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Kitt...ATENOLOL problems

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Posted 10/4/2010 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kitt,

It's Chele again.

Talked with my cardiologist's office about my heartbeat problem.

They want me to stay on the Atenolol, but add an extra 1/2 dose in the morning.  They said I need to get a loading dose into my system to keep the medication working.  Also, I failed to tell you I've had a heart murmur all my life (inhereted from my father).  My echocardiogram showed it's still there and we are watching it carefully.  Soooo, I guess everyone is a little different and we have to listen to our doctors.

I'm becoming a little more brave about facing these medical things.  It helps to talk to nice people like you

to relieve anxiety.  Thank you again!

 

Posted 10/4/2010 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Chele,

Your cardiologist has a good point so try not to become alarmed when you have some break through flutters. I know only to well how hard that is to do at times.



I will admit that I had some runs of atrial tachycardia years ago and I called the Dr. who was one of my peers. He said to try to just relax and perhaps lay down for awhile. He told me to call him back if the runs of tachycardia came back.



So I took his advise and ended up taking a nap. Woke up and I was fine. The next day at work he came up to me in the hallway and whispered in my ear " Are you alright?" Needless to say I blushed but I thought he was so kind to ask me. So yes, having someone to just share your feelings with is very helpful.



My hubby has a heart mumur but no one has ever been concern about it. There are many different reasons for heart mumurs so I am glad your Dr. is watching it closely.



I think your doing fine and remember we all have anxiety and when it comes to our health we have a right to feel some fears.



Blessings,



Kitt
Posted 10/4/2010 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, Kitt. I'm glad you are listening.
I took the extra 1/2 atenolol this morning, like dr. recommended, and I have felt horrible all day. I can't string four beats together without a skip feeling. I almost feel breathless at times. Had to visit my 91 yr. old mom today and she was feeling better than I felt. Why, when I tell my Dr. the side effects are making me feel badly, would he telll me to take more of the same? I'm trying to keep the faith, but, to be honest I feel like crying.
Can you shed some light for me?
God bless you,
Chele
Posted 10/4/2010 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Chele, I have the same problem with irregular heart beats, and believe me, I know how scary they can be. After many many tests, my doctors basically came to the conclusion that my anxiety was causing a lot of it. I take Atenelol as well along with something called Propranalol for when I actually have the palpitations. For me though, .25 mg of Xanax works the best at stopping the palpitations if they really are bad, since mine are mostly cause by anxiety. I would definitely ask your doctor about that, if something along the lines of Xanax might help. I try and only take the Xanax when I absolutely have to, but if you're scared, and the palpitations just won't quit, then it truly can be a life saver. I hope this idea helps!! Call your doctor!! :)
Take care,
Wobe
Posted 10/5/2010 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi wobe,

 I know what you are talking about with the scary palpitations.

Last night I talked with my cardio office and I am going in for a quick ekg today.  They want to see if I have gone into AFIB, which, I guess, is different than just irregular heartbeat. (I'm so confused)  At this point I do not think stress is causing my problem, but it can make it worse. We believe it is coming from what my dad had all his life.  But, he smoked, I never did.  Who knows!

When they told me to add another 1/2 dose at 9AM, I was in agony all day with more paltations than ever.

It is turning into such a long story. confused

I'll let you know, and Kitt too if she's out there, how the visit went today.

Best of everything and take care,

Chele

Posted 10/5/2010 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
Chele,


Hello and yes I am out here. Here is a little info for you on a couple of the tachycardias - remember this is just FYI but it may help you understand a bit better the fluttery feelings. Remember the heart has 4 chambers - 2 Atria ( the top of the heart) and 2 Ventricles ( the bottom of the heart)



Supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), which originates somewhere above the ventricles, are caused by abnormal circuitry in the heart, usually present at birth, that creates a loop of overlapping signals. Episodes may last only a few seconds or several hours. This would be one of the Atrial Tachycardias.



Atrial fibrillation is a rapid heart rate caused by chaotic electrical impulses in the atria. These signals result in rapid, uncoordinated, weak contractions of the atria. Episodes of atrial fibrillation may last a few hours or several days.



Two of the listed side effects of Atenlol are shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat - I would suggest discussing these side effects with your Cardiologist again if your EKG is normal . All materials tell you to talk to your Dr. if your medication is causing you unusual side effects. Yes some can be anxiety but it can also be due to the medication. I am glad you are seeing your physician today.



I wish you luck and will be watching for your post.



Gentle Hugs,

Kitt
Posted 10/5/2010 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kitt,

Well, my EKG showed a definite skipped beat, meaning premature beat.  I get that part.  I am now supposed to take 25 mg. atenolol in AM and one in PM.  They said I will feel tired (nothing new) and like my heart is in my throat (nothing new) and to fight my way through it.  In a couple of weeks it will level off.

On Oct.12, I am going to have a Holter monitor put on for 24 hours, at our local hospital's cardio lab.  Then who knows?  Seeing my panic, doc told me I am fine and to relax.  Now, these PVC things, I've read, can be harmless.  Antiarrthymic drugs are not safe to suppress the PVCs.  Sudden death can be a result.  The one I'm taking, atenolol, is one of the recommended beta blockers and they are smilewinkgrin      safe.

I'll let you know how the monitor thing goes.  And what comes next is anyone's guess.

Again, a big thank you for listening, it means a lot.

Chele                       

Posted 10/5/2010 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Chele


Glad to read your Doctor's visit went well. Also I think the Holter monitor is a good idea. With each test that gives you information your anxiety level should decrease as knowlege is good. smile



I am right here for you so just post and we will all read and respond. Good job today, be proud you made it through and remember to breathe.



Gentle Hugs,



Kitt
Posted 10/5/2010 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Chele, yeah I had to wear the holter monitor as well, then I had to wear a different monitor 24/7 for a month. That was kinda stinky because I had wires sticking out my shirt and was constantly having to take sticky things off my skin. I had sticky circles on my chest for quite a while! I was just wondering if your doctor gave you any more advice other than to just "relax?" I can definitely gives you a few ideas, because I deal with this on a regular basis, and try to avoid having to take Xanax if I can. I'm glad you're taking steps to figure all of this out. The process can be long and confusing, but hang in there. I hope you get some good answers soon :)
Posted 10/5/2010 6:43 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Kitt,

I agree about the knowledge is power.  I feel much better already  since my condition has been given a name.  My husband says, "DON'T WORRY about THINGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE", and it makes sense.

I feel silly getting so worked up about all this.  After my doctors appointment, I came home, took the extra pill, and went shopping!

Woebegone said something about the stickers and yet another monitor.  That took courage too.  If I have another hurdle to jump I'll just do it.

Thank you all for your care and concern. wink

I'll be here for you too, if you need to chat.

Chele

Posted 10/5/2010 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hey wobe!

Sorry about that monitor thing.  Sounds like no fun.  But, did the results show anything?  I mean did it give any clues as to your problems?  Hope so.

Yes my doc's office said much more than, "relax."

My sister-in-law works there also, so I have an inside track to get help and info.  Plus he is a top cardio guy in this area.  I trust him.

Take care,

Chele

Posted 10/6/2010 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Kitt,

Tried the trivia, it is a challenge at times, but a good thing.  Fun to play.

Wow, yawn, excuse me.  The new dose of atenolol has me dragging today.  25mg am, 25mg pm.  Trying to stay active to fight it off.  But, it has calmed the flutters quite a bit.  Hope I get used to this feeling.

Talk later.

Chele

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