update question on SOB

[ericaj]

Hi everyone, I have a few minutes away from classes and don't yet have to head for work so thought I would write once.
Things have been incredibly crazy in my life lately and especially havent been feeling the greatest all that to much either. Just today I had a pulmonary function test ordered by my primary physician as she is looking into why I am having SOB episodes and especially so during mild excercise like walking. This was my first actual visit with my new PCP (b/c of moving new dr.) about a week and a half ago and she switched me from the Bisoprolol to Toprol XL. Over the last few days I have been having almost continous episodes of tachy and also very tired all of the time. I put a call into my dr. yesterday to see if I could increase my Toprol but no call back so I await for monday to see what she can do. Before this week I was having tachy episodes maybe 2-3 times a week and not lasting as long as now. I hope everyone here is great and that everyone is able to be enjoying the weather here in WI we have nice weather for once and is quite lovely. I will post again in couple days and hope to here how some of you are doing. take care, always in my thoughts, Erica

 

[Nancy]

Hi erica-

I didn't see mention of a cardiologist in your message, are you being followed by one? With your history, you should be seen often by a cardiologist.

Your primary care physician is doing good things, but your cardiologist is the detail man re: your heart, especially since you are having symptoms.

Good luck, and let us know how it's going.

 

[ericaj]

about cardio

about cardio

Hi Nancy,

In reply to your question about being followed by a cardiologist I havent been but definetly need to ask my doctor when I call her again on monday about upping my beta blocker whether I sahould see a cardiologist in the near future or wait until april/may when i should be seeing my internist.. I'll also ask her for her reccomendation as far s who she thinks is good in cardio care around here. take care, Erica

 

[tommy]

Erica,

I suggest that you see a cardiologist now rather than wait. Sure, ask your doctor for recommendations.

You are a nursing student? Wonderful. It is a noble thing that you do. BTW........ask the docs and experienced nurses that you rub elbows with about cardiologists in your area. The nurses will give the inside scoop.

Take care.

 

[Karlynn]

Hi Erica,
For some reason, Toprol XL didn't work for me either. I was on regular Metoprolol and my doctor switched me thinking it would be more convenient. My arrhythmias increased and I went back to taking the regular Metoprolol.

Good luck,
Karlynn

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Hi Erica, I've been on Toprol XL for about 2 years now. I'm curious what dose was prescribed - I take 100mg morning and 50mg evening. With the SOB - are you taking diuretics? Some diuretics cause Potassium wasting which can cause probs with rhythm.

 

[ericaj]

new cardio

new cardio

Hi All, Thank you for your post it is always very nice to see other experiences. I have found a Cardio in the area - my family dr. reccomended him and I see him on the 5th of Dec. I can't wait to see him b/c I am feeling aweful and very tired these days. I have no ambition to get up and sleep long, long hours daily and still feel tired. I have been experiencing tachycardia but now w/a pause and then accelerated rhythm pause, speed up, etc. etc. It hasnt happened now for 4 days but when it does again my dr. wants me to get to an ER and get this caught on ekg. She is pretty sure cardio will switch meds and to be quite honest I really hope he does cause this Toprol XL just beats me down. I will keep you all posted. Hoping to get answers and to get something done w/all this.
PS: Does anyone think this can be a cause or effect from heart valve disease or is it probably a separate issue?? Take care, Erica

 

[Nancy]

Hi erica-

So sorry you're in this situation. It is so uncomfortable. in my opinion, all these things are related. I'm hoping your new doctor will guide you towards surgery and once you get all fixed up, you'll be feeling much better.

God Bless.