Opiates and cellulitis ?

[Bubbalover]

So I have chronic Pain from multiple fractures in my spine that I discovered after they were healed, T12 L1-5 and a few herniated discs in my neck. My Drs prescribe my oxycodone which I'm EXTREMELY careful with taking considering all the recent negative news surrounding the "opioid epidemic". It seems like towards the end of the month ( my script) I start to get a cellulitis infection , either always in my ankles /feet or starts at my left knee but I'm wondering if there's a correlation between the two? Or if anyone else has experienced this. I have APLS , Diagnosed I a mini stroke 18 years ago I'm 33 yrs old now, and I also have recurring Seizures that rarely occurre w warning. Taking a high dose of warfarin 15 rotation w 12, topamax and trileptal as well. I also have mitral valve regurgitation and Essential hypertension taking 50metoperol and 5 of Lisinopril bc of BP was recently getting out of control... At a recent apt it was 180/117... anyone have any input or feed back?? over the last 12 months I've had cellulitis over 6 timea. ANY FEEDBACK is appreciated!! Thanks everyone!! Happy Holidays!!

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, that sounds tough, what does your main Hughes Syndrome/APS specialist have to say about this? I know with autoimmune disease it does make you more prone to infection.

As mentioned under your previous post, I have a history of Cellulitis, in fact recently had it, probably triggered by another infection I had which was serious. However in general I get it much less since I have a) treated my thyroid, having ordered far more detailed tests a few years back b) got decent levels of Folate, Ferritin and B12, c) got my vitamin D up to a good level etc, it all aids healing for myself. Basically with things like Hughes Syndrome/APS, we are at risk of weakened immune systems so it can make infections more likely.

I hope you can get some help for this, and get better as quickly as possible. MaryF

[Bubbalover in reply to MaryF]

I stopped seeing my rheumo bc he wasn't physically treating me, he was just SEEING me and taking blood and was really only seeing me bc he was solely looking for APLS patients for a study but never prescribed me any medicine. And he wasn't local or easy to get an appointment with. My PCP prescribes my warfarin and watches my INR / I have coagusense ( INR machine) that my father purchased bc he has heart disease, and we’ve compared the #s to the coagucheck XS which is most commonly used and the #s match up so I can test at home but I am still trying to get my own machine bc the lanclets and test strips are $$$. I’m gonna speak with my pcp tmrw about it. I had 2 seizures last week so I’m going in for an MRI this week and a48 hr EEG once I get the prior authorization.. and still looking for a new cardio for this high BP.. it’s just been overwhelming honestly... so much to deal with at once.. and I know that it’ll effect my driver’s license I live in NY and I’ve already been part of the medical review program where your dr has to send the dmv a letter stating that your OK to drive

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Bubbalover]

Perhaps you need another Hughes Syndrome/APS consultant, perhaps indicate your area on here, and people may recommend others. Best wishes. MaryF

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

I am sorry to read this news.

You need to see a spinal surgeon regarding the herniation which would also include a MRI to see the extent of the damage.

If you are in pain, you need pain relief. I do understand as I am currently recovering from a 3rd major spinal operation. No one can live in pain as there is no quality of life.

Unfortunately, some people are prone to cellulitis especially with a compromised immune system.

Most urgent for you are your seizures & heart problems. It’s important that your APS is under control!

With good wishes,

Ros

[MaryF Administrator in reply to lupus-support1]

I agree. I hope you can reach out for another specialist and take into account the advice from lupus-support1 MaryF

[Tucson]

Never had cellulitis and been on high dose of Morphine for years.