Rosamoyaesi update.

[Rosamoyesii]

Follow-up. Hello to all the king people who took the time to reply to my initial query just over 3 weeks ago. As noted then, I was due to visit doc in the next two days. I went along, fired up and strong after my session here, only to leave later having learned nothing, despite my request for referral to consultant. This was met with a silent response and all I could hear was the quiet thunder of the printer as it churned out yet another prescription for bisop. This was given to me with the advice, let’s just see how this goes. I forgot to mention that I’d cut the dose I was taking of the bisop to one a day at night. The result next day was amazing. Not only could I stand upright, but I could walk properly. I made another appt to see different doctor, whom I visited yesterday. As I read out my list of negative side effects, she suddenly stopped me and said - stop taking bisop. It doesn’t suit you! My jaw dropped! She said that since I’d had only a single event one year ago, she was quite happy for me to use it only as a PIP, as suggested by this forum. Additionally, she said when we know how you’re doing, I see no reason why we can’t stop the Apixaban too! My jaw dropped again! My slight concerns are that, since I’ve been on the bisop for just over a year, 2.50mg halving to 1.25mg daily recently, will this be all right or should I taper it. I’m a little anxious overall. Still no referral to consultant. Many thanks in advance for any advice.

[CaroleF]

1.25mg a day is a very small dose and I'm sure I've read here of people stopping 'cold' when taking a dose that small, but if I were in your shoes I'd pop into the pharmacy (or phone them) tomorrow and ask the pharmacist's advice. They are the experts on these matters.

[Rosamoyesii in reply to CaroleF]

Hello CaroleF. Thanks for your reply and for your advice regarding speaking to the pharmacist. I never thought of that and I shall go along to speak with her this afternoon.

[Bagrat]

Yes ask pharmacist but my bisoprolol was stopped (5 mg a day) and flecainide started which works very differently, with no problem.

[Rosamoyesii in reply to Bagrat]

Hello Bagrat. Many thanks for confirming that I should speak with the pharmacist. When the doctor suggested stopping the bisoprolol completely, I asked her what was going to replace it, she replied, nothing at the moment until we see how you settle. If necessary, we could try digoxin.

[CDreamer]

The only way to see is to try. Well done you! Sometimes it takes determination and then just plain anger to fire you up to go against so called professional advice. Your first doctor is definately one to avoid!

I would, however, be cautious about stopping the Apixaban as apsome people can have AF without feeling any symptoms. I know I stopped for a while but I was back on it again double quick after AF returned after nothing for 3 years.

Best wishes

[Rosamoyesii in reply to CDreamer]

Hello CDreamer. When I called upon the first doctor, I learned nothing apart from keep taking the pills, more or less. Even when I outlined having reduced the bisop from 2.50mg to 1.25mg daily and the sudden improvement in 24 hours in my walking from a shuffle and unable to stand up straight, to more or less normal walking and upright, no comment or advice was forthcoming.

I wasted no time in making my second appt with my latest doctor and she was a complete revelation in her attitude towards the whole situation. She was quite adamant that the bisop wasn’t doing me any favours, even at such a low dose. (I’m one of these people who seem to have a sensitivity to a lot of drugs.). As I said before, she stated that the way ahead for me was to carry it as a Pill in the Pocket.

She actually commented at the end of the interview that she was impressed with my research and wished more people would indulge in this, as it made for a better understanding on both sides. I explained about the forum here and how supportive members are, sharing their knowledge and how much we can learn.

Regarding the apixaban, we’ve still to cross that hurdle yet, but one can’t help thinking ahead, having read all the frighteners about stopping the drug. I have taken on board your useful information. Many thanks.

[Rosamoyesii]

Hello HappyJo. That’s good news indeed and instils me with confidence. I shall speak to the pharmacist, then have a go at stopping the pill!

Will let you all know later. Many thanks.

[Dodie117]

I stopped bisoprolol on the day of my ablation - no tapering- on the advice of my EP. Did not notice any problem.

[Rosamoyesii in reply to Dodie117]

Hello Lallym. Many thanks for replying. It’s so comforting to have first hand advice/experience from this site. It’s such a help too in being able to put forward doubts which arise and a variety of answers soon dispels the worry. I’ll let you all know how it goes.

Incidentally the doctor gave me an interesting piece of information which might be worth passing on: she said that high sugary carbohydrates in the diet, cakes, buns, fancy tea breads, some pizzas, etc., played a large part in triggering off AF and that sticking to a diet relatively free from these was a good way forward. Best regards.

[Dodie117 in reply to Rosamoyesii]

Good luck. 🍀