Am I going to have to duct tape my liver in?

Question

Ok here is the deal, While serving in the Marine Corps I was seriously wounded. The Major damage was to my back and spine. I am in constant pain and surgery, PT, OT didn't help the VA's only course of action to treat me has been to shove pain meds down me. I can not sleep, sit, stand or walk without the Pain meds. (I have tried to not take them with painful results)

They have me taking 900mg of Gabapentin 4 times a day for nerve damage, and 60mg of Morhine Sulfate 3 times a day and 12 pills of Hydrocodone 5/500mg a day for the pain. I have been on this much for over a year with less amounts for 3 years.

How much damage is being done to my insides (kidneys, liver, etc) in order to control my pain?

I would like a medical persons answer please

this med regiment was given to me from the pain management clinic at the VA. Also its not a mind over matter issue. The spine injury sends pain down my legs that makes it to where i can not walk without the meds. The pain is to a point where my legs give out while I am walking like the muscles stop supporting me

Also I know no drinking, I am worried enough about my organs without the extra problems, havent had a drink in 4 years not even one beer. but thanks for the tip.

Answer 1

I can't tell you exactly how much damage is being done to your organs, but all of this medication is placing a stress on the organs. There's no way around not taking this medication. Your life would be unbearable without it.

What I recommend is supporting your organs and helping them to release Stored medication. Start each morning with a hot glass of water with 1tbsp. lemon juice and honey. This helps start the liver to cleanse. Follow a half hour later with Metamucil powder, 1tsp.And 2tsp. of lecithin granules with a large glass of water and do this again before bedtime. This helps remove toxins from the intestines and gallbladder, where most toxins store.

Every day drink 1c. of fresh carrot juice. eat as much leafy greens as possible every day. Avoid fried foods, fatty foods, junk food and spicy food as they are hard on the digestive system.

Doing this every day will help offset some of the damage that is being caused by the medication.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Billie77

Answer 2

First of all, I want to THANK YOU for your service. You are the best for giving your life for all of us in this country.

I am so sorry you were wounded so badly. I know what it's like to have a serious injury and have to take narcotics for a long time JUST to be able to function. You should be getting blood work done at least every 4 months (3 times a year) to check your kidneys, liver, etc. Actually, the Tylenol in the hydrocodone (Vicodin) you are taking can cause the most kidney damage--much more than the gabapentin (Neurotin) and the morphine. Insist that they do the blood work regularly! And also insist that they send you to a doctor who does nothing but pain control. There are other options besides narcotics out there that might help you, then you could ween-off the narcotics--slowly--if you find something else to help your pain. But some people just have to take narcotics for a long time---and that's ok, too. But please check into it.
Best wishes and again, THANK YOU!

Answer 3

A liver function and kidney test would be the best way to find out if any damage has takin place from the meds. The ideal situation would be for you to get off the meds when you are able to tolerate the discomfort. One suggestion would be for you to see a pain management specialist. You are taking alot of meds for your pain, and some peoples pain is just a matter of mind over matter. Do NOT do any drinking of alcohol while your taking these meds. I wish you the best of luck in your conguest of pain management.

Answer 4

GEOFF,
FIRST AS YOU PROBABLY REALIZE BY NOW, MORPHINE IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST NARCOTICS OUT THERE, AND WHEN COMBINED WITH ANOTHER NARCOTIC, HYDROCODONE A POTENTIAL ADDICTION IS VERY LIKELY.
A BODY CANNOT TAKE SUCH PHARMACEUTICAL ASSAULT INDEFINITELY. IT APPEARS THAT THOSE AT THE VA JUST GOT YOU OUT OF IMMEDIATE PAIN, BUT NOT THINK MUCH OF THE AFTEREFFECTS.
YOU NEED TO SEEK THE HELP FROM A HOLISTIC PHYSICIAN. SOMEONE WHO WILL NOT SOLELY RESORT TO ANALGESICS TO KEEP YOU ON YOUR FEET, BUT CAN ALSO AID YOU WITH YOUR PAIN.