Ammonia levels and hcv

Has anyone had any problems with ammonia levels being elevated. My doctor prescribed lactulose for the problem. Just curious if anyone else has had the same problem.

[Myown]

Hi,
My doctor has never mentioned anything like that to me. Do they automatically test everyone for it or was there a reason the doc tested you?

Sorry, coldfeet, i don't know anything about this, but I'm sure somebody on board will be able to give you info shortly.

I will be curious in reading the response also, for my own information also.

Have a nice night.

[tulsatime]

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation. It is broken down in the colon into products that pull water out from the body and into the colon. This water softens stools. Lactulose is also used to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease. It works by drawing ammonia from the blood into the colon where it is removed from the body.
I don't know much about this, but I know people with cirrhosis take it.
Hope this helps... Take care, Debi

[Kalio1]

I have not had this issue but I found this info about it what did the doc say about it?

"Lactulose is known as an 'osmotic laxative'. Lactulose is made up of sugar molecules which are broken down by the bacteria that live in the lower part of the gut. This leads to the contents of the gut becoming more acidic. The acidification of the contents of the gut causes a reduction in the absorption of a chemical called ammonia. The presence of ammonia in the gut causes water to be drawn into the lower bowel, which causes an increase in the water content and volume of the stools, therefore relieving constipation.

Lactulose is also used in higher doses to help reduce a complication associated with liver disease called hepatic encephalopathy. In this condition, there is a build up of a chemical called ammonia in the blood, as the liver is not able to convert it into a safe chemical. This leads to adverse effects on the brain. By acidifying the contents of the gut, lactulose reduces the absorption of ammonia from the gut, therefore preventing the adverse effects experienced by people with liver disease."

Hope this is helpful. How are you doing? Is the ammnoia causing you problems or did the doc find it in your blood work but you dont have symptoms from it?

[mycoldfeet]

Thanks for the info, From what I understand from my Dr. a high ammonia leval in the blood is an indication that protiens are by passing the liver, possibly from bridging or scaring in the liver. The norm is 0-40 anything over 60 can cause encelopathy, another word for brain fog. I have for months run from 450 to 619, my Dr. says I should be in a coma, lol and he's writing a paper on me. I don't know if I should feel honored by this or not, but he can't believe I carry on a conversation and joke about it. He makes me drink that lactelose 3 times a day and it still stays the same. another Doc told me his friend had a leval of 65 and drove to the store in louisiana and ended up out of gas in mississippi and don't remember driving. So if your Dr. hasn't added it to your bllod work have him do at least one just to be sure. I should also mention the Med help web says its not a perfect indicator, I guess not lol. thx all

[mycoldfeet]

Thanks for the info, From what I understand from my Dr. a high ammonia leval in the blood is an indication that protiens are by passing the liver, possibly from bridging or scaring in the liver. The norm is 0-40 anything over 60 can cause encelopathy, another word for brain fog. I have for months run from 450 to 619, my Dr. says I should be in a coma, lol and he's writing a paper on me. I don't know if I should feel honored by this or not, but he can't believe I carry on a conversation and joke about it. He makes me drink that lactelose 3 times a day and it still stays the same. another Doc told me his friend had a leval of 65 and drove to the store in louisiana and ended up out of gas in mississippi and don't remember driving. So if your Dr. hasn't added it to your bllod work have him do at least one just to be sure. I should also mention the Med help web says its not a perfect indicator, I guess not lol. thx all

[Kalio1]

Hey me too. I am doing 72 weeks also and possibly more. There are a few of us here doing the og haul and some who have completed a long course of tx and beat it! I hope the road gets easier as you go on, I know the first weeks were the roughest for me. I treated for 24 weeks, relapsed and started up again. I know over time it is said by some that you get "used to it" and it is more managable but not for everyone and not always! Sounds like you have a good attitude and that is our best weapon in this. That and acknowledging it could be worse seems to help me. If I start the pity party thinking I make myself think of someone worse off. I  call them "Chris Reeve" moments because he was so incredibly strong and never wiling to feel sorry for himself. It does help me buck up. I am a 3a,I just found out a few days ago I am also cirrhotic. Contracted it thru a medical procedure the docs thinks in early 2000 but of course cant be positive exactly when as I had so many procedures. Take care and I am gad you found this place, it has helped me a lot in the last year and I hope it is helpful to you too.

[Better_Angels]

My Husbands ammonia levels were so high that he started having black outs and memory loss. That is what initially sent him to see a doctor and what subsequently led to his diagnosis. He also took lactulose and in time his levels dropped significantly.

I have read on many sites that doctors don't get too alarmed by the levels unless their patients are displaying symptoms of encephalopathy, which obviously my husband was. Greg hasn't taken lactulose for a couple of years now and his ammonia levels have stabilized just over 40. As a side note, his liver was biopsied as a 3/4.

Debbe

[Kalio1]

Thak goodness it isnt affectig you at this point hopefully the laculose will reduce those levels. By the way, welcome to the forum. I love your screen name it makes me smie every time I see it. I cant remember your stats, if you dont mind posting them? Are you treating right now?

[mycoldfeet]

I'm a 52 y/o paramedic, diagnosed in 2003 with hep c geno 1a after exposed to patient with same. I have been through 48wks of pegasys/co pegasys and was undectectable post tx, the the dragon reared his ugly head again. My Dr. said the fact I responded so well the first time, if I was willing he felt 72 wks should make sure all the bugs are gone. I'm in my 2nd wk of the 72 wk tx, and boy oh boy how soon we forget lol, but I'm here for the long haul so thank you for your kind words and please dont hesitate to throw a thread my way when you get a chance,I enjoy the company, and this forum is great. thx again and have a beautiful day.

[mycoldfeet]

sorry accidently hit button twice

[angel_hopeful]

wow.... my boyfriends dad is sick with liver problems, but for some reason they can't find exactly what liver disease. He was admitted yesterday into the hospital for high ammonia levels causing ecephalopathy, and it's obviously caused by the liver. Do any of you have any suggestions other than the lactulose to help? He's been really confused and yesterday was barely able to be woken up because of how high the levels were. I'd appreciate the help, his sons and wife are so worried that he's taking a turn for the worst, but seeing all your posts it's a bit comforting that there are people who have it and live normal, controlled lives

[merryBe]

other than lactulose there are 2 things that will help many do not know.

1. reduce your protein intake to 1-2 oz per meal. think Stir fry, think one or two thin slices of lunch meat. this alone will help limit the excess protein but is enough to replace muscle tissue as needed.

2. Use the OTC antifibrotic PPC...900 mg, once or twice daily. this will give you the 3 bowel movements a day needed to keep ammonia levels down, and at the same time help your liver to not form s much scar tissue.  You can order it nline at vitacost or life extention.  this anti fibrotic is recommended by our forums doctor...(HR) and it works so well I no longer need to take lactulose...which causes far more gas.