Having Celiac. Took Lasix For BP. Diagnosed With Lung Cancer. Getting Rashes Due To Celiac. Treatment?

Posted on Sat, 24 Aug 2013

Question: I have Celiac and a year ago I took 13 medications prior to diagnosis. We've whittled down my medications over this amount of time and the last pill was Lasix to control my BP. BP usually runs low now so 5 days ago I abruptly stopped my Lasix. My mother was just diagnosed with lung cancer and I am trying to stop smoking with her. I'm cold turkeying it and failing miserably. My attempt to cold XXXXXXX and stopping my Lasix began the same day. I thought my growing anxiety was due too stress from my mother's newfound illness and trying to quit at this stressful time. It just dawned on me abruptly stopping Lasix may be bothering me as well. I discovered online I should have weaned myself off. Three questions. 1) tomorrow will be day six off Lasix. Should I go back on it and wean myself off or am I in the home stretch and just try to stick it out? 2) should I take a chance with Chantix even though I'm now officially medication free and stop earlier than suggested before the chemicals get to me due to Celiac? 3) how can I stop the Celiac Rash? It's becoming out of control and spreading while eating GF and all natural, chemical free foods. Thank you for you help. It's much appreciated.

Sincerely,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Vakul Aren (2 hours later)

Thank you for using Health care Magic.I will answer your queries in the order that you asked them.
1.Since it has been five days of stopping Lasix,please do not go back and start again. Lasix will require tapering only if you have been on it for years.
2.If you are medication free and off smoking too,why do you want to start Chantrix?Please be strong and abstain from the drug and the tobacco.
3.It is really very difficult to control the Dermatitis herpetiformis unless you can achieve strict gluten control.You need to stop eating out,avoid all ready made foodstuff for fear of contamination with gluten.Dapsone is a drug which can help with the rash but it has its own side effects,your doctor or Dermatologist can guide you regarding its need/use.A strict gluten free diet will help eliminating the rash.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Vakul Aren (2 hours later)

I will take your advice and hang in there. Thing is, I am failing at being smoke free. I have had several today and realized I might need help. I absolutely despise the thought of taking another medication but its becoming clear to me I'm probably going to need help. Your encouragement does help however and I'll just try and hang in there. If I cannot what other options would you suggest, if any.

I was in Lasix for for 3 years.

Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Vakul Aren (4 hours later)

Lasix taken for 3 years is not significant.

Stopping smoking at your age cuts the cardiac risk by 40 %, risks of stroke, lung diseases and malignancy also go down significantly. You age increases by almost 3-4 years as shown by statistics. Being mentally strong and stopping smoking cold XXXXXXX would be the best. Cutting down offers no benefit. The lung function improves significantly after a year of stopping smoking and may recover to a large degree.

If you find yourself failing, getting counselling by a Psychiatrist/Therapist may be of value, medication may be added if required.

Hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need clarity.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad