Amonia high - brain fog?

[Magnum]

Got bloodwork results yesterday that were read by my primary. He stated that the Amonia levels in my body were higher than normal. He then stated that this can effect the thinking pattern and/or clarity of the brain being able to concentrate and think normally.

I personally don't feel like I'm disabled in that capicity. Anyone else have this? Has anyone else been told by their doctor that they have high Amonia which can relate to thinking problems?
I have to say this must be related to the last volatile and near death over-dosed treatment, as I never had high Amonia before...


Magnum

[GoofyDad]

Although not reported for lactulose, theoretical hazard exists for patients being treated with lactulose who may undergo electrocautery procedures during proctoscopy or colonoscopy. Accumulation of hydrogen gas in presence of electrical spark may result in explosion. Therefore patients should have thorough bowel cleansing with nonfermentable solution before undergoing such procedures.

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HR: Thanks a million for all this valuable info.

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Jim: If you have bloating, it sure sounds like the lactolose should take care of the problem. One way or another. Don't know why I think you might have a heated toilet seat, but if you do, please have the wiring checked by a qualified professional...

[Magnum]

Thanks for the input. Apparently the primary doesn't think I need treatment at this point, or he would have said so, I think?

I will have to find out the norm and then what mine is considered as high, or higher...

Thanks,

Magnum

[Better_Angels]

Hi Guys,

My husband's ammonia elevated to a point where he was experiencing blackouts, but in the beginning it presented as confusion and disorientation. The blackouts are what ultimately led to the HCV diagnosis. He was put on lactulose and it did wonders, rather quickly. He hated the stuff, and due to improved liver histology he no longer needs to take it, but without it, things could have gone from "worst" to worser...

Magnum, one of our doctors told us the number is irrelevant, it's how you feel and not to get too hung up on what's "in range" and what isn't.

Good luck,
Debbe

[jmjm530]

Forgot to mention that I was thinking of seeing a doctor of TCM both for the bloating and post tx skin issues. I imagine their rx would be herbs and acupuncture. Your comments welcome on this.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Based on my SVR and a fairly recent Fibroscan, not overly concerned with cirrhosis -- however, for the past 9 months I have had quite noticeable post treatment 'bloating' in the abdominal area that was unremarkable on ultraound. The bloating, combined with more frequent bowel movements  with sometimes more than usual urgency t, leads  me to believe some sort of gastric inflammation, IBS, etc.

First, does this make any sense to you in terms of treatment and
do you think lactulose might be beneficial in terms of my bloating? And second, any other suggestions/comments on the bloating, including additonal tests, next steps, etc.

I did mention it to my hep doctor but have not pursued it agressively partly due to the symptons not being severe, and partly being tired of doctors, procedures and medications :) He did ask me if I had been under stress lately -- probably guessing IBS -- and we left it at that. As to stress, nothing conscious, but I have likened  many of the symptons myself and others have experienced post treatment to post traumatic stress syndrome, so in that light, I probably am under a certain level of stress coming out of a very traumatic 54 month experience.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

-- Jim

[pluggialong]

my doc told me the same thing about "range levels" they are different  for everyone. alcoholics can die in the 100 range .i was over 200 and other than confusion and spaciness, functioned fine. I agree about the lactulose. i did have looser stools, not diarhea but figured out when to take it based on bathroom access at work.I took in mid eves and was fine all day. I am pretty physical at work and was going 3x a day. my wife has a coworker, whose dad went wild at work, tried to beat up his boss, left after work, tried to run him over and went into a coma. he had had a tplant before this, but is better now.weird huh?