Chest discomfort/fatigue after stents

[melfon]

I am a 52 yo woman, nonsmoker, not overweight, just behind the genetic eight ball with CAD. I had an MI one week ago today while in the hospital for evaluation  after numerous mini- attacks plus angina .I was rushed to the cath lab and had 2 drug eluding stents placed. One in the LAD, which was 80% blocked, and one in the Circumflex, also 80% blocked. Two other arteries were 30-50% blocked also. I had essentially no discharge teaching at all- my husband was handed a booklet with very general info. about recovery after this procedure. I have constant tightness/heavy sensation in my chest along with pleuritic pain when I take a deep breath.and fatigue. I called my cardiologist and he told me to hold the Attenolol (on Plavix, 325mg Aspirin, Losartan, Wellbutrin, Attenolol, Lunesta) My BP is fine. I am getting so discouraged- I thought I would feel better after the stents .Also, I have been on Nexium for the past 5 years for severe GERD- my husband just informed me that it should never be taken with Plavix as it decreases its efficacy. Would have been nice to know, since I have taken it every day since discharge. Had to learn this on our own via Google. As a nurse practitioner I am pretty savvy about medical issues- but as a patient I feel pretty lost right now. No follow up for 3 weeks- I feel like I've been hung out to dry. I have a demanding job  (teaching in a high school medical magnet program) The literature I was given makes it sound like you should feel well enough to return to work a couple of days later-I'm thinking that's insane considering how I feel. Tired of my heart literally aching. Is this par a week after stents?

[Roster17]

Do not increase the Nexium. Your husband is right. You should not be on Nexium while on Plavix. Print out the info from Google and show it to your GI Doc. Ask him to give you another med for your Gerd. It's mostly the PPI's that should not be taken with Plavix, I don't think all of them, I'm not really sure, but your GI Doc should advise you on what other kind to take.

[ed34]

After 10 stents, I can say that I have never felt 'great' after each procedure. The instant benefits have always been relief of angina pain, but the lack of energy etc has always lasted a while. I would say they have ranged from one week to as long as 3 months. You have to remember that you have heart muscle recovering from a lack of oxygen and it can take a while. Drink lots of fluids to keep flushing out that radioactive contrast used in the procedure.

[Flycaster305]

You have gone through a very stressful situation.  Those of us who have had MI's, stents, etc., understand.

I also had GERD until I had a surgical intervention.  It might be necessary to increase the Nexium dose, but from my experience, this is a very minor issue. The need to take Plavix trumps the Nexium issue.  Plavix and aspirin are essential to keep your stents from plugging up again.

It sounds like your hospital doesn't have a good program in place for education after an MI and cath.  I work a day a week at our hospital as a Cardiac Navigator, as I've had MI's, eight stents, a pacer and bypass surgery and still standing.  I'm not a health professional, so take what I say as someone who has been in your shoes but have no other expertise.  Sometimes the drug cocktail of Beta Blockers can make you feel as you report.  Also, there is what is called Restinosis, a condition when a stent plugs up after the procedure.  There is also the off-chance that an artery was damaged during the stent procedure.  I've experienced all those conditions, and I'd urge you to ring the bell of your Cardiologist to rule out or correct these problems.  I think you need to be very pro-active, given how you feel.  Keep us informed.