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
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This is so sad because Jim was so young and full of life. He had been sick for a long time and it makes me sad because I just assumed it was really the methadone. Knowing that he really was sick and it was the sickness that took his life, I wish more than anything I would have pushed him harder to go to the doctors, a different doctor than he had been going to. I know back in August he had his doctor check him out and run blood work on him because he wasn't feeling well. I wonder why the doctor didn't see this and take him off of the medication?
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think general blood test don't always show specific things. I think Dr.'s should check MORE things than the general ones more often. Especially if the person has ongoing symptoms. I don't know this for sure, but from my understanding, Dr.'s have to request certain tests to see a bigger picture. It is so sad. Thank you Uncle Glenn for sharing this information. I love you all!
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