Ups and downs continue

We've had our ups and downs this week. Things kinda went downhill after we visited with the kids on Saturday. I'm pretty sure Becky's ammonia levels went up because she skipped a couple doses of the lactulose. She was pretty disoriented for a day or so, but better later. Not quite back to normal, whatever that is, but better than this morning. On the plus side, her blood pressure is back up over 100.

She had another radiology appt today. Less fluid than last time so no paracentesis. Her blood pressure stayed over 100 the last couple of days. However ... the liver doctor left a message saying her kidneys don't like the diuretics so we're having to stop those (for now?). We'll talk about this at her appointment on Friday, I'm sure. I expect fluid will start to build back up, but we'll see. Also, even though the fluid is being managed and the blood pressure is better, she still seems fairly unstable when walking and foggy headed when talking.

New appointment date and new issues

The liver doctor called in sick on Monday. Appointment rescheduled for Friday (9/1).

Short update on how things are going this week. On the plus side, this week's visit to radiology was mostly uneventful. There was not enough fluid to drain this week. However, she was feeling a little dizzy so they took her blood pressure - 90 something over 50. Then she told me it was 94/49 on Tuesday at the dentist. I reached out to the liver doctor via the portal. He made more adjustments to her meds. She was so weak and worn out tonight that she couldn't open her Dr Pepper.

Next Friday's doctor appointment can't come soon enough. Hopefully it means we get a clearer picture of where we're at and what to expect from this point forward.

Mid-week update on appointments

Becky had bloodwork done, got an ultrasound, and had an actual appointment with radiology this week. She had a little less than 3 liters drained today. Hopefully all this gives the doctor enough data to give us some answers on Monday.

For now she's doing OK, but her "OK" right now is nowhere near normal. I thought she was having a decent day yesterday, and then she completely wore herself out changing sheets on our bed. Then she threw up her dinner. Today she's sore from "doing too much" yesterday. She's moving slow, feeling weak, hands are shaking, and very tired most of the time.

With any luck we'll make it to Monday's appointment with the liver doctor without any new emergencies.

Tried ER again since we didn't have any other option

We headed to the ER early because we just assumed Monday would be a busy day at the Emergency Room. We were correct. Radiology had to squeeze us in so they didn't finish the procedure until almost 3:00pm. The paracentesis drained 5 liters of fluid this time.

The ER doctor asked if she had been prescribed lactulose to help with liver function and controlling the ammonia levels in her blood. That's the likely cause of her confusion.

We'll be reaching out to see if we can move up her liver doctor appointment which is currently scheduled for November.

Next ER trip was a bust

I called early this morning to see if there would be anybody available at the hospital to perform another paracentesis if that's necessary. The receptionist said there would be.

Apparently I was misinformed by whoever I talked to on the phone this morning. Radiology is not available on the weekend. Unless her breathing is distressed, there's nothing they can do. I guess we'll be back Monday morning.

We once again had an awesome ER doctor. He was going to make sure there was no charge for today since they didn't actually do anything. He also suggested we talk to her liver doctor about what it takes to get on the transplant list. We honestly don't even know how we feel about that possibility yet. This is all going in the wrong direction way faster than we were led to believe it would when we had the last liver doctor visit in April.