CONTINUATION OF THE 300 MGS ASPERIN . . .

[WardijaWardija]

Thank you, all of you, who responded to my post about the taking of soluble Aspirin 300mgs when my angina starts to come on. Your comments have been noted.

Firstly, I am living in Malta EU. The treatment of heart disease, especially the attitudes, varies from that of the UK in quite a few different ways, which I won't bore you with.

So I'm pleased to say that after many years here, I am returning back home to the UK in the new year, subject to being fit to fly !

With regard to taking the high dose aspirin, this is based on what happened to me when I was last in the UK (September). I collapsed in a well known supermarket, due to an angina attack, the emergency services were called as staff feared I was having a heart attack. When the paramedics arrived, amongst other things they did, they gave me soluble Aspirin 300mgs. By the time we arrived at the hospital, I was feeling considerably better.

This is why I do, what I do - the fact that the nitrate medication and under tongue spray, is totally ineffective to me, in fact the spray makes my symptoms more severe - there is nothing else I can do.

So, I'm left with absolutely nothing, to deal with these angina attacks that happen to me on a daily basis, following the mildest level of exertion. I know due to experience, that if I can just sit down for 15 minutes or so, the angina attack passes.

As an aside, I've just returned from the hospital, where I called in to the Cardiology Department to ask as to what was the next step for me, having recently been told I needed a further PCI - and then a week later being told I was no longer on the list ?????

Today's opinion, as they obviously, vary from day to day, week to week, was today given to me by a receptionist. I was told, Yes, I'm on the list for additional stent/s, but that won't be till after my next routine appointment with the Consultant in March 2020 . . .

So in the meantime, what to do when the angina strikes ??

Other than to call an ambulance, each and every day, when I feel an attack coming on. I don't need the response of an ambulance as I know the attack passes, and substantially quicker, if I take the high dose aspirin.

The receptionist gave me the standard Maltese response, a shrug off the shoulders and a " I don't know" - helpful as ever . . . !!

So, I'm going to write a letter to my consultant and will advise her as to the Aspirin issue, and take it in by hand later this week, as I feel like I have just been left in limbo . .

I'll keep you posted 🌹 Thank you one and all

[Sunnie2day]

I followed the other discussion with great interest. I take a daily morning 300mg aspirin with my Bisoprolol 1.25mg - and it works amazingly well for me, my angina attacks are few and far between now and I haven't felt this good in years! I also carry a 300mg 'just-in-case' tab to chew if the GTN doesn't work and I'm then waiting for an ambulance. Too, I sometimes need 2x300mg tabs to get through the more painful days (too many conditions to list here but trust me they can cause significant pain and aspirin is the only non-prescription thing that touches it) - with no problems and I've been doing it for decades now.

Clearly, high dose aspirin works for some and for others it causes problems.

I'm a little confused - are you returning permanently to the UK in 2020? So are you going to wait to register and be seen here, or are you waiting until your booked appointments there in Malta before returning home permanently?

[WardijaWardija in reply to Sunnie2day]

Hi Sunny2day. Sorry for the delay in replying, I've only just read your message, been firefighting other issue's. . .

Your response gave me both comfort and hope, especially to find another Heartie who swears by the taking of 300mgs of Asprin.

Despite writing to my Cardiologist as per my last post, she has not even given me the courtesy of a reply. My letter cleared stated what action I was taking with the aspirin, to elievate my angina attacks, so she can't be that concerned can she. . .?

In answer to your question - yes, I plan to return to the UK in mid-january so frankly speaking, unless something goes badly wrong with me between then and now, No I won't be having anything further to do with the Maltese Health System. I'd rather wait and get a proper diagnosis, as I was waiting for a diagnosis regarding Micro-vascular angina and I have been left hanging, so I don't know one way or the other. I do know however that I do have all the recognised symptoms and the GTN spray does NOTHING for me.

Fortunately I am moving back to an area that is within the remit of The John Radcliffe Hospital, and already made contact with them. They said they would be more than happy to see me. So at least I have hope.

Thank you again for your support 🌹

[Sunnie2day in reply to WardijaWardija]

Please let us know when you're back in Britain so we can welcome you home

[WardijaWardija in reply to Sunnie2day]

Most certainly will. Wishing you a day filled with peace 🌹

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi. Try taking a couple of paracetamol. As mentioned in the other thread it sounds like you’re benefiting from the pain killing element in the drug. You were given an aspirin (to chew on?) when you collapsed just in case there was a clot that was giving you a heart attack. The large dose aspirin would help to stop a clot getting bigger and might even make it smaller. An angina attack is different from a heart attack.

As mentioned in the other thread you have to be careful with taking more aspirin as it can counteract other meds you might be on. And if you’re taking a lot of them you could be more susceptible to a stomach bleed.