Norovirus and meds

[Grenfell37]

Morning hearties,

I am now on day 3 of an aggressive bout of norovirus. Without being too graphic, I’ve not been able to keep anything inside, as soon as I take the meds they are back out again.

I’ve been on the normal cocktail of drugs since my HA and stent 10 months ago.

My heart rate has gone to over a 100 + which is normally between 58- 64 even during the night it has been constantly between 100-122 and my blood pressure 145/99 which is usually 130/76.

This has caused me some concern, how have other people managed this situation, I did think of ringing 911, but it seemed a trivial.

I am keeping up the fluids, I feel exhausted.

Thanks Deb

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Are you in the UK or US? 911 is North America's equivalent to 999. I suggest you ring 111 or equivalent for advice. They might send paramedics to assess you.

[Grenfell37 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your feedback, I’m the uk my mistake, it should have said 111.

[Bingofox007]

Hope you start to get over this soon. Sipping flat cola can help, glucose for energy, fluid to rehydrate and it’s acidic so helps kill tummy bugs or at least make undesirable environment for them. Lucozade or isotonic drinks/dioralyte. It’s the electrolyte imbalance that can affect heart. Infection in itself will increase heart rate. You’re doing so well but always ring 111 or out of hours dr if you feel unsure or 999 if symptoms worsening. It is self limiting but really knocks you for 6 when you have it. We’re all here for you 24/7. Take care. ❤️

[Grenfell37 in reply to Bingofox007]

Thank you, I didn’t know about the electrolyte imbalance but that makes sense. I wasn’t sure if the virus or the lack of meds made the most difference to my heart obviously it’s a combination. It’s a horrible virus without worrying about the impact on your heart, something I would not even thought about before HA. 👍

[Bingofox007]

We are delicate souls with bodies functioning like a symphony, one bum note and it’s all out of tune. Get well soon 💐

[Grenfell37 in reply to Bingofox007]

Thanks, I’m feeling a bit better today but tummy still not right 🤢

[Qualipop]

I would phone your doctor or the BHF nurses 9 or 111 if you can get a reply). When you are like that, chances are that your medication isn't staying down long enough.

[bluedolphin2]

Peppermint tea is also good for upset stomach. Alka-Seltzer was good for me when I had the vomiting bug some years ago, stop me being sick. Slowly sip it and get the ones that dissolved in water.Hope you feel better soon 🌷

[LesleyJ59 in reply to bluedolphin2]

Ginger tea is also very settling on the stomach - I find it better than peppermint myself. But everyone's different.

[Lynnyp10]

If you are on the usual cocktail of heart meds including aspirin and either Clopidogrel or Ticragelor you should not take Alka Seltzer as there is a lot of aspirin in it.

[Heather1957 in reply to Lynnyp10]

I didn't know this although as I am on 11 different meds I rarely take anything other than the meds prescribed. I was prescribed co-codomol after my stents as I was in a lot of pain and I have quite a few of those left so if I have some kind a pain I take either 1 or 2 of those. As always this site is a great source of information.

[Dingledaw]

Are you sure it's Norovirus and not Covid? Might be worth testing, especially if it's diarrhoea.

[Grenfell37]

That’s good to know, it’s a minefield when you are new this pill merry go round!