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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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High WBC Count And Acid Level. Fluid-like Substance Collecting Under Skin In Pockets. Using Meth. Due To Drug Use?

There s something wrong with my dad. We don t know what it is and have been to so many doctors. They ve done blood work, skin and muscle biopsies and haven t found much. They have detected that he has a high white blood cell count and a high acid level. When they find out that he used meth, they chalk it up to an infection and toss him some medications and send him on his way. My dad has this..fluid..like stuff that collects under his skin and sits in these pockets, sorta. He tried to get them to release and it causes sores that are horrid and take forever to heal. Most of the Dr.s here in Vegas say that it doesn t have anything to do with the meth. My main question is that I know most people that use meth can get boils on their face and stuff. Is it possible that the meth caused boils on the inside of his body and maybe that high acid count is making it so they won t heal?
Tue, 2 Jul 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there ~

I understand your concerns. If your dad are using meth and has been doing so for a prolonged period of time using IV or inhaled route are very susceptible for skin infection and connective tissue as well as organ damage due to infection. I believe that your dad needs to be seen by an infectious disease specialist who along with consultation with a dermatologist will be able to give your dad the best possible solution. It may involve taking a detailed history, including that of substance use, getting a physical examination, running laboratory tests as well as possibly imaging studies before concluding together on the best course of action. He may ultimately need a psychiatric consultation as he probably would be a good candidate for substance use rehabilitation as well as to prevent withdrawals from the drug use.

I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!
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High WBC Count And Acid Level. Fluid-like Substance Collecting Under Skin In Pockets. Using Meth. Due To Drug Use?

Hi there ~ I understand your concerns. If your dad are using meth and has been doing so for a prolonged period of time using IV or inhaled route are very susceptible for skin infection and connective tissue as well as organ damage due to infection. I believe that your dad needs to be seen by an infectious disease specialist who along with consultation with a dermatologist will be able to give your dad the best possible solution. It may involve taking a detailed history, including that of substance use, getting a physical examination, running laboratory tests as well as possibly imaging studies before concluding together on the best course of action. He may ultimately need a psychiatric consultation as he probably would be a good candidate for substance use rehabilitation as well as to prevent withdrawals from the drug use. I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!