Post to this topic if you are
concerned that you may be experiencing an allergic reaction
(hypersensitivity) after a drug-eluting stent (DES) procedure.
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Archived Postings from 2007 (116):
On Sept.19, 2007 I had two DES placed in my
RCA and D1. One is extra long. I was told that I had two 80% blockages.
Afterwards I experienced some slight pressure in my chest and an ache
in my right arm which have worsened as of this date. I am short of breath
while doing the most simple thing. I have an allergy to nickel but was
not informed that DES have nickel in them. The cardiologist thinks that
I am just sensitive to the stents. But I am sick and very tired. Walking
on a treadmill for 20 minutes is my limit. I cannot motivate myself to
exercise. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Rachel G., Wisconsin USA, December 28, 2007
Does anyone have any ideas as to how to become
desensitized to the des stents themselves, 6 allergy pills are not quite
enough even while watching my diet very carefully? Denise Pgh PA again Denise Knoche, unfortunate recipient of 2 des stents in RCA, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, USA, December 26, 2007
I have a Boston Scientific Taxus stent and a
regular stent. I had the regular metal stent for 5-years. I've had the
DES since Feb 2006. I have experienced a higher CPK-level 199 and SEDRATE
32 (associated with inflammation). I have swollen features associated
with inflammation. I have been put on a water pill to reduce swelling
and it hasn't helped. I was on Vytorin (statin) for awhile longer than
the DES. I have experienced muscle soreness and weakness. I used to run
2 miles at 3.6 mph. No longer can I even walk without my left leg dragging
due to weakness after 10-mins. I am right-handed and my right-arm is
so pained that I cannot reach across my body to wash the left-side of
my body. My muscles are so weak and pained that I cannot sleep through
the night w/o tossing and turning due to my body touching a surface.
NOTE: I bought new mattresses about 1-year ago because I thought my back
pain and body soreness was due to my mattresses - it was not. I went
to a neurosurgeon for back surgery who indicated that I was not hurting
where I should have been hurting for the back misalignment which was
analyzed in an MRI. So, he sent me to a Physical Therapist. On day one
with the PT, she indicated that my pain was muscle since she could not
move my legs without my screaming in agony. I was taken off of Vytorin
(statin). I am feeling a little better but the inflammation and pain
persists. My CPK and sedrate is still high. My neurosurgeon has referred
me to a neurologist. Cynthia, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, December 13, 2007
Four weeks after having a coated stent installed
in 2005 I started to have severe joint pain in my hands and feet. I still
have this today and I have had MRI's to examine the joints and there
was no Arthritis. I had no history of joint pain before this time and
I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this problem. Ken A., Pennsylvania, USA, December 11, 2007
Sharon -- you wrote in about a "stainless
steel/nickel implant" -- are you talking about a stent? Or something
else. We haven't heard anything about fungus infections from stents.
Does anyone out there have any info on this? Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, November 29, 2007
I had a stainless steel/nickel implant and I
developed a fungus infection from it. Mold releases mycotoxins which
are a neurotoxins. It is a multi-symptom, multi-system disease. I am
sick as a dog and am going through detox but getting better. Mold exposure
is a biotoxin disease. Why in the name of good medicine did it take me
five years to figure this out. Why did the doctors not look for a fungus
infection. Fungus infections have been around for millions of years why
would the medical profession not look for this? Sharon, Denver, Colorado, USA, November 28, 2007
Martha -- thanks for the quick response. It
seems that it would have been better if the nurse-practitioner had talked
to you PRIOR to your procedure. This is something that we at Angioplasty.Org
have been writing about and campaigning for since more than a year ago.
It's something we testified to the FDA about. Patient AND physicians
need more education about drug-eluting stents and the need for long-term
Plavix. Not just whether drug-eluting stents are as safe as bare metal
stents -- the important issue we see is exactly what you've experienced.
Physicians need to be aware of the implications of implanting a device
in someone -- a device that requires the patient to stay compliant with
dual antiplatelet therapy (Plavix and aspirin) long-term, for a year,
two, maybe for life. And they need to communicate these implications
to patients BEFORE stent implantation. Some patients cannot be compliant
for financial reasons (see our topic on Financial
Assistance for Plavix for some unfortunately good examples); others
cannot be compliant because of allergies or clinical conditions such
as yours; others may need to have surgery in the near future, and Plavix
often needs to be stopped for that. All these issues need to be weighed
against the higher incidence of restenosis with bare-metal stents --
but it's a decision that should include the patient! Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, November 24, 2007
You asked why the nurse practitioner said I
should have not had a medicated stent. She presented me with the facts
about taking Plavix and said I would not have had to take it as long,
3 months only with a bare metal stent. My history of reactions to meds.
is several medications with two hospitalizations. She changed me to Ticlid
for a while after this pain and weakness in arms started but it didn't
change anything so I was told to go back on Plavix. I thought it was
more heart problems but went in for an Echo and the Cardiologist said
it was not my heart but a flare of my arthritis. My Rheumatologist put
me on 20 mg. Prednisone daily and I usually respond quickly with that
but so far none. It has been 3 mo. since my stent placement. Martha M., Missouri, USA, November 24, 2007
Martha -- can you tell us precisely why the
nurse-practitioner said you shouldn't have gotten a DES? We know that
Ticlid can cause liver problems, so it's not recommended. Reduced liver
function also brings up a "use with caution" for Plavix, but
it's not an absolute contraindication. We're assuming the nurse is concerned
that you'll need to be on Plavix for a year, whereas with a bare metal
stent, it would only be 6 weeks. What has the interventional cardiologist
said about this situation? He/she may have had a good reason for the
medicated, or drug-eluting stent (DES) but what is the explanation for
why you're not feeling well? There is a study going on out of Texas which
you can get more information about in the right hand column. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, November 24, 2007
I recently had a medicated stent (that was all
the Dr. told me) I am not sure which kind. I also have a liver disease
called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, caused by the type of arthritis
I have. After I had surgery the Nurse Practitioner came in and said "you
shouldn't have had a medicated stent" did you not tell your Dr., I said "no
but it was on my chart", she said don't ever depend on the Dr. reading
your chart. Two weeks after having my stent placed I started having very
severe arm & shoulder pain, called and made an appt. with the cardiologist,
he said nothing wrong with your heart and sent me to my Rheumatologist,
she gave me a Prednisone shot and 20 mg. Prednisone daily. My response
has not been good, usually when I have increased inflammation it will
get better quickly with Prednisone. I was changed to Ticlid from Plavix
which did not do any good, now back on Plavix. I am desperate for help,
I feel so much worse than I did before the stent. I truly feel that I
am allergic to it. Had I known the facts and been asked which stent I
preferred I would have said "bare metal". However I am just a patient,
since I have lived with this body for 74 years I know there is something
else wrong. I can't comb my hair or put dishes in my cabinet because
my arms and shoulders are so weak and painful. Martha M., Missouri, USA, November 23, 2007
I am a 43 year old Australian woman who had
three cypher stents following an arterial dissection in my LAD. Like Ken
R from Georgia, I have had dull chest pain and tingling in my left
arm since my heart attack. It, too, lessens with exercise and drives
me crazy some days like a tooth ache. My doctors seem to think it's psychological.
If anyone can shed some light on this problem, I'd appreciate it. I don't
think it can be related to the stents as it was there post heart attack
and prior to any treatment at all. Michele Medway, Gunning, New South Wales, Australia, November 22, 2007
I'm a 36yr male Correctional Officer, Pos PPD,latent
TB 2004 Had a reaction to INH (chemotherapy medication)caused Neuropathy
in tongue(burnt taste),fingertips toes,sides of legs,tinnitus,extreme
fatigue,memory loss, gallbladder disease(gallbladder removed june2005),
B-12 Deficiency discovered right before gal bladder removed started b-12
shots in july...they helped a lot LAD stent(Taxus express2) put in on
11/14/07 I told the ER I was allergic to INH...I guess they couldn't
put 2&2 together..I felt fine for 1 day after surgery and have started
feeling the same pain that I was experiencing before surgery....I just
found out that the coating on these stents are (chemotherapy medicated)
Hello! I am reading all of these stories just looking forward to what
Ill have to endure...the good news is I already have tinnitus,tiredness,neuraphthy....Now
I get to look forward to a rash it looks like...sorry for sounding so
neg..just sick of being sick!..My suggestions for persons who have received
one of these stints is to get a blood count on your B Vitamins specifically
the b-12 I do not think there is a way to repair the nerve damage after
you lack the B-12 another is to stop using Proton Pump Inhibitors(protonix,
prevacid, nexium, even zantac)-they cause me to have severe explosive
diarrhea, pepcid seems to be ok...or just good old mylanta or tums! The
pump Inhibitors does not allow your enzymes break down the Vitamin in
your food and the chemotherapeutic drug coating is killing the enzymes
or better known as intrinsic factor. So there is a double whammy accuring...another
safe bet would be to use the b-12 pills that you can place under your
tongue. That way you can get the B-12 straight to your blood bypassing
your stomach and feeding the nerves that are in danger of not getting
the b-12 they need to function! Also more good news I believe the medication
in the stent only last for about a year so after that hopefully the inflammation
around that area will go away, till then as I have learned in the past
Grin! and Bear it! The alternative would be nonexistance...and that would
hurt everyone that loves you! Aaron Smith, Cumberland, Maryland, USA, November 18, 2007
Sharon -- we have sent you information about
the cardiologists who are conducting this study (also being done in Texas).
Allergic or sensitivity reactions are often difficult to diagnose so
we hope this can be of some benefit. As for the stent being replaced,
that can't be done -- sounds like the stent began to restenose (tissue
was growing inside of it) and usually in these cases, either a balloon
is used to open up the stent, or another stent is placed inside the original.
Keep us informed as to what, if anything, you find out -- and good luck. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, November 18, 2007
I am very much interested in the stent
allergy study. I had a Taxus Express 2 Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary
Stent March 2, 2006. By the end of May I was having trouble breathing
again and retaining fluid. By December 2006 I was having bad breathing
problems so they went back in the end of Dec 2006 and the right coronary
artery which they had placed the stent previously that year was grown
over and blocked with some kind of matter (doctors words) that they
had to remove. The doctor said if I continued to have a problem with
it they would take the stent out and replace it with another one. Since
that happened I have had strange things happen to me that the doctors
haven't been able to explain. My face, neck, arms and legs turn really
red which is worse at times than at other times but pretty much stays
there. My throat and mouth broke out with blisters and was really red.
I don't break out with blisters now but my throat, mouth and tongue
all get really red and hurt. My throat actually closed up on me and
I had to go to the ER. It had been sore for a couple of weeks and then
I couldn't breathe one morning. Everything in my mouth and throat was
swollen. They did a CAT scan and said everything was red and swollen
all the way into my chest. NO Fever. My uvula, my epiliglottis etc....
all red and swollen. That was Oct 11, 2007 and I am still on steroids
and my throat is still red, It is worse then better etc.... I have
nasal congestion too. I have been to a immunologist/allergist, ear
nose and throat, rheumatologist doctors and fixing to go to an infectious
disease specialist. Thus far everyone is clueless as to what is going
on. I also bruise really bad, have extreme fatigue at times and am
hoarse. Not sure where to go from here but was hoping that this could
be the answer. Please respond if you think it is possible that the
Taxus Stent may be the culprit. I hope I have remembered everything. Sharon G., Texas, USA, November 18, 2007
Denise -- hopefully the group of Texas cardiologists
can help you. As for your developed sensitivity to Plavix, we just conducted
an interview with Dr. von Tiehl of the Scripps Clinic in San Diego. He
is the lead author of a study published in this week's Journal of the
American College of Cardiology, titled "Clopidogrel
Desensitization After Drug-Eluting Stent Placement". They've
had great success with this and he recommended that patients consult
an allergist who is capable of delivering drug desensitization therapy
(probably one at a large university center) and he/she can reference
Dr. von Tiehl's article for details. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, November 18, 2007
Nov. 13, 2007: After 2 Taxus des stents, without
pre surgery consult as to choices in stent world, were implanted March
2006, I experienced a hypersensitive reaction to same. This created a
domino effect creating many more allergic reactions over the next 18
months. I even became allergic to PLAVIX after 9 months, so now what
am I supposed to do!!! I am not able to follow the lifelong duel antiplatelet
therapy that is supposed to protect me from clots? I have also developed
allergic reactions to SOY, MSG, NUTS, RAW FRUITS AND SOME RAW VEGETABLES,
AS WELL AS ANYTHING CURED, AGED OR FERMENTED AND MY RAGWEED ISSUES ARE
OVER THE TOP! Does anyone have any advise, I have enrolled in the study
out of Texas. Is my risk for clot increased because of my hypersensitive
reaction??? The reaction I have experienced is softball sized hives,
malaise,and fever for approx. 3 days. I have seen an allergist and take
Fexofendine,4 Cimetidine and Hydroxyz HCl daily. This prevents hives
only until a new allergy develops, and I must eliminate yet another food
from my diet. Would anyone like to guess if this is temporary or permanent????? Denise Knoche, patient given no stent choices prior to surgery,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, November 13, 2007
I think I have an allergy to the nickel in my
stent. What can I do? William Lipoff, Plantation, Florida, USA, November 8, 2007
Every since I've had my Cypher stents I have
been living in pain and lost my ambition. I have pain in the muscles
of my arms and legs, pain in my joints, and a very annoying pain in my
back between my shoulder blades. I told my primary care doctor and he
took me off the statin drugs that he put me on. It's been over 6 months
and I have been living on motrin and getting more annoyed with the doctor
who looks at me like I am crazy when I go to see him with the same story.
Is there any help for me? Elizabeth W., Roseville, Michigan, USA, October 24, 2007
Update to May 6, 2007 posting for William Blanton
regarding cypher drug eluting stent. We finally heard from the University
of Texas-they don't think the inflammation found in Bill's mouth is related
to the stent but don't know what to make of it. This week Bill was to
his heart doctor and his doctor finally told him it is a reaction to
the stent. They don't know what to do since you cannot stay on prednisone
for any length of time. He said at least you are not dying just suffering.
I am not sure what that exactly means. They won't risk taking the stent
out unless he gets in the position he is dying from it and it is the
only hope. They might attempt it then. They said the stent is affecting
his immune system that is why he has skin problems, allergies, sore throat,
severe mouth and tongue pain. It is causing the inflammation in the mouth.
They cannot give a prognosis since they do not know that much about this.
His condition is chronic and he will have to live with it however long
that is. The only real hope for the future is possibly a new drug that
might help relieve some of the symptoms. We are not there yet. We have
given up on any good out come with this. On the issue of fatty tumors-
Bill had one on his arm before he received the stent-he now has two.
Someone on the forum asked about this-don't really know what this says
either. Once again thanks for listening and I hope all of you on this
forum find a answer and some help. My heart goes out to all of you and
thanks to the forum for making this insight available to all of us. If
anything changes or we get anymore information I will let the forum know.
Thanks again. Terrie Blanton, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, October 19, 2007
I am experiencing
the same symptoms: Dull, chronic chest pain, tiredness, etc. along with
arm, shoulder, and back pain. These symptoms are lessened with exercise
(I am in Cardiac rehab). These started almost immediately, and are fairly
constant. I talked with my doctor, and because the last a long time,
and don't worsen with activity, they say it is not heart-related. The
worst part is the uncertainty of what is causing the pain. I wish someone
would make doctors aware of these issues! Ken R., Georgia, USA, October 17, 2007
All, I am a 40 year old male with 15 Cypher
DES stents and a special covered stent to address an aneurysm in my LAD.
My first operation last year placed 8 Cypher DES stents - 5 in my LAD
and 3 in my RCA. The recent stents were placed in my RCA and LAD in some
of the locations that had restenosis, and new stents in my Circumflex.
I had a severe rash last year when the first 8 stents were put in. My
cardiologist, Dr. Samuel DeMaio in Austin, TX is a research cardiologist
and a patient advocate (he is an MD, a lawyer, and a electrical engineer
- quite a career - and is involved heavily in research cardiology). When
I had the rash response, which was also accompanied by severe itching
to the point of driving me mad, he placed my on Zyrtec. I took the medication
for about 2 months and it worked very well. When I quit taking it, the
rash and itching did not reoccur. After the last set of operations this
year, I never experienced the itching and/or rash so I never required
the treatment with Zyrtec. Zyrtec is a drug used to treat allergies.
I worked very well for me. By the way, I exercise almost every day -
weight lifting and cardio. The benefit of weight lifting - if your doctor
deems it safe for you - is that it appears to improve heart rate recovery. Gerald Merits, Austin, Texas, USA, September 7, 2007
I HAVE READ EVERYBODYS BLOG AND I HAVE THE SAME
FEELING THE BURNING SENSATION, THE ITCHINESS,THE URINATING PROBLEM, AND
THEN THEY WANT TO TAKE ME OFF THE PLAVIX! I GOT THE WHOLE BENEDRYL & PREDNISONE
THING WHAT ELSE HELPS? ANYBODY HAVE ANY ANSWERS? I AM ONLY 32 YEARS OLD..
I FEEL LIKE IM GOING CRAZY. DAN, GEORGIA, USA, September 6, 2007
Jo brings up a good point about what happened
to her husband. When a Thrombosis(blood clot) is formed in the stent
can it and will it move around in the heart. It would only make sense
for this to happen, however I would like to have clarification. Thanks
again for all you assistance. Bob Puckett, , Snellville, Ga. U.S. A., August 07, 2007
Jo D -- curious as to how long after getting
the Cypher stent did your husband stop taking Plavix. And who told him
that was okay to do? His cardiologist? We hear your frustration with
the healthcare situation -- but stents have also helped many people,
and we would say that in the past year, the pendulum has swung quite
far in questioning the use of drug-eluting stents -- many feel too far.
Reading over your story, it's not clear in what way the stent your husband
got caused any problem, since his thrombosis occurred in a different
artery from the stent, according to your doctor. Did your husband get
other help, such as rehab or a program of lifestyle changes (smoking
cessation, diet, exercise, etc.)? Did you know that studies have shown
distance truckers have higher rates of coronary artery disease? Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, August 6, 2007
My husband has had 5 by passes in 2000, He did
not have a heart attack. The only medication he was on was aspirin and
lipitor. Then in 2005, he was having pain down his arm , he is an OTR
driver. He was away from home, he went to a hospital in another state,
they ruled out a heart attack, but ran dye to find a small blocked artery.
They put in a Cypher stent, put on plavix for 9 months or longer. His
doctor let him stop taking plavix, two month later he had a heart attack
from thrombosis, however, the doctor said it was because he stopped taking
plavix, but he said it was not caused from the stent, because it was
a different vein. now he is on plavix, lipitor, and toprol, he had never
had high blood pressure before the drug eluting stent, yet the cardiologist
says it his problems had nothing to do with the stent. I have to ask,
money talks and I feel these stents have caused problems for a lot of
people and the doctors benefit from the stents because the drug companies
spend millions on them to push their products. The FDA must also benefit
from the large money drug companies. Do they have any idea what kind
of trouble they are causing these people trying to keep jobs with insurance
and the companies don't want to employ these people, it is a serious
situation for many people and our government does not seem to care. All
I can say is thank god there will be a time when everyone is equal and
money can't buy anything! Jo D., Oklahoma, USA, August 2, 2007
Greg and T.C. -- we can understand your frustration
and worry. As we've stated numerous times, there are many different possibilities
for the type of reactions described in this Forum Topic. It is difficult
to discern what is a drug reaction and what might be something else.
As for the "something else", little research has been done
on this phenomenon. Hypersensitivity (or allergic reaction) to the coatings
(a.k.a. polymers) that are on the Cypher or Taxus drug-eluting stents
has been the subject of only one peer review article -- it was published
in December 2005 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (see
our piece, "Drug-Eluting
Stents May Cause Allergic Reactions"). Already at that time,
we had numerous postings on our Forum from patients describing symptoms
like yours. A year ago, the group of cardiologists who wrote that article
came to Angioplasty.Org to see if we could refer patients to them --
they were quite sure that such a sensitivity existed, albeit an extremely
low incidence, and were trying to develop a test to confirm such a reaction
in patients. We have been referring patients on this Forum (see the right
side-bar) to the study, but the cardiologists have been hampered by lack
of funding and no assistance whatsoever from the two FDA-approved device
manufacturers -- they actually have to purchase the stents retail in
order to obtain material for allergy testing. These were matters that
Angioplasty.Org communicated to the FDA -- most recently during the
FDA's two-day DES safety hearing in December 2006. We also feel that
the hypersensitivity reaction may be an indicator for increased risk
of late stent thrombosis, but this is only an unproven hypothesis. By
all means, contact
us regarding the Stent Allergy Study, and feel free to write the
FDA and your representatives in Washington about this situation. On the
brighter side for patients is the fact that the next generation of drug-eluting
stents, in particular the Endeavor stent made by Medtronic and the Xience
made by Abbott, use different polymer coatings that are supposedly more
biocompatible. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, July 21, 2007
In Dec. 2005, I had a Cypher stent placed in
my proximal LAD after an MI at age 38. I have had dull chronic chest
pain ever since. I have had two subsequent angiograms, one even with
IVUS, and everything looks great and the artery has great flow. I have
seen experts in three different university centers and none of them has
an answer. The dull chest pain drives me crazy at times on days when
it is particularly bad. I have always had a healthy diet, nonsmoking,
athletic, person with no family history or other risk factors. My last
doctor was the most thorough and he thinks it may be a local inflammation/allergic
reaction to the stent coating. Up to this point I had ruled out allergic
reaction because, unlike most accounts, I have had no other symptoms,
of an allergic reaction (skin rashes or hives). However, the doctor described
cases in which pathologists have performed autopsies on people who had
once received drug-eluting stents and discovered signs of local inflammation.
I wish Johnson & Johnson, and other stent manufacturers, could provide
very small samples of the drug used on the stent for allergists and other
doctors to do skin tests to help identify the cause. Greg K., Nevada, USA, July 20, 2007
Last August my mother had a medicated stent
inserted. Since then her health has constantly declined. All along she
has said she felt better before the stent was inserted. She had a rash
after surgery that was explained as being a reaction to the Lasix medicine
she was prescribed (even though she had taken it before without any problems).
She was also put on Plavix. She complained of pains in her neck and throat
and excruciating pain in her back and leg. She slowly lost her appetite
and in December she was forcing every mouthful down. End of December
she was prescribed Edecrin for fluid since everyone thought she was allergic
to Lasix. From Jan 1 to April 30th she was in the hospital 3 times. The
last time was over 30 days with severe vomiting and diarrhea. Nothing
helped! Needless to say she was down to nothing but skin and bones. Finally
after inserting a feeding tube we were able to bring her home. Every
test that has been run has come back negative. Everything looks great
and the doctors can t find anything that's causing her problem. Since
discontinuing the Ederin in May, the vomiting stopped but her health
still hasn't improved. Before the stent she was a dynamic 76 year old.
She was very active. Always on the go and doing things for others. Now,
she barely speaks unless you ask her something directly. She s able to
slowly walk from one room to the other and that s all. I found this website
searching to see if anyone else had experienced the same problems as
mom. Has anyone found anything that can be done to help people whose
system can't tolerate these stents? Mom is slowly slipping away from
us. T.C., Florida, USA, July 7, 2007
Chad -- if you read through these posts, you'll
see others worrying about nickel allergies writing in. Whether or not
this is your wife's problem is something that you should discuss with
an allergy specialist. That being said, we refer you to our
posting from April 10, 2007. Stents that contain surgical stainless
steel all carry a warning to physicians in their package insert that
patients with a known sensitivity to stainless steel or nickel may suffer
an allergic reaction. And this applies to all stents, not just drug-eluting
stents. There are some stents made with titanium, but they are usually
a titanium-nickel alloy. You've raised an important issue and a problem.
Patients who are potential stent candidates should be asked about allergies
-- certainly all patients need to take the initiative and make their
physicians aware of this condition because many surgical implantable
devices are made with nickel. Your allergist may be able to recommend
some form of therapy. Please let us know how you fare and thank you for
writing in. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, July 3, 2007
in short 12 heart caths in 10 years for 11 stents
placed total. 1 triple bypass at the ten year mark. Is there a possibility
of a nickel allergy causing all of the heart caths? My wife has a severe
nickel allergy. 7 months after the triple bypass she had to have the
wires removed from her chest because they contained nickel. We recently
learned the all of the 11 stents have at least 2%nickel in each. She
has been diagnosed with multiple illness that are possible linked to
an allergy to nickel. Her health is quickly getting worse with no answers
as to why. My thought is the elevated levels of nickel being released
constantly from all 11 stents. Cardiologist says impossible, By-pass
surgeon says absolutely, primary physician says yes also. If so, why
were we not informed of nickel in the stents even though we asked every
time. Doc's always answered 100% titanium. How to reduce the effects
of the nickel? Chad Lehan, concerned hubby, Spokane Washington, June 24,
2007
Thank You Terrie
Blanton [May 6, 2007] for your post. I have been in contact
w/ a Dr. at University of Texas. But as of yet haven't been accepted
for the study. My GP is checking on some things before I send the
paper back stating I want to participate in the study w/ my signatures
on them. This seems to be a long process to me. I found this site
in March of this year and sent a request that month.This is early
June and I really hope the process speeds up soon. I don't hope to
give other people a negative impression of the study. Apparently
I assume it does take time to get accepted and get the actual study
started. But to me every day that goes by seems like a long time
dealing w/ the joint pain and rashes and now off and on itching.
I estimate I have been dealing w/ the problems for 4 years now and
feel worn down or out from it all. Paul T., Illinois, USA, June 2, 2007
Since my stent placement DES I have been losing
weight and it will not stop. I have lost approx. 38 pounds in the last
5 months. Has anyone else encountered this problem?? If so, what was
the cause if you know? Norman Z., Michigan, USA, May 16, 2007
Hi everyone; greetings from Down Under. I had
a BMS put into my RCA eight years ago. I was only 46 and till then very
fit and healthy. I did not have a heart attack, but suddenly developed
angina and coronary artery cramps. During an angiogram my RCA was called
as being 99% blocked! For two years afterwards, I felt as though I had
someone inside my chest repeatedly jabbing me with a knife, or similar
sharp object. It was disconcerting, to say the least. I also developed
severe tinnitus. However, all the pains gradually subsided and became
very intermittent and I learned to live with it. The more active I was,
the better I felt. Unfortunately, the ringing in my ears persists to
this day. Some say the meds are the cause, others say no. I just live
with it and get on with things. Three months ago I had a sudden heart
attack and the BMS reblocked. I was so bad I was flown to Melbourne (the
capital city of Victoria) by helicopter. In the cath lab they called
my RCA as 99% occluded again. Now, that was a close call! They tell me
the damage to the heart is minimal, but I probably wont be able to climb
Mt. Everest. Ever since, I have been feeling a million dollars. For around
three weeks I would suddenly get very tired during the day; like running
into a brick wall. So, I would have a sleep, maybe for a half hour, maybe
for a couple of hours and then I would be fine again. Now, I feel great.
No pains, no aches and I can chase my kids all round the park and apart
from being so out of breath after a chase that I am leaning on a fence
gasping for air, I have no ill effects. In fact, the more active I am,
the better I feel. The sad part of this story is that just prior to my
heart attack, I stopped taking my medications - Plavix included. I was
doing some high stress work for the Federal Government, often in isolated
areas and just not able to get to a Doctor to get my prescriptions renewed
- and I paid the price. They now have me on aspirin as well as the Plavix
and I am aspirin intolerant. Aspirin gives me very, very severe indigestion.
Fortunately I may only have to take it as an adjunct to Plavix for a
year. I am now trying coated aspirin. Don't forget, that a stent is a
foreign object in the body. Some bodies react very badly to foreign objects.
Mine did and hence all the weird and wonderful pains after I was given
the BMS. The new stent is a Cypher DES and it is inside the old one.
It is designed to slow down the growth of cells and so, logically, the
body can't react to it the way mine did eight years ago. Consequently,
I am amazingly comfortable. Amazingly, I am still fit and active. My
kids are still very young ( the youngest is only six) so I have to be.
Again, the more active I am the better I feel. What is often not addressed,
is the psychological aspects of heart problems, particularly when invasive
surgery has taken place. You feel invaded and you know the problem is
very serious, because that's why the doctors intervened. In a nutshell,
it's all very scary. I try to just get on with it,stay positive, ignore
aches and pains if they surface and be as active as I possibly can. My
indigestion is nothing compared to the possibility of being in a cemetery.
Never again will I forget my pills and tablets for any reason. I take
my hat off to modern medicine, because with out it, I wouldn't be here. John Keily, Rosedale, Victoria, Australia, May 16, 2007
OK, it has been over 5 months since my one stent
DES was put in and I am still feeling very tired, weak, chest pain, etc.
I am curious as to, is this the way life is now going to be forever??
Are people that are having these symptoms, dying off?? What is going
on? Please let us know. Norman Z., Michigan, USA, May 15, 2007
Anna -- certainly if you don't feel well, you
should discuss this with your doctor, preferably the interventional cardiologist
who stented you. But your symptoms may not be related to the stent. Allergic
reactions to stents are uncommon, but obviously, as this Forum attests
to, some are experiencing them. More common are side-effects from drugs
you may not have been taking prior to the stenting. For example, ACE
inhibitors sometimes cause coughing. Statins can cause muscle and joint
pain. As for worrying, there's a new study out this week that worrying
can definitely affect heart health and that doctors should be more attentive
to helping with this. Often an adjustment of medications can make a major
difference. Let us know how you fare.
And Terrie from Ohio -- thank you so much for updating
us all on your experiences. We too hope the Texas study reveals some
information. This is a problem that obviously some patients are experiencing.
Even though it may be rare, it ain't rare if it's you! We second your
call to others to continue posting and updating this Forum -- it's just
about the only place where this issue is being discussed. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, May 15, 2007
July 6th of this year I had 3 Cypher stents
put in the LAD. Ever since I have not felt well. Chest discomfort, coughing,
and constant worrying. I have also gotten some fatty tumors so they say
that's what they are on different parts of my body. I was reading the
book the other day that came with the card to carry, because of the stenting
and I read that the medication that is in the cypher stent Sirolimus
can cause tumor formation, also joint pain. I was wondering if anyone
has noticed that they have gotten any fatty tumors since they received
the stents and didn't realize that this may be what they are from. I'm
at my wits end. I was also wondering if I should mention this to my doctor.
I don't want to look like I'm nuts. But this does seem to make some sense
of why I have these tumors and are they really just fatty tumors. I would
appreciate any insight you may have. Thanks, Annie, Anna, Parkton, Maryland, USA, May 8, 2007
Back once again
with a update to my previous posting of November 4, 2006! Bill has went
through the testing with the University of Texas for possible stent allergies.
He had a slight reaction (redness of the skin), his doctor said it was
too slight to indicate a reaction. He then had to have a nuclear test
on his whole body to check for inflammation. This test showed inflammation
in the area of the mouth. The doctor's don't think this has anything
to do with the stent because inflammation wasn't found anywhere else
but have no idea what is causing it. The doctor said he is sure it is
not the stent but still can't rule it out. He also said he could not
remove Bill's stent because of where it is in the heart. The doctor also
said there are no more tests to run on him and the only suggestion he
could make is to go on a low dose of a prednisone and if it helps he
may have to stay on it the rest of his life. Bill is not considering
this at this time. Bill has had problems with his mouth, sore throat,
hoarse and all kinds of skin problems which started with the stent. The
last 3 weeks he has been able to use polygrip for the first time since
the stent. Everything else is the same-symptoms come and go.
The tests and films were sent to the University of
Texas a month ago and they are to let us know what they think of all
this. We found out from a friend of ours that has the same doctor as
my husband that our doctor told him Bill is a rare case. He is allergic
to something in the stent. He has had other cases but the symptoms usually
go away after 6 months but Bill's hasn't. After 20 months I have little
hope he will get better. Bill's doctor has never told him what he told
this other person but still says he is sure it is not the stent but can't
rule it out either. Bill has told his doctor all along he thought it
was the stent. Now, at this point in time, it has to be the stent or
some weird syndrome caused from plavix, etc, that he was on for awhile.
Bill and these other people on this forum are not from the twilight zone
with some alien disease. In my opinion, Bill's doctor has known this
forever and we have just been on a witch hunt. Bill and I are where the
doctors want us - giving up and just dealing with it day to day on our
own. They can't do anything about it so just go away and deal with it.
As for the medical profession there has been entirely too much miscommunication,
no communication and poor ethics. If we hear from Texas University we
will let the forum know. I think the study
in Texas once completed may give us some interesting data but that
is probably a year to 2 years in the making. I hope others follow through
with the study as it may be the only hope of any answers for us on the
forum. Thanks again for listening and would love to hear how some of
the forum group is doing that we have not heard from in a long while. Terrie Blanton, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, May 6, 2007
Linda -- when you say "blood clots",
we assume you mean blockages? It sounds like what happened was that your
husband went for a diagnostic angiogram -- a test to see if his arteries
had blockages. One question is why he saw the cardiologist in the first
place? Was he having symptoms? Chest pain? In any case, usually cardiologists
tell their patients who are having an diagnostic angiogram that if they
see a blockage that definitely needs opening up, they can do it right
there and then, adding only 20 or 30 minutes to the procedure, rather
than bringing them back on another day and going through the whole needle
puncture of the groin artery etc., all over again. Sounds like you and
your husband did not understand this -- sounds like better communications
were needed. (By the way, angioplasty/stenting is technically not "surgery".)
Anyway, here's our recommendation, because we (or any other internet
site) should not be giving out medical advice. Talk to your husband's
cardiologist. Let him/her know that you were disturbed when you found
out that an intervention was done and that you weren't prepared for that.
Maybe they'll say it was in the consent form -- and maybe it was -- but
the fact remains, you weren't prepared for it. But communications aside,
don't let the problems that your husband is experiencing go unreported.
Some of the symptoms you list may be drug-related (drugs often affect
the elderly more, and tiredness, shortness of breath, and especially
bleeding, if your husband is on Plavix and aspirin, are drug side-effects.
But DO NOT (that's capitalized for a reason) stop or change your medications
without discussing this with your husband's cardiologist. Stopping Plavix,
for example, can be very dangerous. It is unfortunate that he (and you)
feel distrust at this point. But it sounds like you have a reason. Poor
communication may not seem like a big deal, but sometimes has profound
effects. Maybe this can be resolved when you explain yourselves to your
cardiologist. We would hope so. And that as you go forward, adjustments
to medications, etc. can be made, and that you and your doctor can work
together to achieve a better result. Please let us know how things go.
And thanks for sharing your story. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, May 5, 2007
My husband is 85 years old. He has high blood.
Last year November 27, 2006 the heart doctor stated that he needed to
go to the hospital as an outpatient to check and see if he had any blood
clots. We did exactly what the doctor stated us to do that day. The next
thing we knew he was having surgery in which we was not inform of by
the doctor. He stated that he just wanted to check to see if my husband
had any blood clots not surgery. Anyway we was betrayed by the doctor
and now my husband is having a lot of problems since that surgery. The
doctor stated that he had two blood clots but they could only unclot
one because of his age and health condition. Now today he suppose of
went back for the second blood clot on April 3, 2007 but my husband is
afraid to go back to the doctor. Now he's having more difficult problem
breathing; tingling in the hands and feet; coughing up blood; nose bleed
and running nose constantly; constantly belching and chest pain; feet
swells up; sleep all day; tired and depress; lack of memory forgetful;
lost of appetite etc. I do not know what else to do for him because he's
afraid of any doctor now and I cannot get him to go back for a checkup
on this follow up from surgery to find out what is going on with his
health. We don't know if he has the Drug-Eluting Stent or the Bare-Metal
Stent that could be causing Allergic Reaction or Side Effects. Linda Jones, Fresno, California, USA, May 4, 2007
Brian H. I just want you to know that I too
had tingling in the hands and feet and it finally went away. It took
about 3 or 4 months before it went away. I too still have some symptoms
of discomfort and am taking place in a
stent study in Texas. Please let us know how you are doing. Norman, Michigan, USA, April 30, 2007
Lisa from Traverse City, Michigan. I had a stent
put in after taking Plavix for 10 days. A month later I began having
terrible continuous belching, so loud people in the next room could hear
me. The doctors finally decided after 2 months that I had an infection
in my stomach. Bernie, Illinois, USA, April 18, 2007
Has anyone out there experienced unexplainable
burping after being put on plavix? My father-in-law had a stent put in
last fall and then put on Plavix. He has this burping that is a mystery
to the doctors in our area. Any ideas??? Lisa, Traverse City, Michigan, USA, April 17, 2007
i am a 55 yo male with 6 stents and double
bypass. 2 stents were put in after the bypass. the last 2 were taxus
stents. the stent clogged up 21 days after the insertion. i have constant
chest pain and my blood pressure goes up and down, with the high so far
was 232/126. i am constantly tired and depressed, so depressed i left
my wife because i felt like i was no good to her. the last stent was
put in the 1st septal [branch] which caused the mi and my doctor stated
he had gotten into a lot of trouble by the head of the cath lab for putting
the stent there, why do doctors do this? i am totally disabled due to
the pain and breathing prob. Ray G., Maryland, USA, April 13, 2007
Thanks for your quick response. I have just
talked to my doctor's nurse who tried to tell me that stainless steel
did not contain nickel, and that if I had concerns, the doctor would
not perform the procedure. (I think I was fired as a patient?) I am suppose
to contact her with my decision to proceed this afternoon. Jean R., Tennessee, USA, April 10, 2007
Jean -- Please
be advised that we are not doctors and thus do not offer "medical advice".
Any information or opinion from our web site should not be used as a
substitute for medical advice from a licensed MD. That being said, we
can tell you that all medical devices come with a DFU (Directions for
Use) which is produced by the manufacturer and required by the FDA. Pretty
much every DFU for stents which are made of stainless steel (which also
contains nickel) warn that in some patients, these devices may cause
allergic reactions to the metal. For example, the DFU for the TAXUS stent
reads, under WARNINGS: "Patients with known hypersensitivity
to 316L stainless steel may suffer an allergic reaction to this implant." The
Cordis CYPHER stent (as well as most bare metal stents) have similar
warnings. A web page from the FDA that addresses this problem can be
found at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/medicaldevicesafety/tipsarticles/allergies.html Hope
we've been of help. Good luck. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, April 10, 2007
I had a heart catheterization last Thursday
and they want to proceed with a stent later this week. After doing my
homework and realizing the stent is made of metal containing nickel,
I called my doctor's office and informed the nurse of my severe reaction
to nickel. She indicated that she had not heard of a problem and would
check. No one has called me back. Should I be concerned, should I cancel
the procedure. Help. Jean R., Tennessee, USA, April 10, 2007
I recently sent this letter to the Stent
Study group. Hope it helps someone. Correspondence welcome:
I first heard about your study regarding potential allergic reactions
to drug eluding stents through the Forum at: forum21@ptca.org.
I am very interested in participating in it. I have had two Cordis/Cypher
stents placed. One in December of 2004 and the second in January of
2005. I began experiencing strange body reactions within the first
two days and before I left the hospital with the first one. The early
symptoms were hot flashes with a body rash and intermittent itching,
usually followed by body chills. The assumption was that I was having
an allergic reaction to the contrast die from the angiograms. I had
had several of them before with no reactions at all. Once I arrived
at home I experienced daily nausea, extreme headaches, slight shortness
of breath, tingling in my face, tongue, throat, hands and toes, dizziness
and an intermittent bright red rash from head to toe. Not necessarily
all simultaneously. These side effects were strong enough to be debilitating.
As you might imagine the medical opinion was that new the Plavix therapy
I was on was the cause so I was then prescribed Ticlid instead. My
symptoms persisted so I was taken off both and remained on only a daily
325mg dose of enteric aspirin. There was no change in my symptoms.
I have repeatedly communicated these symptoms to my cardiologists and
primary physician who look at me like I have two heads when I mention
the possibility of an adverse reaction to the stents. Apparently these
reactions are rare. One cardiologist did change some of the blood pressure
(Toprol) and cholesterol medications (Lipitor) I was on with no change.
I have subsequently seen a neurologist, ENT specialist, allergist,
and dermatologist. Both the cardiologist and allergist have requested
samples of the stents so a skin patch test can be performed. The manufacturer
has failed to reply to these repeated requests or even contact one
of us. All of this is quite stressful and I am desperately seeking
some answers. Can you help me? Thank You.
Brian H., retired, Massachusetts,
USA, April 5, 2007
My husband had 6 DES stents implanted in April
2006. In September he started developing a rash, started itching, etc.
He has seen a dermatologist, has tried several meds, creams, etc. Nothing
works. Please forward us any information you may have regarding the study,
etc. Thanks. Joyce P., Indiana, USA, April 2, 2007
My father in law has been seeing his cardiologist
and working on a eliminating various drugs from his system, one at a
time, since this started. They did replace Plavix with another drug quite
some time ago, with no success. They have since then replaced other drugs
in his repertoire (he has about 12 total to control his heart condition,
diabetes, arthritis, blood pressure, etc.) That is why his case is so
complicated. From reading the forum and the fact that the rashing started
about 3 days after surgery, we are suspicious it is a stent allergy.
Especially since he has not responded to the drug elimination. In addition
to this, no steriods or other anti-itch medications have been able to
help him. He also had a great deal of swelling in his legs and constant
water leakage. The water leakage has been controlled at this time by
the use of ace bandages. Your study seems like something we would be
very interested in. Especially since it is only a skin test that his
doctor can do. He actually has an appointment tomorrow. We will bring
this email in to show him. I will also contact the stent
allergy study. P.A., Maryland, USA, March 24, 2007
Elaina and Bob -- your suspicion is a good one,
although it is very hard to say for sure, which is why the group of cardiologists
who first described the hypersensitivity reaction to drug-eluting stents
in the Journal of
the American College of Cardiology are now engaged in a study to
find out more. The reactions you describe are similar to what has been
posted on this topic here and what the cardiologists have seen. We encourage
you to email
us for more information on the study. They may be able to identify
the source and help. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, March 14, 2007
I too am one of the people who suffer severe
joint pain. I do have arthritis, but since the taxus DES's were implanted
I am getting to the point that Its really tough sometimes to even walk.
Getting off the sofa sometimes can be a chore because of the pressure
I have to put on my knees. My son even bought me a cane to help me walk.
I also take plavix and aspirin everyday, I have for 22 months but am
scared to come off because I have already had stent thrombosis once,
and believe me, I don't want it again. I'm glad to be alive, but didn't
know I was going to have to suffer this much. My hand even aches as I
type this. Bob P., Snellville, Georgia, USA, March 12, 2007
My husband is 54 and had a stent put in 18 months
ago, and at a year he broke out with the worst hives and rashes and welts
all over his body even the palms of his hands broke out and itched. He
also gets congested in his lungs and a low grade fever. We have been
to our family doctor and dermatologist. For the past two months, all
they give him is shots of steroids and oral ones to take at home. If
he tries to go off of them it starts all over again. This is not and
environmental allergy it is coming from inside his body and the only
thing in him is this stent. Now they want to test him for allergies but
this is not a typical allergy it is so severe. Has anyone else had this
after having a stent for over a year? We have been to five different
doctors and they can't figure it out. I really feel it has something
to do with the stent. Is this possible? Elaina , North Carolina, USA, March 11, 2007
George -- thanks for writing in your positive
non-allergic experience. It's a good reminder that having the kinds of
reactions one reads about on this Forum topic is not what everyone experiences.
In fact the vast majority of patients don't experience these problems.
That being said, the reason this Forum exists is to give a voice to that
minority. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, March 11, 2007
Adding my experience. A DES was inserted into
my Left Anterior Descending Artery on 2 March due to 95% blockage. For
the record I felt better within 12 hours of the procedure. I returned
to a strong powerful feeling in my chest. My stamina is way up to last
year's levels so I have to watch my exhuberance to drive up to my past
peak. I am one of those anomalies. Health conscious, don't eat fast food,
maybe ate pizza 4x per year, usually eat oatmeal yogurt, that sort of
diet. Until I broke my ankle last year I was cycling 3x week @ 20-30
miles each and did strength training. I am describing myself because
I had no heart damage whatsoever. The cardio guy said my heart muscle
had extra circulation from my aerobics. So the stent essentially opened
up the flow. So far no sensation in my chest or the Aspirin/Plavix/Tomoprol/Vytorin
regime. I have further changed my diet to that of a cow. George, Clermont, Florida, USA, March 10, 2007
Dear Forum, Thanks for sending information about
the "Stent Allergy Study". It's good to know someone (a cardiologist)
is studying this possible allergy. Yes, my stent was a drug eluting stent.
I may have only had 1. They had talked about 2 but it may only be 1.
The drs. seem to find an explanation for these problems but I know I
haven't been the same since the stent placement. I had hoped to be a
model heart patient if there is such a thing ha. By doing all i was told
would be good for my health and heart, but it hasn't worked out that
way, unfortunately. I will talk to my Dr. again about possible allergy
when i see her and also let her know about the study. Then I may email
the cardiologist who is doing the study. BY the way, what is the side
of the drs and cardiologists on the subject of stent allergies? It might
be good to see both sides patients and Drs. Thanks, Paul T., Illinois, USA, March 6, 2007
Thank you so much for returning my email with
information about a possible allergy to the drug stents themselves. My
mother had two drug eluting stents put in in October 2006 and immediately
started having allergic reactions,including hives, rashes, itching, joint
and nerve pain. Her cardiologists took the normal course of action to
see if this reaction was to her Plavix. Six months later, my mom has
been on Plavix, Clopidogrel, Ticlid, Altace, and a variety of others
and her allergic reactions have not ceased. She is being treated for
these reactions, but the cardiologists have come to the conclusion that
she is allergic to the stents themselves. My mother does have a history
of severe allergies to medications. Mom's condition is getting worse
and she was told she could be looking at having more stents put in. She
is refusing this because of the "nightmare" she calls it of the last
6 months of allergic reactions. Any information you can provide is extremely
helpful and please put my comments on your forum, including this one
today. Your forum has already encouraged mom because she now knows she
is not going through this alone. Thank you for all your help. Kathy A., Oklahoma, USA, March 5, 2007
had mi in nov 05, had 2 stents placed in LAD,
not sure if bare metal or des.For last 12 months have had continual lower
chest and back discomfort,i.e. soreness, feels like a rash, but not showing
on skin. Had 2 stress tests, both negative, cardiologist has no idea
what it is. If I lay down symptoms go away, but I still have them sitting
down, any thoughts anyone? Ken, London, UK, March 4, 2007
My companion had two stents implanted in Nov.,
2007. He experiences lethargy, "funny feeling" in chest, heartburn, hiccups.
His blockage was 70% and he felt well before the stents. Now he sleeps
and is unable resume normal life-style. He takes Plavix and regular strength
aspirin. Symptoms were so bad one week after surgery that angioplasty
was done to check stents, with no problem found. Any help appreciated. B.C., Kentucky, USA, March 3, 2007
Steve Florida - Thanks for your response, glad
to tell you my history - in december 2005 I went to my doctor (GP) with
the following symptoms tightness in the chest, weird pain across the
shoulders, and pain / weird feeling of numbness/pins & needles in left
arm & severe discomfort in the throat/neck, all this when I walked & occasionally
when at rest. He diagnosed possible Angina & put me on Bisoprolol 2.5
mg and sent referral to cardiac dept in local hospital, for some reason
as yet not known I did not get to see a cardiologist until October 2006
when I had an exercise test (which showed a problem) from then on things
moved a lot quicker, at the end of November I had an angiogram - this
showed the right hand coronary artery was almost blocked (90%+) but this
side of my heart was being partially fed by what they called backwash
from the left side, it seems I had developed small blood vessels to feed
the right side (this is not unusual so I'm told) It seems my doctor (GP)
putting me on the beta blocker (bisoprolol) stopped a possible heart
attack. I was admitted to hospital on 31st January 07, went for balloon
angioplasty & stent on 1st Feb - I went on the table @ 9am all ok until
contrast dye was injected when I had allergic reaction to this iodine
based product - this was sorted OK - artery was totally blocked, cardiologist
opened this with the balloon and placed 2 DES - went back to the ward
and felt better straight away - no more pain since, I take plavix, simvastatin
- aspirin, (stopped Bisoprolol 2 weeks ago) I should point out that during
the time I waited for angiogram I could only walk about 50 - 100 yds
without pain/indigestion - nitroglycerine spray only gave severe headaches. David W., England UK, March 2, 2007
David
W from England: Thank you very much for posting a response. You
are indeed the first person I personally ever heard of who actually
felt better after a DES stent was implanted. And I have communicated
with dozens and read hundreds of posts all over the internet. Your
post did make an impression on me. If anyone else has had a true benefit
in chest discomfort from a DES stent, please also post. I and all of
us would of course like to hear from you too. It at least gives us
hope, and an interest to make sure there are no other causes of any
chest pain or other problems. My problem of constant chest pain started
immediately after the DES stent was implanted. David, your stent is
apparently very new. Did you actually ever have a heart attack? Or
just a stent on a doctor's recommendation. What exactly were your symptoms/problems
before the stent was implanted, i.e., med history? It has been posited
that if one had an MI, then the results of DES stenting are far less
beneficial, and chest pain may actually increase substantially. How
much better are you? Your post was very brief. Very curious. Thanx. Steve, Florida , March 1, 2007
Eli -- the original purpose of angioplasty was
to relieve angina. If you are experiencing angina more after stenting
than you were before, then something is not working right. Have you had
a followup angiogram or other test to determine if the stent is functioning
correctly? Also check out our related topic called, "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting". Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, March 2, 2007
hi i am 44 yrs old and live in uk . i had a
heart attack in nov 06 and a cypher stent placed on 2nd feb 07. My problem
is i am in so much pain with angina now than what i was before stent
was fitted. before i had the stent i could cope with the pain but now
it seems to be there most of the time and radiates down both my arms
it makes me cry, the pain is waking me up at night too. i was admitted
to hospital put on infusion of nitro which helped but was discharged
with pain killers next day i couldn't believe it. i have since paid private
to see a cardiologist and have been given isosorbide mononitrate this
doesn't stop my pain completely but takes the nasty edge off it and makes
it easier for me to tolerate. i wish i never had the stent. my life has
changed so much i cant do what i did before i hate it . could this be
an allergy to the stent or unstable angina. thanks Eli, Sheffield, England, February 28, 2007
Dawn -- check out the right-column side bar.
There is a group of cardiologists in Texas who are conducting research
on hypersensitivity to drug-eluting stents. They are developing a protocol
for testing this and are looking for patients who may be experiencing
these kinds of unknown symptoms post-DES. Click on the email link and
we'll send you contact information. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, February 27, 2007
Hi everyone, I have posted here before.
Still having issues related to skin, others have mentioned rashes. In
my prior posting I noted that I have what appears to be a rash but the
dermatologists are calling it Granuloma Annulare. Has anyone else with
rash or rash appearing marks gone to dermatologist? and gotten same diagnosis.
They still say they don't know for sure what causes it and I really do
feel it is related to the stents I have. I have known metal allergies
to anything other than gold and sterling silver. I went to Mayo and their
diagnosis was the same, when I questioned the metal stents or the medicated
stents as factors, they quickly said "No" but for not knowing what causes
this they sure did not ask questions to try to find connections between
those that have this Granuloma Annulare. A gal I know, her husband had
medicated stents after I did and she said he has developed a rash that
looks like mine but on his chest. Does anyone out there have the same? Dawn Reich, St. Paul, Minneapolis, USA, February 26, 2007
I wonder if anybody found any over the counter
help for the rashes. I have two stents and three rashes -- one on each
ankle and one in the middle of my chest which only recently seems to
have cleared up. Both of the remaining rashes are small, round and refuse
to go away. Web searches have told me nothing (and no, these are not
ringworm or Lyme disease related). I also have the in the ear, behind
the ear, around the eyes and around the nose dry/flaky skin so any info
for that would also be helpful... Robert, February 21, 2007
To Steve
in Florida, Feb 12 -- I think you may be getting a distorted view
of the viability of the DES, Forums usually only seem to attract people
who have had problems and are looking for a way to resolve them which
is perfectly understandable, most people go to a forum looking for
answers that they are not getting from their doctors. I had 2 DES fitted
2.2.07. and it is like a magic wand has been waved, no more angina
pain, I can walk for miles with no discomfort (as opposed to 50 yards),
I do need to regain some fitness as I have been almost inactive for
over a year but that is coming back slowly, I have very mild 'cold
/ flu' symptoms that may be side effects from one of the drugs but
I can live with that,other than this all is good so far. David W., England UK, February 21, 2007
Cheryl -- it's not correct that the "drug
dissolves in two weeks". The Cypher has a "nominal elution period" of
90 days, although most of the drug is eluted in the first 30. The Taxus
also elutes a controlled dose in the first 30, although, depending on
the version used (slow or moderate release) 70-90% of the paclitaxel
drug stays in the polymer (is never eluted). But the polymer (plastic)
coating stays on the stent. With the current Taxus or Cypher, it does
not degrade and the cardiologists who are studying allergic reactions
to DES are pretty sure that it is the polymer coating that is causing
the allergic reactions. The protocol they have developed for their study
is pretty straight-forward and can be administered by a family physician
-- it involves stopping meds one by one, but only under their protocol
for safety reasons. Then a special skin test is done and the eosinophils
are measured (a type of white blood cell). A nickel allergy will not
increase the eosinophils.
And Steve from Florida -- you've posted a number of
times and we hear you -- especially that you've had nothing but trouble.
There are problems with these devices in some situations, which are being
identified. But your blanket statements about stents being harmful to
everyone and that no one has ever been helped by them is just not correct.
Six million people worldwide have been stented -- the big picture results
don't show a catastrophe in the making. A close friend of ours would
not be alive today if stents and angioplasty did not exist. However,
there is no question that DES have been over-used in this country. That
is now changing -- and newer hopefully better second generation devices
are coming. Surgery has its downsides as well, for example, impairment
of cognitive function is a well-documented side-effect of bypass surgery. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, February 20, 2007
Well I
am back posting because even the Mayo Clinic has no idea how to
help my friend. Cardiologist is sorry this has happened to her, but
there seem to be no answers for her. The testing has been extensive
and even the cardiologist agrees since nothing else is wrong with her
then it probably is an allergy to the nickel, you will note I said
PROBABLY..even after all tests came back negative no one is willing
to admit that this is an allergy. Where do we go from here??? The one
suggestion was for a pain study group, but she has been to a pain specialist
group before and their only suggestion was for morphine which is something
she is not willing to do. The "storms" appear to be happening less
frequently, but I have also suggested she use COQ10 and magnesium as
supplements to some of the other medications she is on, since so many
of the medications she is on cause muscle and joint pain. The swelling
of her joints does appear to be a little more bearable, the rash is
still an all over rash to include her throat (which children's benadryl
seems to ease), but how much benadryl can one person take? I feel so
strongly that this allergy is something that should be considered for
every single person that is even discussing stents with their doctors,
I have spoken to several people and just my random discussions seem
to prove to me that a significant number of people suffer from this
allergy. I have discussed the stent allergy study to her, but I am
not so sure that she is interested in being subjected to more testing,
she is pretty fed up with doctors right now. She also is not having
a reaction to the drug on the stent, she is having a reaction to the
nickel in the stent. She has been told that the medication on the stent
dissolves within two weeks of the procedure, so she knows, or feels
relatively sure the reaction is to the actual stent which cannot be
removed. Cheryl, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, February 17, 2007
Update
to the Forum -- My cardiologist is changing my meds to Ticlid,
although I have to wait for it to arrive at the pharmacy. After seeing
my PCP yesterday to check my rash, he recommended that I not discontinue
the Plavix until I had the Ticlid. He suggested that I may like Claritin
better as it would not cause the drowsiness of the Benadryl (I was
taking 50mg). I did take the Claritin, as well as quartering the Plavix
tablet and taking the quarters over a period of a couple hours. Currently,
the rash has almost disappeared, and the itching is well within tolerable
limits. The Ticlid has not arrived at the pharmacy yet, and I am now
considering continuing the Plavix a while longer to see if my body
will adapt (I am encouraged by the University of Iowa study). The Dr
informed me that the Ticlid comes with a requirement of CBC blood tests
every two weeks and they would leave me on it for 3 months. The plan
for the Plavix was for 12 months minimum. They also plan a nuclear
stress test in 3 months, to be followed by another catheterization
to check on the stent's progress. If it turns out that the rash returns
after changing to Ticlid, I will contact the stent allergy study. Thanks
for your response and your forum. George C., Florida, USA, February 13, 2007
I have talked to
dozens of DES stent recipients, and read hundreds of posts on all kinds
of heart related web forum sites, in addition to this PTCA site. There
are many heart related sites on the net. I have never talked to or read
a post from anyone at all who actually said that their stent made them
feel "better", or that they truly felt the stent overall improved their
condition. (Though their doctors may have told them so). All have told
that their DES stent(s) made them feel much worse. I have only read of
one single person (personally) who simply said their DES stent left them "about
the same", but not worse. I think those reading this will have had the
same witness of reports by those they have talked to about their stent
experience. It almost always bad. This is not the situation with bypass,
for example. I have talked to a number of people that felt their bypass
at least lessened their angina, for example. Though the reports post
bypass were not perfect, some people I have read or talked to actually
were glad they had a bypass, especially those who had the single vessel
robotic, minimally invasive technique. What does this tell us about the
DES stent, compared to bypass, or preventive medicine, EECP, or many
other methods that many report satisfaction from. The DES stent is obviously
a poorly conceived product, that does not "work" in people to improve
quality of life. It is something that doctors should stop putting in
people, as they were warned in September by the World College of Cardiology
meeting. In europe, doctors are turning away form the DES stents significantly
after this meeting. In the US the doctors are continuing to endanger
and harm thousands of people each week by putting these DES stents in
people. Steve, Florida, USA, February 12, 2007
George -- Our
quick recommendation in your case is to discuss the possibility of a
Plavix allergy with your interventional cardiologist, really the best
person to make any adjustments in your treatment. If he/she thinks you
may be having an allergic reaction to Plavix, it may be possible to switch
to an earlier (although related) drug called Ticlid (ticlopidine). We're
also sending you information on the "Stent Allergy Study". Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, February 12, 2007
I had a Cypher stent inserted in the proximal
area of the LAD six days ago (100% blockage, supplemented by collateral
growth of the RCA). Initially, I thought I was having an allergic reaction
to the adhesive on the electrode pads, since the rashes seemed to be
concentrated in those areas, Today, the rash has spread covering much
of the upper torso, front and back. I began taking clopidogrel 75mg immediately
after the catheterization (initial dose may have been higher, it was
more than a couple pills), been taking a daily 325mg aspirin for years
prior. The itching is fairly severe, and does not seem to respond to
benadryl, either orally or topical cream. Found angioplasty.org by Google
search looking for similar symptoms, and advice for relief. Not sure
what your study entails, but would be interested in participating. George C., Florida, USA, February 11, 2007
Brenda -- can you be more specific as to what
type of pain? Is it angina (chest pain?) Also where is it and when did
it start? Has he had any follow-up angiograms or stress tests to determine
if the stents are open? Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, February 10, 2007
Hi my husband had 4 medicated stents put in
1 yr 2 months ago.And is having so much pain from it i am so tired of
doctors telling us that they have never heard of anyone having any problems
with the stents and now i sit here and read and all i can do is cry for
him and all of you. because no one seems to care about any of us. I don't
no how long my husband can go on with the pain. he is 55 and was real
active, now he can hardly move and all i hear is they can't see why is
there no help for us!!!! Brenda W., Idaho, USA, February 9, 2007
Update
of posting from October 2006 where I was asking about a driver
stent. My husband was in great pain in his legs and hips, progressed
to almost unable to walk, using walking cane and considering a walker.
All tests re: arthritis which the Dr. insisted it was came back negative.
Suddenly the condition disappeared after 6 months of excruciating pain
in joints. The thinking now is that it is rare but that some people
may be caused by trauma after the stent is installed. Hope this is
of some comfort to others with this condition. Nora, Canada, February 7, 2007
Wow, Thought I was alone until I read many stories
about the pain we still suffer, have suffered and the ignorance of the
medical community as well as the fact that many docs simply aren't willing
to listen. Follow the money. I wasn't given stent cards, info or diagnosed
properly either. Still in pain looking for answers and almost every posting
rings similar. two heart attacks, last one caused by clotting and six
stents later few if any will own up to the fact that First Do No Harm
is second to First make a buck. Your stories and experiences are important
to me as you are the ones whom really understand what these stents are
doing to us. Keep fighting, Keep talking and Never Give up and Don't
be afraid to fire a few docs. As for me I won't take dying lying down.
Thanks again for this site It can/and has made a huge difference. I stumbled
on it in October of 06 after all my docs had no explanation and even
less information. Mike S., Florida, USA, February 6, 2007
Sheila -- Can't say if such an allergy "runs
in the family", but the fact that your doctor has been made aware and
is treating the possibility is good. Our mission is helping communications
between doctors and patients, so each can do his/her job in improving
the patient's health. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, February 6, 2007
I sure do appreciate all of your information.
Can I ask one more question? my father is allergic to the dye they use
for angiograms. do you think that is a family trait? (the dye allergy)
my Dr. does know about this and is planning some sort of pre-treatment,
steroids I think, but not sure. Thanks again, and I will be taking this
with me on "A" day for my dr. Sheila, Arizona, USA, February 5, 2007
Sheila -- Some stents are made of cobalt-chromium,
but they also have nickel. Has it been determined if you are allergic
to nickel?? The possible advantage of bare metal stents (as opposed to
drug-eluting) is that you don't need long term antiplatelet therapy (aspirin
plus Plavix) -- 4-6 weeks supposedly suffices. Bare metal stents also
have a higher restenosis rate -- especially in certain cases. But you
need to discuss these issues with your interventional cardiologist --
the one who will be doing your procedure. Good luck and let us know how
things proceed! Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, February 5, 2007
Hi! are there other stents available besides
the stainless and the drug-eluting? I have spoken with the medical facility
about these problems, they are also doing some research before they will
do the angiogram. ideally, I wont need a stent. (wishful thinking!) however,
it looks like I will with the comparison of my old tests to my new ones.
Thanks for your reply. Sheila, Arizona, USA, February 5, 2007
Sheila -- Make sure that the cardiologist who
is doing the angio knows these facts. An aspirin allergy and any metal
allergy is something that should be known before an angio (we assume
you mean angiogram, not angioplasty). If they decide to go ahead with
treatment for a blockage, be aware that stents are made of surgical stainless
steel, which contains nickel. They are contraindicated for patients with
a known allergy to stainless steel. An allergy to aspirin might impact
the decision as to whether or not to use a drug-eluting stent. Just make
sure you communicate these facts clearly to the cardiologist, nurse,
anyone that interacts with you. If possible, call them before you go
in. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, February 5, 2007
I was wondering how a stent would affect me
if I have a metal allergy. I cannot wear jewelry that is less than 14k
gold, and I cannot wear any silver or the jewelry that is plated in gold.
also, I can only wear yellow gold, not the white or rose. I also have
an aspirin allergy. I am scheduled for an angio possible on Friday. Thanks Sheila, Arizona, USA, February 5, 2007
What are some of the possible side effects of
a drug eluted stent? My husband had one put in and I now worry what could
happen, especially when no one ever mentioned any concerns. Patricia S., Arkansas, USA, February 5, 2007
Peter -- very detailed post (and to all posters,
PLEASE try to keep them more concise -- if they're too long we try to
edit them, but we just don't have that kind of time these days -- we're
sure readers would prefer shorter posts). Anyway you've been on Plavix
for over three years and (this is NOT medical advice) you're probably
out of the woods vis-a-vis late stent thrombosis. But by all means do
what your cardiologist recommends. Your story is a good one that emphasizes
why drug-eluting stents were developed. You had bare metal stents that
restenosed (re-blocked). Your drug-eluting stents seem to have stayed
open (shingling and siding a house is not for the faint-hearted -- pun
intended). The rash you describe could be due to many different causes
-- since you were rash-free for three years post-stenting, it would be
difficult to assign this as an allergy to the stent or to a drug. Drug
allergies sometimes take time to manifest, but three years is a long
time. Were there any changes to your meds around the time of your rash,
and by meds we would include ANY over-the-counter meds or herbal supplements? Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 30, 2007
Hi, I'm glad I happened on to this program,
so I will add my experiences and questions. I am male, 72, been very
active, hard working most of my life, I quit smoking in 1983. The 16
years before retirement in 2000, my work consisted of Airport Fire Chief
and Maint. Supervisor. About 2001 I started experiencing shortness of
breath. I have not, and still don't experience chest pain. Oct. 2002
a stress test sent me to the Cardiologist where and Angiogram confirmed
my left Anterior Descending Mid Lab 99% plugged, which resulted in immediate
Angioplasty with, "I believe," 2 ordinary stents through the groin. Not
feeling any better by June 2003, tests identified continued problems,
and an Angiogram in Sept. 2003 proved the stents plugged. The 2 stents
were not long enough, so in Nov. 2003, 3 DEStents were inserted through
the wrist. What was a personal mystery is that my cholesterol blood test
results before my first angioplasty, was, total chol. 2.46, HDL 1.19,
LDL 0.87, Trigl. 1.06 and total chol./HDL ratio 2.1 , but the Cardiologist
related my problem to having smoked for some years. The discharge daily
prescription was, 325mg aspirin, 160/12.5 Diovan HCT, 50mg Metoprolol,
20mg Lipitor and 75mg Plavix, with Plavix to be permanent. Nineteen days
later, "on Dec.12, 2003," I experienced extreme pain like I was attacked
by a bunch of pit bulls, starting in my throat, "which proved real scary," then
went on to one ankle, to a wrist, and so on, usually in one or two places
at a time, each lasting about a day to a day and a half. The Doctor felt
it to be Lipitor side effects, so discontinued it, but the pain continued
till Dec.30 -- a total of 20 days. Tylenol hardly touched the pain to
where some nights I would try to walk it off.
From then on I can't say that I've experienced any
allergies or side effects till about 3 months ago, when I came down with
a progressing severe itch from the ankles, up the sides of the legs and
half way up my back. It is a deep torturing itch that does not want to
respond to scratching and keeps moving as I scratch. From the sounds
of some letters, could this be a side effect from Metroprolol? I tried
a prescribed cream without success, so after a home remedy hint, I lightly
sprayed apple cider vinegar on with a cleaned windex bottle and rubbed
it in, once a day for 3 days, each time the itch and pain subsided to
complete relief within 10 to 30 mins., and now my rash is almost healed,
with the itch and pain pretty well gone.
Lately I had one eye tested for cataract and the specialist
made an appointment for surgery, with instructions to discontinue aspirin
one week and Plavix 3 days before surgery, and to check with my Doctor,
who says he does not think it will do any harm. Not feeling comfortable
with all the scary information about stents and Plavix, I postponed surgery
till Feb. or March and am now waiting for advice from the Cardiologist.
I have now taken Plavix for more than three years, and I would very much
like to discontinue it. I have been informed that garlic has antiplatelet,
blood thinning, cholesterol fighting, blood/pressure and heart nutrients,
and I question if there is any truth to this, that I may possibly trade
Plavix for garlic? I am presently ambitious, reasonably active, taking
my time I shingled and side'd my house the last 2 years, and shovel all
my own snow without discomfort. [Editor's note -- this post has been
edited for length.] Peter B., Alberta, CANADA, January 29, 2007
Janelle -- we're sorry to hear of your husband's
problems. Sounds like he has a pretty complex medical history of vascular
disease. One quick thought is that if he has a history of atherosclerosis
in his coronaries AND his carotids, then it would be logical to assume
that the disease may also be in his peripheral vessels, such as the leg,
possibly the kidneys. Have these ever been checked? There are non-invasive
tests like CTA or MRA that can either eliminate these areas or flag them
for further diagnosis/treatment. Also you mention the Dr. -- is this
the cardiologist who did his most recent stenting? Interventional cardiologists
these days have moved into all the areas of the circulation and are doing
angioplasty procedures in the kidneys, legs, carotids, etc. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 28, 2007
My husband (almost 59, at the time) had 2 NIR
stents placed in 09/2000. 2 days before he had a left carotid endarterectomy
6 mo. later, CABG and 2nd left carotid endarterectomy Has developed unusually
bad case of peripheral neuropathy. No diabetes or metal toxicity, supposedly.
All sorts of tests - no answer for neuropathy. 09/2006, had 1 Taxus Express2
stent placed. Was on lanoxin, inderal, 81mg aspirin, nexium, and then
clopidogrel. Experienced pain and unstable blood pressure, like prior
to last stent placement a few days later. ER decided it was due to spasms
during adjustment to stent. Husband has had extreme constipation - dr.
said not from clopidogrel. This went on for several months. Starting
having arrhythmias and legs were hurting worse; also sores in mouth and
on tongue and swelling of feet and legs. Dr. had him drop clopidogrel.
Didn't replace it. Bowels are starting to return to normal. The arrhythmias
persisted. Dropped lanoxin/inderal & added Toprol XL. Legs/joints/mouth
are not improving. Arrhythmias are worse, yet. In fact they are so bad,
he is now hoping for death. Blood pressure still unstable. Yesterday
range was 196/98 - 88/44, and pulse 59 - down to 33. Running out of answers,
and he feels he's running out of time. Don't know what to do. Janelle B., Arkansas, USA, January 27, 2007
Rodney -- we get so many posters who have a
problem after stenting, and then are diagnosed with "heartburn" and
given something to counter that. Each patient is an individual, so it
is impossible to make broad judgements. Current guidelines (just issued)
urge cardiologists to discuss the need for long term antiplatelet therapy
with their patients BEFORE stenting is done. Aspirin can definitely upset
your stomach, but do n't stop taking it (or Plavix) because antiplatelet
therapy is important to continue. If you think you may be esome allergy
to the stent, check out the right-hand sidebar. There is a study being
done on this subject. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 26, 2007
DES stent sep 2006. Was not told about coated
vs uncoated and requirements for follow up meds. Asked doctor why I wasn't
told about risks and he went into defense mode and clammed up like a
stone. Put on Plavix, atenolol, aspirin, Vytorin. felt good 1st day muscle
pain caused me to stop vytorin. Currently heart burn, chest pains, burning
stomach. Had esophagus and stomach probe and scan. Nothing found. Diagnosis
was esophagial spasm. In addition to the above I was put on Protonix
and lorazipam. Protonix didn't help but Prilosec does. Helpers for relief
are eating, drinking milk, coke, water. I take the prilosec when I wake
up, wait a half hour then the atenolol and Plavix with a Slim Fast, pain
starts up about 11 o'clock and increases until I eat something. I take
the aspirin when I eat. Feel better for a couple of hours. In the evening
I feel pretty good. I eat a big snack before bed time, and now wake up
with no pain most of the time. If the pain gets real uncomfortable I
take a nitro pill. This helps a lot. But I'm scared of them. I've gained
6 pounds and I want to go the other way. I'm blaming my problems on the
aspirin and Plavix. This is scaring the **** out of me. Any help would
be appreciated Rodney Diehl, Gulf Shores, Alabama, USA, January 25, 2007
I just wanted to give a quick update. My husband
is participating in the stent
allergy study and we have booked an appointment with an allergist
for next week. His cardiologist agreed to it. He believes his allergic
reaction was due to the ace inhibitor and so he has avoided prescribing
that med or any med similar to it for fear that he will have a reaction.
Now he believes that it might help in his recovery if he were on that
type of drug so we are headed to the allergist. I'm hoping to receive
info from the stent study doctors by then so that I can share their test
protocol with the allergist. My husband's cardiologist also mentioned
that he could be allergic to the dye that is used in the angiogram. I
believe it is iodine-based. We're hoping to have him tested for that
too. We are definitely feeling a little better about his situation and
I thank the experts and people on this forum for that. We may not get
all the answers that we need but at least we're trying to get enough
information so that we'll be better prepared if there is another crisis.
We'll also have some valuable information for our sons, who may have
inherited their dad's illness and/or allergies. Maria S, Belchertown, Massachusetts, USA, January 23, 2007
Alan -- have you seen your interventional cardiologist?
You may be experiencing side-effects of some of the medications you're
on, but the cardiologist is the person to see. Also check out our topic
on "Not
Feeling Well After Stenting" -- anxiety, and some discomfort
iseems to be a common complaint, but definitely see your cardio -- and
let us know what you find out. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 22, 2007
Greetings, I am interested in information regarding
the reactions to stents
study. I have one bare metal stent and one Taxus DES. These were
both installed on January 5th 2006 after I had a moderate/severe MI.
I continue to have symptoms such as those posted
on Jan 12 by John G from Florida. So far all of the tests have shown
good results and my MD is convinced my heart is functioning normally.
He is reluctant to say the DES could be causing my problems but has no
alternate explanation. Ken C., British Columbia, Canada, January 17, 2007
after having 3 drug eluting stents implanted
in my right coronary artery in november 2006 [ full metal jacket] i have
been back at emergency 7 times. Each time i go they do blood work and
an ECG but everything is normal, What causes me to seek medical care
is i get chest pain kind of like a nervous feeling in my chest with painful
arms and also sometimes shortness of breath and nausea and also very
painful neck muscles and shoulder muscles, all the symptoms of a heart
attack and also anxiety. Has anyone else had these pains? i am wondering
if it is maybe my meds i am on or the drugs eluting from the stents?
i am on 20mg lipitor,325mg asa, 75mg plavix, 25mg metoprolol twice a
day, 20mg pariet twice a day,50mg ratio sertaline and ramipril 2.5mg.
Any info would be appreciated as it is frustrating the hell out of me. Alan, British Columbia,Canada, January 16, 2007
• Today she told me her rash is easing and becoming
tolerable. Her doctor is sure it is the Ticlid. I will encourage her
to participate in the study. My family all wondered why a test had not
yet been developed to determine allergies prior to these procedures--especially
since the stents cannot be removed! Thanks for the feedback. Donna T., California, USA, January 15, 2007
Donna, as you have indicated, the allergic reaction
you describe might be related to Plavix (clopidogrel) which sometimes
doesn't show up immediately. But don't stop taking any medications, especially
Plavix, without getting a substitute, like Ticlid. And we encourage you
to look into the stent allergy study we are working on. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 15, 2007
Hello, I am writing on behalf of my 78 year
old mother who has had nothing but trouble since receiving a total of
6 Cypher stents in a four-week period October 2006. She had a clot and
heart attack after the first stent. The doctor pooh-poohed my questions
about adverse reactions to medicated stents when I learned of what they
had done. And everyone ignored the rash we pointed out prior to her release
from the first procedure and the clot/heart attack. They actually upped
the Plavix after the second set of stents was placed. She is also allergic
to Ticlid. We heard second hand she is allergic to aspirin as well--need
to verify that. The severe rash makes her miserable and she is always
tired. Prior to all this she was an active healthy involved lady. We
feel helpless. Please send info on the study so I can ask her to consider
participating. I am going with her to her new cardiologists office today. Donna T., California, USA, January 15, 2007
TBS -- you are very specific in your test recommendartions.
Are you a health care professional? And we disagree regarding Alice not
telling her cardiologist. Patients should be open in communicating with
their physicians and confident enough to ask questions. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 15, 2007
Alice -
I think your mom could have lupus. The symptoms you describe are classic.
The rash is called "butterfly rash." Sometimes it is drug induced. [If
you wish, please post the names of the meds, including any vitamins and
supplements -- editor]. Tell her to call her family doctor and get an
appt. Don't tell the cardiologist! No one test has adequate sensitivity
or specificity to detect all LA and both screening and confirmatory procedures
are necessary. Screening assays for LA should be sufficiently sensitive
and could include activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), dilute
aPTT, dilute Russel viper venom time (dRVVT), Kaolin clotting time (KCT),
Taipan snake venom clotting time or silica clotting time. In evaluation
of a patient for LA, at least two screening tests should be used. One
of the two screening tests should be based on a low phospholipid requirement
(such as dRVVT or KCT). If a single insensitive screening test is used,
80% of LA will be missed; whereas, if two appropriate screening tests
are used, more than 90% of LA will be identified.11 The sensitivity of
the aPPT depends on the reagents used, but even the new more sensitive
aPTT assays are not as sensitive as the dRVVT for the detection of LA.
A more sensitive assay should be used if the aPPT is normal and LA are
still suspected. TBS, Mississippi, USA, January 15, 2007
Natalie -- excellent point. An interesting phenomenon
is that of late stent mal-apposition. That is to say, in rare cases,
well after a stent is implanted, it winds up not fitting as well as it
did originally (i.e. it is "mal-apposed"). This definitely
is a risk factor for thrombosis. Why the "fit" of the stent
changes is not known, but inflammation is a good guess. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 13, 2007
Has anyone considered the role of inflammation
to the drug eluting stent. Inflammation, especially with a tendency to
clot, is a recipe for some of these symptoms. Natalie, Virginia, USA, January 12, 2007
John -- check out the stent allergy study (right
side-bar) and email us for more information. Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 12, 2007
Since having 3 stents
inserted, one being a Cordis Cypher in Jan 04 and two additional stents
(Taxus Express 2) put in in Aug 04, four months later began some serious
problems with chest pain, swelling in chest on left side going up into
the neck and down the left arm. Tightness in chest restricting my breathing.
Test negative. 1st Attack 4 months (December 05) later same symptoms,
test and treatment with anti inflammatory, muscle relaxers, pain control.
2nd attack (April 06) again 4 months later.. taken off Statin therapy
at this time, Same test same Results, No heart problem, no infection,
and no explanation for the excessive swelling, pain and so forth. 3th
Attack, Aug 06, Same test same results, same treatment. Now again Jan
07, ER room visit, same test, same results. Now scheduled for follow
up with EKO Cardio test looking for fluid around the heart. could this
be allergic reactions to the Cordis Implant. Thank you for your assistance. John G., Florida, USA, January 12, 2007
The allergic reaction you describe might be
related to Plavix (clopidogrel) which sometimes doesn't show up immediately.
But don't stop taking any medications, especially Plavix, without getting
a substitute. These types of reactions are difficult to diagnose. Our
quick recommendation in your case is to discuss the possibility of a
Plavix allergy with your interventional cardiologist, really the best
person to make any adjustments in your treatment. If he/she thinks you
may be having an allergic reaction to Plavix, it may be possible to switch
to an earlier (although related) drug called Ticlid (ticlopidine). Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 12, 2007
Had medicated stent put in Nov. 22, 2006. Just
recently have started to develop skin redness and extensive itching over
various parts of my body. I have had periodic pain associated with chest
and upper right arm. Since stent procedure I have also had an increase
in dripping from the nose. Just had a nuclear stress test which indicated
that all seemed fine. What is this study all about? Do you think I am
reacting to the stent or the Plavix which I am taking along with 81mg
of aspirin. I was also taking Provastatin which the cardiologist changed
thinking this might have been the cause since most of the symptoms started
to show up more at night. I have stopped this, and the symptoms seem
to be getting worse. Any advice you can give me would be helpful. Thanks. Jack, Indiana, USA, January 12, 2007
JoAnn Again! In response to forum questions.The
heart palpitations started about 9 mos. after the second set of stents
were implanted. First it was the extreme flutters then the airway constriction.Like
many others I was never told about any dangers or meds. I would have
to be on long term.The Dr.said stay on plavix 1 year. I did that and
when I completed that year and stopped 4 mos. later I had a clogged artery
in one of the stents previously put in my heart.This makes me scared
to ever stop the Plavix. JoAnn, Mississippi, USA, January 9, 2007
JoAnn -- a few questions. You write that the
stents were put in in February and July of 2005, and that these heart
palpitations started after the stents. How long after? Immediately after?
Weeks? Months? And have you constantly had this problem since then (that's
a year-and-a-half to two years)? Has your cardiologist(s) offered any
explanation for these symptoms? Finally do you have any allergies to
metal or medications that you know of? Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 9, 2007
Hi! In Feb.05 I had 4 Cordis Cypher stents implanted.
In July 05 2 more Cordis. I stayed on plavix for 1 year. After the stents
I began having severe heart palpitations so bad it would close my airway.Went
to heart doctor. They put me on a holter monitor; it recorded irregular
heartbeats. I was put on varpimil. I was also taking tarka, lipitor,
diazide and 325mg. aspirin. The palpitations kept getting worse. I had
to go by ambulance to the hospital. I was being suffocated and had severe
chest pain there. They found one of the stents I already had was clogged
and had to have another put in; so I did. I was released the following
day got home and 3 hours later my heart was again palpitating so severe
it closed my airway and my husband is racing me back to the hospital.
The ER doctor gave me something for heartburn even though I told him
it was not heartburn. I told him it was my heart fluttering uncontrollably
and I couldn't breathe and it was like contractions it would go away
and come back! They gave me a nitro pill. I go home, two days later my
daughter is rushing me to the nearest facility which is a doctor's office
close to my home with the same problem. Dr. Moore put me on oxygen. She
took me in immediately -- you could hear me struggling for breath. I
know it scared her me coming in off the street like that and I've never
met her before, but it was an emergency.The palpitations are still coming
the airway closing isn't as bad in the last two weeks but the sharp pains
in my heart are still there. I was on the floor of my home tonight it
felt as though someone was stabbing me in the heart it lasted 5-7 min.
I couldn't get to my nitro pills.Then it slowly went away.Is this a side
effect? allergy? Please help -- I'm scared this is going to kill me.
Thank You For Your Help! JoAnn, Mississippi, USA, January 9, 2007
Alice -- check out the sidebar about the research
study being done. There currently IS no test to determine allergy to
drug-eluting stent. This study will do just that. But has it been determined
that this is not a Plavix allergy? It sound a bit like what we've seen
reported: skin rashes, etc. If it is the stent, it is more likely that
it is a reaction to the polymer (plastic) in which the drug is embedded
rather than to the drug itself (which is very low dose). Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 8, 2007
My mother had a cypher
stent inserted 9/2006 she has had a sore mouth four times since with
the pain being very bad. She also sometimes has a rash over her cheeks
and now gets small bumps on her face she says she has heartburn and upset
stomach quite often her cardiologist told her that she has an allergy
to the med on the stent no one told her of the risk she had the non drug
stent five years ago with no problems. She is also on plavix which she
didn't need with the other stent. Her cardiologist told her to call the
hospital so they can call the maker of the stent. what is this going
to accomplish. Alice Hall, Plant City, Florida, USA, January 8, 2007
Although I am very weak and tired I continue
to research the issue of nickel toxicity and the resulting hypersensitivity
to drugs and other life changing events. I am not going to give up until
I get answers that make sense. Therefore I have started posting articles
to a blog that I believe help explain what happened to me and others.
We must not give up the fight as others will be hurt by these products
if we do nothing. I am sorry for all of us. Here s the blog http://nickelallergytoxicology.blogspot.com.
My email address is on the website and if you have articles you would
like to post please send them to me and I'll be happy to publish them.
Again thank you all for being here and telling your story. My email is shha2002@yahoo.com Sharon H., Colorado, USA, January 6, 2007
Thanks to all who have written in -- and in
case anyone reading this thinks that patients aren't aware of what is
happening to them, just look at the last few VERY lengthy and detailed
accounts. We also call your attention to the study highlighted in the
right sidebar and urge anyone interested to email us for contact information.
(All emails are kept private and NOT shared.) Angioplasty.Org Staff,Angioplasty.Org, January 5, 2007
I am a 54 year old male who had a 2 stent procedure
on Nov 17 2006. One, a Taxus Express2 at LAD and one a Micro driver MX2.
Since these were done under an emergency situation there was absolutely
no discussion with me as to what my desire or even concerns were. After
the procedure I was told 2 stents were placed, I did not even know what
THAT meant. The following day a Social worker approached me and gave
me TONS of literature on the TAXUS Express, I was quite perturbed that
one of the listed side effects was DEATH . It also EMPHATICALLY said
that not more than one medicated stent should ever be placed in a patient
so, I am quite surprised reading here of people with 2 or more. My problems
began immediately after the angioplasty. My lips felt swollen and itchy
and so did my tongue. I had excruciating pains all over my spine which
the docs attributed to the length of time I spent laying on that damn
forsaken table. My neck and shoulder were also in horrible pain, but
NO pain killers were prescribed. Grin and bear it -- it could have been
worse. In the hospital I started taking Aspirin, Plavix, Lipitor, ave & TOPROL
XL.
All things considered, besides the extreme pain in
my back and the overall joint and muscle pain, I felt very optimistic.
I had a young and sympathetic cardiologist and the final prognosis was
that it has been a very minor incident so I could regain full functionality
of my life just with exercise and diet and of course STICKING to the
ever MIGHT PLAVIX. A night nurse told me if you do not have money to
buy the Plavix STEAL it because you will be back here in 5 months if
you stop it , it is a LIFE TIME commitment!. She also was VERY candid
and explicitly informed that this could have been discussed with me just
by popping a tab of nitroglycerin that would have let me take my own
decision and considered the risks. This MUST be taken upon by the FDA
to allow the patient if there is ANY possibility participate in what
will be come the rest of a very different life. If patient participation
was NOT diligently sought , the doctors should be considered FULLY responsible
for the treatment they decide to perform.
My throat began blocking and I was choking in the middle
of the night so I was taken off ALTCE because it is the only drug that
admits swelling in the lips tongue and throat , Diovan replaced that.
After 4 days of surgery I started noticing EXTREME sensitivity in my
gums (no bleeding) but they would hurt when chewing some a but tough.
One molar crown developed a terrible infection and turned the whole side
of the gum jet black. Running to the dentist they figured that my gums
have some how began being a lot more sensitive and than my immune system
around my teeth was not doing its job. After antibiotics, and pain killers
that went away but the area of the jaw has remained very dark and sensitive
and does not look healthy at all At this point the itchiness in my tongue
mouth and lips was getting to be a nightmare. and these were immediately
triggering panic attacks which required XANAX to bring me to the point
where I wouldn't t jump out of a window. The XANAX I had to get on the
internet because my PD REFUSED to prescribe it saying it would be just
another drug to deal with . Of course I am looking for a new primary
physician.
Since my doctors were REALLY not caring about this
I started experimenting and decide to drop LIPITOR two nights in a row
to see if I would achieve a a change. No luck , Then the Plavix one night
NO luck In fact dropping the Plavix made things worse . Since I can NOT
go directly to the stent and stop it from doing its jobs and I came to
something that was quite interesting, a reference to CANDIDA ALBICANS
. One of those nasty bacteria we all have in our bodies and when there
a change in the body s good flora they break havoc with your life. I
could have kicked my self because I had suffered from this after a especially
long antibiotic treatment about 12 years ago, but the symptoms were the
same. Crusty tongue cover with a slimy whitish coat. Blisters on the
side and under the mouth , roof of the mouse peeling and lips swollen
and itchy. Random aches and pains , brain fog bone aches etc. I more
severe cases you may have angula chelatis and even the infection may
travel to your esophagus. When does Cadiadisis kick in ESPECIALLY in
an environment like a hospital were you are being tested with this and
that drug , pumped with antibiotics and your oral hygiene may not be
the best ever. Your body is in a state of shock and are not combating
the Candida overgrowth a VOILA full blown case of Cadiadasis. So I am
looking at this itchiness (now spreading to my eyes) as a Candida overgrowth
(since all I get from the doctors is damn if I know ) For any of you
that DO have this mouth itchiness do this simple test, take the back
of a toothbrush and scrape off all the whitish glue on your tongue SPIT
IT OUT, now buy the MOST expensive PROBIOTIC you can get , cut a cap
in your mouse and let it sit there swooshing it around for 5 minutes
, now get a glass of water and swallow. Within seconds the itchiness
if not gone 100% it will not me making climb the walls. If a medicated
stent reaction is causing an overgrowth of Candida alvicans this can
be control pretty easily by adding and anti-fungal like nystatin, clotrimazole,
and miconazole to your drug cocktail. It took me 6 months to get rid
of my last Cadidaisis and trust me I was NOT expecting this devilish
fungus to make its presence again. But I think here it is and because
ALL of the CANDIDA symptoms mimic some of the side effects of the other
medications (like muscle pain and weakness in LIPITOR) I think MDs are
going about this all wrong. I would like to hear your opinions and courage
you to investigate CANDIDA and candidiasis on google, then match its
symptoms with YOUR systems after the angioplasty and be ready to be VERY
surprised. H. Forcelledo, Howard Beach, New York, USA, January 4, 2007
My husband (age 47) suffered a heart attack
in July of 2005. He was rushed to the cath lab and after an angiogram
they inserted a Cypher stent. They told us he had 2 more blockages, one
90% the other 30%. Two days later they were going to attempt to open
up the 90% blockage. Prior to doing that, they decided to check on the
first stent. We were told that it had “occluded.” The surgeon
inserted a second Cypher stent at that time. We were told the artery
initially opened up but then occluded again. He continued to insert 3
more Cypher stents in the same artery, “piggy-back.” The
artery was open and blood was flowing when they finished. They decided
not to attempt to open the other artery at that time. My husband was
put on Plavix, aspirin (325 mg), Lipitor, Lisonopril, and Toprol.
Prior to this event, my husband was hardly ever ill.
His cholesterol was 180 at the time of the heart attack, he was not overweight
and was very active (hockey and soccer player, avid hunter and fisherman).
He wasn’t on any meds prior to this event (not even bp meds). We
were told that he must have suffered from arteriosclerosis for a long
time, as he had an extensive network of collateral arteries that had
built up over time to compensate for the reduced blood flow. The plan
was to attempt to open up the other blocked artery after 6-8 weeks of
being on the meds. Two weeks after the heart attack and stent insertion,
my husband suffered an allergic reaction. He broke out with huge welts
(behind his ears, groin area). At first they told him to take Benadryl
but then his lips started swelling. At that point, we rushed him to the
ER and they immediately started him on prednisone. The doctors told us
that they felt he had an allergic reaction to the Lisonopril and so they
discontinued that med. Although the swelling in his lips went down, he
did progress to severe hives on his hands (which swelled and were very
itchy). His primary care physician needed to prescribe more prednisone
and he was even given an Epi pen, just in case the reaction suddenly
got worse. Eventually the allergic reaction subsided.
At the end of August, he went back into the hospital
to open up the other blocked artery. He was not taken off any of his
other meds. At that time they discovered that the stents had occluded
or blocked once again. Meanwhile, his 90% blockage had gotten worse (at
times it was full blocked) and the 30% was now 70-80% blocked (despite
the diet changes and all of the meds). They had to do an emergency quad
bypass the following day (Friday of Labor Day weekend). He is no longer
on any blood thinners (other than baby aspirin). He has to continue to
take Toprol XL (150 mg) and he must keep his LDL low (now under 50).
After reading about other possibly stent allergies,
I began to research the Cypher stent. The polymers that it is coated
with are acrylates. I’m a formulation chemist and I’ve worked
with these materials. I know that people can be very sensitive to them.
Although the doctors feel that he was allergic to the ace inhibitor,
that allergy was never confirmed. He was also never tested for allergies
to metals, the drug coating the stent or the polymer itself. Looking
at how the allergy took time to surface (2 weeks) and also took a while
to dissipate, I believe he was allergic to that stent (drug or polymer).
Was his system overloaded with the material (since he had 5 stents inserted)?
Did an allergic reaction contribute to the occlusion of the stents and/or
worsen his condition (contribute to the advancement of the arteriosclerosis)?
He is no longer on Plavix – does his CABG protect him from issues
that might surface because he’s no longer on the Plavix? He was
a very active person prior to his first heart attack. Although he tries
to remain active, he does not have the stamina that he had once before.
(Is it the illness or the meds that he is on?) We’d love to get
some answers to our questions and we want to be prepared if he should
become ill once again. He does not want to go through another bypass.
Until he is tested for an allergy to the Cypher stent, I would not want
to see doctors attempt to open up a graft using a DES. We’d also
like others to be more informed of the issues involving stents. They
may be fine for some individuals but for others, who have a history of
allergies, testing should be done before they are inserted. Patients
need to make informed decisions concerning their health care. We have
3 sons who may have inherited this same genetic weakness. We’d
like to be more informed for their sakes as well. For these reasons,
my husband would gladly participate in any research study involving possible
allergic reactions to stents. Thank you. Maria S., Massachusetts, USA, January 4, 2007
Response to S
in Mass. People think of the visit to the Dr. as some sort of courtroom
battle to be played out. Given your account, there is nothing to do
now but try things to make husband comfortable. Arguing with MD accomplishes
nothing, and nothing he can now do. Why increase the stress. Rather
go to the phoschol.com, click "library", click "phosphytidylcholine
as a Membrane Therapeutic, then click PDF and read the entire Chapter
4, so you are confident what it is; great studies and many of them.
Then find an MD (probably an alternative MD) in your area that does
Phosphytidylcholine IV therapy, and then e-mail me j@jgreenwald.com
and let me know if it helps. In fact if anyone does IV PC and has a
result, let me know. May help some. Nothing else I tried really helps.
The oral Phoschol product is nice too, but really didn't help me at
all; we stent folks need IV application and fast... Best to you... Steve G, Florida, USA, January 4, 2007
I'm a 48 year old male with four stents, two
drug-eluting in the last year, i had my first two non-drug-eluting stent
ten years ago. i did have some discomforting feelings in my chest but
they were not serious. BUT these two new stents, one that is inside the
old type stent hurts every day! i also feel weak, tired, have trouble
sleeping on my left side because of chest pains, unproductive cough,
joint pain,sharp pain in chest (heart area) while bending over. the list
goes on an on. can anyone give me some help with this?? R.M., Maine, USA, January 3, 2007
Steve G: With the latest
release of news concerning the adverse effect of DES on angiogenesis,
I am now convinced more than ever that it was the insertion of 5 cypher
stents that led to my husband's rapid deterioration, necessitating a
quad bypass within 2 months. He was told after his initial heart attack
that he had extensive collateral growth and that is probably what saved
his life. He did suffer some heart damage but they felt that there would
be no lasting effect. Again, his collateral system was considered amazing.
(Years of hockey, soccer, etc.) It's been over a year since his bypass
and his health has plateaued. (He is just 48 yrs old, not overweight,
never smoked and had not serious health issues prior to this.) Although
he is back to work and continues to try to stay active, he still tires
fairly easily. We are continually told it is most likely the Toprol.
I'm convinced it's the negative effect of the Cypher stent (allergic
reaction and/or negative impact on his collateral growth.) We go to his
cardiologist next week. What questions should we be asking at this appointment?
What tests can we ask for in order to determine if the stents (which
are still inserted) are continuing to cause damage? They told him his
hives/allergic reaction 2 weeks after the stents were inserted was do
to the ace inhibitor he was on. Would it be out of place to ask to have
him tested for allergies to that drug, the Sirolimus, and/or the polymer
coating on the Cypher stent? His appointment is on the 8th. S., Massachusetts, USA, January 3, 2007
I am 64 years old (female). On October 5, 2006
I had a Cypher Drug Eluting Stent placed in my right coronary artery.
I was doing fine until October 24th. I awoke that morning with severe
joint and radiating pain in my right hand which went to my wrist, elbow,
shoulder (felt like a torn rotator cuff) and my fingers became numb.
The next day the pain was bearable but by the afternoon of October 25th
the severe joint and radiating pain had moved to my left hand. On October
30 I was put on a Medrol pack because my hands were so swollen. The pain
continued in my hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles and toes.
It would move from place to place. I ran an elevation of temperature
for two and a half weeks, had hives on the bottom of my feet and I itch
like crazy but do not have any red rash. By December 7th I was totally
exhausted and my Rheumatologist placed me on Prednisone until we can
find some answers. I have an elevated Sedimentation Rate but they have
been unable to come up with what is causing this. Because of the intensity
of the onset of joint pain both my Internist and my Rheumatologist asked
me had there been any new changes in my life or new medications The only
thing new was the Cypher Eluting Stent and Plavix. Do you think my joint
pain, elevation of temperature, hives and itching are a hypersensitive
reaction to the parylene C and the Sirolimus Drug? In December of 1995
I had a BMS placed in my right coronary artery and I had no problems.
I had a wonderful recovery. Suzanne G., Clarksville, Maryland, USA, January 1, 2007