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Bisoprolol buddies

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Hello fellow Bisoprolol buddies - I cannot actually believe that I didn't think of doing a search on Bisoprolol earlier as it is so comforting to have discovered this web page. I have been taking Bisoprolol Fumarate 5mg daily for the past 3 years following a frightening episode in town which resulted in my spending a week in the Cardiac ward of our local hospital. I had SVT while in hospital and the 'specialists' couldn't actually put a cause to my soaring blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. So, I've been told to stay on these tablets for life... I'm 48 now, was 45 then.

The comforting thing about reading the majority of these posts is that so many people are feeling ridiculous levels of tiredness; I don't recognise myself from 3 years ago. This isn't whingeing, just stating a fact. I have piled on the pounds - particularly blubby around my midriff - yet I eat less than ever. I am sometimes so overcome by exhaustion that I have to stop even the most trivial of chores. I have lost my 'get up and go', yet used to be so active with my three kids. I used to be so house proud, yet now can'tbe bothered other than to 'keep on top' of the housework. I used to love socialising, again, can't be bothered most of the time and when I do, I am glad when it is over. I love the peace and quiet of my own company so much more now and feel exhausted by company. Yet I AM ONLY 48 YEARS OLD!!!

I realise I am lucky to be alive, to be uncursed by serious ills, but still, it is healthy to have a little moan now and then, and gratifying to feel online empathy with other 'sufferers'. I find that my partner and children don't really understand - can't blame them, I don't truly either.

Take care one and all.

28 likes, 428 replies

428 Replies

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  • jamesbrown
    jamesbrown Guest

    Posted

    Hi again Josephine,

    thanks for your post in response to mine. I have had AF for nearly 7 years.Had an angiogram, various other tests including an echocardiogram, initially the cardiologist suspected that I had had a heart attack, but the angiogram proved that my rapid heartbeat was due to AF. Quite scary really, I went to bed one night, and woke up with a hammering heartbeat.So have been taking the medication I mentioned plus Warfarin. I started on Asprin in the begining, but after a few years was advised to replace it with Warfarin.I was taking Amlodapine until a couple of weeks ago too,when my GP took me off it because my BP was continually too low.So at the moment I am just monitoring my BP myself until I see the Dr again in a week or so. I have heard of the med.you mentioned Flecainide (I have spelt that wrongly maybe).Hope you do well in the future. By the way, even though my Nickname is James Brown, I am in fact female like yourself, so can identify with you more.....................The prospect of permanent medication is sometimes daunting, but after 7yrs has become a way of life for me. Yes, I would love to not have to take Bisoprolol, but there seems no alternative for me at present.I am just pleased that I have been given a trial period off Amlodopene because with this med I had permanent ankle swelling.This forum is so useful Josephine, I think it helps us all knowing we are not the only ones with problems..   Regards

  • josephine32
    josephine32 Guest

    Posted

    I wonder if you have had any ablations?  I have had two which failed as I apparently have multiple misfiring circuits, but my husband, in permanent AF for over three years, was cured first try and is now in sinus and due to come off Warfarin in two months time if all goes well.  There are cures for AF out there, but you have to push for them.  Likewise the drug Pradaxa instead of Warfarin.  I had quite a battle to get that but now I have no blood INR tests, dietary restrictions or monitoring of any kind.

    I too woke one morning with a pulse rate of 130 bpm which wouldn't respond to any drugs thrown at it in hospital and I ended up with the pacemaker and an AV node ablation.  That's the end of treatment for me now.  I have so far been fortunate enough to stay in sinus since the last procedure, but this may not last and it is expected I will revert to AF but with less noticeable effects.  We'll see....  Meanwhile, the least I can console myself with is that I am drug free by my own choice (except for anti coagulation).  Keep on hunting the forums and research your drugs and treatments on line.  I honestly think I would not even have known what an ablation was for AF, let alone have pushed to try one as I did.  

  • jamesbrown
    jamesbrown Guest

    Posted

    Hi, Yes, I have heard of Abalation and looked it up on Google. As you say it works sometimes, I haven't thought of asking my Dr about that. saying that, my son who is only 44yrs old started with AF (which comes and goes) a couple of years ago. As his isn't permanent, the Cardiologist has mentioned  Abalation to him, though he is a bit wary of going through the procedure.I must tell him of your husband's success with it 

    That's great that you have been given one of the newer Anti Coag Meds.I have an INR test every month, the diet restrictions are a bit of a nuisance though, also I do find it awkward if I have had to take an anti biotic for any reason, or any other over the counter medicine, I find my INR goes haywire.

  • jamesbrown
    jamesbrown Guest

    Posted

    Thanks for all your advice though, we will no doubs be in touch again, it's so good to hear about someone else's experiences.Regards
    • josephine32
      josephine32 jamesbrown

      Posted

      By the way, my husband had an ablation for the first time at age 79 with permanent AFib for years, so don't let them fob you off that you are too old if this applies.  This is truly one procedure where you can read for yourself that age is not a barrier to success.  Actually I am quite envious of him getting a success first time in view of my own story, but it goes to show you never know your luck.   I myself was 69 for my first and 70 for the second one and I had paroxysmal A Fib.

      Regarding Warfarin, I never could attain a stable INR and was a pincushion from all the tests every few days.  My hair fell out, I was sleepless and even my nails turned chalky.  Probably because I was on a very high dose and after all, it is a poison for rats and I think it is for me!  I was eventually and reluctantly described as Warfarin intolerant and I consider that a piece of luck.....

  • jamesbrown
    jamesbrown Guest

    Posted

    That's really interesting, what a coincidence I am also 69.....................can't stand the onset of my 70th Birthday! Haha. To be honest I did think that Abalation was used more on younger people.I will certainly ask my GP about it. Funnily enough I have a echocardiogram next week, this is the first review  I have had for the seven years when  I was diagnosed with AF. The appointment came about because a few weeks ago I became a bit breathless one day, and the Dr reckoned that I should have a ultrasound just in case there had been any change................I am quite please that I am getting that check though.Will post again and tell you how I get on! Hope you and your husband are doing well, us AF sufferers must tick together!! It's good to hear of someone else's experiences.
  • lizt43
    lizt43 Guest

    Posted

    Hi all, I am new to this forum and have suffered from high BP for over 25 years.  It is usually controlled with Atenolol 50mg, Lisinoprol 5mg and Bendoflazide 2.5mg. Went to GP yesterday and he told me to stop the Atenolol, as it was only short acting, and to start taking Bisoprolol 5mg today for the high BP as it was longer acting throughout the day. I had a couple of episodes this week with palpitations, dizziness and BP was 173/86 eventually went down to 161/77. I noticed on the prescription slip that I was prescribed Bisoprolo 5 mg, and have just looked at the packet now and it says it's Bisoprolol Fumerate??  Is there a difference? I took all pills at 7am this morning, but my BP is still high158/80.  Admittedly lower than yesterday, but still high?  Just concerned and would appreciate people's comments on the difference between the 2 Bisoprolol and if it will take a while for the drug to kick in?  Thanks all
    • josephine32
      josephine32 lizt43

      Posted

      Bisoprolol Fumerate is the full name of the drug we are calling just Bisoprolol here.  2.5 - 5 mg is an average dose and can be increased from this if necessary.  Maybe you will be able to tolerate any side effects or may even be lucky enough not to experience them.  Let us know how you get on....
    • alzheimer
      alzheimer lizt43

      Posted

      Welcome to Bisoprolol Buddies!   Bisoprolol 5 mg is exactly the same as bisoprolol fumarate and indeed if you read your packet closely you will probably find that it is indeed bisoprolol fumarate 5 mg.

      Certainly you are doing the right thing by taking your pills at the same time each day... However I do think that you are being a bit hopeful about your blood pressure being reduced so quickly... Have patience my dear...LOL     Remember  that anxiety causes your blood pressure to rise and even those of us who are old hands at this caper can find that the 1st reading is much higher than the next couple.  Which is why it is recommended that you use a monitor like the Omron.... Which can be set for 3 consecutive readings thus giving your system time to adjust and settle.   I for one suffer from acute "white coat syndrome" ... And even my GP accepts the print out reading from my computer now as he knows that taking my blood pressure in the surgery would be a waste of time!!!  

      You are very fortunate to have a doctor who has started you on just bisoprolol 5 mg - as it is considered by many consultants that the optimum dose is 10 mg..... And your blood pressure will certainly come down with that - and you will feel like you're walking through treacle....eek.   Something that of course doctors don't tell you but is however one of the side-effects of the drug bisoprolol fumarate.

      If you read through some of the posts on this forum you will have a better idea of what to expect.  

      In the meantime your attacks of palpitations should disappear with the drug - as it is specifically for this.  Do not be surprised however if your doctor also recommend that you get put onto warfarin and of course the dreaded statins...LOL

      Jolly good luck anyway and I look forward to reading your next post.

      yours aye

      Alz

    • lizt43
      lizt43 josephine32

      Posted

      Thanks Josephine for replying to my post and putting that clear, as I was a tad concerned! Feel a bit nauseous, but I get that sometimes when my BP is high!  had a good sleep last night and was woken up at 5.30 am for my dear dog to be let out, so decided to take the all 3 pills then, as wanted to get the second day off to hopefully a good start. CSlept for a coupla hours and woke up feeling not too bad, but BOP wa
    • lizt43
      lizt43 josephine32

      Posted

      sorry Josephine. don't know what happened there....my BP at 9.40 am this morning was 162/79, but 10 mins later had gone down to 123/80, so was pleased with that, 5 mins later it had gone down to 123/80, but at 5pm it had risen to 146/72 and then 5 mins later 135/66, all very flutuating!  But hopefully it will stabilize in next few days...many thanks for your comments, much appreciated! Liz
    • lizt43
      lizt43 alzheimer

      Posted

      Thank you Alz, as Josephine had said in previous post that Bisoprolol and Bisoprolol Fumerate are the same!  Why do the drug compaies label it different, or is it that the GP should have put Fumerate on the prescription?  But at least that is one less thing to worry about, and I do tend to worry at times! 

      I have a Lloyds Pharnacy BP monitor, the one with the cuff for the upper arm, and I do take it to the GP to check that the readings are the same. So find at least it alleviates the white coat syndrome at the surgery!  But wonder if I get my own "white coat syndrome" doing it myself. as sometimes when it's high, it'll automatically pump up again and I feel my heart start to race fast!

      I wouldn't like to be on warfarin, but I do take aspirin 75mg,  2 or 3 times a week, so that will help with blood thinning won't it?  Really don't fancy statins and it hasn't been suggested as of yet.  My cholestrol is borderline,all depending whether I have not been over indulging in the biscuits or a cake at lunch time! Mainly my diet is pretty healthy with very little red meat, but chicken and fish, lots of veg and fruit. A glass of red wine with my evening meal occasionally ...sometimes not at all. Don't smoke, do yoga/pilates and walk the dog, and swim occasionally. So a reasonable life style, well I think so! I am overweight being 5ft 3 " and 10st 10lbs! BMI of 26, so have been told I could be at risk of diabetes!  I am 71 years old ( don't know how that happened, where did it all go! lol)

      I'm sorry I sotrt of rambled on a bit here and deviated from the original thread! Ah well, it's an age thing!  Thanks again for your reply and feel that this forum is very reassuring, as the usual 7 mins that you have with a GP these days makes you feel very rushed, although I must admit my GP has spent a little longer with me this week to reassure me, so can't really complain. 

      Best Wishes

      Liz

    • alzheimer
      alzheimer lizt43

      Posted

      Hi again Liz.....I could tell you are a worry-worm, as my mother would havve called us - yes us!!  Now I am a widow...I can worry too..LOL

      However as an ex nurse and GP's widow my 60+ years of acquired medical knowledge is helpful....although I doubt if my GP sees it that way!

      Needless to say there are several names for the genetic form of a drug..each and every pharmaceutical company has for example their own names for products, so do not be alarmed if you get a different named packett from your chemist at some point... Just read the small print and you will find that it is the genuine article..LOL

      I once had a patient who refused to take nitrazepam tablets.... swearing that they did not work and that she did not sleep.... But that if I produced Mogadon tablets with "the little eyebrows" ( the Mogadn trademark!) on them as she called them, she would sleep..... And indeed she did!  Despite the fact that of course there were one of the same thing...LOL

      However back to your case - and it looks like your lifestyle and diet are very good indeed and so you're a little overweight.... So what.... At our age I think we are entitled to a little avoirdupois, without having to feel guilty about it.  Personally I am 73 and 5'2"  and also 10 stone 10lbs.... Apart from being riddled with arthritis I feel fine...... apart that is from the side-effects of statins..... But I dare not go into that on this thread or I'll get carried away!

      You will find them to be very friendly bunch on here - and very helpful if we can be..... So don't hesitate to ask anything that is concerning you.

      PS... Your aspirin 75 mg is also an excellent idea although many doctors would suggest that you take it daily.

  • dh29599
    dh29599 Guest

    Posted

    Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm of the upper heart chambers. In supraventricular tachycardia electrical signals travel from the upper chambers of the heart to the lower chambers of the heart. SVTs are usually 150-250 beats per minute but can be both slower or faster.

    Wow... although I've worked in Nsg., terminology can get away from you... so I had to look up SVTs.

    150 heartbeats would certainly be frightening... I can't even imagine really how that would feel.  I have been on 10 mg Biso...qd {per day} for 12 years, and 5mg for 5+ years before that, which of course does depress the heartrate, which most likely is the reason you are on it... and that is what makes one so tired... I don't drink coffee, as Mint plants are so prolific in my garden + make a good tea... ,however coffee should alleviate some of your tiredness ... depending how strong you can stand it.... have you increased your caffeine intake?... and have you asked Doc if you can increase caffeine without putting extra strain on your heart ???... being retired, I can sleep whenever tiredness overtakes... and like you I'd also rather than stay home. Even beloved grandkid's sports games attendance have become more of an effort ... and I now count on 2 hands the Bisoprolol-SEs I have accumulated, including the weightgain... !!!

    That's modern life... we have science + meds to keep us kicking, but have to put up with the down-side too....... Well.... I prefer being alive with Bisoprolol now, over being dead from the MI I suffered in 87, had I lived a 100 years earlier, when medical science was a bit lacking yet.!!!.... Wishing you well !!

    • charleshawes
      charleshawes dh29599

      Posted

      I have diagnosed SVT. I tried Bisoprolol at 1.25mg but didn't like the side effects. Have been switched to Verapamil 80mg three times a day. I am still possibly a bit more tired than when unmedicated but nothing else. I have not had an SVT incident for 2 months.
    • dh29599
      dh29599 charleshawes

      Posted

      Had no time to get back here for weeks. Just now finally read your text...since you said 2 months back you had no Tachycardia in 2 months, I hope that it held true for 4 months by now !!!  I am surprized though that you felt side effects at 1.25 mg of Bisoprolol.  It must not have been the right Med. for your condition, as I did not feel much of anything at 5mg for years, and only now after another 5 years on 10mg am finally realizing, well,  all the dumb stuff I thought was just due to age 78.

      The dizzyness I could certainly do without... so thanks for mentioning Verapamil... will check it out... and I wish well and continued improvement !!!

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