Upper back pain could it be the meds?

[Bowser1966]

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!?

[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]

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 in reply to Loobycare]

still taking the Esomeprazol 40mg

[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]

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]

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 in reply to CyclingTime]

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 in reply to Bowser1966]

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]

I take Citalopram for Fibromyalgia and it definitely helps with pain

[buddy2blue]

I have paracetamol along with Oramorph

[Bowser1966 in reply to buddy2blue]

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

[buddy2blue in reply to Bowser1966]

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

[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 in reply to TeresaMay]

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 Heart 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 in reply to Milkfairy]

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

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Bowser1966]

Excellent, good to hear no more pain for you.

[Bowser1966 in reply to Milkfairy]

Cheers