|
|
Post by ohmama on Aug 26, 2004 18:18:49 GMT -5
Here I am 7 months into giving my "fire boy" Depakote with no side effects that I could recognize. He had his liver function test and it came back really bad. The doctor just phoned me to say I should stop the Depakote now and we should take another liver test in 3 weeks to see if it returns to normal. If it does come back normal it would mean the reason was the Depakote and we need to try another anti-seizure med.
If it comes back as still abnormal that means he has liver problems. The liver is a major organ!! I didn't see any of the side effects that would indicate any problems what so ever!! How can that be?? It appeared that the med was working wonderfully. I don't know what to think. There's nothing I can do but wait and see. I hate this.
|
|
|
|
Post by rosyred45 on Aug 26, 2004 18:29:15 GMT -5
Ohmama (((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))and ++++++prayers+++++++ for you and fire boy.
You know I don't know alot about meds, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you.
Can I ask, how drastic is it with out the depakote? Or is it more of a life threatening seizure med?
(((((((((hugs)))))))))
|
|
|
|
Post by ohmama on Aug 26, 2004 18:39:21 GMT -5
Kaiti,
Thank you. It is possible that he could have seizures or at the very least the mood swings will return in full force. Without the medication control there's nothing to even him out. All this with school starting on the 7th. It coulden't happen at a worse time.
|
|
|
|
Post by AustinsMom on Aug 26, 2004 19:32:44 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear this. I can just imagine how worried and sick you must feel. It doesn't seem right that your best efforts can come back to bite you. I know this was a decision you researched carefully and approached cautiously. And the timing with school starting just makes this more difficult, I understand. I'm sending all of my best thoughts out to you. The second test will surely come back much better, and in the meantime you'll research till your eyes blur to find another option for him. That's the kind of mom you are and that's why your sons are so lucky to have you on their side. Sorry you have to face this.  |
|
|
|
Post by Mayleng on Aug 26, 2004 20:04:22 GMT -5
Ohmama, I am sending you a Cyber Hug. I am so sorry to hear this. Will be praying this will turn out OK. Hang in there. Let us know when you know something. This is what I found on another site ( www.drugs.com/depakote.html ) with regards to Depakote. quote: What are the possible side effects of Depakote?
• In rare cases, Depakote has caused liver failure. Children younger than 2 years of age, especially those taking multiple seizure medicines, those with metabolic diseases, those with mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease are at the highest risk of liver failure. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop loss of seizure control, weakness, fatigue, swelling of the face, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
So it could very well be Depakote causing the liver problems. |
|
|
|
Post by Amsmom on Aug 26, 2004 20:22:52 GMT -5
(((((((((((((((ohmama))))))))))))))))))
you are such a great mom, i am so sorry you have to go through this horrible scare. i dont understand how the liver enzymes could get elevated so quickly. is it possible to re-do the blood work? i work for the local agency that regulates health care facilities (including labs). the supervisor of our lab division strongly feels that all questionable or concerning labs should be re-done to ensure that they are correct. She has seen too many mistakes. I am hoping that this is what happened with your sweet boy. please keep us posted.
|
|
|
|
Post by hopeful on Aug 26, 2004 23:48:29 GMT -5
Ohmama, my heart just sank for you. I will also send a cyber hug. I agree with Amsmom, RECHECK THE TEST FIRST! just in case.
I know from personal experience that 2x's I had screwed up blood work. One time, they didn't even draw enough blood to get the blood level for the anti-d I take. Very frustrating! and I knew something was wrong (as did my doc) so they retested, thankfully.
I understand the fear! My son has been doing wonderfully all summer, once we added the Risperdal, but that med scares me to death too. Something that works but......
You are a great mom and your kids are the luckiest to have you there on their side. I'm not great with words but I hope you know you have lots of mom's rooting for you. You deserve the gold medal, and no matter what the outcome, we're here for you.
|
|
|
|
Post by ohmama on Aug 27, 2004 0:31:06 GMT -5
You are all so wonderful. Thank you for your support, I know it is from the heart.
I want to get another test right away just to make sure. Should I get it from another lab? Do I need a doctors order to get it done, or can I just go to a lab and tell them I'm looking for a second opinion from their lab? I know if I am able to get this done my insurance won't cover it but I don't care, I'll pay for it myself right then and there. I just need to know if they will do the blood work without a doctors order? My doctor is only in his office on Thursdays and I don't want to wait even a week!
From what I understand it is not good to discontinue Depakote "cold turkey"? Of course since there is a danger of liver damage I guess there's no choice.
I'ts late now (10 PM) so will make some phone calls tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by Amsmom on Aug 27, 2004 6:01:27 GMT -5
i'm sorry i dont know whether you have to have a new dr's order. it doesn't matter which lab you go to. the mistakes can happen anywhere, and may be from improper labeling, inaccurate reading of results, etc. call the same lab this morning and ask them to re-do it and see what they say. i am hoping they will do it without a dr's order. it just seems that if his enzymes were to go up, they would do so gradually,not as this report suggests.hugs and more hugs.
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Aug 27, 2004 6:10:56 GMT -5
ohmama my heart just sank when you told us this.You have been through so many challenges and have done every thing in your power for him.Pleas keep us updated.(((((((((((hugs))))))))) Linda
|
|
|
|
Post by aimee30 on Aug 27, 2004 6:11:40 GMT -5
Ohmama, my thoughts and prayers are with you too. I would call this morning and try to get the test rescheduled. I also understand how hard it is to wait and see. I hope and pray that it is a lab screw up.
{{{{{ohmama}}}}}
|
|
|
|
Post by ohmama on Aug 27, 2004 11:44:24 GMT -5
I called two labs and got the same info. The Hepatic Function Panel test is put through a chemistry analyzer (computer) and any time the test comes back with high enzymes they automatically repeat it to verify. This computer is calibrated twice a day to assure accuracy before and after any readings are taken.
The chances of this test being a mistake are very rare. I have been advised to wait a while and they will take another panel with a doctors order.
It's some kind of federal law that you can't order the test yourself. I have a call in to my doctor and am waiting for his call back so I can get this done.
|
|
|
|
Post by catseye on Aug 27, 2004 11:59:35 GMT -5
I just saw this, and I am also adding my thoughts and hugs to you and your son!! Best of luck and I certainly hope the test comes back fine in a couple of weeks...
cat
|
|
|
|
Post by gina1kid on Aug 27, 2004 14:40:12 GMT -5
OhMama,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. I can imagine how you feel. I will be thinking about you. I'll be praying that everything will turn out just fine.
Please keep us posted.
Gina
|
|
|
|
Post by Amsmom on Aug 27, 2004 19:45:36 GMT -5
ohmama,we are all thinking of you and praying for your dear little guy. if it does turn out to be accurate, which i hope it doesn't, stopping the depakote should bring the enzymes back down. many hugs to you both.
|
|
