Breathless

[Lamplight37]

hi Ihave not been on this site for quite a while..my husband died,I moved counties to be near my marvellous daughter ..but after two ablations last one in 2020 have gone into nearly daily AF attacks …GP pushed up Bisoprolol to 7.5 mg andI have to take an extra one to stave off the dreaded breathlessness! Today paying to see a Rythm Specialist so hoping he can do something for me…I never feel well…the NHS wait to see a cardiologist was 23 weeks and they classed me as routine. Routine I thought that was a joke…. So going privately was the only option ….I feel so lousy most of the time …..you wonder what have to do to be seen by a Cardiologist. Not sure what this guy will suggest I would even go down the route of another ablation if it would help….I suspect as I am very elderly it may have gone onto the realms of heart failure …they symptoms are much the same… any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated…I now can’t do much because Iam constantly breathless…

[Bagrat]

Really have no advice to offer, just wanted to say hello. What huge changes have happened in your life.I don't think being elderly necessarily rules out more activeinterventions like ablation, it is working out what will help you the most. I can't tolerate even teeny doses of bisoprolol as it slows my heart and makes me feel exhausted.

Yes indeed using "routine" to describe what you are tolerating seems very unkind.

I wish you well in your quest for better control of your symptoms.

[meadfoot]

So sorry to hear all you have been and are still going through. Life can be so harsh and I wish you well. Keep pushing you have a right to every bit of help out there. Please dont give up, hard I know. Thinking of you.

[mjames1]

Daily bouts of afib would be enough in and of itself for you to feel short of breath (SOB) most of the time. So the good news is that so far they haven't found any other cause, such as heart failure, etc. Hopefully, moving forward, you will get the tests and treatment you need, both for to further explore your SOB and better treat your afib. You might also want to look into the mini maze or newer hybrid treatments for afib, which have shown some success where catheter ablations have failed.

Jim

[Rainfern]

Hi Lamplight, I'm sorry to hear of your loss and the horrid Afib symptoms. I hope you get the results you want from recent appointments and the best treatment possible. Meanwhile (I know, Afib seems to live on these "meanwhiles!) please don't forget the difference lifestyle changs can make. Breathing techniques and relaxation/ meditation are energy free and even increase energy levels. I'm flat out by afternoons at the moment so have taught myself crochet and that takes me into a different world for a bit! All strength to you, people have all manner of medical procedures at any age.

[Buffafly]

That is a big dose of bisoprolol and could be the cause of your breathlessness. Hopefully the EP will be helpful. When you say ‘an extra one’ I am not sure what the ‘one’ is?

[secondtry]

Well done, defo good to have a private consultation. One step at a time. Best wishes, it is not a life sentence it can get better and usually does 😁.

[cpap]

Sorry for the loss of your husband. Hope you are okay, aside from your medical problems. I live in Thailand, from the USA and have valvular afib that was corrected with ablation 2 years ago. After getting back in rhythm I take Tikosyn 250mcn twice daily, even with pvcs, I've stayed in rhythm. I'm not sure if Tikosyn/dofetilide is available in Europe.

Best wishes, for feeling better

Glenn cpap

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Its unusual to br breathless with Bisoprolol. Its the Beta Blocker fpr AF patients.

But although it helps a CCB introduced by a private specialist CONTROLLED me.

The Calcium Channel Blocker reduced avg heart beat day by 120 plus down to 51.

With 2.5mg Bisoprolol at night.

The CCB Diltiazem was reduced to 120mg (360mg is the maximum).

Today readings are

107-131/70-77 with 78-88 H/R avge day. Always 47 night.

Can't have an ablation.

Cheri JOY. 74 (NZ)

[NLGA]

I’m similar breathless pretty much daily get the odd good days but nothing to right home about you think I’m on top of it now but it doesn’t last long . I’m on 7.5 mg amd Edoxaban after a 5 month wait amd various complaints to PALS I finally get to see a cardio doctor in a week

Going to ask a full list of questions

[Countrydweller2 in reply to NLGA]

I am on Riveroxaban and just like you out of breath most of the time, but have an occasional well day, I tried Apixaban for months but fainted all the time and now the doc has given me Edoxaban but scared by the information on line about bleeding. I haven't been on bisoprolol for a few years so can't blame that. Having trouble seeing a cardiologist so would really appreciate reading how you get on with your appointment please.

[Ppiman]

I would think they will suggest an echo-cardiogram to see the state of your heart, which, if private, will be about £500. When my heart was in permanent atrial flutter, the only drug that helped was digoxin along with a small dose of bisoprolol. You might ask about that, perhaps?

Life has been especially heard for you, so, no doubt, that will have contributed to how you are now feeling. You are lucky at least to have a loving daughter and it's good that you are living close by now. My condolences on the tragic loss of your husband. How terrible.

Steve

[dicynth]

Hello Lamplight,

Make sure your dose of Bisoprolol is evaluated. Shortness of breath is common with this medication. Perhaps they can modify your drugs.

All the best to you!

[Sozo]

I have no advice to offer but I did say a prayer to the Lord for you!! 💜🙏