Meds after Pacemaker or Surgery

Similar, but a long time ago

by Lurch - 2016-11-15 19:10:25

I had an MI in 1998 which resulted in a triple by-pass.  Like you, my cholesterol was not an issue (don't remember the exact numbers) but I was put on one of the cholesterol drugs, 325mg of aspirin per day and an antiboditic for a month or more.  

I misread the rehab information given to me and doubled my exercises and walking schedules and returned to full work five and a half weeks after by-pass.  

Had no issues at all until around 2013 when I started slowing down and had no energy.  My new doctor (fired my previous one who never did anything) sent me to a Cardiologist who insisted on an ECHO and angiogram.  Found low EF and implanted an ICD.  

Good luck and keep up the fight!

Same here

by DampDog - 2016-11-16 09:45:14

Very similar experiences here.  I too had an MI and Bypass way back in 1998, likewise things were generally OK until end of 2012 when I had an NSTEMI, then another at the end of 2013. I don’t think it’s a surprise that the medications prescribed are very similar, unfortunately it’s a well-trodden path. I was only given Potassium while in hospital, it ceased on my release.

I’ve been taking a Statin of one form or another for close to 20 years. Initially it was Simvastatin, more recently that changed to Atorvastatin. Even though my cholesterol was only slightly raised I have a strong family history of CHD.

Following the two little MI’s I was placed on.

Ramipril

Monosorbide-isonitrate (Monomil XL 60mg) / Atorvastatin 40mg / Aspirin 75mg / Bisoprolol 2.5mg. / Nicorandil 10mg X2. / Clopidogrel. (Plavix)

Post CRT-D (March this year) that has been modified slightly.

The Ramipril, Clopidogrel and Nicorandil l have now been replaced by Entresto. While the doses of the other meds have been and continue to be "tweaked" here and there as time passes.  

Potassium

by IAN MC - 2016-11-16 12:39:24

I think it is wrong to question anyone's medications without having full details of their medical background .  Pastor Mike is taking the diuretic , Lasix . This means that every time he urinates he is losing potassium.    Too low a potassium level i.e. hypokalaemia,   is not good for you and among other things can lead to cardiac arrythmias.

We don't know if he has had potassium levels measured or not.

Also, Mike , I'm sorry but I can see no point in you asking what medications other people take . Even though other people may have had the same procedures as you , their blood chemistry and medical history may be totally different.  It is up to each of us to know exactly why we are taking any drugs.

Ian

Good call.

by DampDog - 2016-11-16 12:59:54

@IAN MC

Good advice there, the reasons for all the various pills & potions we are all prescribered are myriad. While "comparing notes" and experiences is interesting, our conditions and health issues are as different as our bodies/diseases. The hypokalaemia, is a good shout. While I've never needed potassium supplements in the past, since starting the Entresto I am periodically monitored for, amongst other things. 

I'll edit my previous post, accordingly.

DD

Potassium

by BillH - 2016-11-17 12:27:19

That can really be a bag of worms.

ACEinhibors (Lisinopril, Ramipril, and others) have a tendency to increase potassium levels.

Potassium Sparing (correction) type diuretics can also increase potassium levels.

But most diruetics will lower potassium.

And if a salt substitue is use to try and lower sodium intake many contain potassium.

Then in diet variations.

I don't think so Bill

by IAN MC - 2016-11-17 13:33:21

I cannot see how a loop diuretic such as Lasix ( furosemide ) could possibly increase potassium levels .  Its mode of action is to increase  the amount of  sodium and potassium salts which are drawn from the blood into the kidneys ;  water follows, hence the diuretic action 

It could only lead to low potassium i.e. hypokalaemia. Some other types of diuretic such as spironolactone work by a different mechanism and can indeed raise potassium levels.

But we are getting away from the main issue that we are in no position to question whether PastorMike needs Potassium tablets or any other tablet for that matter.

Ian

Correction - IAN

by BillH - 2016-11-17 17:08:14

You are right. It was Potassium Sparing diuretics, not loop.

I have corrected my post.