Angioplasty

[1-24-25]

Hi everyone, I had a heart attack at the end of November and had three stents put in with one more planned for the end of January.In the main I feel fine, no pain anywhere. Up and about doing slow walks and pottering about.

I am however finding it difficult with the side effects of the drugs. Mainly diarrhea and not being able to sleep for more than a couple of hours. Apparently my kidneys do not like the new drug regime and I am having another blood test tomorrow to see if changes can be made. For the past week the Ramipril dose has been halved from 5mg to 2.5mg to see if it makes a difference.

Has anyone experienced similar issues?

[Suetry]

So sorry yo u are having trouble adjusting to the medication. I have been in Ramipril for about a year and the dosage gradually increased to my present dosage of 10mg. Initially I had a very irritating cough but after about a month it stopped. I have been fortunate in that I have no other reaction of side effects at all. Hoping you go from strength to strength.

[1-24-25 in reply to Suetry]

Many thanks for your reply. I have been on Ramipril for many years prior to my recent Heart attack to help control blood pressure. 10mg then but dose has been lowered now. Presumably to take the other drugs into account.

[Dossy]

I was on Ramipril for a short while but found it gave me an irritating cough so was put on Candestartan instead. The worst side effects have been on statins and now on my 3rd brand. Cramps in my legs at night were incredibly painfulful

[1-24-25]

Diarrhea is still a big problem for me. Two to three times a day with virtually no warning so have to stay close to home. Usually happens after taking drugs. Is it worth trying Kefir yoghurt with a view to getting good bacteria into the gut. GP has lowered Ramipril dose again due to kidney issue, which has improved, and thinks the diarrhea problem will resolve itself once this is sorted.

[Heartinthehills]

Not sure my experiences are fully relevant. I was on Ramipril 2.5 mg twice a day for 8 years along with other medication for Heart Failure after an MI and cardiac arrest. Also have 3 stents. I have had loose bowels on and off over the years also needing to go immediately after eating anything. Persevered with this and generally it settled down to slight constipation most of the time. Night time habits changed immediately after going onto meds and I get up 2-3 times a night for a pee but got used to this. After 8 years I then had swelling of face and tongue (angio oedema) attributed to the Ramipril and swapped to Losartan instead. The change stopped the swelling but gave me wind and loose bowels again and I am now trialling dropping this medication with nothing substituted. Immediately back to my previous slight constipation which I can cope with but waiting a referral to see if another drug is recommended. Good luck and worth persevering in finding the drug that's right for you. I trust that these meds wouldn't be prescribed if we didn't need them long term.

[1-24-25]

Many thanks for sharing your experiences. Very helpful.Currently awaiting blood results with regards to kidney function to see if the one a day 1.25mg Ramipril needs adjusting.

At the suggestion of the hospital I have stopped the Lanzoprazole for a week to see if it helps cure the loose bowels. Slight improvement with four days to go.

Thanks again.