My relative has been recently diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver (he's diabetic & has renal failure & hypertension, any of which could have caused the cirrhosis, as he never drank much). This has caused a few episodes of hepatic encephalopathy due to ammonia building up to a toxic level. Now he is on lactulose, which is keeping the ammonia level down.

His liver enzymes are tested pretty often, and he now sees a gastroenterologist about once a month. A couple of months ago, his primary doctor tor said he could have anywhere from a few months to a year or two to live, but now his enzymes have improved, his blood pressure is down with a new medication, and he hasn't needed hospitalization. However, it's very important that he have his medications & diet regulated (he's insulin-dependent and also had dialysis 3x/week so he has to have a special diet for that as well as a fluid restriction) and is frequently non-compliant about it. The nursing home eventually gives in if he demands things because it is his right to have them.

Does anyone here have any experience with this? What was the prognosis in your case? and was that borne out?