For Those Allergiic/sensitive To Most Meds

[gertie]

I'm 68 yrs old & of all the meds I've been given over those years I have 2 prescriptions drugs I am not terrified to take when needed. That also includes vitamins & otc drugs. I've never been afraid to try a new treatment or supplement but they have all made me feel worse.

If any of you have this problem, how do you manage not to be terrified to go to a dr or dentist? The thoughts of having surgery makes me ill. I've been deathly ill from gall bladder attacks but feel that if I go for surgery I'll have to take antibiotics which I'm also allergic to. The drugs don't just make me feel bad they cause seizure, syncope, migraines, heart problems etc. Thanks.

[HopeSprings]

I'm the same way. Just like with the chemical sensitivity, it's like a filter is missing and everything hits the system in a dramatic way. Are you ok with just regular penicillin? When I've HAD to be on antibiotics, I asked the Dr. to just skip the fancy stuff and give me Amoxicillin. I did ok with it. Gall bladder attacks are awful. I had to have mine removed because I couldn't take it anymore. Maybe you can work with your Dr. to get medicines that will agree with you?

[gertie]

Thanks Naomi, I would be happy if I could find 1 antibiotic I could take. I think Penicillin may have caused the worst reaction with throat swelling, itching, rash. Mycins are equally as bad. I've started with 1/8 dose even pediatric liquid & it's all bad. I know at my age I can't get by without something I can take for infections.

The dr's I have access too have tried everything over the years. I know they hate having me as a patient.

[HopeSprings]

Ok, definitely skip the Penicillin then! I really do know how you feel. Advil and Penicillin are all I've got. And when Dr's see me coming, I'm sure they wish they could run away. I was looking through old Dr. records the other night and found a notation from one Dr. in 1998 "difficult patient" -he actually wrote that down. How cliche. Not trying to be difficult here people, just need you to do your job - diagnose and cure me, then I'll be out of your hair. Sorry, I'm ranting all over your thread. Hope others can give you some helpful advice.

[jenwic]

Alicia,

I have lots of problems with sensitivity to meds too. They cause me many problems including heart racing and pounding, shaking and tremors, nausea, weakness, insomnia, diahrea, and many more. I also have similar reactions to chemicals and foods. It has gotten a lot worse in the last year. I'm not sure there are even any antibiotics I can take now.

I recently went to see Dr. Grubb and he said I probably have a mast cell disorder (MCAD). He wanted me to start taking 2 Claritin pills per day (one in morning and one at night) and after a few weeks add an H2 blocker like Pepcid or Zantac. He also wanted me to take Singulair, but I can't tolerate it. He said if I feel better on this medicine regime then I likely do have a mast cell problem. He said it can be difficult to diagnose MCAD and trying the meds and seeing if they help is a "clinical diagnosis".

It might be worth a try for you to try an antihistamine like Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra and see if it helps. I can tolerate some of them better than others. Dr. Grubb even said that sometimes patients can tolerate a generic instead of the brand name or vice versa depending on what the inactive ingredients are in it. I know it is very unpleasant, but you might have to try a few before you can find one you tolerate.

I hope you can find some relief soon!

Jenny

[gertie]

Thanks Jenny, That's sounds like good advice unfortunately I've tried all the AH & all have triggered seizures. I took Allegra in a pediatric dose with less problems but eventually I had seizure from it also. I guess it's hopeless.