Ask:
side effects of 14 medicines or a real problem
I take 14 medicines everyday for different ailments: sleep (Melatonin &Temazepam),Diuretics (Hydrochlorot),thyroid (Sunthroid),depression (Tranxene & Cymbalta),cholesterol & triglycerides (Niacin, Omacor,Tricor and Vytorin),diabetes (Novo Log, Byetta, Metformin)and itching(Hydroxyzine). For over a year I have had nausea, stomach noise(gas)& diarrhea, but no real pain. In March I started having right side and back pain with heartburn. The family doctor said classic gallbladder problem sent me to surgeon who sent me for ultrasound, radiation gallbladder dumping, and ct scan. Ct and ultrasound return normal, dumping was at 13 % which was said to be average live able rate. Then I started having pain all over my stomach (left, right, middle and lower). I do not know the proper names but a camera will be inserted by mouth into my stomach and another inserted rectal on Thursday(17). I really do not think anything will be found. One surgeon left me waiting two weeks to schedule these test. When called to ask what had happen I was told to find another surgeon. Why, I do not know!! The only thing in the symptom box I have not had is lost of weight. I have gained 10LBS. I do not allow myself to vomit. I changed drug stores recently and started to read about side effects. Out of 14 drugs 9 or more listed side effect of nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The drug Byetta for diabetes released about a year ago is great for a1c numbers but terrible on the body. I have complained about if from the start. For months I felt like the first trimester of pregnancy. I lost 30lbs because I was sick all the time. This drug also plays with the digestive system. The Endo Doctor also has me on four medicines for cholesterol & triglycerides:Niacin, Omacor (fish oil),Tricor and Vytorin. Niacin can make you have watery diarrhea. The drug store question tricor and vytorin being taken together. I am scarred!!!What have I done to myself with all these medicines. The same doctor prescribed them to me. I told him that the byetta was making me sick but I still took it. I did not stand firm about the byetta making me sick. For no really good reason I am going to lose my gallbladder. Is this possible? With the camera test I do not know what I may lose. In taking this much medicines or the side effects of these medicines have I done permanent damage to my body? I have stopped all medicines except insulin and metformin. I feel terrible without the depression (Cymbalta). I know this is long but can you help me? Do you have any idea how to straighten out this mess? I know it is more than one question,:mad: but please help me by just pointing me in the right direction to correct this mess.
Answer:
side effects of 14 medicines or a real problem
I understand your concerns and frustration, but you should not stop taking prescibed drugs without discussing with your doctor first. You are correct that the risks and benefits of each drug treatment should be weighed carefully before initiating treatment, but stopping could be extremely risky. Unfortunately I cannot offer you a second opinion on which drugs to take, nor can I offer a diagnosis suggestion. You describe a complex medical history and it seems to me that you would benefit from a thorough review of your illnesses and medication with an experienced internist.