End Stage - How Long?

[AnnaBnn]

Hi, all.  My mom has non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis.  She has been hospitalized three times for ammonia build-up and has been taking the meds (an oral pill and Lactulose) for a few months.  Only a few good days in those months.  Doctor says nothing more to be done now about ammonia because of other problems, heart valve replacement that can't be replaced, insulin diabetes.  We are starting hospice tomorrow.  All meds discontinued, except pain meds and anti-anxiety meds.  Does anyone have a crystal ball to say how long she will have before she gets to coma stage after ammonia builds up?  Thanks in advance so much.

[hepcandme]

I am so sorry to hear about your mother's illness

As Hector pointed out, the people with hospice are well trained to provide you with information and support and will try to make your loved one as comfortable as possible in her final days

Don't forget to take care of yourself in this difficult time and enjoy the time remaining with your mother

I wish you the best

[HectorSF]

I am so very sorry to hear about your mother.
There is no crystal ball for predicting how long any individual person will continue to live with End-Stage Liver Disease. As the liver fails other body systems also begin to fail and it is usually these complications (one being the hepatic encephalopathy you mention) which are ultimately fatal. Everyone is different and their particular circumstance is different. I would suggest speaking with the hospice care people who will be overseeing her care. They will be most aware of her health status as it varies day to day.

Again, I am very sorry.
My best wishes to your mother and yourself.
Hector