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]

I just read up above and see people have been asking my advice. I need to tell you I'm just a guy with a wonky liver who takes lactulose once in a while and pokes fun at the GI problems it generates. I know a lot more about farting than doctoring, if you get my drift.

[GoofyDad]

There a prebiotic called inulin that may have a similar effect - you can buy that over the counter. But I would not be the one to advise you to go against the doctors orders - and I don't think it's as powerful as lactulose. You might try smaller doses of lactulose and work up.  

There's a drug currenty in trials - I heard it's approved in Japan. You could maybe participate in a trial, but not if your in the backwoods.  http://www.oceratherapeutics.com/content/pipeline/ast120.htm

Also, limiting protien intake can reduce amonia.

Good luck. I'm soory to hear of you situation.  

[DesparateMom939]

i have a 43 year old daughter with ending stage of liver disease.  she has hep c.
she has brain fog and high ammonia level, and after months of agony will not take lactulose again!  she gets severe gas pain and can't pass it.  she is literally rolling in pain and crying.
i have to agree that her life with lactulose is hardly worth living.  i don't know why this terrible pain, but her dr says take more!
i don't know what to do anymore.  can't get on transplant list yet.  her dr is unconcerned.  we live in the back woods.  no specialists around.  her pac told me she won't care for her unless she gets psychiatric help?  
i want my daughter to live, but not in extreme pain.
is anyone else having a prob with lactulose and is there an alternative drug?
please.

[dianee]

That was a good one and probally made us all laugh! thankx for that one..

[dianee]

my dad has cirohsis of the liver. He has a high amonia level so the doc gave him lactose. First it was 4 a day and then dad cut it down to 2 a day after about 2 weeks due to going to the potty too much. The blood test was just done again and his level is not down. He has probally been taking the lactose for a month now. The doc called and told mom the level was still high and to take three doses a day of the lactose. My dad says it makes his stomach hurt and wont increase his dose. He takes 100 mg a day of diuretics, and one other that is for his stomach holding fluids. He is 78 and just sits in his chair now and wont do  anything much at all. So far he seems pretty clear headed but, if he doesn't increase his lactose dose do you think the amonia will just never go down at all? He is stubborn but, I would like to know the bare facts. He sees a stomach doc that is also a liver doc. Should he be seeing a different kind of specialist?  Thanks for your time and consideration...

[La741]

I am Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a patient who has cogenital Severe lower extremity lymphedema.  She recently over the past few months has been having these "brain fogs" and went into a hepatic encephalopathy coma state.  She came out of it.  The physician wanted treatment to restart, now her amonia levels are climbing.  Through Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment and moving of the lower extremity lymph flow upwards; is this I am assuming adding to her ammonia problems??  I have stopped treatment and on the web researching.  Thanks for any advise.   Lori