Thoughts on dropping Bisopropol and other issues 2 years on from a pericardiectomy

[Dockdog]

I am not recovering very well from my pericardiectomy back in May 2018 with feeling so lacking in energy, respiratory issues from the constrictive pericarditis.

My GP has agreed for me to drop Bisopropol as I am now taking Digoxin to slow my heart, reduce BP and along with Apixiban control my Afib and risk of stroke, etc.

What experiences has anyone had on dropping this drug? My dose is low but I have noticed in just 4 days some of the awful lethargy seems to be fading. Is it just hopeful thinking or does this happen? My respiratory situation is severe fibrosis and only 45% lung capacity.

[Nettekin]

Hi dockdog, my situation was completely different to yours NSTEMI and 2 stents July 2019. Am progressing well, but was struggling with extreme tiredness, which I mentioned to my heart nurse. She suggested I halve the dose from 5mg to 2.5mg and I have definitely noticed an increase in energy levels. I can't stop taking it completely as I need to keep my heart rate steady, but am more than happy with this improvement. So maybe not wishful thinking? ! Look after yourself, Nettekin x

[Dockdog in reply to Nettekin]

Thanks so much, I have only been able to drop the Bisopropol because the Digoxin covers much the same to keep heart rate down, etc. Hoping you keep on improving with the energy. Do take care too.x

[Hermanm]

Hi ,

I had my aortic valve replaced in2015, and have been on medication ever since,

Obviously I'm on warfarin for life,

I was also prescribed, Ramipril, and bisoprolol, to lower my blood pressure and slow my heart rate.

After such a traumatic operation you feel a bit under the weather for a couple of months !

Anyway I got back to work, (landscape gardener),

and felt great .

However I did have a constantly runny nose,

and did feel a bit run down now and then.

Then over time the tiredness seemed to get worse ,

Which seemed strange ,as the OP was supposed to make me fitter!,

Fast forward to the back end of last year ,

and I was feeling so tired ,and depressed ,

I couldn't really be bothered with anything,

I'd read all about the side effects ,of both drugs,

and I seemed to have all of them!!

Long story short ,

I discussed it with my GP,

and I'm now on Losartan, ( 2 months as we speak),

and I feel much better ,

No runny nose , tiredness , shortness of breath, or depression,

On a separate subject.

I've suffered from gout since the early 90s,

I usually got an attack 2 or 3 times a year, maximum.

Since the start of this year,

I've been in more or less constant pain,

unable to walk at times.

Since I've stopped taking Ramipril, Bisoprolol,

The pain eased within a couple of days,

now I've been pain free ,for about 3 weeks!

Apparently Ramipril increases uric acid levels.

Two birds with one stone!

I would have a word with your GP,

A lot of people seem to have a similar reaction to bisoprolol.

Take care ,

Hope you get it sorted.

[Dockdog in reply to Hermanm]

Hello Hermanm,

Isn't it strange that immediately post op for a few months you start to feel great inspite of having all kinds of meds, I had just the same but then I could not keep my fitness regime up and began to feel as you describe; really down, sometimes deep depression, tired and just lacking any get up and go. As for the runny nose, I could drip on...! Since giving up the bisopropol it is gradually making a difference to the good but I now use a seawater based spray in the nose which is slowly getting rid of the rhinitis a side effect of the dreaded bisopropol. I too take Losartan which I reached by trial and error of similar drugs but had a dry cough side effect.

Funny about gout, some of these meds can create that too, I noticed a bit of that a while back before halving the then dose of Bisopropol on advice of the Cardiologist but I still have very aching upper legs. At least my lovely dog Bill gets a full walk round the village now and I am gradually pushing up the exercise which also helps in its own way.

Wow a Landscape Gardener! I wish I could achieve some heavy digging in my garden these days but that is a bridge too far unfortunately.

Thanks Hermanm, your contact means a lot, just knowing we are not on our own with these things helps so much. Take care and success!