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Link between Dilantin and hepatitis?
by Ketzel, Jan 05, 2003 12:00AM
Yesterday I was rushed to hospital with severe upper abdominal pain, that seemed to be linked to my having just taken a Tylenol #3. I have had sporadic abdominal pain before, but never this intense. Long story short, they did a bunch of blood tests and discovered that my liver enzymes were hugely elevated; the ultrasound showed ascites around the liver. I don't have a gallbladder, but they checked for stones in the common bile duct -- nada. My diagnosis at this point is "hepatitis", and I'm waiting for the results of blood tests to discover what kind, etc.
Meanwhile, though, I've been thinking. I've been taking Dilantin (phenytoin) for complex partial seizures for about 7.5 years now. About 15 months ago, in the course of another abdominal surgery, a liver biopsy was performed, and showed that I had "moderate to severe fatty liver". However, as I was very overweight at that time, it was attributed to my weight. I have since lost all my excess weight.
In the past few months, I've had several episodes, sometimes lasting several days, in which anything I ate would cause severe cramping, griping pain under my sternum. It would last a couple of hours, then subside gradually. I'm now wondering a) whether my liver problem could be linked to the Dilantin I take, and b) whether this is all part of the same clinical picture -- i.e., gastric distress caused by liver damage. Any ideas?
Meanwhile, though, I've been thinking. I've been taking Dilantin (phenytoin) for complex partial seizures for about 7.5 years now. About 15 months ago, in the course of another abdominal surgery, a liver biopsy was performed, and showed that I had "moderate to severe fatty liver". However, as I was very overweight at that time, it was attributed to my weight. I have since lost all my excess weight.
In the past few months, I've had several episodes, sometimes lasting several days, in which anything I ate would cause severe cramping, griping pain under my sternum. It would last a couple of hours, then subside gradually. I'm now wondering a) whether my liver problem could be linked to the Dilantin I take, and b) whether this is all part of the same clinical picture -- i.e., gastric distress caused by liver damage. Any ideas?
Member Comments (2)
by Hrsply, Feb 18, 2008 02:10PM
To: Ketzel
I have been taking Dilantin for quite a few years now for Grandmal seziures. I have been having the same pain I believe. i always just linked it to something I ate or some new flu bug going around. I have been to the Patient Care facility in our area, they told me I was constipated and gave me a stool softener. That was not what these pains were, and they were quite severe. Related???
by mj93705, Feb 20, 2008 05:01PM
To: everyone
I am scared, for about a month or more now I have had severe pain in my left abdomen just under my rib, it is so bad that I really cna;t take it and I have a very high pain tolerence normally. But this is too much, years ago I was dignosed with a "Herna" and I hope thats all that this is. the pain is so intense, if I reach my arms above my head its horrible. I have seen a Dr. who said it was my stomach and sent me in for blood work, now they called today and have refered me out to a Gastrointrolist a stomach specialist (i don't know how to spell it) anyway I have to have a test called a "EGD" and have no clue what that is, what are they checking for? I guess I should include that in about 6 months I have also had other symtoms My stomach is hard/swollen and I have gained bout 30 lbs, and usually run a low grade fever,and I am always tired, at first they told me I had "MONO" I don't know if I do or not. but if anyone knows anything this might be please write me with advice I need some help, as I said I am really scared.
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