Irritability . . .

[Allison1965]

So, today is day 5 and Gary is so grumpy.  He will blow up, say things that he will not normally say, then a few minutes later he is back to normal and does not really even remember what was said or what we were talking about.  Then it could be an hour or so later and he is back at that same point.  It is weird because the things he is upset about are things that are not even realistic.   hmmmm....what is up with that???

[Allison1965]

Hi, yes that is what my experience with Gary has been with HE.  It sounds like we have experienced the same type of moody irritability with our husbands.  It is very difficult at times, for sure!  Thanks for touching base with me on this, it helps to have this support SO much!
Allison

[Advocate1955]

It sounds like being irritable is definitely out of Gary's character.  This sounds more like the irritability that Interferon causes.  I had the same experience with my husband (grouchy, irritable, quick to anger, and then simmer down and feel bad for what he said).  I don't have any first hand experience with HE, but some other forum members do, so maybe we'll here from them.  What I have read on this forum about HE is more of a confused, disoriented, forgetful, and sometimes kind of "in" and "out" (like doing something kind of crazy or wild or silly that may or may not be dangerous - not really present in the reality of the moment).
Take care.
Advocate1955

[Allison1965]

I am glad to hear you all supporting what I assumed was happening to my husband.  It is just so hard at times.  I do also realize that it is very difficult for him too.  HE I assume stands for hepatic encephalopathy.  When Gary had HE pre transplant, he was not irritable, he was more drugged or tired acting, not grumpy and short tempered.  So, if this new thing is a sx of HE, it is a new sx that I am not used to.  We see the doctor every wednesday, so if this continues or gets worse before next wed, then I will be giving them a call for sure!!!  Not only for me, but most definitely for him.  He will come up to me, just give me a hug and apologize for being such a "grump".  I have thought the "grump" is not the word I would have used . . . lol.  I love my husband and I just want him to get better and get a better quality of life, as this whole thing has caused him to be unable to work and not live a very happy life.  We will just have to wait and see and hope for the best, as we are all doing. . .
Thanks again!
Allison

[yodennis]

Irritability is unambiguously a side effect of Interferon! This is my 3rd go around in the last 20 years ( 2 failures that included Interferon and a present "thus far EVR triple therapy) and all times the Interferon caused a disproportionate reaction to any perceived slight by anyone....Just tonight I thought about head butting an aggressive train rider  in the nose for being pushy....That isn't to say there aren't other causes for irritability But Interferon is clearly one in my experience...I'm so inpatient about finishing up (3 more weeks) that I am itching to end it a couple of weeks short of 48 weeks....Wait is that someone raising their voice in the street outside my window: "Where's the brass knuckles....p.s. Imagine trying to reconcile 3 year old twins, a torrid week, and and Interferon (sheesh). d

[Advocate1955]

Irritability and grumpiness are side effects of the interferon. My husband had both. Forgetting or being irritable over irrational things could be a side effect, or it could be HE. Check with his Hepa.
Advocate1955

[dontworry_behappy1]

Hi Aliison,
I was amazed at the strange things that were happening when I first started
treatment.  The funny thing about it is you look fine but your not.  Your
husband is having a very difficult time right now.  I couldn't believe how
starting treatment effected my short term memory.  
I felt like I was always in the fog.   I't was really hard for me to deal with
because I wasn't expecting treatment to effect me mentally.   All I can say is it got better for me as the weeks went on.  I think the first few weeks are the hardest.  Hang in there.  Your support and understanding is really
important.  

  

[Idyllic]

Gosh I am not sure what to suggest given how incredibly complicated your husband's condition is given his diabetes/insulin resistance and begin post-transplant. The meds themselves can cause irritability but not remembering could be a symptom of another complication.

I have been a space case since Day 1 and there is so much I do not remember. I would keep an eye on this and ask his Hepa about it. Further and most important I hope someone with more insight than I have posts. I do not want to unduly alarm you since I have no direct experience with HE other than what I have learned right here on the forum.

This could be normal and it could be symptomatic of something else. Also given the combo of meds he is taking I am not even sure if adding something for mood into the mix is advisable. What does he Hepa say?

I do not like to automatically suggest additional meds but given your husband is on day 5 it might help to at least know what his options are in this particular area.
Hang in there♥