Sensitivity to Medications

[JoeJack101]

Hello everyone. I am new to valvereplacement.com. Sorry if my post is "off topic" but I couldn't find a category to post in. I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse with trace regurgitation as well as Dysautonomia on July 1st, 2005. My worst symptom is my EXTREME sensitivity to medications. It is ruining my life being so sensitive to every herb, drug, etc. in everything. Is there ANY way to reduce my insane sensitivity? I am willing to do anything. I have the worst case of drug/herb sensitivity on the planet, and I will argue that to my death. Does anyone else have this, and have you found anything that has reduced or eliminated it?

 

[Ross]

Hi JoeJack and welcome.

While I can't help with your issue, perhaps Al Lodwick can, so I'm moving this thread to the Anticoagulation forum for him to see. He is our resident pharmacist and anticoag expert.

 

[Nancy]

Welcome to the site.

Can't help you out with your issues but I was wondering what happens when you become sensitive to things, rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, etc. Maybe that will help someone else out there pinpoint some help for you.

Glad you joined. Best wishes.

 

[Guest]

First we need you to describe what you mean by sensitivity. That way we can try to determine if it is an allergic reaction or a result of liver enzyme variations or something else. Name each drug and what happens.

 

[JoeJack101]

I was wondering what happens when you become sensitive to things, rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, etc.

The effect of the herb or drug is exaggerated times TEN. The effects are ALWAYS consistent with what the drug/herb is known to do to the body. The effect is different with each substance, so psychological is ruled out. Also, I have never had ANY symptoms of a drug allergy, so drug allergy is ruled out.

determine if it is an allergic reaction or a result of liver enzyme variations or something else

Basically, I have concluded that the dysautonomia has caused my nervous system to be overwhelmingly over-reactive to medicinal substances. It's not a drug allergy, and it is unlikely that liver enzyme variations are to blame. I don't seem to have a problem metabolizing drugs, but their effect is exaggerated.

 

[JoeJack101]

Is this just since your surgery?

I have not had heart surgery to correct my Mitral Valve Prolapse. Also, I doubt it would help this problem.

 

[hensylee]

welcome, Joe - my brother was dxed w/dysautonomia years ago. It's terrible and I sympathize with you. If you go to about.com and check into heartdisease/cardiology and then join Dr Rich's forum, you can ask him about dysautonomia - he wrote lots about it when I discussed my brother w/him. Perhaps he can help out. Or just do a search for Dr Rich, you can find him that way. (Dr Richard N Fogoros). On his forum, you ask him questions and he answers you personally and quickly. He's a cardiologist, electrophysiologist - for real. he won't give advice, but will answer general questions. Hope you get some answers.

 

[JoeJack101]

...If you go to about.com and check into heartdisease/cardiology and then join Dr Rich's forum, you can ask him about dysautonomia...On his forum, you ask him questions and he answers you personally and quickly...

I've done so, and he said he wasn't sure if dysautonomia is causing my sensitivity. I've been to so many doctors about it I can't even see straight. Dysautonomia is the only thing I have been diagnosed with so I am convinced that the Dysautonomia is causing my sensitivity. Also, he told me I should consider an allergist... I've looked up drug allergies, and it isn't possible that I am having a drug allergy. I also ran my sensitivity issue by an allergist, and she agreed that it wasn't her field.

I do want to take this moment and thank everyone who has read this post and who is attempting to help me out.

 

[hensylee]

Brother has no problems with sensitivity to drugs (that we can tell) but dysautonomia is such a puzzle that I believe it can be the cause of anything. I feel so sorry that you have it.