Hi,

I've been feeling a little short of breath for about a month and have been very tired since my 2 level Pro Disc in June. Now I've started getting achy joints in my feet and hands. I'm also having a problem with edema in my ankles and legs and slightly elevated BP.

My six month check up with surgeon went fine, xrays looked great. Back feels good, it's the rest of me that's having problems now.

My primary care Dr. ran a Metabolic Panel on me and also ran an ANA.

My ANA came back positive and the dr. said that it indicated a potential auto immune disorder. I had one other test result that was elevated, ALT (SGPT) was 64, normal range <45. Everything else was within normal range.

I'm curious whether or not this could be caused by medication?

I take Baclofen, Norvasc, Zyrtec, Estrasorb and Spironolactone on a daily basis and right now am on Cefuroxime for a sinus infection.

About 8 years ago I went through Hep B vaccinations and then had a booster a couple of years ago.

Anyone have any ideas? I've been referred to a rheumatologist for follow up and am waiting. The first appointment is in two months.

Thanks in advance,

Gem

Gem, I don't know anything about your question, I just wanted to say I'm sorry this is happening. For so many spineys, it seems that when it rains, it pours. Like the old blues line... if they didn't have bad luck, they wouldn't have any at all.

I hope this all turns out to be not too serious.

Take care... please keep us posted.

Mark

Gem,
An ALT of 64 is not extremely elevated. Were the rest of your liver enzymes okay?

ALT (SGPT) can mean there is a problem with your liver-possibly autoimmune since the other test was positive (ANA). But, ALT can be elevated for quite a few reasons since it is found in muscle tissue, pancreas and kidneys (but mainly liver). For example, if you over exerted your muscles your ALT would be elevated. It would probably need to be checked again to see if there is a trend.

Now for the drug aspect-your antibiotic Cefuroxime or Zyrtec actually could cause your liver enzyme to be elevated. This is not common but would be possibility.

Also, Norvasc,Zyrtec, Estrasorb, Cefuroxime all have a small chance (like a vast number of drugs) of causing hepatitis.

A rheumatologist will probably be able to shed some light on the problem. Have you tried calling to see if they would call you if they have a cancellation?

I know that is nothing definitive, but hope it helps-
Pharmercoon
(registered pharmacist)

Hi Mark,

I know what you mean. I'm trying to remain positive until I get some definitive answers.

Gem

Hi Pharmercoon,

I've asked to be put on the cancellation list, so hopefully will be able to get in earlier.

The rest of the results were within normal ranges the only flags were the ANA and ALT. I'm hoping that it's an easy fix, such as a medication that could be changed.

I'm supposed to go back the week after Christmas and get another panel done. I'll be off the antibiotics by then.

Thanks,

Gem

Hi Gem,

The shortness of breath and lower extemity edema is concerning too. Looking at your meds diuretic and BP med - did the doc look at anything cardiac related?

Hi Poncho,

I had shortness of breath right after my surgery, also had normal EKG. My int. med Dr. attributed the shortness of breath to inadequate pain control.

It went away after a couple of months and then started again. I have been back at the office working full time for about a month and a half which is causing me some discomfort with all the driving and sitting. Before that I was working at home part time and in the office part time.

I don't think they've considered anything besides sending me to see the rheumatologist. I'll bring it up next week. Thank you for the suggestion.

Gem