health and narcotics?

[german41274]

how often should you have your liver and kidney function tested when taking hydrocodone for an extended period of time( 3 years). I have taken 5-20 mg a day, 10 mg being the norm, for about 2 years and my annual physicals & blood work say I'm fine. I'm just wondering how fast that can change and how often would it be considered wise to check. with all the aches and pains in my back I feel I wouldn't know if my kidneys were giving me pain as opposed to my back. Maybe this isn't even a concern with my dosage but I thought I'd ask.

[enough170]

if you are abusing your meds, you should get your liver tested, the paracetamol or i think you call it amp something is deadly to the liver.  damage to your liver can happen really quickly and once the damage is done, it can never be undone.

[german41274]

I don't abuse them. I probably take less than 1000 mg of acetaminophen a day. I was just concerned about the long term use for pain

[theeagle]

If you are limiting your intake to a thousand mg a day - and you are having yearly workups done - you should be in fine shape. You may consume up to 4000mg of acetminophen a day.  Probably better to stay as far under that as possible though.  

[braxto]

liver damage an be undone, is one of the only human organs that can actually regrow and repair itself. FYI

[theeagle]

Dont anyone count on liver regeneration to get past an acute overdose of acetaminophen. The damage is permanet and irreversible. The liver is an amazing organ and can do a lot for itself.- - - buit it cannot survive a serious misuse of acetaminophen. I have been a hepatic patient at the Mayo Clinic for 13 years and I have had a lot of time to look at this one. Acetaminophen overdose is the most common form of suicide in the Uk ........ dont try and take a chance.

[kim715]

Theeagle is right.I know someone who tried to end their life once by taking a certain over the counter sleep med.They took a whole bottle plus a few that were left in another one.They had to stay in the medical hospital for 3 days so the doctor could keep an eye on their liver.The doctor said that much acetaminophen could cause their liver to fail.

[enough170]

i am a nurse, and liver damage from acetaminophen is one thing that cannot be reversed i have seen first hand what it can do, and it aint pretty.