After reading other people's experience of this beta-blocker, I'm reluctant to start taking this drug as I'm already fairly lethargic and don't want the additional COPD complications.
After other searches on the net, thinking of going on a month's regime of caffeine and salt free, taking regular exercise, eating my 5 a day and cutting out any alcohol. Then get re-tested.
Any thoughts, guys?
Hi Davieb
I'm not medially qualified, and also relatively new to AF. BUT if it were me, I'd take take the Bisoprolol. (And I do) it's designed to lower the heartbeat and the one thing you need having been diagnosed with AF is to keep the heart rate down.
Does it make me tired? Yes, but not enough to really interfere with my day, I get quite tired now early afternoon (should live in Spain and take a siesta :)) but not much more than that.
I presume that you have also been prescribed Warfarin, or will do shortly, I'd take that as well in your position.
By the way, cut out the caffeine and the salt as well and take regular exercise, they will all help.
Hope this helps
Ian
Well advised Ian.
Davieb, you should continue taking the medication you have been prescribed and monitor how you feel.
Regular exercise and healthy eating will help to strengthen your heart to deal with AF. Different people have different triggers so monitor your alcohol, salt and caffeine intake.
Ian
Thanks for the reply - do you suffer from COPD yourself?
My problem is the direct instruction on the Bisoprolol leaflet not to be taken by COPD sufferers. Went back to the prescribing hospital today to clarify and they told me to stop taking it and book an emergency appointment with my GP to re-assess the extent of my hypertension and irregular heartbeat! That takes place at 9:50 tomorrow but clearly this delay isn't doing anything for my peace of mind. In the meantime, my AF is still racing.
Regards
Davie
I agree with Ian, I take Bisoprolol, for the first few months I was really tired, as my GP increased the dose every other week, however after a couple of months my body has got used to it, yes I feel tired, but it doesn't stop me. I have also cut out the caffeine and the booze. You have the choice, but the thought of having another AF attack keeps me on the straight and narrow! Wendy
I too have COPD and cannot take any beta blockers. Have been prescribed three different "lols" and reacted adversely to all three. I am currently trying a caffeine free regime and so far (8 weeks) felt really good. I have Paroxymal AF and just hope that a "decaff" life will be the answer to my AF.
Thanks everyone for the advice.
My confusion with this "lol" is the leaflet instructions - it clearly states that it must not be used for people with COPD! I'd been seen by 3 A&E doctors over 24 hours, but the consultant who prescribed this drug had seen me only once and that was a 3 minute consultation on Sunday at 11:30 when he was running 3 hours late!
Don't understand the different AF versions but will consult Dr.Google for Paroxymal.
My head tells me to try the lifestyle changes first and only go for the lol's when I've had the opportunity to ask the medics a lot more relevant questions.
I did point out to the hospital on discharge after my first big AF episode, that the Sotalol box clearly states "not to be given to Asthmatics" but was told it was the best for me. After a couple of weeks feeling like I was dying, I was sent back to hospital for a further two night stay to recover and was then told that I must never ever take a Beta-blockers.
A consultant recently gave me the bisoprolol - same reaction - but I was subsequently taken off that by my GP almost immediately.
At the moment I am going around with a smile on my face as I have had a course of Pulmonary Rehab. and the COPD is more settled and I tell friends I like initials COPD and AF - just wish I didn't have either.
I seem to be in exactly the same place as you Enjoy, but about 2 months behind. So far (only 2 days), I've cut out all caffeine and salt and my flutters seem to be less severe.
Reluctantly, decided to take half a bisoprolol tablet and go back to the hospital ward this morning to show them the COPD concerns on the medication leaflet. Will be disappointed if they won't talk to me but am keen to understand the pros and cons.
Really appreciate the posts I've received. I feel much better informed now to ask the right questions of the medics. After all, they only prescribe the drugs - they don't actually take them themselves! Other people's experiences are far more informative for me.
Many thanks.
I too take bisoprolol and flecainide, and yes I get tired too. But consultant didn't give me bisoprolol until I had numerous bouts of A flutter. But she did take me off warafin and replaced it with daily asprin. But after some research I too have cut out caffeine and alcohol and now drink only green tea. It has many good qualities, the one I like the most is it thins the blood. I'm quite new to all this also, so still finding my feet! But I think it's trial and error as to what works for each individual 
What's the name of the green tea please, nf1?
Once again Aspirin rears its head. It has been said that for AF aspirin has no real effect although for other cardiac conditions it is good. If you have AF and no other complaints I would check to see whether you can stop the aspirin as it is pointless taking it for nothing
Davieb I've been having Asda's own caffiene free and its rather nice! But it does look very weak!
Coming off Bisoprolol
New to all this! Meds/supplements advice much appreciated
