Expert: Michalene Peticca - 10/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: I did a search today to see what effect Darvocet would have on an Alzheimers patient. One of your reponses came up about a woman in obvious pain in her leg. Tou told the husband to continue the Darvocet and add some Tylenol. What are you thinking? Darvocet has up to 650mg of Tylenol in it. You should stay away from thinking you are a doctor, that takes much more than an M.A.and you can really do some damage with this kind of advice.

ANSWER: Doug,

I have no idea what you are talking about.....can you reference what date i sent that note?

Thank you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Robin,
Thank you for writing.  It is wonderful that your family is so involved with your mother and are seeking several avenues of help for her.

What is typical about Alzheimer's disease is that is is so "atypical"...that is, each person that experiences the disease does so in a very individual way; although there are specific symptoms/characteristics that are specific to the disease.

Since Alzheimer's is a Brain disease, the brain is physically shrinking.  My thoughts have Always been that the individual MUST be having some pain as the disease progresses.   Therefore, Yes, i feel your mom truly is having pain.  However, it would be highly unusual (but not improbable) that her pain would be directly focused in her knee/leg area.

While it is true that the Alzheimer's person's brain deteriorates in sections (memory section, language section, etc.), i think you would notice an Overall motor skill deficit.  It would affect both legs, or one side of the body (like as if the person had a stroke), etc.

Please remember i am not a physician, but it would certainly be worth looking into checking your mother's Sciatic nerve or if she is having beginnings of Osteoporosis that would "mimic" or radiate to knee/leg pain.

I would be careful with the amount of pain medication as that can lead to delirium, which would exacerbate the Alzheimer's.   Please keep getting 3rd,4th,5th physican opinions as to the root of the cause and provide Tylenol as an additive with the Darvocet.

Best Regards and help for your Mom!,
Michalene Peticca M.A.  

Answer
"Please remember that i am not a physician" is clearly noted.

"Please keep getting 3rd....physician opinions..." is clearly noted.

the Tylenol w/ the Darvocet was already ordered by a physician and we were discussing....please re-read  Robin's entire message again.  

I did nothing unprofessional nor out of line.   Please do not contact me again Doug.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA