Stomach

[dylanfanatic]

had a heart attack July, waiting for MRI scan, on these meds. ramipril, aspirin, amlodipine, atorvastatin, bisoprolol, lansoprazole. started with diarrhoea six weeks ago, put it down to tummy bug. now gone 100% worse, running out of me in morning, best description- weak oxtail soup, same colour. Got gastroscopy next Monday, doc fixing up a colonoscopy, getting fed up with life revolving round toilet, no appetite, have to be careful when I go out, tried imodeum/kaolin and morphine, not working. any advice please?
Bob

[mallyh]

i cant give you any advise but just like to say sorry you're feeling poorly and hope you soon recover xx

[pixie373]

Sorry, i don't know myself, but after six weeks, i would definitely contact doctor and try to get these tests brought forward. In the meantime, he might give you something stronger (codeine phosphate?) but you really should go back.

[ummmm]

You should go back. Are you drinking plenty of fluids?

[Sqad]

What an odd story and i am not sure that we are getting the full picture.

By MRI scan, do you mean angiograms for the heart or is the MRI for something unrelated to your heart attack?

Diarrhea...for 6 weeks. Has the doctor sent off a specimen of stool to the laboratory and if so what was the result?
You say it is running out of you in the morning, so do we assume that for the rest of the day you are fine?

[grumpy01]

Given the medication you are taking,which is mainly for the reduction of high blood pressure and atorvastatin for your cholesterol,I am not surprised you are concerned.I would suggest you try to see your doctor ASAP and tell him of your symptoms and concerns.Finally I hope the tests are satisfactory and allay the fears that you obviously have and perhaps more suitable medications can then be prescribed for your heart condition.All the best.

[dylanfanatic]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes I am drinking plenty of fluids. MRI scan is for heart (possible bypass) diarrhoea seems to be worse in mornings but have to be careful during the day as well. stool specimen and blood test done. Stool 'satisfactory' 4 weeks ago. Bloods ok 5 weeks ago. Can't get test brought forward, got 6 days to wait for gastroscopy, not heard yet about colon test, will hear soon. Just want to rule out stomach cancer!
Thanks
Bob

[Sqad]

OK....as long as you are maintaining your fluid intake then no big deal until you see your GP again.

Just to reassure you, it is extremely unlikely that stomach cancer is a significant diagnosis.

[Everhelpful]

I had the same trouble while taking Lansoprazole stopped taking them and have been OK since,there are alternatives to this medication,I would ask GP.

[Sqad]

Everhelpful makes a good point...............
Why are you having a gastroscopy?

[anneasquith]

diarrhoea . sqad :)

[woofgang]

yes anne, but its quite strange to do invasive procedures without first considering the side effects of meds and med combinations and trying to do something about those.

[237SJ]

Maybe they found h pylori and want to see if there is a stomach ulcer.

[woofgang]

just had a thought that dylanfanatic might be worried by my last post, it isn't intended to suggest anything sinister...more that sometimes doctors may ignore the obvious :) ie side effects of meds.

[woofgang]

stool sample came back "satisfactory"...whatever that means!

[Sqad]

woofy

\\\\\.more that sometimes doctors may ignore the obvious :) ie side effects of meds.\\\\

Indeed woofy, but AB is lucky, in that it has you to put is in our place..........;-)

[dylanfanatic]

Thanks again, I think (hope) everhelpful is right and its the lansoprazole, doc wants me to have gastroscopy so will have that next Mon. Had phone call today from hosp. re colonoscopy, g.p. letter arrived there and secretary wants me to go see consultant Thurs12 Dec., for 'discussion?' Getting p***ed off, if have to drag myself all the way to hosp. don't want to sit there talking, got plenty mates I can talk to in the pub. If got to have camera shoved up why not just do it and get it over with, instead of mucking people about?
Bob

[woofgang]

Sqad I did say "sometimes" lol. I don't think I have ever accused you of that, but my DH might have lived longer if a certain GP (three actually) hadn't overlooked something obvious.