I just started Zytiga and at the age of 86 I'm finding it difficult to climb stairs; I do have a slow heartbeat when at rest: mid to high 40

[Poollover]

I just started Zytiga and at the age of 86 I'm finding it difficult to climb stairs; I do have a slow heartbeat when at rest: mid to high 40s. I've been on Orgovyx for 3 months, when I added Xytiga, which was added because Orgovyx was only able to bring my PSA from 12 to 1.8. Thoughts, Terry

[GP24]

ADT causes muscle loss which explains why you find it difficult to climb stairs. The three months of Orgovyx are long enough to make it noticable.

[Grandpa4]

it is frustrating that many physician do not tell patients that they must lift weights to prevent muscle loss when going on these drugs. I don’t think it is too late for you to start now.

[Poollover in reply to Grandpa4]

I do work my leg muscles almost every day, and after a few days I can now climb stairs as before. Starting Zytiga made me nervous, but now I have adjusted to it.

[Ztlf]

That is a very low heartbeat. Have you contacted a cardiologist (actually, an electrocardiologist, who works with heartbeat and pacemakers). My husband's MO had to adjust the prednisone dose (prednisone must be taken with Zytiga).

[Poollover in reply to Ztlf]

I'm taking 5-mg of Prednisone, maybe I should take 10-mg.

[Explorer08]

Technically, you have bradycardia. I get bradycardia on rare occasions. My cardiologist has mentioned that if my bradycardia worsens then a pacemaker would be necessary. You should consider checking your oxygen level at home on a regular basis.

[Poollover in reply to Explorer08]

I have always had a slow beat, but was, a very long time ago, a professional athlete. Four wall handball and tennis are aerobic demanding sports. My 02 is always above 95, and working out it goes from 99 to 100. My initial response to Zytiga made me nervous, I'm okay now. My problem, apart from stage 4 cancer, is that I'm old. Thanks for your input.

[Ztlf in reply to Poollover]

The Zytiga/Eligarde combo has been very helpful for my husband. Best of luck to you!!

[Poollover in reply to Ztlf]

Thanks.

[Jeremiad53]

Physical activity increases the feeling, but over time it decreases. Use it or lose it. I got palpitations, which told me that I needed to strengthen the heart muscle. So I walked 3 miles, and bicycled 1 mile then increased it to 1.5, up to 5 miles over 10 days or so. I am 70, and am amazed what exertion can improve physical health, especially after Chemo. Never say never, but another round of that? NO thank you Mimi, we can discuss that when it is time.

[Poollover in reply to Jeremiad53]

Thanks, and I could not agree with you more about exercise, especially aerobic work. Even at 86 I still work out. 🏃

[OldGuysRule]

Zytiga had been very difficult for me. I’m actually considering dropping it. But, all the best to you sir!

[Poollover in reply to OldGuysRule]

Actually, after a few days on Orgovyx (Orgovyx for 3 months) and Zytiga things have settled down and I seem able to handle those two drugs. I just hope that they will be able to put my cancer to sleep for a couple of years. My current goal is to make it to 90 with a reasonable quality of life.

[OldGuysRule]

may God bless and keep you sir