How long does it take to get pain relief once on medication?

[Patty2486]

Reaching out for advice. I had a MINOCA first week of September. Since discharge from hospital I have still experienced fluctuating chest, arm and rib pain, breathlessness with light exertion and severe head pressure.

First trip to hospital resulted in prescription for diltiazem hydrochloride.

Second trip (head pressure) resulted in prescription for isosorbide mononitrate. Good news is head pressure eased significantly. Still struggling with the headaches.

Still two week wait for CMRI. Got a phone call with GP today. I feel dreadful. I don’t seem to be getting any respite from the pain and physically incapable of doing anything. I sorted a couple of boxes out on Saturday morning and laid up in bed from the evening and all day yesterday. Feel generally unwell. Pain on and off throughout the day. Painkillers doing nothing and broken sleep every night 🥺

Surely I should be feeling some relief by now? Also on atorvastatin.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I am sorry you are still in pain.

Do you know why you had a Myocardial Infarction non obstructive coronary arteries MINOCA?

Possible causes are microvascular or vasospastic angina.

Both these conditions are poorly understood, often overlooked and challenging to treat and live with.

A classic symptom of vasospastic angina is chest pain at night and at rest.

I live with vasospastic angina and also have a dull ache and my heart feels bruised after an episode of chest pain.

I suggest you ask the Cardiology team to consider whether microvascular or vasospastic angina are causing your ongoing symptoms.

It can take sometime to find the best combination of medication to help you best.

I suggest you keep a log of your symptoms and whether any medication helps. Discuss your log results with your Cardiology team.

[Nedragymni]

Hi Patty, sorry to hear about your pain. I found this forum really helpful and the knowledge of milkfairy a great source of comfort. Yoga Breathing and Yoga in general gave me some relief. Hopefully the correct medication will help. Look after yourself

[Patty2486 in reply to Nedragymni]

Thank you Nedragymni.