Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand.
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Dear Martin,
I've written to you before, I'm 84 years old, don't smoke, don't drink although I do feel like a beer now and then, my movement is a lot less. This is mainly due to back problems. These complaints were resolved by a cortisone injection. But the question is whether this is still possible after a severe heart attack?
I include 2 appendices (I hope you can read them).
I spent 5 days in the hospital and 3 stents were placed, my blood pressure was at one point so low (30 sys and 20 dia mmhg (meanwhile 109 – 67) that I almost left for another world. Although I have to say a beautiful way to die (without pain) but I am glad that I can still be fully present.
Are all those medicines in the appendix necessary?
Regards,
J.
******
Dear J,
That was indeed through the eye of the needle.
Depending on the frequency of the cortisone injection, you can say something about the harmfulness.
As for the other medications, the dual anticoagulation is more dangerous than not anticoagulation. Therefore, you can omit the aspirin. (ASA)
The lipitor is useless and will add nothing to your life length and quality of life. However, the back pain may be reduced if you stop taking it.
The Vastarel is a drug that has not been shown to really work, at least in large groups of people. There are indications for this, however. There are studies in which it has been combined with atorvastatin (lipitor). There is no difference between the group with and without lipitor. Parkinsonism is mentioned as a side effect.
All in all, the amount of medicines is not too bad when I see that others are often prescribed more than 10 medicines
It may be better for your back if you do exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Here are some exercises you can do at home: https://fysiogroephaaglanden.nl/last-van-je-rug-beweeg/
Enjoy as much as possible.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maarten
Do you have a question for Maarten and do you live in Thailand? Send this to the editor: www.thailandblog.nl/contact/ It is important that you provide the correct information (see list at the top of the page).