Drugs - Blood levels can detect toxic levels of drugs.

From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Fri Nov 5 01:35:35 1999


After searching from 1970-1975 for a doctor who would believe that I was suffering from chronic pain and who was willing and able to help me, I finally found a caring doctor - right in my hometown (population about 600). I have given a more in-depth account of my experience with this kind, compassionate doctor on the Adhesions Quilt.

At my first appointment in September 1975 he prescribed 25 mgs of amitriptyline for me to take at bedtime - which he gradually increased by 25 mg increments every other week until I was finally receiving 150 mgs.

In the late 1980's I noticed that this medication was not helping me as much as it had previously - so my doctor gradually increased this medication until I was taking 225 mgs of amitriptyline every night at bedtime.

Then in early 1990 this doctor, who had taken a personal interest in helping me with the chronic pain which was dominating my life, had to retire because of macular degeneration of his eyesight.

Again I had to look for a doctor who would show me the same kind of care I had become accustomed to! I floundered from doctor to doctor in search of the right doctor for me. I can't say that I have found the right doctor yet.

In January 1997 someone recommended a psychiatrist and a psychologist to me - both in the same medical facility. Both professional women are helping me to maintain my saniety in spite of continued pain - but pain at a much reduced level than it would be without medication and without counseling.

My psychiatrist specializes in pain management. At my very first appointment she gave me a prescription to have a blood level of amitriptyline drawn. She was concerned that 225 mgs of this drug seemed awfully high for a therapeutic level. She was right!!

My blood level of amitriptyline was 525 mg - a very toxic level!! I think this means it is at a toxic level for the liver to handle. I am not sure if this is what Beverly means by a liver function test though.

So I concur with Beverly that it is important to request copies of all of your medical records - and also that you read and become familiar with your current health situation. You are the one and only person who can act in behalf of yourself when and if you discover information in your health records which causes you concern - such as information which your doctor perhaps failed to tell you.

I am not saying that you should blame your doctor for mistakes you may find - but rather that you and your doctor work together to discuss and correct errors which you may find in your medical records.

At Thu, 4 Nov 1999, Beverly J. Doucette wrote: >
>I enjoy Igor's messages, information and challenges very much! there is
>great wisdom in his words...however they are perseved. Interestingly
>enough, his comments regarding the liver involvement should be heeded.
>Not saying that ALL persons who suffer with adhesions have liver
>involvement, but here my story and it does involve my liver.
>
>I have suffered with adhesions for 14 years ( first invasive surgery )
>and have had six surgery's to date. Last surgery April of this year.
>
>Prior to the April surgery under Dr. Harry Reich NY. I had been on
>pain managment therapy for five years. That therapy involved a variety
>of pain medications. My pain management was under the direction of a
>very prestigious medical facility in our state of Wisconsin. I had no
>reason to question there methods or the routine. Again I trusted them
>as it was my only hope for any semblance of relief from my pain and I
>sure needed that!
>
>I had also exhausted all my resources in recieving effective treament
>from DR's...so the pain clinic was it for me! For five years I was on a
>varity of medications, changing medications and dosages all the time.
>All of them eventually increasning in dosages then my becoming
>intolerant to it and them not being effective any longer. Another one
>replaced the last ones, soon I was on medication " cocktails ! " ( A
>mixture of medications that would hopefull reduce my symptoms by working
>together ) which ment to keep me groggy and nauseated and constipated
>and the to take new medications in an attempt to reduce the side affects
>of the ones I was on for pain predominently...untill I was taking about
>22 pills a day....for about three of the five years!
>
>No questions asked..and I pride myself with having some intellegent!!! I
>do feel that chronic pain among other things will lead to desperation
>and thus submission to our health care providers.
>
>Not once in all that time was i subject to any blood workup...non! But
>then why should I have been. Non of my medications appeared to me to be
>of any real threat..no narcotics at all until closer to my last surgery.
>So why question there interactions...and my pain managment clinician
>would certainly be on top of that for me!!
>
>When I presented to my local Dr. for my pre operative tests to have my
>surgery last April, Dr. Reich had requested a liver function test. I
>thought it odd, but when the results came back , I showed " liver
>toxicity!! " FROM YEARS ON MEDICATIONS!!! Talk about a shock! And had
>that not been detected, the next organ to be hit would be my
>kidney's...that is the progression of the body in ridding itself of
>toxins!! Now I had another concern..but that was to be shortlived as I
>did have surgery coming up..and now my thoughts not only were on the
>chance of a possible cure from adhesions..but a repreve from medications
>so my liver could heal itself!!!
>
>I went into that surgery last April knowing that even in the event the
>adhesions do return...I would be getting the opportunity for my liver to
>heal...and be off medications for awhile!! My God how I appreciate
>that...and I would recommend that all of you who have been on
>medications for over two years, ask for the liver function test. What
>difference would that make if you have no recourse for relief of your
>symptoms? Well, you sure could look into other means of pain managment
>or keep a close watch on the liver function and your medical care
>provider just might take your case more seriously in the event that you
>could just get worse....at his expense!!
>
>I dont' know what you feel you would gain, if anything...but I do know
>what you could lose if your liver was showing toxicity!!
>
>I still believe that Igor is on the right track in many areas and
>considering his medical esposure for adhesion treatment...he is to be
>commended for finding a way to deal with his condition! Doesn't mean it
>will work for all of us....but lately TEA has been found to be an anti
>-inflammitory...interesting about natural healing methods isn't it!
>
>I also like the way that Igor causes some to discuss issues...wether it
>be to agree or to disagree, he sure does stimulate ones thinking on
>adhesions and there treatment or lack of!
>
>Lots of sad, and interesting things on this forum, and that is what it
>is for! I learn lots form this forum all the time, and am happy to see
>that it is helping others as well...long time in coming, and very much
>appreciated! It was less then a year ago that we had no way to
>communicate with one another at all, no way to know anything or anyway
>to deal with our medical concerns....this forum is an excelent mode of
>communicate and eduating adhesion sufferers....so keep on writing,
>challenging and sharing your thoughts and experiences for others to draw
>upon! It is our only chance right now if we are to progress in this
>disorder!!
>
>I have also started a local " Adhesion Support " group here in my town.
>We have seven members that meet one night a month so far to just talk
>and offer support such as on this forum. just think..seven persons
>sufferring adhesions right here in my own town...so much for a " rare '
>medical condition huh!!? Why not look for others who may live in your
>town...get the word out through the newspaper...word of mouth..people
>with endo as well as adhesions..mush the same disorder...and start to
>get together for support...we love it!! Just a thought as i noticed that
>Gina and Chris were both from the same city...many others may be as
>well..who knows until you ask!! Best regards..Bev

--
The 15th century proverb which summarizes the purpose of medicine is:
* To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always. *

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