mrsmole

[mrsmole]

Early last year I read an article in the Mail newspaper about having 300mg dispersible aspirin in the medicine cupboard in case of heart attacks. I bought some although I had no evidence of anything wrong with my heart. In June I had a heart attack and the emergency services told me to take one of these tablets. In hospital I was told that doing this had minimised any damage to my heart. I think someone was looking after me! I had several stents put in and was all set to begin cardiac rehabilitation.

In August after two exercise sessions I was doing so well then had a fall resulting in a ruptured tendon, end of exercising. Two months later I started to have diarrhoea up to ten times a day. Doctor prescribed Loperamide. Saw a consultant who diagnosed micro colitis and advised I take two probiotic drinks a day ( am still doing this). Had a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, all clear. Still have diarrhoea, does anyone else have this problem or advice on how to deal with it.

[devonian186]

You will have heard of the fuss about the water supply here in South Devon over the last week.

Is your water supply to your house ok? Might be useful to drink bottled water for 3 or 4 days to check.

Did you start eating anything that might disagree with you or have a change of diet to veganism? Is the medication a factor?

[mrsmole in reply to devonian186]

Thank you. We have started drinking bottled water after the news in Devon and are investigating buying a water filter. Never thought this would happen in this country - where is Oftwat

[devonian186 in reply to mrsmole]

The media have blown up this incident out of all proportion which only affects a small geographical area of Torbay that takes its water from one small reservoir. I live in Torbay and have taken no precautions as our water source is different. The rest of Devon is completely unaffected. Which is not to say that the incident has not been very unpleasant for those affected, not helped by initial confusion

However, the supplies to individual houses to anywhere in the country can have a problem depending on whether your water comes directly from the mains or via a tank in the loft. In your circumstances drinking bottled water and washing salads in it is a wise precaution for a week or so to see if that has any impact on your particular problem.

Medication is the other thing to look at.

[pasigal]

mrsmole That is excellent advice about the aspirin. I've had 2 HAs so always keep some handy and my wife has it in her purse, too. It thins the blood quickly. I've read that even 500 mg is fine. If you don't have dispersable you could just chew it -- would be nasty tasting but I'd do anything to ease HA symptoms whilst waiting for an ambulance!

[aardvark68]

Hi mrsmole (cute name).

Many people experience diarrhoea as a side effect of one or more of the medications we are prescribed following a heart attack. Mine was from the 80mg statin and stopped as soon as the dose was reduced to 20 mg. Perhaps look at the patient information for whatever medication you are taking and see whether one of them is the culprit and then discuss reducing or changing that one.

[Pollypuss]

Hello mrsmole . I wish I could say something happy but after my triple bypass I had a very unpleasant time with a really awful upset stomach which meant so many trips the the toilet while I was still in hospital. It also meant I was in the minority . I was tested for all medication I was taking and they came up with Statins as the cause. However when I got home the problem still persisted and it was only when I was taken off all medication apart from baby aspirin that I had peace. I rely on Benacol to keep my cholesterol low and my rigorous diet. I still to this day cannot tolerate certain foods not even probiotics. For me it wasn’t the bypass itself I remember but the horrendous medication

[Sanmo]

I can only comment on the Asprin, my wife immediately gave me 2 300mg asprin, I had to be defibrillated 4 times in the ambulance, the cardiologist said 'without any doubt whatsoever my wife's action saved my life' I carry them everywhere now.

[Classic100]

Hello. Sorry to hear your still having stomach issues. Like many others on this site I found my medication was causing my stomach issues just like you have described. With me the culprit was Lansoprazole medication. Speak with your GP about any medication your taken could be the cause. Wishing you well

[Desktop54]

I have diagnosed IBS. (I say that because many people say they have IBS when they get the occasional bout of the runs). So my tummy problems are similar to yours. I do not have a heart condition though, I am on hear because my husband has heart failure. That being said, I take codeine (15mg up to 5 x day, as and when required) for IBS which has similar symptoms as colitis. It slows the movement of your bowls and helps with the intense stomach cramps. You can also take it as a precaution, say before going out for a meal. So I suggest you go back and see your GP and ask if there is any other medication you can try that might help with your colitis. One last thing. I also had some success with Kafir but not the shop bought drinks, I fermented it myself. Hope that helps.

[Nighttimer]

Some people have these symptoms with temporary lactose intolerance. After very mild food poisoning even the small amount of milk in tea set me off. Cut out all milk for a week then gradually reintroduced yoghurt and probiotic drink. Fine now.

[Bobkins99]

I was prescribed Lanzoprazole following my heart surgery, to 'help combat any side effects from so the other drugs'. Everything was ok for the first few months but then I developed diarrhea. After experimenting with stop/start of the various medicines it came down to the lanzoprazole. They stopped the prescription and I've had no issue since. I have diverticular disease and have numerous colonoscopies. I need to stop the apixaban some days before but apart from that no issues. Are you on any of the 'prazole' family of drugs?

[mrsmole in reply to Bobkins99]

Thanks Bobkins99. I was on Lansoprazole 30mg and the doctor changed this to Pantoprasole 20mg. At first I thought a miracle had happened as my stools went back to near normal then after a few weeks the diarrhoea came back. I have been back to the doctor a few times since and they prescribed Loperamide. I have to take up to 8 capsules a day. I am afraid to go out as the D is so unpredictable. I was going for walks with friends for exercise but this has stopped. I have oedema now too so take water tablets. It is a year since my heart attack and some days I feel so hopeless and on a downward spiral. I am seeing the doctor today so will see what she says this time. I am surprised that I haven't seen a cardiologist since the stents were put in, is this normal not to have a follow up appointment?