Losartan

[Wildstar1900]

I was on losatan for quite a while and my cardiac nurse changed me to another tablet which I could not get on with. I eas put back on losatan after a few months but since then am suffering from stiff and aching shoulder and arm which in turn is affecting my sleep. Was told to contact my gp who was no help at all. Any advice would be grateful.

[Blearyeyed]

It may not be related to your medication changes at all? Or the change in meds and stress it caused could have triggered some inflammatory reaction , arthritic or rheumatic pain.

Unless you can think back over the last few months and also remember whether you've done an activity or had a change in back related issues , movement or posture (that's lower body change too not just in the shoulders) that could be the cause of the problem

Did the GP order x-rays and blood tests for inflammatory markers ?

These help rule out things like Osteoarthritis and other shoulder muscle or joint injury, or Inflammatory conditions .

If you didn't get them done and it's still a problem go back to your GP and polite but firmly request that these tests are done .

You could also request a short course of an antiinflammatory painkiller that is suitable to take with your current medications to see if that helps the pain if paracetamol is not helping.

A referral to a rheumatology physiotherapist for assessment and appropriate exercises or advice on movement would also be highly recommended.

If this isn't helping you need to request a referral to a musculoskeletal specialist to check that it isn't a condition that may require treatment or steroids. If they don't find the issue is mechanical request them to refer you on to Rheumatology for assessment for other inflammatory or neurological joint issues that can cause similar symptoms like Inflammatory/ Reactive Arthritis, PMR or Fibromyalgia, trapped nerves etc.

Keep a log of your pain and symptoms each day to show at appointments to help them make a diagnosis.

If you see a pattern in shoulder pain and your heart related symptoms it's worth ringing a cardiac helpline for more advice in case it is linked to your heart condition.

Hope you get some help soon , Bee

[MustyK in reply to Blearyeyed]

Excellent advice from Blearyeyed. I am on Losartan too. I experienced similar symptoms. It turned out to be polymyalgia (inflamation on the joints). I was put on a yearly course of steroids. You need to go to your GP and then get referred to Rheumatology (if necessary)