Plavix long term after stent

[chuck51984]

After a DES in my Circumflex, how long is it neccessary to take plavix? Will aspirin do the trick as well?
Dr says we can stop it "...if I want to take my chances..." (not a good answer)

What's the longest anyone's taken (taking) it w/no probs?

Lastly, if I have restenosis, or a throw a clot in my Circumflex, would it be over or is that a "secondary" area?

[kayt98]

I was on Plavix after 2 separate stent events, for one year each. They never put me on it after having 5 bypasses last April. I do take a 325 mg. aspirin but cardiol. told me I could cut back to 81 mg now if I wanted. Think I'll stay with the aspirin. I don't have any problems with it except a bit of easy bruising.

[jim62]

Yep, Lipitor, Toprol, (actually the generic of Toprol, but I don't know how to spell it) and  Zetia.  I take an otc niacin supplement.  When I started taking all this stuff, I did really bruise easily and bleed a bunch from nicks and such.  Never had a nosebleed problem.

But, all this lasted only a short time, probably less than a year.  Don't have nearly as much trouble with it recently.  I'm kind of assuming that it's something that the body  gets used to over time.  Or maybe we just gradually learn to be more careful.  :-)

I figure on staying on it from now on, considering the alternative..............

Be of good cheer.

[chuck51984]

Are you also on Lipitor, a beta blocker and niacin? And do you bruise easily and bleed a lot from a nick and or have nosebleeds?

thanks for any info

[jim62]

I had stents and bypass in 2003.  Been on plavix and aspirin ever since.  Doctors say that I'll be on it for life.  Haven't had any ill effects from it.