Post Stent Pain.

[Bennydog42]

Hi Everyone.

I had two stents fitted about 6 weeks ago. I've been relatively well since then. I'm on 5mg Ramipril, 75mg Clopidogrel, 2.5mg Bisoprolol, 75mg Aspirin, Adcal 4x750mg. Ive got the usual stent settling feelings. I've been building up my exercise, been doing about 2.5 miles brisk walking each day. Yesterday I started cardiac rehab course, which I enjoyed. I enjoyed it so much that I walked home. Pre stent, I was walking about 7 miles each day. I ended walking about 6.5 miles. Later, in the early evening I noticed that I was feeling dizzy, and slightly nauseous. I could also feel the stent settling feeling, which didn't go away like it normally does. It is now 24 hours later. I still feel the same. I spoke to one of the BHF nurses. She said that I should get it checked out if it's still there tomorrow, which I will. I just wonder if anyone has had a similar experience? I should mention that I'm a 58 year old man. Thank you in advance for any replies. Chris.

[Zena166]

Hi Chris. I had heart attack last June and had all sorts of pains and when I overdid it by doing too much it felt worse. So I then had to make the decision whether or not to seek help. So I either phoned 111/saw my GP/ went to A&E. One time they found my potassium was really low. Another time I had a virus. And a couple of times all was well. But they said that if in doubt I should seek help. I now feel I have better understanding of what my heart ‘s reaction is. So I guess I am saying seek help if in doubt. Hope all goes well for you. Take care and keep us posted. Zena

[Bennydog42 in reply to Zena166]

Thanks Zena. I now realise that I've had it comparatively easy compared to some people. I will contact my GP tomorrow. I think that sometimes part of my problems, are down to my meds. Dizziness, nausea etc.. Although I have good and bad days.. I forgot to mention in my post, that I'm on statins too. If I was to guess though, I'd say that it's the beta blockers that cause me the most problems. Even though I'm on a low dose compared to many people. Have to see what the GP says tomorrow about the mild pain in my chest. I told them about it at the rehab course. They weren't concerned. I thought that the stents would have bedded in by now.. Ah well, have to see what tomorrow brings.. I will update my post when I know something new.. Thanks, once again for replying. Chris.

[Zena166]

Hi Chris. None of this is easy is it. And it takes such a while to get your head round it as well as settling it physically. The medication is pretty intense. I had to introduce my meds by cutting them into a quarter And taking a quarter for a couple of days then a half then 3/4 for a few days until I tolerated them. Unfortunately I am back to square one as I have an allergy so am just trying to work out which one!! Always something!! I think 6 weeks is relatively recent it took mine several months to settle. Glad you’re seeing your GP. Take a list of questions! Statins are also quite heavy duty as well. Take things easy and stay strong. Zena

[Marco2764]

Hi Chris, I was exactly the same as you 10 weeks ago, same age, same treatment. You are going through a load of mixed feelings and finally hoping you are getting back on track at last, especially if you were fit before the stents

There will be good days and bad days for how will feel. You wonder at every twinge thinking what's that? It's great that you have been doing plenty of walking pre going on the cardio care regime so everything helps. There is a great temptation to try and push yourself to see what your body can do in theses sessions and you really have to listen to your body and exercise at a steady rate and not over do it.

The symptoms you describe are what I felt and still feel if I try to do too much or exercise for too long. Try train to a heart rate monitor to a reasonable level (90 - 100 bpm worked for me at 6 weeks ) it seems low but is plenty at that stage. And just listen to your body, if you over cook things your body soon reminds you, dizzy, nausea, tired plus I end having to do nothing for 1 or 2 days

It took me ages to realise that the only way I was going to get better was to train slow and steady and slowly build things up. I was used to going up mountains with my heart spinning at 140 + bmp before. I am just getting back to the hills now at 20 weeks

Meds may need tuning for you ax you go along but these are a very personal tolerance thing which only good chats with your GP can resolve.

You will get there, talk to your cardio care team, they are great

good luck.

[gal4God]

I’ve had too many stents and I’m young so kno wat stent pain feels like I use a hot water bottle to warm my belly wen it hurts. If I’ve had a stent just as I come to the time of the month I don’t kno the difference as they feel the same.