Mirilax

[backhalfangel]

An extended fluid-filled abdomen and severe constipation led me to seek medical attention. After nine million tests, all of which are nearly normal, my doctor put me on Mirilax for life. My mother and brother both died of cirrhosis. Although childhood records don't exist for me, I was told my brother got hepatitis from a boy at school and passed it on to our family. Now, years later, I have numerous symptoms of cirrhosis...spider angioma, petechiae or ecchymoses, low platelet count, low RBC, cholesterol abnormalities, ascites, severe constipation, tiredness, inability to gain weight, hypothyroidism, fecal breath, etc. My doctor is trying to convince me that I don't have cirrhosis because my enzyme tests are not abnormal. He tells me that I am fat in my abdomen, however, I can feel the fluid. I have two questions.  How can I get diagnosed, and is taking a laxative every day for the rest of my life advisable? From what I've read, it's not a good idea.

[jonihs]

I was in almost the identical situation you are in, in 2002. My liver failed and I ended up in ICU with a 5 % chance to live. I was put on mega doses of a drug called lactulose. 2 reasons. 1. when your liver is slowing down or failing, your kidneys tend to do the same. Hence the constipation. 2. When both of these things happen, your blood fills up w/ ammonia which will cause dementia and even brain damage or death. For some reason the ammonia bonds w/ the lactulose, so your body can get rid of it. Find a doctor who is willing to give you a biopsy. That is the only way to see what shape your liver is in. If you haven't already, get tested for Hepatitis. No alcohol, very little protien, lotsa fresh fruits and veggies, avoid tylenol and any other drugs that are proccessed through the liver. Also take a b complex vitamin everyday and try to get a doctor to give you Lasix and/or Spironilactone for the fluids. I also went on a regimine of Prednisone, slowly tapering off, over a 3 month period. The thing I want to stress the most is that what is happening to you could cost your life. Find a doctor that is willing to see the urgency of that.  Joni

[susan400]

I've been on Miralax daily for about 2 years now, do to a colon problem that I've had for years, not related to the Hep.  I haven't seen it cause any added problems in myself.

Susan

[honey1616]

Sounds like you definitely need to change drs and quick.  All your symptoms need to be addressed and you can definitely have normal enzymes and still be at cirrosis stage.  You are right,,,taking laxatives daily is not the answer.  I know others will be responding to your post and Good Luck in changing of your dr.