Question following serious medical condition

[varices]

Hi,

This is my first time here, I'm happy to have discovered 'BHF' who are almost certainly best to answer my query:

I was diagnosed with 'Extra Hepatic Portal Hypertension' as an infant (59 years ago), I suffered with regular haematemesis all through my childhood, until having previously had a partial Gastrectomy and Splenectomy, 2 Portal Shunts, surgeons turned the partial Gastrectomy in to a TOTAL which reduced the amount of occurrences drastically, although I still had the occasional bleed due to 'oesophageal varices'. These were finally got under control, when I managed to get myself on to the patient list with the fabulous Professor Michael Farthing, who had been appointed as head of Gastroenterology at Bart's hospital in London. Prof. Farthing began to conduct 3-monthly endoscopy checks, since when I've only had 3 or 4 bleeding episodes, all cured using endoscopic sclerotherapy.

Following a number of years in almost total remission, in 1996 I was diagnosed with severe anaemia and it was arranged that I would go in to hospital as a 'day-care' patient for an iron infusion. Unfortunately, things went badly wrong and I was given a massive overdose. That triggered an anaphylactic reaction, which wasn't treated quickly enough and later that day I had a massive stroke. The 1 day in hospital, became 8 months 3½ months of which I was in a coma. Anyway, that's a whole different story - but I must emphasize that although I was still under Prof. Farthing, he had absolutely NO INVOLVEMENT WHATSOEVER in the admin of the infusion, in-fact, he wasn't even at the hospital on the day it took place. To me, he is and always will be a virtual hero. It's a shame he is no longer practising front-line medicine. I now live in Suffolk and am no longer a patient in London.

I think it was important to reveal my medical history, as it most probably will affect whatever reply any professional will be able to give to my main question that I will now ask:

Having a history of bleeding, I am not able to take any drugs that thin the blood, how would this affect me if as I suspect, I am diagnosed with angina?

Thanks.

Jeff.

[Sususulio]

Jeff, what a story of resilience and recovery and hopefully your angina (if diagnosed) will be faced with similar determination. It’s pretty impossible for any of us to comment in terms of potential medication and interactions but as stories here example there are a variety of treatment options deployed to manage the condition.

You haven’t detailed your current (angina) symptoms/diagnosis or potential treatment.

I have a genetic condition which means I already needed to take anticoagulation meds and now my recent diagnosis has added anti platelets so not the best combination, but have been assured that the benefit outweighs the risk. Medication and it’s management is changing all the time and I am sure that as investigations continue you will be given more detailed advice I agree that you need to be informed and able to advocate for yourself moving forward but maybe it will be clearer when a full diagnosis is made?

[varices in reply to Sususulio]

Hi SusieAG

Thanks for your reply. I must admit I'm at a bit of a crossroads just now, I'm totally unsure whether I want to go on with any kind of medical intervention, I've been in/out of hospital for getting on 60 years now, and to be honest, I think I've had enough. Most of the doctors I've seen during the last 10 years have been totally useless if I'm honest. My condition is so rare that very few seem to understand or have any prior knowledge, and I've been given so many misdiagnosis with things like pain, by those who think they know best, that I'm more often than not, totally disillusioned. I always say to any new doctors " while don't profess to be medically qualified in any way whatsoever, and I know nothing of any other conditions. Furthermore, I wholly respect that you are medically qualified, but I very much doubt you have ever come across my condition, in-fact, I know you haven't, because having formerly been a patient of a Professor who is widely regarded as one of the world authorities in Gastroenterology and Liver conditions, he told me categorically that as far as he is aware there is no other person with the exact same condition. Sure there are similar, but none the same who have had the same surgeries, or were diagnosed as an infant. He told me I am 100% 'a-typical, and my current consultant says exactly the same, he also admits (or rather tells me) that he hasn't ever seen or dealt with anybody like me, and he calls me 'the mystery-man' However, I have spent the majority of my adult life researching and reading medical studies - and not the type of thing you buy from your local bookshop. So, with every respect, I do consider myself to be the overall authority, and so-far I have mostly proved myself. So I am in a bit of an awkward position. Oh boy have I got a long story to tell, but before I send you to sleep, I'll say a cheery goodbye, and thanks again for writing.

Maybe if I haven't scared you off, I may hear from you again. Meantime, take care and I wish you good luck and health.

Regards.

Jeff.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Many people here have comorbidities which have to be addressed by their medical team. As you bleed easily it may be that blood thinners and anti-coagulants are deemed unnecessary. Sometimes a 75 mg aspirin every other day is prescribed where there is a high risk of bleeding. If you ever think your current condition is being overlooked just remind the consultant/nurse. I have Type I diabetes but had people (including hospital staff) assume I am Type II because I am middle aged!

[gal4God]

Ur cardiologist would kno wat drugs will help wiv ur coronary artery. I was born wiv a narrowing and had many stunts from a young age and had to have statins and blood tinnier swivel issues of which ones I can have due to allergic reactions and my heart condition.