But itchy

[vgqn]

While we were watching a movie tonight, I was scratching my ankles, scratching my thighs, scratching my arms, scratching my back, basically scratching all over my body. It suddenly occurred to me that this was more than the usual, occasional itchiness, and you know, I'm taking some new drugs, aren't I? Could it be an allergic reaction or side effect?

Yep, turns out that itchy skin is a common side effect of Percocet. So I checked with the on-call doctor, and I'll be switching over to Vicodin for my next dose. At least I know I'm okay with that one.

ETA: I forgot to mention that the on-call doctor was the first gynecologist that I went to, the one that wanted to do a full incision hysterectomy! I was a little taken aback at first, but then I thought a) she sees so many patients, I doubt she remembers me by name; and b) even if she does remember me, what's wrong with her finding out that Dr. Graven successfully treated me laparoscopically? In fact, I rather think she ought to know, and also that she should refer patients to Dr. Graven for laparoscopy instead of insisting on doing full incision hysterectomies herself. Harrumph.

Comments

[spikeiowa.livejournal.com]

Yikes! Well done, figuring it out quickly.

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

I think she ought to know, too. In fact, I think you would do some other women a favor if, when you're feeling up to it, you wrote her a VERY polite letter telling her of your subsequent successful treatment.

[vgqn.livejournal.com]

Hmm, that's a thought. Although, since Dr. Graven hasn't been able to convince her, I'm not sure a letter from a mere patient would make much difference. When I talked with Dr. Graven, she said about the first gyn, "I've worked with her! I would have done the laparoscopy with her!"

[fishlifter.livejournal.com]

All the best for your recuperation; and yes, I'd also vote for polite letter to the first doctor...

Reference to Vicodin now always reminds me of House, of whom you would otherwise never make me think at all!

[don-fitch.livejournal.com]

I hesitate to suggest that the first one might just enjoy freehand carving, but.... (Actually, I suspect it might be part of an old tradition of surgical training that involves poking around, once the patient has been opened up, to check and see if there's anything else wrong that can be taken care of.)

[emerdavid.livejournal.com]

There was a discussion of cutting versus lapro in an episode of "Grey's Anatomy" (which has medical professionals on hand as consultants to the writing staff), and the argument for major incisions (at least in some cases) actually made sense -- can't remember precisely, but it was something about a lower risk level under certain conditions.

[vgqn.livejournal.com]

I can certainly believe there are times when full incision is a better choice. I also believe that my first doc was honestly making her best recommendation. Plus if she isn't comfortable operating laparoscopically, I certainly wouldn't want her to do so. The only thing I might fault her for is not acknowledging that someone else (such as my second doc, whom she apparently knows well) might be more willing to operate laparoscopically and referring me to her, so I'd have an option. I mean, I did have an option, clearly, but I had to pursue it on my own, and was frankly just lucky that I knew about Dr. Graven.

itching

[emerdavid.livejournal.com]

I sometimes take Vicodin for my migraines, or if I've hurt my back again, and I notice that about the time it's due to wear off I get itchy all over. So yes, it's a drug side-effect.

I remember hearing long ago about heroin addicts going cold turkey and one of the horros they had to endure was wanting to scratch themselves bloody because of the feeling of bugs all over their skin. I guess our reactions to Vicodin and Percocet are milder versions of that.

Re: itching

[vgqn.livejournal.com]

Happily Vicodin doesn't make me itch, only Percocet. For me the itching is while the drug is working, not when it's wearing off, but I could believe it's related. The on-call doc said I could take Benadryl for the itching if I wanted.