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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

The Internals and the Damage Done

SideOrderOfOpiates

Bluelighter
Joined
Nov 19, 2010
Messages
1,442
Location
Glendale
After abusing prescription painkillers moderately to heavily for the past seven years, I have recently noticed significantly worsening flank pain and several other problems. I am constantly fatigued, and take Vivarin to combat it, which obviously cannot be at all helpful. During withdrawal, there is a phase where my sweat smells like basically everything but normal withdrawal body odor (think cat piss, haha). Occassionally, my skin will look a bit grey (I'm normally quite pallid ivory), and start to itch a bit while off opiates/opiods. While these usually go on for a short period of time and then subside, I have been hospitalized for renal and minor liver problems in the past.

With that in mind, due to my habit, I frequently have blood drawn on both my liver and kidneys. I usually always have a bit of protein in my urine, but my physician has only deemed it a problem when in relation to kidney infections. She has basically stated in my most recent appointment that both my kidneys and liver were not damaged enough to be highly concerned, but that there were slight problems. I was tested for Hep. C several times, and have not had a possible exposure since repeatedly testing negative. What I am concerned about is that recently a family member, a registered nurse to be exact, stated that by the time your liver is detectably failing, you've already lost a great deal of it. My concern is that with renal failure in my family history, and slight liver abnormalities in mine, shall I assume that this flank pain (right side right under the ribcage, the pain on both sides is not as severe) is indicative of damage that has not yet shown up? Is this something that can be reversed? It seems like even one T3 will have me in severe flank pain when it wears off. Also, how exactly does drug induced Hepatitis work? I was tested for Hep. C after my few stints with the needle a long time ago, but have since had very intense Oxycontin binges. Does one who is concerned about drug-induced Hepatitis simply get tested when the symptoms are visible? I have an annual check-up appointment with a gynecologist coming up, and her lab provides Hep.C testing. Should I get tested there after my legs are in fucking stirrups, or does drug-induced (meaning pill popping) Hep. C show up differently?

Any personal experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Just please refrain from the obvious "quit using" statements. After noticing how sickly I was feeling and how tired I looked, I have started to become a bit more cohesive.

Mods, please feel free to move this, if necessary.
 
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Flank pain can be caused by a whole host of things, but the liver is not normally one of them. Kidney yes. (But a bunch of other stuff too).

There is no such thing as drug-induced Hep C - Hep C is a particular virus. Drug induced hepatitis is typically caused by N-SAIDs, APAP, etc - look it up in Wikipedia. You would need different tests for that.

I'll explain more later - just on mobile right now. Don't stress too much! Try not to take any APAP (you could do a CWE). And work on finding a good doctor.

Also are you constipated?
 
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