Medical Examiner's Opinion

The following is the opinion of the Snohomish County Medical Examiner in regard to my son's passing.

"In consideration of the circumstances surrounding his death, the available medical history, and the internal and external examination of the body, the death of this 31 year old male, case 08SN3894, is fatty matamorphosis of the liver (hepatic steatosis) and acute exudative pneumonia. Methadone prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain is a significant contributory condition. the manner of death is NATURAL."
Signed Carl Wigren, M.D. Asso Medical Examiner

In reviewing the report in regard to pneumonia, his right lung, being full of fluid was over two times heavier than his left lung. The presumed cause of his liver disease was the long term use of pain controlling products containing acetaminophen. My son was a very sick man and we did not know it. He continued to complain of pain in his stomach and tried to control it by all means he could. If we had only known of his condition we might have prevented his untimely death by taking him to get medical help.

Hopefully this will serve as a caution to those who have chronic pain to visit their health provider at regular intervals and have check-ups. Once again the danger of physicians haphazardly perscribing these powerful pain controlling drugs raises its ugly head.

Jimmy's Dad