Exhaustion

[Handel]

I hope someone can relate and perhaps help with a worry of mine.

My hubby had a quad bypass in November 2018 aged 67. He recovered quickly and life was (and still is) good. Over the past couple of months, he's getting exhausted when he walks a lot or does manual work like gardening. Since the bypass he has been on 80mg Atorvastatin, 75mg aspirin and 1.25mg Bisoprolol. He had initial check ups (for the first 4 months post op).

I'm not a medical person but think he should be having liver function checks due to the high statin dose.

The earliest appointment I've got to see our GP is June 6th.

His BP is perfect and resting heart rate is 55 bpm.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks. Jan

[Hidden]

I am on 80mg Atorvastatin, and have been for four years, and prior to that it was 40mg for about 15 years. I also take a number of other drugs including 75mg aspirin. I only have annual liver function tests, that's it, and its been that way for years. But I don't get tired, well, no more than I expect when I do stuff, given I'm in my mid 70s. However an appointment with the GP is necessary to review why your husband has become overly tired due to physical activity, to perhaps set up some tests to establish the cause, or consider medication side effects.

[Handel in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks LowerField. Our GP seems to have forgotten that my hubby should have the odd test or two!!! All the very best. Jan

[Hidden]

Hello Jan

You are someone I really wished I could have an answer for yet when it comes to these things I don't know I usually will ask everyone else

I do think you are right though he needs blood tests and one thing I know is you will make sure he gets them he is lucky to have such a wife that takes such good care of him x

[Handel in reply to Hidden]

That's a lovely thing to say BeKind.

I'll make sure he sees the doctor to at least rule out liver damage from the high dose of statin he's been on for three and a half years.

He also suffers with aches and pains that weren't there before he started on the statin so perhaps that's connected too.

Thanks again for your reply. Jan xxx

[Hidden in reply to Handel]

x

[Hidden]

Dear Handel

First let me say what a loverly person you are taking such an interest in your Husbands welfare.

I tend to agree with you that he should have some tests due to all the medication he is on, its always hard to say if its the statins that are causing the problem as I tend to go with the science of them and realise there importance in not just maintaining blood pressure.

But having said that many suffer with side effects of all medication and his tiredness need investigation.

Your Dr should have at lest contacted you by phone if a face to face appointment is not available, you need to state your worry and anxiety at reception { as you have stated here} especially after the procedure that your husband has had.

I wish you both well, take care.

[Handel in reply to Hidden]

Hi Blue1958. Thanks for your reply. I always look at your feedback to others!! You sound wise!Anyway, I guess with this darned pandemic etc. we've just carried on but something needs to be done.

I'll drag hubby to the doctors kicking and screaming and hopefully get things sorted out.

Lots of love. Jan xxx

[SRDS]

Hello Handel Just had to write to you. Could not scroll away. Just wanted to say, I know how you feel since my husband had a quadruple bypass recently too. He is 40 ish years old and I do feel worried about him all the time. I mean all the time. So I know how you feel.

Shaivi

[Handel in reply to SRDS]

Thanks for your reply. I know exactly how you feel after your hubby's bypass. Sometimes the partners of the patients are expected to just carry on as if nothing is happening! I was a nervous wreck before his bypass and for a couple of months after. He recovered really well though but suffers with depression which could also be a part of why he's exhausted.

Lots of love to you both, Jan xxx

[marypw]

Our GP does annual medicine reviews and checking liver function tests, blood sugar, cholesterol is all done as part of that. I thought this was standard at most surgeries.

I think you should definitely chase it up with the GP.The increasing tiredness etc also needs to be discussed.

Best wishes

[Handel in reply to marypw]

Hello marypw. Yes, I agree. We've just been plodding along if I'm honest and only recently, looking at side effects a lot of people are experiencing, I'm thinking the high statin dose might be a problem. I'll make sure I drag my husband to the doctors!Thank you for your reply. Lots of love. Jan xxx

[fit4walks in reply to marypw]

Hi Mary,I don’t think it is standard in all areas of UK, but I agree with you. I am 1 year post heart attack and have not had any review of my medication since. I have found that I have to take the initiative to have a check up. The GPS are too busy to chase everyone……

[woodbon]

I have blood tests for liver, kidney and blood sugar every year since being on ramaril and bisopirol. Sounds as if he needs his appointment to make sure things are ok. Is it possible to have a phone appointment and maybe hurry things up rather than waiting so long worrying.

[Handel]

Hi woodbon. I tried to get a telephone appointment but the earliest we could get was just before the Bank Holiday/Jubilee day off. However, I was told we would have to see the doctor so he could arrange for blood tests (why this can't be arranged over the phone is beyond me!).I'm glad others like yourself are being well looked after by your surgeries. Sounds like ours is operating in the Middle Ages!!

Many thanks for getting back to me. Much appreciated. Love Jan xxx

[Skertchly]

Move to a modern home with very small garden. I take all these medicines you mention and only walk slowly for short distances. I can ‘doze off’ if at home during the day. It’s all part of the aging process.His teeth will deteriorate next and that is expensive.

[Handel in reply to Skertchly]

Thanks for making me smile! Jan xxx