Medically indused coma

[sdgaby619]

My ex is currently in a medically indused coma, he has cirrohsis of the liver, high levels of amonia. They stopped giving him the sedation like 2 days ago and he is not waking up and know his lungs are getting filled with phlegm.  we are scared that he will not make it through.  

Anyone here with similar situation that can relate to my story?

[sdgaby619]

He was drinking every day more than a 6 pack a day, when we were together he would drink up to 8 to 10 40oz beers a day. That was just way to much, he would not look or act drunk.  Basically I think he needed it to function on a daily basis.  Which was the big cause of our break up.  

[sdgaby619]

Thank you so much nan535, I wish you husband a successful recovery as well. They are giving him lactulose to bring down his amonia levels.  It's just so sad how he ended up.  Just not the same man I was with 7 years ago.  I really hope he gets through this one, but he is so confused he can't walk on his own, he can't move certain parts of his body. Very sad!!

[nan535]

If he does have Hepatic Encephalopathy, they can help him with doses of lactulose, a special laxative. He will need to "poop" 2-3 times a day to clear out the toxins his damaged liver is unable to eliminate on its own. He will need to take the lactulose at least twice a day. My husband who has cirrhosis as a result of Hep C, takes 30 ml 2x a day.  There is also an antibiotic called Xifaxin for HE- most take a 550 mg tablet twice a day.
  I wish your ex a successful recovery.

Nan

[fntn]

Can't even imagine how much someone has to have been drinking over a period of time to get like that. We're way beyond a six-pack a night here I'd think.

[fntn]

Same with my relative. Violent convulsions and thrashing around. Tied him down as well.

[sdgaby619]

They said because he was going through withdrawals pretty bad.  I went to go visit him yesterday it is pretty sad to see him that way, he is starting to wake up but looks very confused.  

[nan535]

High levels of ammonia indicate hepatic encephalopathy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatic_encephalopathy

One of the dangers of advanced HE is coma and death. I am wondering why the doctors would put someone with HE  in a medically induced coma.
Did they give you an explanation?

Nan

[sdgaby619]

Oh wow really, we are hoping he wakes up but nothing yet it is so sad but I made my peace with him many times.  I only feel bad for our 9 year old. I see this as a very horrible disease and I see how much he has suffered and cried wanting to quit but the alcohol was stronger than him. Good luck with your relative.

[fntn]

Yes, have a relative in the same situation right now. Been in a coma for the past 10 days and they still aren't sure when he'll come out. This is his third time, amazing how addicted people can become. The previous coma lasted 3 full weeks. He got out and refused any therapy or assisted living, then proceeded to start drinking again. They're not sure he'll make it this time ... we'll see ...