Monday, October, 13, 2008

Question
judy lauderdale
06/02/08

My mother had a heart stint back in Oct.07. The doctors have her on these meds. Avapro 150mg 1x1, 81

aspirn 1x1, Mag 64 2x1, Lasix 40mg 1x1, Betapace 80mg 2x1, Zocor 20mg 1x1, Plavix 75mg 1x1. Her blood pressure is more on the high then the normal.  Her ouput is more than her imput. She has continued to grow weak and I am concerned about dyhydration, toxciity from the use of Betapace and Lasix,  and other concerns of why Mag64.  I've talked to her doctor until I am blue in the face and all he wants to do is give her more meds.  She went to the ER complaining of her stomach and they found she had a heart blockage.  She still is continuing to complain about her stomach hurting, usually when she is hungry.  When she eats something the hurting goes away, but in two hours it starts again and she needs to eat. I have been her caregiver since Dec. 07 and I have researched and studied all I can and I am still searching for answers that her doctor doesn't seem to know or could care less. She is also on trazadone, seroquel, for depression and ativan for anxiety.   In conclusion her symtoms are weakness, fatigue, flushes, stomach discomfort, stiffness and burning in toes.  She is a diabetic but it is controlled by diet and her blood sugar is monitored by myself and it is between 95-l05. When she was in the hospital they gave her Betapace for her heart rythum because she developed afib and the Lasix because she was holding fluid.  She continues to take these medicines after 7 mos. The heart stint went well but after three days her hemo started going down and they couldn't find where she was bleeding until she developed a hemotoma in the area of her groin.  Had to have emergency surgery and the plug had come out of the artery.  She spent 5l days in the hospital,  went in with stomach pain and still is having stomach pain.  The doctors won't do anything because she is on Plavix and besides now she is so weak in body that I don't think she can stand any more procedures.  She is 85 and she has always been in good health until now.  I need some advice on these meds.  If I just had something to tell her doctor I believe he would do it but I have just exhausted myself trying to find answers and I know this is not my responsiblity because that is why we have a doctor but I want to help my Mom so badly.  Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthly question and I hope you can shred some light on my situation.  This is only the tip of the iceberg.

Answer This
Answers (1)
Martin Cane, M.D.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Judy, Sorry to hear that your Mother is having such a difficult time. Her situation is certainly complicated and involved, and I'm sure, as you mentioned, this is only "the tip of the iceberg." There is no easy answer to this situation. I suggest that you contact her physician and request a conference at a time and place that is convenient for him (and a time that he will not be rushed). This meeting should include the primary treating physician and possibly any main specialty consultant that is involved. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain information about her condition, treatment, and prognosis. Also indicate that you have several questions for the phsyicians. This should not be an opportunity for confrontation. Your Mother's physician should be your ally and you should be working together in her care. You should know that physicians, as well as patients and families, also become frustrated when answers are not clear, and patients don't respond well to treatment. This is a chance to discuss face to face, your concerns about your Mother. In addition, you should look through this website and read the sections on heart disease, high blood pressure, medications and side effects. This will give you a good educational base that will be helpful when you meet with the doctor. I hope the situation improves. Thank you. Martin Cane, M.D.

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.