Bisoprolol and EP

[pete-rods]

Hi I’ve been on atenolol for 20 years been switched to bisoprolol for AF feeling terrible joint pains and muscle cramps any help go says not side affects don’t know where to go how do you get to an EP

[Finvola]

Hi pete - that sounds really miserable and a review of your treatment by a heart rhythm specialist (EP) sounds like the way forward.

Depending on where you live, there are a few ways to get to an EP.

Your GP or cardiologist can refer you on the NHS to an EP - in some areas to the person of your choice, other areas - you take what you are given! This can be a lengthy process, depending on waiting lists.

You can decide which EP to consult and go privately - fee is around £200 for the consultation only. Much faster than NHS.

You can combine the two approaches, which is what I did - initial appointment to get fast help, then I transferred to the EP’s NHS list.

Your GP is probably the first stop in both cases as you need a referral for the NHS and you might need one for a private consultation (that dependson the EP).

There is a partial list of countrywide EP’s on the AFA website or your local area hospital could help with names of local EP’s. Hope it works out for you.

[pete-rods in reply to Finvola]

Thanks that’s really helpful

[Hidden]

Who changed the meds? Can they change them back?

I believe that bisop can cause all the symptoms you are now experiencing

My guess is your GP is trying to save some money

[pete-rods in reply to Hidden]

I think you’re right I had my first AF they gave me bisoprolol at a & e then gp just carried on with bisoprolol instead of atenolol I’ve tried to explain but nobody’s listening

[Hidden in reply to pete-rods]

just have to keep complaining I guess. Does your GP have a senior partner or business manager? I'd try and plead your case with them

[pete-rods in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the advice it’s just frustrating

[Lucybod in reply to pete-rods]

Please watch Dr Sanja Gupta’s videos. He’s a cardiologist from York hospital it will change your life. It’s a shame doctor round the country aren’t like him.

[Bagrat in reply to Lucybod]

Dr Gupta does telephone or skype consults no GP referral needed.

yorkcardiology.co.uk

There is obviously a cost implication for this but worth it for the advice and understanding responses

[pete-rods in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks I’ll have a look

[Lucybod]

I took a certain make of Bisoprolol that caused the most awful pains in the legs. I can remember the make, it was 6 years ago. Don’t take anything now as the AF I have isn’t the fast heart beat type. It doesnt go above 80, and in the night will go down to 48. So Bisoprolol is the wrong thing for me despite being prescribed it.

[Hidden]

Like you Pete I was on Atenalol for 20 years until 2012 when my GP took me off it because he said it was an 'old fashioned drug'! That's when my pAF started and has continued ever since. I have been through several beta blockers and am now on Nebivolol along with Warfarin but I often wonder if I had stayed on Atenalol whether the pAF would have started. I was prescribed it all that time ago for high blood pressure

[pete-rods in reply to Hidden]

Hi it does make you wonder

[Denise- in reply to Hidden]

Exactly the same for me. I've often wondered if taking me off attenenol was a bad decision

[pete-rods in reply to Denise-]

How long have you been changed

[Denise- in reply to pete-rods]

I've been on bisopropol for 2 years. I also suffer joint pains since taking bisopropol

[radagast58]

Hi

The waiting list for a cardiologist in most LHB's is very long unless you can afford a private consultation.

The fatigue and joint and muscle pains associated with bisoprolol are not pleasant but a decent GP should be able to tweak medications to minimise side effects and this shouldn't need a cardiology or EP referral.

I would suggest you do some further research around possible alternative medications and then make an appointment with your GP specifically for a medication review. Explain that the side effects of your current medication are having a very negative impact on your quality of life. I suggest approaching your GP in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration and try not to be defensive or confrontational! (This bit can be difficult)

Good luck

[pete-rods in reply to radagast58]

Thanks I’ll try