It's 4:30 AM and we are in a room. Private... Compliments of possible Hep C. Thank you blood-borne disorders for providing us with a private room!
The ER doctor mentioned a condition called Hepatic Encephalopathy since his ammonia levels are so elevated (and higher today than they were yesterday). I can see where some of the symptoms are definitely things that could be things that Ron is exhibiting. Other things... not so sure. I wonder how his apparently healthy liver (as recently as February 2010) could become this diseased so quickly. They took a bucket of blood in the ER and his nurse just said they'll be in about 5:30 AM to draw more blood.
One of the treatment options for HE is a lactulose (cellulose laxative), which would (or could) increase the possibility of diarrhea. Not a good thing for a peg-legger to have. The signs and symptoms section of this Wiki article I found sounds remarkably like Ron..."The mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy is difficult to detect clinically, but may be demonstrated on neuropsychological testing. It is experienced as forgetfulness, mild confusion and irritability. More severe encephalopathy is characterised by an inverted sleep-wake pattern (sleeping by day, being awake at night), marked irritability, tremor, difficulties with coordination and trouble writing." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatic_encephalopathy) Ron definitely has some (most) of the mild symptoms and also the more severe. His wake/sleep pattern has been inverted for quite some time. The coordination, tremor, and writing difficulties could also be Parkinsons. Tough call.
I will be off work again today (lovely - 2nd day this week without pay) but since it's only 3 hours until I'm supposed to BE at work, I don't think I can make it.
Surprisingly, I am very calm. I don't know why exactly but I am.
11 comments:
As you say, Teresa, thank the Lord for a private room! Glad to hear that you're feeling calm at least. Hang on to that calm, girl!! Will be thinking of you.
Hugs...I am so sorry that you are going through this right now. Know that you are both in my thoughts.....sending a virtual hug cause I can't be there with you to give you a real one :)
Sweetheart I am right here. You call if you need me, okay - I will have my cell on me all day.
Chin up Tee - we are all thinking and praying for you both. A big hug for both of you.
Love you!
Oh Teresa...yes that is a rotten sympton of liver disease. Rich had it for awhile so they made sure to keep him regular with meds and fiber. Email me when you need to chat, vent or ask me anything. Much love to you. I've been there honey too many times to count.
The symptons may also be from fentynal if he's still taking that. We had to get off that because it made Rich a total zombie. It was SCARY. As soon as they switched him to higher doses of Dilaudid he was like his old self (not scary....just sleepy and a bit forgetful. Email me of you'd like to chat by phone and I'll give you my #. I'm with ya!!
My mom had cirosis of the liver and she was in and out of the hospital. It caused dementia which I didn't expect. Goodluck.
Geez Louise - Is there any light at the end of this tunnel you have been traveling in? It's like you have been chewed up and spit out several times. You need more than a hug - you need the Congressional Medal of Honor for what you have been and continue to go through. HE is difficult to treat. I treated patients with it when I was actively working as an RN. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ron, as always.
Sending positive thoughts your way!
I am thinking of you as this day wears on and hoping you were able to catch a nap. I will be watching for updates.
I will be checking back for updates...my prayers are with you both and am still sending strength and peace vibes your way...(((hugs)))
Praying, praying, praying. May the peace that passes all understanding continue to surround you.
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