Medication

[Karicrow]

Stent - I had a heart attack in August and after 3 admissions to hospital was finally fitted with a stent. I am on lots of medication and wonder if it will soon be possible to come off some of it. It seems a bit like belt and braces with having to take aspirin and another blood thinner?

[Hidden]

Generally the aspirin stays and the other stops after 12 months, but only as advised by GP or Cardiologist.

Not sure what the ‘other’ one is that you are on, but it is probably to protect against potential clotting post op.

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

The majority of stents used are drug eluting stents which are coated with medication that is slowly released (eluted) to help prevent the growth of scar tissue in the artery lining. This helps the artery remain smooth and open, ensuring good blood flow. People who have drug-eluting stents need to take medications, such as clopidogrel or ticagrelor, to reduce the risk of stent clotting for at least one year after the stent is inserted. This is normally for 1 year, after which the risk of scar tissue is considered to be very small, although the medication can sometimes be prescribed for up to 3 years. After 1 year you will normally go down to taking aspirin, this is very much standard procedure for anyone who has been stented.

[JennyRx in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Weirdly the drug used in drug eluting stents is the same I took in big doses as chemo. Not sure how I feel about that

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to JennyRx]

Is that paclitaxel? Just done a bit of searching around and come up with that drug.

[JennyRx in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Yes. It’s used in chemotherapy. So I was surprised to see it again.

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to JennyRx]

Me too! Learnt something today - really wouldn't have made that connection.

[JennyRx in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

It’s certainly intriguing how they find all these varying applications for drugs. I wonder which came first.

[Shockedwithstent in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

In my case I had to have another angiogram after 1.5 years to find out that I had narrowing near the stent area. That was very disappointing. Apparently it can happen in 10% of patients - unfortunately I am one of those

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to Shockedwithstent]

Sorry to hear that happened to you. It must be very upsetting to find that the procedure that should fix a problem has failed. Hope you're doing well now.

[Shockedwithstent in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Thank you

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

ACE/ARB medication besides lowering blood pressure appear to slow the progression of kidney disease and atherosclerosis. Although my BP is well controlled by Bisoprolol as a diabetic I am perscribed a low dose of Lisinopril (an ACE) to protect the kidneys.

[Hidden]

Most of the medication will be for life. The blood thinners are stopped usually after 1 year except for aspirin. That'll be for life too. Buy a dossette box. Make the most of it, it's a pain but at least they can medicate nowadays. Keep smiling ☺️

[Karicrow in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - I do have a 'pill box' that is divided up with 7 days supply which is easier to manage and I do that for each week. I'll soldier on and keep taking them! Many thanks for all the comments.

[PeterpPiper]

I have come from being the guy who took NO medication the guy who rattles with tablets same as you. Plus Atorvastatin . To start with I hated it but as it’s now 9 months I have grown to “love” my medications and would be worried when I have to stop some... grow to love your meds .. they are there to help you ;;))

[JennyRx in reply to PeterpPiper]

Yep. I went from one very low dose bp med to seven meds.

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to PeterpPiper]

Yes me too. Never taken anything prior to heart attack. Was seriously shocked when the pharmacist introduced me to a carrier bag full of medicines prior to being discharged from hospital - I went very quiet, to the point that she asked if I was OK! Took a few months to get used to the new regime of taking pills at various times of the day, but now happily accept that all these pills are needed to me to feel fine..

[Karicrow]

Thank you for your reply it is reassuring to know that it is necessary to be taking all this medication. When I had the stent put in the doctor said he had 'fixed it' and I shouldn't have any trouble with the smaller ones which I thought meant I was o.k. but realise now that he was probably thinking that I would be on medication to keep those clear. I am grateful for all the replies - it really helps to hear of other people's experiences.Best wishes to all.