QuestionI guess I did not ask my question properly. I do have a cardio doctor and he is the one that told me yesterday that I have the begining of heart failure. He said it might have to do with the diet pills that I have used over the past 10 years for energy. I have mitral valve regurgetation with alittle back flow. I have been getting chest pains for the last month or two. He also told me that he does think that I have asthma or ever have. (He is a new doctor) He belives that it is the diet pills. I am a 100% disabled vet so I can only see veteran doctors and can not afford to pay out of my pocket for a civilian doctor. My question is did diet pills also have the drug that is know as phen phen in them?
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I am a 37 year old male that has been treated for asthma for the past 10 years. Nothing ever showed up on xrays. My health has gotten worse over the past year. Today my doctor told me he thinks that I am in the early stages of heart failure. A few years ago they noticed that the right side of my heart has not been working as it is suppose to. I have a lot of chest pains and a lot of shortness of breath. Today I told him that I have used over the counter diet pills for energy since I left the military (1995) I recently stopped because of my health and a other reasons. Could I have done this by taking over the counter diet pills? Did they have Phen Phen in the ones you could buy over the counter? (Stacker-Spike-Hydroxy Cut-Pep Time) I have taken a lot more but would have to thinnk about it for awhile to recall all of them. Thanks for your very important time. I have 3 young children and am scared to death of my outcome. Thanks agian
Brian Adrian
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Dear Brian,
Asthma has many effects on the heart. This may be the results of how your asthma has affected you. X-rays would have given your physician the ability to see the size of you heart and your lungs but not always provide information as to the capacity of the heart to functions. I would imagine they did other testing to establish the right sided
inefficiency. Usually they can determine that by a stress test and obtain your ejection fraction.
If your physician cannot give you answers about the medications you have taken (over the counter) I would suggest discussing this with your pharmacist. They have the best knowledge for this information.
Do not take any medications before speaking with your physician.
What does the Dr. say about your chest pains and SOB? Have you have a cardiac work-up? Cardiac Catheterization? Are you seeing a cardio-pulmonary specialist. That would be my suggestion.
Don't be scared but don't settle for any old answer. Be pro-active in your care. There many good medical facilities with very knowledgeable physicians. Duke University, Emory, etc. Seek good medical treatment, it is worth the time and effort.
Let me know how you are doing.
Best wishes,
Diane
Answeri found a web site that might help you with this answer.
It is http://www.diet-pill-report.com/stacker3.htm
You should be able to research most over the counter diet pills there
Continue to be proactive with your care. Sometimes the VA needs a little push!
