Nitoglycerin patches

[ilovedancing]

I saw my consultant yesterday and hehas pescribed nitroglycerin patches for the burning pain in my feet. After reading about tbe side effects I amnot sure I want to use tbem. They are usually used to treat angina but he is hopeful they will ease the pain in my eet. Had anyone else had experience of this treatment.

[Yorky]

Hello, I was prescribed these many years ago for my Raynauds. I used to put them on my wrists. However they did little for the Raynauds, but gave me awful headaches so I stopped using them. Perhaps you should give them a try for a short period. Best of luck.

[ilovedancing in reply to Yorky]

Thanks for the reply. Did you have any reaction when you stopped using them?

[Yorky in reply to ilovedancing]

No I didn't have any reaction. I just used to wear them in the mornings when I was at work. The headaches just went away within an hour of taking them off.

[kel55]

Nitrates are vasilators, in other words they open up the vascular system to allow more blood through. Angina is the pain from the heart when it's not getting enough oxygen rich blood. Raynauds can be said to be exactly the same ie the vascular system as constricted and stopped oxygen rich blood from reaching parts of your body. This is why you should be careful when taking cold remedies because many are vascular constrictors.

I have small vessel disease (constriction) and Raynaud's phenomenon, the question being asked is whether they are both the same?

[RedNose]

I used to have burning like sensations in my feet and headaches many years ago and I believe it may have been caused by a lack of magnesium. Why not ask your doctor to check on your blood mineral content.

[ilovedancing]

Thank rednose. I have a copy ofmy latest blood tests. I have them egularly with having essential thrombocythemia ad well as scleroderma and magnesium is ok. I asked my gp to check B12 a couple of weeks ago as I know that can cause pai ful feet if lo but it was ok. I have just picked up my patches and the side effects sound scary including sudden death. Im not sure i want to use them.

[steadfastsenior]

The nitro patches on my foot may be a part of why my heel and toe scleroderma ulcers are healing well. I have been on them for 3 months and no side effects. Dr. Sibbald, (Women's College Hospital, Toronto) regarded internationally as one of the top wound care specialists prescribed them. He has had much success with their use......but everyone is an individual.