Unstable Angina Medication Question

Posted By Holly Johnson on February 04, 1999 at 13:00:01:







My father, 56, is a rural farmer in Colorado who complains very little of anything.  In fact, the only time he has complained of any pain or problems was 10 years ago and he ended up having Colon Cancer.
So, recently when he complained of having "discomfort" in his chest I began to worry.  In September of 1998 he had two stents placed in the LAD for 80% and 90% occulsions.  He woke from the proceedure feeling more uncomfortable than before.  He has since had little to no relief from unstable angina.  He has chest pains, relieved with Nitro (sometimes 3), not only while doing exercise but while doing simple tasks around the house.
He has had normal EKG's,Thalium Treadmill tests, and Angiograms.  He has normal gallbladder function and a CT of the abdomen was within normal limits.  
The cardiologist treating him has tried Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers, and vasodilators with little effect.  The most recent change has been to take Norvasc q day and Isosorbid TID.  (He also takes Zorcor q pm)  For almost a week and a half he hasn't had a symptom, thank the Lord, but he has had trouble sleeping.  He has complained of insomnia unrelieved with Tylenol PM or Benedryl.  I can find nothing to support these medications leaving him sleepless.  Any thoughts?  
Also, have you heard of people requesting the stents removed and the success of such a thing?  Are there certain types of people who to not tollerate stents?  Appreciate your response!!