It just gets worse...

[BC4ever]

I had a heart attack and stents fitted three months ago. Had terrible problems with side effects from the medications. One of them being really bad stomach pains. I went to my doctor who changed the medication I take for my Hiatus Hernia. Nothing improved. I've been to my doctor for a further two visits since, as the pain is getting worse. He said, 'It's the blood thinners, probably the Asprin, (75mg coated), but you have to stay on them and put up with it'. I'm also on Clopidogrel 75mg. I had two big nose bleeds yesterday. This morning I found blood in my stool. I don't know what to do next. Should I go to A&E? I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere with my doctor!

[nextadventure]

Yes, you need further management, and possibly reviews with cardiologist +/- haematologist, gastroenterologist. See your usual doctor again, urgently. If they won't help and any further bleeding, go to ED. A heavy bleed in any of nose, stomach or bowel can be life-threatening.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I was put on Ticagrelor which is more or less similar to Clopidogrel they seem to put you on one or the other and I take a baby dose of coated Aspirin to

When I was on Ticagrelor after several months I started with nose bleeds that looked like something out of a horror film one time it was so bad I had to go to A&E but took 2 hours to get dressed as the blood was pouring so much I could not get my clothes on quick enough before they were covered in blood in the end I just went as I was as there was nothing else I could do and I suppose at least they could see exactly how bad it was

They did admit in my case they thought it was the Ticagrelor that was the cause as it thins your blood out so much but wanted me to stay on it for what is for most a year even though I ended up on it longer

In this time I had to have my nose cauterized 3 times each time it would help but then come back as bad and this is how I was till I was able to come of Ticagrelor and even though I was left on a low dose of coated Aspirin the nose bleeds stopped just like so for me it looks like the extra strong blood thinner Ticagrelor was the cause

Of course I am not a Doctor but after my experience rather than the Aspirin been the cause it could be Clopidogrel causing this

I would say you do need to see the Doctor again now you have found blood in your stools and depending how bad the nosebleeds get if for instance if they pour longer than I think they say 10 mins with no improvement and your Doctors is not open then you should consult either 111 who will possibly say go to A&E so you might skip 111 and just go to A&E

I know how much it frightened me so I know how you will be feeling but keep insisting something is done and now the bleeding is happening in other places putting up with it as your Doctor said is not acceptable I am sure there is something else they can do

Let us know how you get on x

[carole99]

Hi my mother had a stent put in and was given aspirin, she couldn't tolerate it because it caused her stomach problems. She stopped taking it and when she saw the specialist he put her on a different tablet that causes no problems. she was fine on this if I can find out what it was I will come back and let you know. Ask to go back and see your cardiologist they will know what the tablet is.

[BC4ever in reply to carole99]

Thank you. That's encouraging news. Get back to me with the name if you can.