Alternative to Aspirin

[84green]

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with mild atherosclerosis two years OK. No HA or surgical intervention - and started on statin and aspirin. Already on ramapril for high BP. Type 2 diabetic but since losing a lot of weight have maintained normal blood sugar levels without medication for over a year now.

About six months after diagnosis started feeling very nauseous and experienced bad rib, chest and back ache. Initially thought it might be a side effect of statin. Was also getting fitter and losing weight and thought that might be a factor. This carried on for a year - mentioned to gp etc but no real help.

Mentioned it to my (very helpful) pharmacist who said he was surprised I wasn’t prescribed a PPI with my aspirin. At this point GP sent me for an endoscopy which diagnosed mild erosive gastritis. No H pylori and doctor stated diet as the cause. Have had diverticula flare ups in the past but none for many years since changing diet

Started a PPI and this has helped, especially with the nausea. It seems to have returned and I’m sure I have some GI bleeding (currently being investigated)

My instinct tells me that the aspirin may not have caused the gastritis but it has made the symptoms significantly worse. Ironic, as the net has plenty of stories on the side effects of statins.

Also beginning to think that many of the symptoms I thought might have been heart related were actually stomach related

I understand the benefits of aspirin for heart disease but I do believe it is a major factor in my GI symptoms.

I was wondering if anyone had similar experiences or aware of an alternative to aspirin that had the anti platelet benefits without the bleeding risks. Thanks

Best wishes

[Hidden]

I’ve been on a gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) 75 mg aspirin for over 20 years no problems whatsoever.

[Astronomyrules]

Hi 84 Green,

I am intolerant to asprin, though enteric asprin is much better for me than the one usually prescribed. I had to by mine as my GP said they cost more . Clopidogrel, which I've been on for 18 or so years is the standard antiplatelet Unfortunately, it too can attack the gut wall. I was prescribed Lanzoprazole as the PPi also around 18 years ago. No further bleeding episodes so it works for me. Maybe try enteric asprin and if you still have problems ask to change PPI , (there are many differnt ones), or to be switched to Clopidogrel, or even both

[Jonathan6766]

I've had a very similar experience with asprin (I think that the ezetemibe and a bout of novo virus also damaged my stomach lining). Switched to Clopidogrel and ppi. I still get the occasional flare-up that can last for weeks which I find very debilitating. Always unsure whether it's heart or gi and related, So I just keep checking in with my cardiologist.