AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
I've been suffering gastrointestinal problems that defy diagnosis for a little over a year. Symptoms have included acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, pain in the upper and lower abdomen, anal pain, etc. Since beginning a regimen of large intakes of fiber pills (Benefiber# about 6 weeks ago, I am quite regular and usually have 2-5 semi-soft stool bowel movements per day. I RARELY HAVE ACID REFLUX - INDEED, I'VE NOT HAD IT FOR NEARLY A YEAR. Unfortunately, all my pain symptoms continue, albeit from time to time they disappear for a day or two.
To date I have been through all the usual GI diagnostics and some extra without finding a diagnosis for my problem or a treatment that gives me any relief. I therefore suffer some kind of upper and lower GI pain every day.
At this point my specialist says he knows nothing else to try and that my state provides no center where I might be referred for more advanced diagnostics. Only biofeedback has emerged - it was recommended for "accidents." Having had only 2 in a year I can't get excited about this recommendation - my doctor agrees.
I have been taking vicodin regularly for a little over three years following a spinal fusion #2006#, a shoulder replacement #2007#, and another spinal fusion #2008#. I take 6-8 tablets per day - 20 mg. #10 mg. vicodin, 325 acetaminophen) every 4 to 6 hours. At 10 p.m. I take 2 ten milligram tablets with one 2 mg. lorazepam and usually sleep through the night. I am awakened by pain but do not resume my pain treatment until 10 a.m.
If I awaken during the night, I have found that I can go back to sleep by taking one more 2 mg. lorazepam tablet. My back pain is usually quite severe by 10 a.m.
I am 73 years old.
I shall greatly appreciate any advice you might be able to provide.
Answer Dear Robert
It may be better taking anothe Vicodin table too at this time as this may solve the development of the severe pain by 10 am. The Vicodin should also help with the GI pain and decrease the movements. You may be better taken hydromorphone or oxycodone on its own rather than with acetaminophen. Ask you doctor about this then it is easier to increase the dose, if needed.
