Upper back pain could it be the meds? - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,693 members34,232 posts

Upper back pain could it be the meds?

Bowser1966 profile image
18 Replies

I recently had 3 stents put in, 2 weeks ago, I was put on Atorvastatin 80mg, Ticagrelor 90mg (take for a year) and Ramipril 2.5mg, I have never had to take these meds before, I was taking 40mg of Esomeprazol for my acid reflux for years. I am getting a pain/ache in my upper back that sometimes goes to my left shoulder blade. Also burping quite a bit. Paracetamol isn't touching it, and it's keeping me awake at night. I am wondering if anyone else has had any issues with these meds and these symptoms? No chest pains or aches and pains anywhere else? Also wondering if it's anxiety, as I was told 3 days ago that I might have to have a knee replacement on a very sore arthritic knee? I had this pain 6 years ago, went to see a Gastro doc who gave me Citalopram 10mg (which is an anti-anxiety pill) whicih actually worked, after a few days the pain was gone!?

Written by
Bowser1966 profile image
Bowser1966
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
18 Replies
HA24 profile image
HA24

Hi. I had a HA and stent 4 weeks ago and am on similar meds to you. I have found ongoing symptoms (twinges, tightness and most definitely indigestion) very confusing. From reading other forum posts and talking to Docs I am gradually beginning to understand that for me they are most likely a mixture of side effects heart adjusting to injury and stent, plus a good dose of anxiety. I've been back to A and E a couple of times and been checked out . It's all very new for us and takes some getting used to. Hope things began to settle for you.

Loobycare profile image
Loobycare

Hi Browser1966

Am I right in saying you are no longer taking a PP1? So you aren't taking anything to protect your stomach lining?

Your symptoms are identical to mine when I was diagnosed with Gastritis, following a Gastroscopy.

The pain is awful when mine flares up and I am now on Lansoprozole for life.

I think this is prescribed for a lot of heart patients, but mainly as a preventative measure.

Bowser1966 profile image
Bowser1966 in reply toLoobycare

still taking the Esomeprazol 40mg

sachinhk profile image
sachinhk

Hi, I have had my angioplasty done some 10 yrs ago. I reckon that after the procedure, for many months I used to think that every single ache/pain in my body could be related to heart disease.

It’s understandable that you are being cautious, however like in my case I believe most of your worries would subside with time.

Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

my personal view. Your heart and indeed whole body needs time to adjust to the new you and new medication.

It might be a good idea, in a few weeks time if things haven’t settled, to get a phone appointment with the pharmacist employed by your doctor’s group of surgeries. Depending how your surgery works, this might be through the receptionist. The pharmacist will have access to your notes and as a specialist in medication can advise the doctor who is a generalist.

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime

Statins can certainly cause muscle and joint pain for some people. I would speak to your doctor as different makes seem to have slightly different side affects

Bowser1966 profile image
Bowser1966 in reply toCyclingTime

hi I spoke to my GP today, I didn't take the Statin last night, and the pain is less, he said don't take it tonight, and see how you are, if the pain goes away, they're going to change the Statin for me.

mits123 profile image
mits123 in reply toBowser1966

Exactly what happened to me. Left shoulder pain, going down my arm as well, when you have history of a HA this is not helpful!

Turns out it was the atorvastatin, surgery pharmacist changed it and now everything is fine

Daisy55 profile image
Daisy55

I take Citalopram for Fibromyalgia and it definitely helps with pain

buddy2blue profile image
buddy2blue

I have paracetamol along with Oramorph

Bowser1966 profile image
Bowser1966 in reply tobuddy2blue

Paracetamol doesn't touch it for me, wouldn't mind getting my hands in some Oramorph!

buddy2blue profile image
buddy2blue in reply toBowser1966

If you speak to your Gp or cardiologist they should be able to help you xx

TeresaMay profile image
TeresaMay

I have had Ramipril in the past and currently take Atorvastatin, as well as Paracetamol. I have not experienced any problems. At one time I thought Paracetamol was giving me no benefit but I tried without it. That experience showed me it was giving me some relief. I would suggest you discuss your pain relief with your medical advisor.

Bowser1966 profile image
Bowser1966 in reply toTeresaMay

hi I went to the GP yesterday, I had stoppped the Atorvastatin for a night and he said don't take it for a second night, pain has stopped, he's moving me onto a different one from today thankfully, thanks for the reply!

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star

Hello,One of the places I feel my angina pain is in my upper left back between my shoulder blades.

Have you got a follow-up appointment with the Cardiology team or due to start cardiac rehab?

If not I suggest you discuss your symptoms with your GP.

Especially as paracetamol isn't easing your pain.

Oramorph is oral morphine. I am only given morphine when I am in hospital as it could mask the pain of a heart attack.

Bowser1966 profile image
Bowser1966 in reply toMilkfairy

I stopped the statin for 2 days and the pain has gone! They're changing it to a different one

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply toBowser1966

Excellent, good to hear no more pain for you.

Bowser1966 profile image
Bowser1966 in reply toMilkfairy

Cheers

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Upper middle back pain

Hi, I had a stent fitted just over 2 years ago and have suffered on and off with Angina ever since....

Heart Failure & Upper Arm Pain

I have recently been diagnosed with HF (Dec 2019) & I am on Bisoprolol 2.5mg, Ramipril 2.5mg,...
Bepto profile image

Can the doctor be wrong?

I’ve put quite a few posts up on here asking about symptoms etc of angina, what it feels like,...
young85 profile image

Could this be Costochondritis pain?

Hi there again 😊. Some of you may remember that last Monday I posted a query whilst I was in A &E...
MrsSuzuki profile image

Chest 'pain' and anxiety - it's back and I hate it!

Hello crew, and hope those that watched the Crowning business enjoyed the ceremony today. Since...
LadyZ13 profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.