My Handi-Capable Reporter       Volume  8  Issue 3

February 2003

CHANGING PESSMISM TO OPTIMISM

 

We'd like to introduce you Suzi Elvey, 'in her own words'.

Hi my name is Suzi and I'm writing this article so that I can share my experience of using a drug called Compazine with you. When this drug came out on the market in 1964 my family doctor prescribed it for a nervous stomach condition I had. Whenever I'd get nervous at work or from being under a lot of stress I would get an upset stomach. My doctor said that this drug would relax my stomach muscles so I wouldn't feel nauseas and that I could take it twice a day as needed. Between 1964 and 1985 three different doctors prescribed this drug for me on a regular basis. Whenever I'd run out I'd refill the prescription so I'd have it if I needed it.

One evening in 1984 my Mom asked me "What's wrong with your eyes, they are twitching a lot!" I hadn't even noticed them doing this until she said something. I ignored it for a long time. Then one morning in May of 1985 I got up to get ready for work and noticed in the mirror that my jaw had dropped and looked funny. I tried to brush my teeth and my jaw wouldn't stay straight. I got really scared! I remember that day at work so well because I had to answer phones and I had to hold my jaw up with one hand and hold the phone with the other. People couldn't understand what I was saying. It was so embarrassing and I was really worried because I couldn't figure out what was happening to me. I couldn't chew food or drink from anything unless I held my chin up with my hand, my muscles were gone. Speaking was a big problem and as the days went by it kept getting worse.

I went to two doctors for an evaluation, neither of them knew what was wrong with me nor did they know what to do to help me. One doctor thought that I might have a brain tumor. They just didn't know what was making my eyes and jaw spasms.

On October 9, 1985 I woke up when my alarm went off and I couldn't move my neck. I'd been sleeping on my back with my head lying on the pillow facing my right shoulder. I was really scared; I didn't know what to do. I finally got out of bed, but my head stayed lying on my shoulder. I had a difficult time putting on my makeup and fixing my hair. Then I thought, "How am I going to drive from Torrance to Long Beach to the office!" I can't move my neck, how will I see to drive. I was a nervous wreck on the 405 freeway. It was very scary, I couldn't turn my neck at all, it just wouldn't move.

I finally got to the office, but I was worn out mentally. My Boss looked at me and said that I needed to go back home right away and see a doctor. That turned out to be my very last day of work. I kept getting worse. A couple of days went by and I went to see my ear, nose, and throat doctor, Dr. Weiss. He told me whatever you do don't let any doctor give you a drug called Compazine. I was in shock when he said this to me. I told him my story and he said to stop taking the Compazine and never take it again. He couldn't believe that I'd been taking Compazine on a regular basis for 20 years. He said it should only be given for a short term, never for a long period of time.

I went to see a Neurologist. I told him what Dr. Weiss said to me. The Neurologist did some research and found out that Dr. Weiss was right; Compazine for short term is ok, but very dangerous if used long term like I'd been doing. After he finished his studies he said that I have what is called Tardive Dyskinesia, which means involuntary movement of the muscles, the muscles spasm uncontrollably and there is no medication that can stop this. I even went to UCLA Medical Center to meet with their group of Neurologists. They had never seen anyone as bad as I was with this condition. They told me that I would be like this for the rest of my life. I was in constant pain and taking Tylenol #3. I started going to a Biofeedback Therapy doctor and after 5 years of being like this things started reversing.

One morning I woke up and my neck was back to normal. It was a Miracle! Then a month later my jaw was ok and a couple of weeks later my eyes stopped twitching.

I hope by telling you my story of using Compazine the wrong way I can help someone else be aware of how dangerous this drug can be if misused.