do? Thanks for all your times, God Bless each and every one of you.Jackie

[Guest guest]

Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat no

red meats, just fish, pork and chicken once each per week, then

vegetarian meals at other times. , doesn't that high an ammonia

level scare the pants off you? (not literally). I may also forward blood

tests to my liver transplant specialist in Tampa. He told me a year ago

that the MELD score is considered first, and mine has gone down over the

past year. Boy, these test results are topsy-turvy, enough to give you

something new to research and fear each month! Thanks all.

Rick

>

> I have never heard of the ammonia being the cause of the transplant .

It is usually because of some sort of liver disease . But I do believe

transplant from amonia levels would be because of a metabolic disease

which doesn't allow the liver to process proteins in the diet . I myself

have an amonia level or 210 , I also take the lactulose. You should

watch your diet , your doctor will tell you how much protein you can

have a day . With liver disease once the disease is dealt with the

amonia goes down .

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Rick Kipp

> Hepatitis C

[Guest guest]

Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat no

red meats, just fish, pork and chicken once each per week, then

vegetarian meals at other times. , doesn't that high an ammonia

level scare the pants off you? (not literally). I may also forward blood

tests to my liver transplant specialist in Tampa. He told me a year ago

that the MELD score is considered first, and mine has gone down over the

past year. Boy, these test results are topsy-turvy, enough to give you

something new to research and fear each month! Thanks all.

Rick

>

> I have never heard of the ammonia being the cause of the transplant .

It is usually because of some sort of liver disease . But I do believe

transplant from amonia levels would be because of a metabolic disease

which doesn't allow the liver to process proteins in the diet . I myself

have an amonia level or 210 , I also take the lactulose. You should

watch your diet , your doctor will tell you how much protein you can

have a day . With liver disease once the disease is dealt with the

amonia goes down .

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Rick Kipp

> Hepatitis C

[Guest guest]

Honestly I had no ideal it was effecting me until I started to halucinate , and shaking . When I drove myself to the dr's office he was livid that my family allowed me to drive . But yes it scares me to know that one day I may wake up in a hospital and find out that I had been in a coma from hepatic encephlopathy . So I take that nasty medicine lol And pray for a miracle to come along for me because transplanting is not possible for me . It sounds like you are eating the right things and taking the medication for the amonia so you are doing everything right to prevent yourself from ending up in a coma or worse yet ...dead . What is your MELD score ?

Re: Ammonia levels

Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat no red meats, just fish, pork and chicken once each per week, then vegetarian meals at other times. , doesn't that high an ammonia level scare the pants off you? (not literally). I may also forward blood tests to my liver transplant specialist in Tampa. He told me a year ago that the MELD score is considered first, and mine has gone down over the past year. Boy, these test results are topsy-turvy, enough to give you something new to research and fear each month! Thanks all. Rick>> I have never heard of the ammonia being the cause of the transplant . It is usually because of some sort of liver disease . But I do believe transplant from amonia levels would be because of a metabolic disease which doesn't allow the liver to process proteins in the diet . I myself have an amonia level or 210 , I also take the lactulose. You should watch your diet , your doctor will tell you how much protein you can have a day . With liver disease once the disease is dealt with the amonia goes down . > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Rick Kipp > Hepatitis C

[Guest guest]

Honestly I had no ideal it was effecting me until I started to halucinate , and shaking . When I drove myself to the dr's office he was livid that my family allowed me to drive . But yes it scares me to know that one day I may wake up in a hospital and find out that I had been in a coma from hepatic encephlopathy . So I take that nasty medicine lol And pray for a miracle to come along for me because transplanting is not possible for me . It sounds like you are eating the right things and taking the medication for the amonia so you are doing everything right to prevent yourself from ending up in a coma or worse yet ...dead . What is your MELD score ?

Re: Ammonia levels

Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat no red meats, just fish, pork and chicken once each per week, then vegetarian meals at other times. , doesn't that high an ammonia level scare the pants off you? (not literally). I may also forward blood tests to my liver transplant specialist in Tampa. He told me a year ago that the MELD score is considered first, and mine has gone down over the past year. Boy, these test results are topsy-turvy, enough to give you something new to research and fear each month! Thanks all. Rick>> I have never heard of the ammonia being the cause of the transplant . It is usually because of some sort of liver disease . But I do believe transplant from amonia levels would be because of a metabolic disease which doesn't allow the liver to process proteins in the diet . I myself have an amonia level or 210 , I also take the lactulose. You should watch your diet , your doctor will tell you how much protein you can have a day . With liver disease once the disease is dealt with the amonia goes down . > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Rick Kipp > Hepatitis C

[Guest guest]

Liz: Meld has been hovering around 8, so I thought all was o.k. Six

months ago it was around 14 and increasing monthly. Another strange

one. Besides the Lactulose, I'm also on Spironalactone (diuretic),

Lasix (diuretic), Prevacid (acid reflux), Propranolol (beta-blocker),

and Celexa (antidepressent). The beta-blocker has really reduced my

shaking,(I had been on a different beta-blocker)and now I have

Quinine tabs for the extremely painful leg and arm cramping I was

experiencing. My wife (the one without ammonia head LOL), remembers

that we had asked the Doc for a Dietician, but the insurance will not

cover any dietary needs! O.K., let me get sicker cause you want to

save a penny. Then you can fork out for a transplant!

Oh, my wife won't let me drive either, which is good. I have had to

learn to listen to her advice without any confrontation, simply

because she does remember all the details. Dealing with my father's

passing this

past weekend has also been quite difficult for me. If I speak to an

attorney or accountant, within an hour I have no idea what

transpired. Now we have to travel to take care of some business next

week, wich will totally wreck me with crap food, sleep deprivation,

and total fatigue.

Honestly I had no ideal it was effecting me until I started to

halucinate , and shaking . When I drove myself to the dr's office he

was

livid that my family allowed me to drive . But yes it scares me to

know

that one day I may wake up in a hospital and find out that I had been

in

a coma from hepatic encephlopathy . So I take that nasty medicine lol

And pray for a miracle to come along for me because transplanting is

not

possible for me . It sounds like you are eating the right things and

taking the medication for the amonia so you are doing everything

right

to prevent yourself from ending up in a coma or worse yet ...dead .

What

is your MELD score ?

[Guest guest]

Liz: Meld has been hovering around 8, so I thought all was o.k. Six

months ago it was around 14 and increasing monthly. Another strange

one. Besides the Lactulose, I'm also on Spironalactone (diuretic),

Lasix (diuretic), Prevacid (acid reflux), Propranolol (beta-blocker),

and Celexa (antidepressent). The beta-blocker has really reduced my

shaking,(I had been on a different beta-blocker)and now I have

Quinine tabs for the extremely painful leg and arm cramping I was

experiencing. My wife (the one without ammonia head LOL), remembers

that we had asked the Doc for a Dietician, but the insurance will not

cover any dietary needs! O.K., let me get sicker cause you want to

save a penny. Then you can fork out for a transplant!

Oh, my wife won't let me drive either, which is good. I have had to

learn to listen to her advice without any confrontation, simply

because she does remember all the details. Dealing with my father's

passing this

past weekend has also been quite difficult for me. If I speak to an

attorney or accountant, within an hour I have no idea what

transpired. Now we have to travel to take care of some business next

week, wich will totally wreck me with crap food, sleep deprivation,

and total fatigue.

Honestly I had no ideal it was effecting me until I started to

halucinate , and shaking . When I drove myself to the dr's office he

was

livid that my family allowed me to drive . But yes it scares me to

know

that one day I may wake up in a hospital and find out that I had been

in

a coma from hepatic encephlopathy . So I take that nasty medicine lol

And pray for a miracle to come along for me because transplanting is

not

possible for me . It sounds like you are eating the right things and

taking the medication for the amonia so you are doing everything

right

to prevent yourself from ending up in a coma or worse yet ...dead .

What

is your MELD score ?

[Guest guest]

Liz: Yes, lots of ascites, but that's under decent control now. Used

to have trouble walking at all. Yes, I have great rides on my " mood

swing " ! I'm trying to learn to handle it with the realization that it

is all so unreal that I shouldn't be affected by it. I really hate

myself when I get on my wife's case, as she's trying so hard to help

in all ways. I've mentioned this before, but 13 months ago, I went

through routine surgery to remove my gall bladder (huge stones) and

spleen. Well, after 2 operations and 30 days in the hospital (22 in

ICU), my wife knew by name every Doctor and Nurse on that floor, AND

had them all written down! I was totally out of it on meds, in full

restraints, which I kept getting out of. The nurses all called me

Houdini! At the end of my first week there, the Doctors told my wife

not to expect me ever to return home and to make her final plans. She

somehow put up with all that, and at home, still full of tubes, she

gave me the IV's still needed. What a mess. I'm still affected

negatively by that surgery, accompanied by three different infections

at once. I've found, as many here have found, that a good sense of

humor is way more important than constantly worrying/obsessing. My

wife and I tend to laugh together more than we ever have. Maybe our

better understanding of mortality has enabled us to leap over some of

this reality crap! Since I am in no way religious, perhaps humor and

laughter are my Gods while on this interesting but difficult earth.

Love to all, keep laughing, and to those that pray, please continue

and throw one in there for me.

>

> 8 is a low score which is good , it shows there is still

functioning liver cells . It sounds like you have allot of ascites

too . I am so very sorry about the loss of your father .Your wife

sounds awesome and smart for remembering things for you , I depend on

my husband for the same things ....Are you also having mood swings ?

[Guest guest]

Liz: Yes, lots of ascites, but that's under decent control now. Used

to have trouble walking at all. Yes, I have great rides on my " mood

swing " ! I'm trying to learn to handle it with the realization that it

is all so unreal that I shouldn't be affected by it. I really hate

myself when I get on my wife's case, as she's trying so hard to help

in all ways. I've mentioned this before, but 13 months ago, I went

through routine surgery to remove my gall bladder (huge stones) and

spleen. Well, after 2 operations and 30 days in the hospital (22 in

ICU), my wife knew by name every Doctor and Nurse on that floor, AND

had them all written down! I was totally out of it on meds, in full

restraints, which I kept getting out of. The nurses all called me

Houdini! At the end of my first week there, the Doctors told my wife

not to expect me ever to return home and to make her final plans. She

somehow put up with all that, and at home, still full of tubes, she

gave me the IV's still needed. What a mess. I'm still affected

negatively by that surgery, accompanied by three different infections

at once. I've found, as many here have found, that a good sense of

humor is way more important than constantly worrying/obsessing. My

wife and I tend to laugh together more than we ever have. Maybe our

better understanding of mortality has enabled us to leap over some of

this reality crap! Since I am in no way religious, perhaps humor and

laughter are my Gods while on this interesting but difficult earth.

Love to all, keep laughing, and to those that pray, please continue

and throw one in there for me.

>

> 8 is a low score which is good , it shows there is still

functioning liver cells . It sounds like you have allot of ascites

too . I am so very sorry about the loss of your father .Your wife

sounds awesome and smart for remembering things for you , I depend on

my husband for the same things ....Are you also having mood swings ?

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick prayers will be said for you by me, Im a believer!!! Why did you have such a hard time with the gallbladder surgery? I had mine out the end of 05 and didnt have an ounce of trouble,, was it related to your liver disease or did you ahve some unexpected problem? just wondering! keep laughing, as laughter is one of the best meds for our livers and our immune systems! hugs jaxRick Kipp <rickkipp@...> wrote: Liz: Yes, lots of ascites,

but that's under decent control now. Used to have trouble walking at all. Yes, I have great rides on my "mood swing"! I'm trying to learn to handle it with the realization that it is all so unreal that I shouldn't be affected by it. I really hate myself when I get on my wife's case, as she's trying so hard to help in all ways. I've mentioned this before, but 13 months ago, I went through routine surgery to remove my gall bladder (huge stones) and spleen. Well, after 2 operations and 30 days in the hospital (22 in ICU), my wife knew by name every Doctor and Nurse on that floor, AND had them all written down! I was totally out of it on meds, in full restraints, which I kept getting out of. The nurses all called me Houdini! At the end of my first week there, the Doctors told my wife not to expect me ever to return home and to make her final plans. She somehow put up with all that, and at home, still full of tubes, she

gave me the IV's still needed. What a mess. I'm still affected negatively by that surgery, accompanied by three different infections at once. I've found, as many here have found, that a good sense of humor is way more important than constantly worrying/obsessing. My wife and I tend to laugh together more than we ever have. Maybe our better understanding of mortality has enabled us to leap over some of this reality crap! Since I am in no way religious, perhaps humor and laughter are my Gods while on this interesting but difficult earth. Love to all, keep laughing, and to those that pray, please continue and throw one in there for me.>> 8 is a low score which is good , it shows there is still functioning liver cells . It sounds like you have

allot of ascites too . I am so very sorry about the loss of your father .Your wife sounds awesome and smart for remembering things for you , I depend on my husband for the same things ....Are you also having mood swings ? Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick prayers will be said for you by me, Im a believer!!! Why did you have such a hard time with the gallbladder surgery? I had mine out the end of 05 and didnt have an ounce of trouble,, was it related to your liver disease or did you ahve some unexpected problem? just wondering! keep laughing, as laughter is one of the best meds for our livers and our immune systems! hugs jaxRick Kipp <rickkipp@...> wrote: Liz: Yes, lots of ascites,

but that's under decent control now. Used to have trouble walking at all. Yes, I have great rides on my "mood swing"! I'm trying to learn to handle it with the realization that it is all so unreal that I shouldn't be affected by it. I really hate myself when I get on my wife's case, as she's trying so hard to help in all ways. I've mentioned this before, but 13 months ago, I went through routine surgery to remove my gall bladder (huge stones) and spleen. Well, after 2 operations and 30 days in the hospital (22 in ICU), my wife knew by name every Doctor and Nurse on that floor, AND had them all written down! I was totally out of it on meds, in full restraints, which I kept getting out of. The nurses all called me Houdini! At the end of my first week there, the Doctors told my wife not to expect me ever to return home and to make her final plans. She somehow put up with all that, and at home, still full of tubes, she

gave me the IV's still needed. What a mess. I'm still affected negatively by that surgery, accompanied by three different infections at once. I've found, as many here have found, that a good sense of humor is way more important than constantly worrying/obsessing. My wife and I tend to laugh together more than we ever have. Maybe our better understanding of mortality has enabled us to leap over some of this reality crap! Since I am in no way religious, perhaps humor and laughter are my Gods while on this interesting but difficult earth. Love to all, keep laughing, and to those that pray, please continue and throw one in there for me.>> 8 is a low score which is good , it shows there is still functioning liver cells . It sounds like you have

allot of ascites too . I am so very sorry about the loss of your father .Your wife sounds awesome and smart for remembering things for you , I depend on my husband for the same things ....Are you also having mood swings ? Jackie

[Guest guest]

Well, I guess all went badly that could! Lungs filled up, one collapsed;

heart had problems; almost went into a coma; but, the chief problem was

apparently the three completely different infections I got in the

hospital that I had not had before. They were very odd, until one Doc

came up with an anti-viral combo that might work on all three without

further harming the liver. That began working its wonders within a few

day, then onwards and upwards, with a sidewards here & there! Seriously

though, I truly appreciate you as a believer and do give you all my

thanks and hugs for praying for ALL of us.

>

> Hi Rick

> prayers will be said for you by me, Im a believer!!!

> Why did you have such a hard time with the gallbladder surgery? I

had mine out the end of 05 and didnt have an ounce of trouble,, was it

related to your liver disease or did you ahve some unexpected problem?

just wondering!

> keep laughing, as laughter is one of the best meds for our livers

and our immune systems!

> hugs

> jax

>

[Guest guest]

Well, I guess all went badly that could! Lungs filled up, one collapsed;

heart had problems; almost went into a coma; but, the chief problem was

apparently the three completely different infections I got in the

hospital that I had not had before. They were very odd, until one Doc

came up with an anti-viral combo that might work on all three without

further harming the liver. That began working its wonders within a few

day, then onwards and upwards, with a sidewards here & there! Seriously

though, I truly appreciate you as a believer and do give you all my

thanks and hugs for praying for ALL of us.

>

> Hi Rick

> prayers will be said for you by me, Im a believer!!!

> Why did you have such a hard time with the gallbladder surgery? I

had mine out the end of 05 and didnt have an ounce of trouble,, was it

related to your liver disease or did you ahve some unexpected problem?

just wondering!

> keep laughing, as laughter is one of the best meds for our livers

and our immune systems!

> hugs

> jax

>

[Guest guest]

You are a very lucky man to still be here and I think that wonderful wife of yours is to commended . What love she has for ya , that is awesome ! Laughing is wonderful for the heart and soul .

Re: Ammonia levels

Liz: Yes, lots of ascites, but that's under decent control now. Used to have trouble walking at all. Yes, I have great rides on my "mood swing"! I'm trying to learn to handle it with the realization that it is all so unreal that I shouldn't be affected by it. I really hate myself when I get on my wife's case, as she's trying so hard to help in all ways. I've mentioned this before, but 13 months ago, I went through routine surgery to remove my gall bladder (huge stones) and spleen. Well, after 2 operations and 30 days in the hospital (22 in ICU), my wife knew by name every Doctor and Nurse on that floor, AND had them all written down! I was totally out of it on meds, in full restraints, which I kept getting out of. The nurses all called me Houdini! At the end of my first week there, the Doctors told my wife not to expect me ever to return home and to make her final plans. She somehow put up with all that, and at home, still full of tubes, she gave me the IV's still needed. What a mess. I'm still affected negatively by that surgery, accompanied by three different infections at once. I've found, as many here have found, that a good sense of humor is way more important than constantly worrying/obsessing. My wife and I tend to laugh together more than we ever have. Maybe our better understanding of mortality has enabled us to leap over some of this reality crap! Since I am in no way religious, perhaps humor and laughter are my Gods while on this interesting but difficult earth. Love to all, keep laughing, and to those that pray, please continue and throw one in there for me.>> 8 is a low score which is good , it shows there is still functioning liver cells . It sounds like you have allot of ascites too . I am so very sorry about the loss of your father .Your wife sounds awesome and smart for remembering things for you , I depend on my husband for the same things ....Are you also having mood swings ?

[Guest guest]

You are a very lucky man to still be here and I think that wonderful wife of yours is to commended . What love she has for ya , that is awesome ! Laughing is wonderful for the heart and soul .

Re: Ammonia levels

Liz: Yes, lots of ascites, but that's under decent control now. Used to have trouble walking at all. Yes, I have great rides on my "mood swing"! I'm trying to learn to handle it with the realization that it is all so unreal that I shouldn't be affected by it. I really hate myself when I get on my wife's case, as she's trying so hard to help in all ways. I've mentioned this before, but 13 months ago, I went through routine surgery to remove my gall bladder (huge stones) and spleen. Well, after 2 operations and 30 days in the hospital (22 in ICU), my wife knew by name every Doctor and Nurse on that floor, AND had them all written down! I was totally out of it on meds, in full restraints, which I kept getting out of. The nurses all called me Houdini! At the end of my first week there, the Doctors told my wife not to expect me ever to return home and to make her final plans. She somehow put up with all that, and at home, still full of tubes, she gave me the IV's still needed. What a mess. I'm still affected negatively by that surgery, accompanied by three different infections at once. I've found, as many here have found, that a good sense of humor is way more important than constantly worrying/obsessing. My wife and I tend to laugh together more than we ever have. Maybe our better understanding of mortality has enabled us to leap over some of this reality crap! Since I am in no way religious, perhaps humor and laughter are my Gods while on this interesting but difficult earth. Love to all, keep laughing, and to those that pray, please continue and throw one in there for me.>> 8 is a low score which is good , it shows there is still functioning liver cells . It sounds like you have allot of ascites too . I am so very sorry about the loss of your father .Your wife sounds awesome and smart for remembering things for you , I depend on my husband for the same things ....Are you also having mood swings ?

[Guest guest]

Hi ! By end stage I mean " end stage liver disease " , meaning I

guess not the best news out there. However, many of us have been

diagnosed with " end stage " and are doing fairly well with it. It

certainly does not mean impending death or highly needed liver

transplant. I think it's a term describing the liver condition that

the " AMA Docs " came up with to scare the snot out of us. Perhaps

can better explain this odd phrase.

>

> Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat

no

[Guest guest]

Hi ! By end stage I mean " end stage liver disease " , meaning I

guess not the best news out there. However, many of us have been

diagnosed with " end stage " and are doing fairly well with it. It

certainly does not mean impending death or highly needed liver

transplant. I think it's a term describing the liver condition that

the " AMA Docs " came up with to scare the snot out of us. Perhaps

can better explain this odd phrase.

>

> Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat

no

[Guest guest]

Rick, Ask your doctor about laculose. It will help your body rid itself of the amonia. Also ask him to refer you to a dietician. There are certain foods like onions and few other acidic vegies that raise your amonia level and you should aviod them if at all possible. Your amonia level may not cause a comma but it certainly can trigger encephalitis. I still have a few days when my levels were up and I don't remember jack. KTF Steve B.

Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with FareChase.

[Guest guest]

Rick, Ask your doctor about laculose. It will help your body rid itself of the amonia. Also ask him to refer you to a dietician. There are certain foods like onions and few other acidic vegies that raise your amonia level and you should aviod them if at all possible. Your amonia level may not cause a comma but it certainly can trigger encephalitis. I still have a few days when my levels were up and I don't remember jack. KTF Steve B.

Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with FareChase.

[Guest guest]

I am going to find an easy to read explanation for esld and post it

Re: Ammonia levels

Hi ! By end stage I mean "end stage liver disease", meaning I guess not the best news out there. However, many of us have been diagnosed with "end stage" and are doing fairly well with it. It certainly does not mean impending death or highly needed liver transplant. I think it's a term describing the liver condition that the "AMA Docs" came up with to scare the snot out of us. Perhaps can better explain this odd phrase.>> Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat no

[Guest guest]

I am going to find an easy to read explanation for esld and post it

Re: Ammonia levels

Hi ! By end stage I mean "end stage liver disease", meaning I guess not the best news out there. However, many of us have been diagnosed with "end stage" and are doing fairly well with it. It certainly does not mean impending death or highly needed liver transplant. I think it's a term describing the liver condition that the "AMA Docs" came up with to scare the snot out of us. Perhaps can better explain this odd phrase.>> Yes, I do have HCV, type 1, end stage: that's why I was asking. I eat no