Decisions about 81 Aspirin and Bleeding

73 year old male good body weight, eats pretty healthy. I've been on 81 mg baby aspirin since 2008 when I had a double bypass.

Two weeks ago had rectal bleeding (first time ever), Went to the ER and had CT with no masses or tumors. Then had an endoscopy showing mild gastritis. Colonoscopy showed diverticulosis and two polyps resected and sent for biopsy. There was no active bleeding anywhere. My Hemoglobin dropped below 8. I've looked at all sorts of information leading me how what I believe is, Aspirin the cause of the bleeding. My cardiologist just retired and my new cardiologist just a week ago postponed my yearly visit until next year. When I got home from my four day stay at the hospital I was very tired and after eating again, I have had no bleeding at all. I had stopped taking the 81mg Aspirin when the bleeding stopped two weeks ago today. For a few days after release from the hospital my right calf had some swelling and tenderness. This was not unusual, my right leg is often a bit swelled but never tender. The swelling subsided but I also experienced some shortness of breath and fatigue with minor exertion like taking trash out. This morning I was reading I shouldn't have stopped the Aspirin without seeing a medical professional. So I walked outside a bit and was feeling the light shortness of breath. I decided to cut the 81 Aspirin in half and I took it. Now it gets weird. My wife and get in the car, she's driving me to a different Dr's Appt. About half hour later and my chest feels better. I mean no tightness. A few hours later I walked some more and chest feels fine. Sometimes it's difficult to separate this tightness from shoulder pain (I need replacement there). So I'm seeing the family Doc next week. I feel the Aspirin is connected to symptoms like bleeding and possibly breathing. I've been taking it for 17 years and have terrible bruises for a long time. I also use Voltaren for my joint pain. Thank you for reading and comments.