Blood Tests

LucyD · Jan 04, 2019 at 06:47 PM

Just wondering if everyone gets regular blood tests to see if their meds may be causing elevations in liver enzymes or any problems with any organs. It's important to do so if you are not getting tested. I have very serious liver problems now due to taking medicines but not only for that reason. So, please get your Labs checked regularly and especially if you already have problems with the liver or kidneys.

Travelinglady · Jan 04, 2019 at 08:46 PM

I do get blood tests and also checks for my Tegretol level.

Guiness187055 · Jan 04, 2019 at 09:17 PM

When I was on lithium I used to get blood tests every three months. Now I get my A1C checked every month because I am diabetic.

Mountaindewed · Jan 04, 2019 at 09:21 PM

When I was in treatment centers as a teenager I was getting my blood tested every week. However, I was on lithium. Which requires frequent blood tests. When I got out of those treatment centers my doctor told me once a week was kind of extreme. I’m off lithium, because ironically it caused kidney damage. I did have one blood test about 7 months ago. It was unrelated to psych meds. I don’t get them regularly for anything.

I’ve also heard with geodon you have to get regular EKGs? Is that still true? Again in treatment it was about once a month. But I haven’t had one in years and I’m still on geodon. My saying is if I’m not having any symptoms then I’m fine.

LucyD · Jan 04, 2019 at 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

When I was in treatment centers as a teenager I was getting my blood tested every week. However, I was on lithium. Which requires frequent blood tests. When I got out of those treatment centers my doctor told me once a week was kind of extreme. I’m off lithium, because ironically it caused kidney damage. I did have one blood test about 7 months ago. It was unrelated to psych meds. I don’t get them regularly for anything.

I’ve also heard with geodon you have to get regular EKGs? Is that still true? Again in treatment it was about once a month. But I haven’t had one in years and I’m still on geodon. My saying is if I’m not having any symptoms then I’m fine.

I had no symptoms whatsoever and got cirrhosis of the liver. Now my Internist takes my labs every 3 mos.

still_crazy · Jan 05, 2019 at 12:46 AM

thanks for this. way back when, by the time a concerned family doc ran blood work (I was over-medicated, but nothing required lab monitoring...), my liver had already been damaged, and I was all of 20. :-(

on the plus side...with a mix of detoxing, supplements, and prayer...I'm remarkably healthy and only lightly medicated.

sorry about your situation. a lot of otc and rx drugs are just...toxic. dosage and duration of treatment are important, but so is individual susceptibility. and yet...

we're living in a Pharmacracy. In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve. In a Pharmacracy, patients get the pills they deserve.

blah. I wish you well, LucyD.

Jan 05, 2019 at 09:59 AM

Yes, I went for blood tests for six months or so two years ago. Not for liver, or kidney function, though. Great, I am healthy. now what? I was taught quite a bit about the problem I was currently experiencing, which was somewhat helpful for me at that time, but was also very expensive and ek, needles yuk. I guess I would go back in for more testing if needed. I'd rather donate blood and do my own research, but at least I now have a basis for understanding

Bird Feeder · Jan 05, 2019 at 01:15 PM

I have to have weekly bloodwork because of the clozapine that I take. A bit of a hassle, but worth it when the medication works.

Have a great Day!

LucyD · Jan 06, 2019 at 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by still_crazy

thanks for this. way back when, by the time a concerned family doc ran blood work (I was over-medicated, but nothing required lab monitoring...), my liver had already been damaged, and I was all of 20. :-(

on the plus side...with a mix of detoxing, supplements, and prayer...I'm remarkably healthy and only lightly medicated.

sorry about your situation. a lot of otc and rx drugs are just...toxic. dosage and duration of treatment are important, but so is individual susceptibility. and yet...

we're living in a Pharmacracy. In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve. In a Pharmacracy, patients get the pills they deserve.

blah. I wish you well, LucyD.

I was on some pretty toxic meds. a few years ago, it had the most side effects I've ever seen in print. I'm sure it did me more harm than good and am glad I don't take it anymore. It stopped working for me and so I went off of it. I was on another one that made me feel sick, too, and had to stop it--I think it was toxic to me as well. I have been on pretty low doses of meds in the past but at one time I was taking about 8 or 9 different meds and who knows how that could effect the liver. Now I am on very low doses and get my blood tested every 3 mos. I also am getting liver ultrasounds every 6 mos. due to the cirrhosis. Yes, individual susceptibility is very important.

LucyD · Jan 06, 2019 at 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AB2371

Yes, I went for blood tests for six months or so two years ago. Not for liver, or kidney function, though. Great, I am healthy. now what? I was taught quite a bit about the problem I was currently experiencing, which was somewhat helpful for me at that time, but was also very expensive and ek, needles yuk. I guess I would go back in for more testing if needed. I'd rather donate blood and do my own research, but at least I now have a basis for understanding

Glad you have a good understanding.

zippity-dooda · Jan 07, 2019 at 01:53 PM

I dont understand it.how human life my life can be so meaningless. 10 years of taking drugs no blood tests. no brain scans. i dont know if God wispered in my ear or what ? but i started to wonder why nobody was concerned if my brain was making any progress in functioning ? now my life is in the gutter and i dont know why ? it truly makes me think what ethics and morals means to these doctors. i'm so angry most days i would fight King Kong. the pain and fatigue are unbearable. which makes it hard to cope with anything

zippity-dooda · Jan 07, 2019 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucyD

Just wondering if everyone gets regular blood tests to see if their meds may be causing elevations in liver enzymes or any problems with any organs. It's important to do so if you are not getting tested. I have very serious liver problems now due to taking medicines but not only for that reason. So, please get your Labs checked regularly and especially if you already have problems with the liver or kidneys.

well Lucy its 2019 now what ?

LucyD · Jan 07, 2019 at 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippity-dooda

well Lucy its 2019 now what ?

Said goodbye to 2018 and all it's carnage.

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

Blood Tests

My Support Forums

Travelinglady Legendary Wise Elder Member Since Sep 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 48,025 (SuperPoster!) 13 22.9k hugs given	Jan 04, 2019 at 08:46 PM #2 I do get blood tests and also checks for my Tegretol level.
	Reply With Quote

Guiness187055 Elder Member Since Mar 2017 Location: Florida Posts: 5,057 7 970 hugs given	Jan 04, 2019 at 09:17 PM #3 When I was on lithium I used to get blood tests every three months. Now I get my A1C checked every month because I am diabetic. __________________ Guiness187055 Moderator Community support team
	Reply With Quote

Bird Feeder Member Member Since Oct 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 300 14 14 hugs given	Jan 05, 2019 at 01:15 PM #8 I have to have weekly bloodwork because of the clozapine that I take. A bit of a hassle, but worth it when the medication works. Have a great Day!
	Reply With Quote