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liver(?) pain, tightness in legs I think is unrelated

Sent to Health Experts August 16 2006 at 4:14 PM
   

Pain in what feels like my liver. Started yesterday, getting worse but not severe pain. Not really sensitive to the touch, but if I bend or move wrong (like compressing lower right ab) some sharp pain. General dull ache that seems to outline a large object under my ribs. I made an appointment in 7 days. Is this something that can wait safely that long? Any treatment for the pain in the meantime?

Not a drinker (rare drink) but on depakote.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on August 16 2006 at 4:20 PM

 

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Male , Age: 38

Already Tried:
nothing except complaining to wife!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
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August 16 2006 at 4:40 PM (26 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
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Have you been on the depakote for very long? There is a problem with depakote causing liver failure, but usually within the first 6 months of treatment and usually in children, the risk decreases as the age gets higher. The liver is located up under the ribs on the right side of the abdomen. If you can actually feel it, it is enlarged. I would call the doc who prescribed the depakote and see what the chances are of seeing him if you can't bump up the other appointment. Mybe he can check the level of the valproic acid in the bloodstream and be sure you aren't overdosed (valproic acid is the depakote level). You should have liver enzymes drawn (bloodwork), and an abdominal ultrasound to see the size of the liver and the condition of the gall bladder as another source of the discomfort. You may need to switch the depakote ot some other med. Don't stop taking it until you speak with the ordering physician, though!

For the pain, I would try to do without meds if you can, since both tylenol and ibuprofen can damage the liver as well. No alcohol please!


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August 16 2006 at 4:57 PM (16 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
Reply to Judy's Post: Thanks. Been on depakote >2 years only 750mg.

Doc is a Psych with no lab. I just wanted to make sure I didn't need to go to the emergency room.

Heat and Ice don't seem to help, but I will avoid pain meds.
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