Don't take it on an empty stomach! That stuff is awful....I have had to take it for 7 years and the only thing I can say is to eat something before that awful swig. Seventeen days super is GREAT! I also have Stage IV Liver Failure. I'm 62 and used off and on since I was 14. They did the banding "stuff" early on but nothing helped with the hepatic hypertension so I had the TIPS done and it has worked GREAT! I had it about 5 years ago and it has stayed in place the whole time. Just had my bi-yearly check-up yesterday but I am sure you will have follow-up often at this point. Congrats again o the 17 days and hang in! I look forward to reading how you are coming along and will be happy to offer anything in my story or things I've learned!
“ If you are taking this medication by mouth for liver disease, take it usually 3-4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. To improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert. The goal is to have 2-3 soft stools each day.”
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3367-7202/lactulose-oral/lactulose-liver-oral-rectal/details
Have you tried mixing it in with beverages? Also there is another medicine an oral antibiotic, rifaximin which many have found helps but it depends on your insurance as it I guess is more expensive than lactulose