Beta blockers post ablation

[Hammerboy]

Hi all

I'm now 8 weeks post ablation and things have settled down pretty much except for digestive problems which are most apparent after meals. I had quite a few episodes of AF in the first 5 weeks and my EP suggested 1.25 mg of Bisoprolol daily. Wether that has helped I'm not sure but I haven't had any episodes in the last couple of weeks so either my heart is healing naturally and all is well or the Bisoprolol is helping. My question is really about not having to take this drug long term. I have a generally slow heart rate of mid 50 bpm at rest which is now late 40's since starting on BB's and I've read quite negative posts about the effects of taking them and coming off even though I'm on a relatively low dose. In a perfect world my AF may now be in remission and I would like to think I can come off the BB after my 3 month review as I do feel unusually tired taking them. Obviously I will talk to my EP in due course but I'd like to think I can go back to feeling more energetic and not have to take as many drugs with the possible side effects they have in the future

[jennydog]

1.25 is the lowest possible dose. Have you tried taking it at night?

There are other beta blockers which may suit you better. Nebivolol is highly rated by some contributors this site.

[Hammerboy in reply to jennydog]

Hi and thanks for that, so far I've followed the advice of my GP and EP who haven't offered alternatives even though I've told them about my tiredness. I'll speak to the EP at my 3 month review in March. TBH you don't get much info from either unless you push, it's all about how quickly they can finish the appointment 😕

[BobD Volunteer]

8 weeks it still very early Hammerboy. Three to six months is normal recovery period but yes after that there should be no reason to take any drugs other than anticoagulation. It took me about eight months to wean myself off my antiarrhythmic drugs after my AF ablation.

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD, between episodes I feel really well so it's only maintaining that I'm working on. I've never been offered anti arrhythmia drugs as my PAF has been quite mild thankfully. I'm more than happy to wait out the healing process, I just would prefer not to take more medication than necessary long term and have heard mixed views on Bisoprolol and its effects especially when coming off them. I was quite surprised how little AF was understood by my GP so his advice on medication was a bit pointless really. Hoping my review in March will make things a bit clearer as my GP thinks I'll be taken off the anticoagulants in due course even though I'm 65 and have a Chadvas score of 2.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hammerboy]

I really would not stop anticoagulants. As you say ,most GPs are quite ignorant (so are quite a few cardiologists) where AF is concerned. There are mixed views re termination of a/c post ablation but there is no evidence that successful ablation removes stroke risk so if your Chadsvasc says yes than carry on is best advice. I've been on warfarin for fifteen years!

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

I fully agree and Intend to stay on Edoxiban as I have no side effects that I'm aware of and am now more careful regarding my DIY skills lol.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hammerboy]

I'm still building race engines at 75 and often chip bits off myself but never yet needed hospital treatment. Normal first aid is fine and it just takes a little bit longer to stop bleeding. Quite a few engines running with non standard lubricant. lol 😂

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

Good for you, I'm renovating my house from top to bottom and trying to maintain a couple of acres of garden so the tiredness is frustrating me. I'm definitely not ready for the carpet slippers and blanket yet and really miss a pint with my friends. I'll keep going and just trying to stay positive

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hammerboy]

Since we have 1/2 acre of hillside mostly impossible to maintain we have just sown a load of wildflower meadow seed on the bits we can't get a mower to. Waiting to see how successful this will be.

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

Seems a good idea and will help the local wildlife too. Mine is all lawn with high trees surrounding, lots of thinning out needed and I've already taken 7 forty footers out and cut them up. More light coming in which is helping the grass and at least I've got my sit on mower to lighten the load 😊

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hammerboy]

We are surrounded by black poplars but not on our land which is edged by layered hedges. From time to time we speak to the land owner and drop one of the more worrying ones which gives us a few months fuel for the log burner.

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

Yeah I was the locals favourite when I cut the wood, most were Ash so good for burning. Shame they weren't so friendly when I asked for permission to fly my Harris Hawk on their land. Suddenly I was public enemy number one, they are all farmers and very precious lol. I've been training a youngster who nearly never made it to first moult as she decided to sink her talons in my hand. I bled for about 12 hours from the hole in my palm. She's manned now and gentle as a lamb 😊

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hammerboy]

Must be wonderful. Can't understand why you wouldn't want to keep pigeons etc off farm land. We have buzzards here but not tame. The rooks hate them and gang up.

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

We have buzzards too who will take a hawk if it could. The farmers are always looking to shoot birds of prey, its in their dna sadly. Oh well been good talking to you, I'm off for Sunday lunch at the village pub 👍

[TroublewithAF in reply to Hammerboy]

Pharmacy has supplied same beta blocker but by different manufacturer. Different range of minor side effects between the 2 tablets. More mucus membrane dryness and stomach turbulence, but less lethargy !

[P1956]

Hi can u kindly advice me if it made you feel unwell after as my son is 5 weeks post op from mini maze heart ablation surgery and fir the last 6 days his heart is all over the place the Dr as upped his blood pressure meds and he sees his heart specialist in 10 days as a mum I feel he's getting anxious which is absolutely expected thanks