Many thanks

[BrotherThomas]

Sincere thanks to all who answered my question about cardioversion it's helped a lot. As far as the side effects are concerned, I have to agree with what most of you have said about not putting up with them, however, getting something done about them is another matter.

As far as the warfarin clinic at my local hospital is concerned, warfarin doesn't cause the particular side effect that I have despite it being listed on the sheet that comes in every packet of pills. In their opinion, "the drug manufacturers list everything to cover themselves". Anything else, see your GP. Well, I've seen four different GP's and they all start the conversation with "That's naughty of the warfarin clinic people, they're the experts" the conversation that follows reveals that the GP's haven't got a clue what to do so nothing gets done.

A couple of months ago, I phoned my GP's surgery to get a telephone appointment for my annual meds review and to have another go at resolving the side effect issue. I was refused by the receptionist as not being urgent enough. Yes, that's right, you have to tell the receptionist what's wrong with you in order to get any appointment and that's supported by the GP's.

The senior cardiologist at the hospital doesn't believe that Bisoprolol causes shortness of breath unless you have asthma. Unfortunately, as far as alternatives are concerned, after 18 months of not being able to exercise properly because of the breathlessness, I'm now too heavy for the DOAC type of anticoagulants. Before being diagnosed and put on that stuff, I cycled about 50 miles a week as a minimum.

Anyway, I have a telephone assessment with the people who do the cardioconversion on Monday so I'll see what happens then. In the meantime, I'll think carefully about what you've all said and take it into consideration.

Thanks again for your time and replies.

[CDreamer]

I’ve had stand up rows with cardiologist about Bisoprolol and it DOES cause a lot of Breathlessness and you only need to put Bisoprolol into the search box to see just how many people struggle with this medication. It also causes weight gain. Please see my reply on your previous thread.

[irene75359]

I am astonished that some of the medics in charge of our care know so little or refuse to find out the myriad of side effects that accompany some drugs and procedures. I was once told in a disbelieving tone 'no one else has ever complained about this' thus invalidating what I said.

What you could do is investigate the various methods to help people lose weight and see if any suit you. Please note, I am not lecturing you nor am I complacent when I say that, my husband is 30+ BMI and has struggled all his life so I am painfully aware of the problems (and despair). But you have a huge incentive, to change your anticoagulation along with all the other health benefits.

Very best of luck on Monday.