Re: norvasc

December 18, 2002

,

I've been through that wringer myself with many BP meds over the years - and

few doctors off any stripe care much " minor " side effects. As long as it's

not a life-threatening situation, they are more concerned with your blood

pressure. I guess in a case like yours, it would depend on the severity of

that swelling around the eyes, and the need to take that extra med. There

are many calcium channel blocker (CCB) drugs, and there might be some that

you could tolerate. In terms of kidney disease, these are good drugs when

used in addition to an ACE inhibitor. There are also beta blockers,

diuretics, alpha blockers and centrally-acting drugs like clonidine and

methyldopa. My experience is that it can take a while and a lot of patience

to find what works and can be tolerated.

One thing about BP meds is that sometimes the initial side effects pass

after a while, so many doctors aren't inclined to change them too quickly.

If it were me, I would just go to my primary care physician. These guys or

gals are our first line of defence, and they are much more accessible to us

when we need to see them. The PCP can tell you if the side effects you have

can be tolerated for a couple of weeks, or if they necessitate stopping the

drug. Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned about the nephrologist's

feelings. Your PCP and specialist should be part of the same team.

One thing about having chronic renal failure though, is that, as patients,

we do lose a lot of flexibility that people without kidney disease have in

terms of BP med choices.

On the subject of time spent, well, I can say that all the nephs I've had

over many years never told me anything unless I asked a specific question

(one reason why groups like this one are so useful), and I can't think of

one office visit that lasted more than 5-10 minutes - not counting the

waiting time. That's pretty much par for the course with specialists.

Pierre

norvasac

> I have been having problems since my neph has put me on this

> medication. I also take accupril which I have no trouble with and

> don't mind taking at all. Pierre is most informed on these drugs and

> told me that it this class of drug is a calcium channel blocker.

> This was the 1st BP med I was put on 15 years ago and became ill with

> it. I did not know 2 weeks ago when he added this to me the it was

> this class of drug. I called his office today to explain about the

> swelling of the eyes and the joints in my knees hurting all the time,

> just like the 1st time I took this type of drug. They told me to

> bear with it for I have an appointment January 2nd and he'll take a

> look at it then. What do you do now? I don't want to stop taking it

> if I need to be taking another bp med. I would call my primary

> doctor but the last time I did that and he changed my med my neph was

> upset that he would overule his treatment. I am at a lost for words

> when you call with a problem like this and they tell you to cope with

> for 2 weeks. I know there are no answers out there to releave these

> symtoms. I just wanted to vent a little. I am thinking about

> changing neph not because I think there is quick fix out there. I

> would like someone with a little more compassion. From the time he

> order my biopsy to the time he gave me the results I have spent about

> 15 min tops in his office. He went over my biopsy report in a record

> time of 4 minutes. I walked in at 2:45 and was back sitting in my

> car at 3:01 wondering what the hec just happen. Once again I am not

> asking for any answers (unless you have some advise on how I can

> releave some of these symtoms) I am just mad and needed to vent a

> little before I went home to the family.

>

> Thanks

> .

>

December 18, 2002

I was on the Calcium channel blockers and my feet got so big that I felt like my

skin was cracking. I tried to wait it out, but finally called my Dr. in

desperation. I also can't take the Ace inhibiters because of the scratchy

throat and dry cough. I haven't tried one in several years. Are there any new

ones that do better on the dry cough and scratchy throat?