19 months ago, an
angioplastyAngioplasty
Coronary artery balloon angioplasty - series showed two
blockagesPeripheral artery disease in my coronary arteries, 99% and 85%. Two drug eluding
stentsAbdomen - swollen
Brain herniation
Chronic persistent hepatitis
Coronary artery stent
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Lyme disease - chronic persistent
Stent were inserted.
I was put on a medication program of
Lipitor, Atenenol,
LisinoprilLisinopril
Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide,
IsosorbideIsosorbide dinitrate
Isosorbide dinitrate extended release
Isosorbide dinitrate-hydralazine
Isosorbide mononitrate
Isosorbide mononitrate extended release, Plavix, aspirin, & fish oil, typical doses.
I have experienced considerable side effects the whole time, mostly tiredness, impotence, lightheadedness, afternoon flatulence and muscle pain.
My cardiologist suggested two months ago that I could wean off the Isosorbide, which I did, lessening the lightheadedness and impotence.
Two months ago the muscle pain became severe and debilitating.
I read up and saw that Lipitor was the major cause. My GP (Not my cardiologist) suggested I stop the Lipitor. I did and two days later, the muscle pain disappeared, like turning off a switch!
I see there are other ways to lower cholesterol than pharmacy drugs, like grapefruit, etc, but that these interfere with both Lipitor and Atenenol.
While on medication, I have kept up a considerable exercise plan and have significantly altered my diet.
Cholesterol went from total 260 (including a Bad number for Good cholesterol) to between 120 and 150, depending, with good cholesterol now excellent.
Average BP went from roughly 180/120 to usually 100/65. Pulse from 90 BPM at rest to less than 50.
My question2 (to augment what my cardiologist and GP doctor say):
1) Can I wean myself from Atenonol, and how?
2) Should I stop taking Plavix before the two year anniversary of the stents and what will that do? I want to avoid liver disease, if I can!
3) Once off Atenenol, will grapefruit consumed regularly along with a heart healthy diet and exercise likely keep my cholesterol low?
4) Will Lisinopril suffice to keep my BP down, assuming I continue the proper diet and exercise?
5) Can anyone out there with good knowledge in this area make some general comments to guide me?
Thanks!