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Close Call


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#1 schmb01

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Posted 26 July 2008 - 08:54 AM

I don't know if any of you are involved in helping elderly parents manage their health care, but I am, and it is sad and stressful.

Yesterday, we had a close call with my Mom. She has severe arthritis, lymphedema in her legs, and is in a great deal of pain. She has tried many pain meds, fentanyl, vicodin,Ultram just to name a few. We met with her doctor yesterday, and were going over other possible meds, and of course, one that came up was Cymbalta. Of course, I didn't want to interrupt him while he was speaking, but I found myself shaking my head so vigorously, that I thought it would fly off. My Mom quickly said, oh no, my daughter had a bad experience with it, and I think he could see that I was about to go off on a rant, because he said that he wouldn't recommend it for her due to memory issues! I was able to tell him that it was horrid to get off of, and that I lost over a year of my life to it.

I guess I am posting this for those that have elderly parents with pain issues. Please be sure that they are fully aware of what you have been through. I told my parents everything about the agony of this stuff, but it scares me to think that other elderly people could be given this shit without anyone being any the wiser, until it is too late. I simply can not imagine either of my parents, in their 70s and 80s being able to tolerate being ON it, let alone trying to get off of it.

Please, be sure your loved ones don't get this prescribed to them as primary pain management, (or anything else really). It just made me sick to think about it! :shock:

#2 schmb01

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Posted 26 July 2008 - 11:57 AM

I know what you mean. I have lists of their meds, and am constantly checking to make sure there are no issues. Part of that problem is that different doctors prescribe them, and if the pharmacist isn't sharp, they can miss this too. Mom goes to a heart doctor and her MD, so I'm always keeping each one up to date on what the other is giving her.

I'm sure your Mom was way more alert having her dose of Lexapro cut. I took that for about 6 months, and it basically just made me feel flat. No emotions whatsoever. It is geared towards anxiety disorders, which I didn't have, so it was fairly deadening to me. Not as severe as Cymbalta, but still, I simply didn't care about anything while on it.

#3 Lori

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Posted 28 July 2008 - 06:05 AM

Both of you and your parents are in my prayers, yea alittle off subject, but I promise to pray for their well being and health and that you have the strength, guidance and wisdom to take care of them the way they deserve.

#4 Sarah J

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Posted 28 July 2008 - 09:19 AM

Babby - thanks for your mention of this. Hopefully, this thread will stay near the top.

Much Love, Sarah J



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